Hi Scott, many thanks for making and sharing the video. Our service has been in operation for just over 4 years now and we do believe the through-coach aspect is fairly unique within the UK. We attract a lot of independent travellers and the service attracts on average 27% of passengers from outside UK & Ireland from 87 different countries so far!! The bags go free policy is obviously an additional great aspect to the service and makes it a very cost-effective option compared to flying. Most people enjoy the hassle-free aspect of the service as well. Like all travel operators the last 2 years has been a challenge but we are looking forward to a brighter 2022. Thanks again. HANNON Coach
Something can’t be "fairly unique". It’s either unique, or it isn’t! I think you mean "fairly unusual", which is a good description and good luck with this service.
I really like the idea of this service, do you have anything similar to connect to any English cities like Carlisle or Newcastle? I regularly travel between Belfast and London by plane and hate it, so if there was a road, rail (Carlisle to London) and sail route option I would probably take it!
I travelled with you guys last year to glasgow but continued on for London. Belfast to glasgow and vice versa was an enjoyable experience. But my god, Glasgow to London was too dragging, i wouldnt really recommend it. Also, the prices for train fares are ridiculous, you might as well take the plane with those prices and in a quarter of the time. But yeah, Belfast to Glasgow, take the bus.
If you've ever gone through security at Aldergrove Airport, you will really appreciate how relaxing this service is. This is a lovely journey from Glasgow to Belfast City Centre. Highly recommend.
Aldergrove airport doesn’t exsist anymore only by name and a base for PSNI and Air Ambulance helicopters. These days It’s Belfast International Airport.
@@peterlowry6990 Thank you Peter. I assumed most people would know where I was talking about. I see we now have lots of other contenders for worst airport in Britain. Taking the bus and ferry will not take any longer when you factor in how early you have to arrive at the airport these days.
@@DigitalMan6627 It has everything going for it Sean. Central pick up and drop off points, nice drivers, no security and as much luggage as you can carry. The last time I went with them a woman arrived with a huge framed painting which didn't even faze the driver.
Hi Scott...The winglet fin on the funnel is to give uplift of smoke from it, meaning smoke exits higher and away from the ship. Great vlog and thanks as always
Aha! Thanks Craig. I knew there was a technical reason for it, other than looking a bit cool. I checked online but couldn't find an answer. Thanks again.
@@PlanesTrainsEverything the two superfast ferries are 1A Super class, the main reason for this was both of them sailed from Helsinki to Tallinn and to sail in the winter due to ice 1A Super is requires
Just read the other day that the Dublin/Birmingham/London bus is back! It's operated by Bus Éireann/Irish Ferries. A return fare is €70 and I think the single fare is €37.
Hi Scott interesting video! I've been a bus / coach driver for 50 years now and my first European trip was in 1977 and I've been driving abroad (on and off) ever since. Yes we certainly use the ferries between England and France / Belgium / Holland and even from Newcastle to Norway. Megabus (part of Stagecoach) started regular services from England to Paris and Amsterdam 10 yrs ago and I was lucky enough to take the very first Megabus Europe out (on the early Paris) in April 2012 with Simon Calder on board! Coach just drives on the ferry, with passengers on board. They enjoy the crossing and rejoin the coach just before docking and drive straight off!! In the VERY early days, coaches used to be LIFTED on to the ferry by crane!!
I used this from Belfast last November to go out for a night in Glasgow! Might take a bit longer than a flight but as you say, no check in, no stampede for seats and the drive up is so relaxing.
After thinking about it, if I had to travel between Glasgow and Belfast frequently, I'd probably choose this option over the flying. Even though it takes a couple additional hours, the experience seems so much more comfortable.
Lighting was so good on your Bus Driver waving his farewell toward your end wrap up. Felt hard not to wave back since your post already had me thinking another Thumbs Up.
A very enjoyable report. Your right about the A77, despite its importance, money has never been allocated to improve it. Hannnons Coach looked clean and modern, with a friendly driver. A drive on drive off service such as this would be very handy if you had lots of luggage to hump back and forward. Although the trip is longer, I’d definitely consider it over standing queuing for security checks and luggage reclaim in the airports. The fact that your city centre to city centre with Hannons also appeals for visits to both cities and onward travel to other destinations. Definitely thumbs up for Hannons👍
I did this, bus from Glasgow to Cairnryan, overnight at B&B then P&O ferry to Larne. I loved it, it was very relaxing. The only thing was the bus ride was in the winter, in the evening so was dark early and didn't get to see the beautiful scenery. I would do it again.
Done the coach journey from London to Tralee every year back in the 80's with a coach company called Slatterys. It took 18 odd hours on an overnight ferry from Pembroke (sometimes Fishguard) to Rosslare. Slatterys had routes to all over Ireland back then but no longer in service.
There are (or were pre COVID) similar services from Dublin, Limerick, Cork to London, Leeds... Bus from city to Dublin Port, bus goes on ferry to Holyhead, comes off and travels on to destination.
a77 coast section s of girvan is stunning, superfast family of boats are outstanding! Well done to Hannon Coach for running this and keeping it running!
Been travelling to Belfast for 22 years and knew nothing about this service so thanks. Much easier for me with mobility issues to use a through coach service
A very opportune video Scott in view of the news from P&O. This has turned out to be one of your most popular videos. Hannon have contacted all the customers travelling in the next few days, like me, to reassure us that everything is fine. Great customer service.
thanks for the report! I've often used the Citylink service slightly cheaper at £28 in advance and of course not a through service but works for me, however after watching this I will consider Hannon. I actually really enjoy the whole travel experience the drive down the Ayrshire coast, The Stenaline ferry itself with its facilities (love the fact its rarely crowded and you can go for a wander like you did - cant do that on a flight!) and the fact I can take larger bags should I need to without paying extra. I have travelled on that ferry during rough seas and it was challenging with wobbly sea legs but it was ok, the stabilisers did their job!
There was ( before Covid ! ). a bus service that took you from Glasgow to Donegal via Larne . Bus Feda ..! Left Glasgow at 7 am and you arrived in Letterkenny at 3.30 in afternoon . Great journey AND the bus went on the ferry. No messing about in airports / security / check ins etc.
Commonplace in Ireland for years. I've often taken a bus from Limerick city through Rosslare Europort on a roll on roll off ferry to Pembroke and from there to London.
Welcome to Belfast my home town Many years ago when I was in the Royal Naval Auxillary Service we would do transfers with a shared boat to Great Harbour Port Glasgow and I enjoyed the coach trip back to Cairnrayn
Very interesting Scott.Drove that route many times in the past.Nice to see the Ayrshire coast again there.Small point.The ferry doesn't cross the Irish Sea.Thats the North Channel at that point.Doesn't become the Irish Sea till a good bit further down.😁
This could be a better option if you were travelling with large luggage or something like a bike. Hannon's website says you can bring 2x23kg bags, or 1 bag / 1 bike. I reckon flying would be costlier, particularly for a bike
That's a good point Will. I did see passengers bringing on all sorts of random items, so that was also explain part of Hannon's appeal. Thanks for your comment.
Hi Will, yes the fact that our price includes your luggage is a big saving compared to flying as an option. You can take up to 2 medium-sized suitcase each weighing no more than 23Kg each and even outsized luggage such as bikes, etc at no extra cost. For outsized luggage it is subject to availability and we do require prenotification and authorization.
Great Timing, seeing this. Ive been on Hannons site checking this out for November. Thank you, seeing the boat inside and the trip up into glasgow is a great help. Looked very relaxing on board too. So looking forward to this now!
Hi Ken, thanks for your comment. That's why I subject myself to these trips. They are all experiences worth trying at least once, and you never know, you might just discover something new. What I'm learning about myself is that I have a higher pain threshold than I realised. :-)
In mid 2024, I´ll be hitting another set of digits. I lost count how many times I´ve been in England. So that looks like a fun way to explore the British Isles and Ireland. I heard of that bus service before and it looks very practical and easier that worrying about reaching the port in time, and catching another bus or train on the other end. That would be a fun way to turn 50. Easy Jet is the UK version of Spirit. Unless I really have to I would rather not. In fact it´s fun to watch the sea while going.
Thank you John. Enjoyable video. We have visited Glasgow & Belfast in our travels on Disney Cruise Lines in 2018 & 2019. My wife and I would take that bus trip for the adventure of it. We enjoyed visiting both Glasgow & Belfast. We took the Hop On Hop Off bus in Belfast to tour the city. The best stop was the Titanic Museum. A great city to visit.
That was good down to earth appraisal of trip anyone could enjoy . Ferry travel is always a more relaxing affair than flying . Would be great if Stenna would operate from Hull to Rotterdam or Zebrugga.
There used to be a Eurolines coach from Dublin to London, via Holyhead. Also, there was a coach from Cork to London via Pembroke. I believe the cork route is finished but the Dublin coach may still be operational.
Cork route I believe is dead, still says the Dublin route is there but last time I checked they still are not taking any bookings. It's a shame I loved that service to cork. Took all night but I found the ride home to Tipp relaxing.
Thanks for this video review! After watching this, I decided to book the Glasgow-Belfast bus trip with Hannon because I'm traveling from Australia/NZ and want to be able to see the scenery rather than just fly over and miss it all. Being able to take luggage for free with Hannon, compared to the hiked bag fees Easyjet charges, made it an easy decision for me. You've got a new subscriber! I look forward to checking out your other videos for more ideas on where and how to travel while I'm in your neck of the woods.
I enjoyed that ,thank you. When I used to go on that ferry, I loved to go below deck & watch the big trucks & busses coming on & off I don't think you can do that now ! From me in Irvine 😊😊
I love going by Hanson coaches it also goes further than Belfast it goes onto sprucefield which is nearer for my daughter to pick me up also I can take a larger case for staying longer , I enjoy it I treat it as a day out travelling definitely so many positives from me
I used this service last month and had it very easy. The coach goes on to Lisburn and Lurgan after Belfast. Really handy as I was visiting a friend in Lurgan. Recommended
Scottish Citylink ran a similar service but passengers changed vehicles at cairnryan. Also late 1990s Ulsterbus ran a through service in the summer between Edinburgh/Glasgow and Belfast, I remember thinking how exotic it seemed. CIE used to run a Dublin Edinburgh and Dublin Liverpool service using through coaches years ago too
I was on this actual bus/ferry and remember thinking "what is this guy filming for?" 🤣 can hear myself talking to the driver. Lovely fella. Anyway, I have used this Stena service for 24 years now travelling to football in Glasgow (which was the night before this specific trip, my return journey home), and mainly use either Hannon or CityLink. The difference is Hannon's driver actually boards the ferry and continues the whole journey, plus you're straight off, rather than waiting half an hour at the terminal for the connecting CityLink bus. It's also very rare that the ferry is late, so you just caught a bad day, probably due to the choppy conditions. It's funny watching this back now, it was from March 2022.
just found your channel. Amongst other things I do I often have the privilege of driving coaches and over night runs. I love it. Not the most glamorous way to travel but always people looking for cost effective travel.
National Express from London to Dublin I noticed once. Irish plated coach as well which caught my eye. I didn't know national Express operated in Ireland.
Fascinating report on Hannon’s service. Translink/Citylink also operate a Belfast - Glasgow service but the coaches don’t now go on the ferry. They also do a Belfast - London service. The first cross channel service started from Derry/Londonderry to Glasgow as a joint operation between Ulsterbus and Western Scottish. Originally the coaches went on the ferry / Larne to Stranraer then. In 1971 Lough Swilly and Western Scottish started a Letterkenny - Glasgow service with the coaches going on Board.
In Denmark the ferry company Molslinjen runs bussen between Copenhagen and cities on the Jutland peninsula via the Odden Aarhus ferry route. The most normal route will normaly be over the Storebælt fixed link and the Lillebælt bridges.
It's crazy to think of a time when Storebælt wasn't around, having to take a ferry between the two halves of your country 😅 The train ferries seemed cool though
@@epender I have fond memorial of taking the intercity ferries when gpimg on holiday in Esbjerg where I had family. I think I was 12 or 13 years old when the fixed link opened.
I’m so excited I saw this video… just bought tickets for this coach today for travel in a couple of weeks. This transportation was exactly what I’ve been looking for… so odd that this video appeared in my UA-cam right when I needed it. Now we just have to hope our luggage doesn’t weigh more than 23 Kg 😬😬
I did this trip in the reverse direction, to Glasgow, and it was great. The only problem was I did not know that the coach would be held at Cairnryan when the ferry was delayed (silly, I know) and was panicking that I would be stuck there overnight. Lovely journey along the coast through Ayrshire. Whole thing marvellous, and such a bargain.
@@marcosperez-cj9pw None, because you are travelling within the UK. I do understand though that the border control agencies keep a discrete eye on NI ferry crossings and may vet behind the scenes.
@@simonjones7727 Is there no immigration booth? I ask you because I have a Spanish passport but it is expired, I have a valid DNI and I have pre-established status.
@@marcosperez-cj9pw No, nothing. It is assumed that you are just within the UK. On the Hannon Coach it drives on board, and it drives off. The driver checks your ticket when you board. That is all.
I did a return from Belfast to Glasgow with them last weekend and found it very good. Would of been over again this weekend but not feeling great but sisters are away again. Its really good of carrying any luggage as you get 2 big suitcases per person on the coach plus carry on.
In July 1981 on my my first ever foreign trip traveling independently I took a scheduled bus from Glasgow to Dublin ( the final portion was actually a rail journey from Belfast - Dublin). That bus didn't leave from what was then the fairly new Buchanan Street bus station but from somewhere in the East End. It took broadly the same route down the A77 but the ferry was from Stranraer to Larne, not Cairnryan then onwards to Belfast centre. The bus company was called "Doig's. I'm surprised by the number of empty seats on this bus from Glasgow. Looks like a nice, relaxing journey even in Winter sitting down with someone else driving you down the beautiful Ayrshire coast thro Turnberry, Girvan etc before embarking on the ferry. On my list and thanks!
Sounds like a great trip for a family with children, the boat used to do a return trip from Belfast to Scotland. Which you didn't leave the boat, Pirates and Princesses party I think it was called.
Hi Scott , interesting video , just discovered you . Back in the '80s you could get a coach from Aldersgate ( London ) , to Frankfurt am Main . Nothing unusual you might say , but this was different . You boarded a coach at East London , this took you to the old Southend airport . Then a flight on a propeller aeroplane to Ostend airport in Belgium . Then a coach direct to Frankfurt . It was a long journey ! Subscribed.
I went to Glasgow uni from belfat in 1989. Took the ferry from larne and train from stranrar. As it was cheap and smooth. £16 return. Brings back memories, although rougher service Thanls
Before Covid I would regularly get the Megabus from Swansea, South Wales to Rosslare. But this would drop you at Pembroke Dock terminal where you then get aboard Irish Ferries. I once did a journey for £5. They since have closed the route. Great video again. 👍🏻
I have never seen the coach between Glasgow and Belfast go on the ferry before. It's been a while since I used it. But it's so straightforward that way a wee trip to Scotland is on the horizon. Ta
Very enjoyable - I have planned and planned nd planned over very many years - and I have never executed the - plan to go to Irelands - but I was extremely fortunate to have met and was befriended by several Irish Men and women - One Irish friend introduced me to the game of golf - The second Irish man gave me a very famous book by Ben Hogan - that cause me to take up golf - It took nearly (3) years before I could beat him - The 3rd Irish man- was a Golf Professional - - He said to me - ( I can see you have (some natural ability - But this is how we hold the golf club) - and finally my Golf Clubs Irons was Hand Made in Lesmagahow - in 1982 - Now each time I look at them - they all ask in one voice - What Ca We do For You - Much thanks for a very wonderful video - Much Success - yes I will sub
Ulsterbus Tours ran a coach service from Belfast via Stranraer,Dumfries,Carlisle down to Preston,Manchester,Birmingham,London during the 00s which was a great service then National Express took it over which means grumpy drivers and zero customer care and it was scrapped with covid lockdown.
The German company FlixBus operates from London to Paris, as does the French company BlaBlaBus (SNCF). I think there are some smaller companies too. They use cross-channel ferries and sometimes the Channel Tunnel. Other European destinations are offered.
We went a few years ago with dodds of troon and it also had pick up points on the way to Cairnryan...took some to Belfast City and others to titanic experience...it was brilliant day out
Hello Scott, thanks for taking the trouble to compile this video. I would never have suspected there was such a through service ! One minus point however is the scheduling. On some days it leaves Glasgow quite late in the afternoon and on certain days it's a very early departure from Belfast. So alright it's not so bad in summer but on a dark day in winter .... ?
I done this before but with Citylink/Stena Line only difference was we would leave the bus at Cairnryan and get onto the ferry ourselves. I also went to Amsterdam via London with National Express which use the euro tunnel or ferry.
Hi Glen, yes what is unique about our coach service is that we check you in to the ferry and the coach actually boards the ferry and travels with you so all your bags can stay onboard the coach for the whole journey. The 923 bus service drops you at the port to board as a foot passenger and then a different bus picks you up at the other side. Our service is also direct with no stops. The 923 is a good service and a good option if you are travelling to Ayr or Haven Craig Tara.
@@PlanesTrainsEverything This was back in 2017 I done this but I would leave Glasgow at 10:15pm at night, arrive in London Victoria around 6.30am From there I would leave Victoria Coach station at 9.30am and cross the channel tunnel, we stopped at Brussels at 5pm CET then Rotterdam around 8pm and Amsterdam at 9.45pm. So took about 22.5 hours.
Great video - thanks Scott! Hadn't heard of you, but this appeared 'as if by random' in my feed so thought I'd get it watched. Nice to see that travel vlogs aren't the preserve of younger folks whose knees still work perfectly! Much I miss about my native UK, but British officiousness isn't among them - though I'd say the barnacles of Cairnryan sleep easier in the knowledge that banning video of their port operations renders them safe from... ever being taken seriously! Loving the opportunities you provide, to travel vicariously. And I note that comfort 'twixt Cairnryan and Larne has improved vastly since the Townsend Thoresen era which I remember fondly, if not vividly... Europic Ferry and Free Enterprise VII, I believe. Wishing you smooth skies and seas; looking forward to more of your videos.
The 'winglets' are there to modify the airflow around the exhaust stack and lift any emissions as high as possible away from the ship. The angled extensions serve no purpose and are actually a trademark of Superfast (the original owner of this vessel) and they have ordered these extensions to be removed on previous sales, so I'm guessing either they've changed policy or this vessel is chartered to Stena rather than them purchasing it.
I think the key advantage of the coach is you don’t have to pay for bags. So while it is true that it is largely pointless if you are just doing a quick return (in which case fly), it is a seriously good value option if you have a suitcase or two.
Pre-pandemic I regularly did coaches from Europe to the UK. Blablabus, Flixbus, Megabus (Ouibus and Eurolines but I think they've now been absorbed in to one or two of aforementioned companies). Most interesting was from Paris to Union Ivkoni.
I thought that this was a very beautiful trip from the start to finish. The journey from Glasgow to catch the ferry was so delightful. The Ferry itself was amazing and I felt the price was good. I would do this trip rather than flying Easyjet.
Hi scot, back late 80s early 90s there was a service from galway west ireland to london nigthly service,, very popular at the time, bus eireann and national express ran it, also private company slatterys had service aswell, sailed dublin to holyhead,
@@chrissymcmillan5364 We were staying on Zante and went for a coach trip to Olympia...see the old Olympic ruins...Was a lovely day. The main street was nice.....Had lunch under the big tree in the middle. Brought some flavoured olive oil (never used,still have it). And brought my partner some jewelry...The ferry was a relatively new one..Yellow Levante...This was in 2015...I lost my partner to cancer in 2017. I miss her very much.
Yes, that was also the reason I travelled to the Peloponnese. The site of Olympia was fascinating! I was based in Langanas Zante - I actually wasn't a great fan of that particular resort but good base for bus tours. I also took a day tour over to neighbouring Island Kefalonia, and would go back to stay there if I (hopefully) return to Greece. I'm sorry for you loss, these memories are precious. thank you for exchanging holiday notes x
@@chrissymcmillan5364 Thank you Chrissy....We stayed in Tsilivi. Laganas I believe is more for the younger crowd..We also went to Kefalonia...I guess most folks who stay in Zante visit these two places. We weren't the kind to spend all day sitting on a beach..we wanted to see the the culture etc. Also did a tour around Zante..visiting olive oil makers ..etc....And the boat trip to the famous shipwreck beach...But unfortuantely we were not allowed to land because of the weather...It was a nice day..but the sea was rougher than expected...Very dissapointed..Since losing my partner I have wanted to return..as a kind of pilgrimage...But I am not very at organising things..my partner did all that kind of thing...But I now have a real hankering to visit Japan...But I doubt I ever will...I have lost any confidence I had..not that I had any to start with..and I just wouldn't know were to start...Maybe in another life.
Hi Scott, many thanks for making and sharing the video.
Our service has been in operation for just over 4 years now and we do believe the through-coach aspect is fairly unique within the UK. We attract a lot of independent travellers and the service attracts on average 27% of passengers from outside UK & Ireland from 87 different countries so far!!
The bags go free policy is obviously an additional great aspect to the service and makes it a very cost-effective option compared to flying. Most people enjoy the hassle-free aspect of the service as well. Like all travel operators the last 2 years has been a challenge but we are looking forward to a brighter 2022.
Thanks again.
HANNON Coach
Something can’t be "fairly unique". It’s either unique, or it isn’t! I think you mean "fairly unusual", which is a good description and good luck with this service.
@@josephlarmor550 So glad you pointed that out.
@@josephlarmor550 Congratulations, your comment has really clarified the meaning behind that point.
I really like the idea of this service, do you have anything similar to connect to any English cities like Carlisle or Newcastle? I regularly travel between Belfast and London by plane and hate it, so if there was a road, rail (Carlisle to London) and sail route option I would probably take it!
I travelled with you guys last year to glasgow but continued on for London. Belfast to glasgow and vice versa was an enjoyable experience. But my god, Glasgow to London was too dragging, i wouldnt really recommend it. Also, the prices for train fares are ridiculous, you might as well take the plane with those prices and in a quarter of the time.
But yeah, Belfast to Glasgow, take the bus.
I like Stena Line. After what P&O has done I’m never travelling on that one.
If you've ever gone through security at Aldergrove Airport, you will really appreciate how relaxing this service is. This is a lovely journey from Glasgow to Belfast City Centre. Highly recommend.
Aldergrove airport doesn’t exsist anymore only by name and a base for PSNI and Air Ambulance helicopters. These days It’s Belfast International Airport.
Let's be honest Whizzy Janes' point still stands. And its a brilliant one. Not many check-in queues start outside the airport.
@@peterlowry6990 Thank you Peter. I assumed most people would know where I was talking about. I see we now have lots of other contenders for worst airport in Britain. Taking the bus and ferry will not take any longer when you factor in how early you have to arrive at the airport these days.
@@janer2709 spot on,I would take this over the chaos of flying from Aldergrove anytime
@@DigitalMan6627 It has everything going for it Sean. Central pick up and drop off points, nice drivers, no security and as much luggage as you can carry. The last time I went with them a woman arrived with a huge framed painting which didn't even faze the driver.
Hi Scott...The winglet fin on the funnel is to give uplift of smoke from it, meaning smoke exits higher and away from the ship. Great vlog and thanks as always
Aha! Thanks Craig. I knew there was a technical reason for it, other than looking a bit cool. I checked online but couldn't find an answer. Thanks again.
@@PlanesTrainsEverything the two superfast ferries are 1A Super class, the main reason for this was both of them sailed from Helsinki to Tallinn and to sail in the winter due to ice 1A Super is requires
Thanks CRAIG P ... that makes sense x
Just the ride on the ferry and missing the jammed packed airport makes this seem like such a comfy option.
Just read the other day that the Dublin/Birmingham/London bus is back! It's operated by Bus Éireann/Irish Ferries. A return fare is €70 and I think the single fare is €37.
Hi Scott interesting video! I've been a bus / coach driver for 50 years now and my first European trip was in 1977 and I've been driving abroad (on and off) ever since. Yes we certainly use the ferries between England and France / Belgium / Holland and even from Newcastle to Norway. Megabus (part of Stagecoach) started regular services from England to Paris and Amsterdam 10 yrs ago and I was lucky enough to take the very first Megabus Europe out (on the early Paris) in April 2012 with Simon Calder on board! Coach just drives on the ferry, with passengers on board. They enjoy the crossing and rejoin the coach just before docking and drive straight off!! In the VERY early days, coaches used to be LIFTED on to the ferry by crane!!
I used this from Belfast last November to go out for a night in Glasgow! Might take a bit longer than a flight but as you say, no check in, no stampede for seats and the drive up is so relaxing.
I love travelling by train and ferry and sometimes bus.
Like your channel keep it up.
I've done tferry to Morocco, just as it was cool trip to africa
There is something very calming about your videos - no unnecessary rubbish, just a nice documentary style. Thank you
After thinking about it, if I had to travel between Glasgow and Belfast frequently, I'd probably choose this option over the flying. Even though it takes a couple additional hours, the experience seems so much more comfortable.
Lighting was so good on your Bus Driver waving his farewell toward your end wrap up. Felt hard not to wave back since your post already had me thinking another Thumbs Up.
A very enjoyable report. Your right about the A77, despite its importance, money has never been allocated to improve it. Hannnons Coach looked clean and modern, with a friendly driver. A drive on drive off service such as this would be very handy if you had lots of luggage to hump back and forward. Although the trip is longer, I’d definitely consider it over standing queuing for security checks and luggage reclaim in the airports. The fact that your city centre to city centre with Hannons also appeals for visits to both cities and onward travel to other destinations. Definitely thumbs up for Hannons👍
I did this, bus from Glasgow to Cairnryan, overnight at B&B then P&O ferry to Larne. I loved it, it was very relaxing. The only thing was the bus ride was in the winter, in the evening so was dark early and didn't get to see the beautiful scenery. I would do it again.
Please don’t give P&O anymore business
In the 1980s I lived in Co Kerry and I often travelled on Slattery's Bus from Tralee to London. It was a very long and arduous journey.
Thanks Scott, I could watch you all day, so relaxed and so informative and you look jolly and cute too !
Done the coach journey from London to Tralee every year back in the 80's with a coach company called Slatterys. It took 18 odd hours on an overnight ferry from Pembroke (sometimes Fishguard) to Rosslare. Slatterys had routes to all over Ireland back then but no longer in service.
That's right. I went to Limerick with Slatterys in 1994. Was a bit of an epic slog from what I remember but still enjoyed it
When I lived in Reading used Slatterys a lot to visit friends in Dublin, this was in the early 80s
Yes I’ve travelled from London to Donegal the coach service was if I recall right Golden boy this too was back in the 80”s
I love to travel by express bus. This video is perfect for me.😀👍👍
Over the last three years I have use this service every time I travel between Glasgow and Lurgan in north of Ireland
There are (or were pre COVID) similar services from Dublin, Limerick, Cork to London, Leeds... Bus from city to Dublin Port, bus goes on ferry to Holyhead, comes off and travels on to destination.
Cairnryan-Belfast is a nice way to travel and staff on ferry are always so helpful abd friendly...I love the drive down the west coast
Beautiful big ferry, a far cry from the Lairds Isle And Irish Coast I worked on in 1957 summer service Belfast to Ardrossan. Cheers from Australia.
a77 coast section s of girvan is stunning, superfast family of boats are outstanding! Well done to Hannon Coach for running this and keeping it running!
Been travelling to Belfast for 22 years and knew nothing about this service so thanks. Much easier for me with mobility issues to use a through coach service
A very opportune video Scott in view of the news from P&O. This has turned out to be one of your most popular videos. Hannon have contacted all the customers travelling in the next few days, like me, to reassure us that everything is fine. Great customer service.
thanks for the report! I've often used the Citylink service slightly cheaper at £28 in advance and of course not a through service but works for me, however after watching this I will consider Hannon. I actually really enjoy the whole travel experience the drive down the Ayrshire coast, The Stenaline ferry itself with its facilities (love the fact its rarely crowded and you can go for a wander like you did - cant do that on a flight!) and the fact I can take larger bags should I need to without paying extra. I have travelled on that ferry during rough seas and it was challenging with wobbly sea legs but it was ok, the stabilisers did their job!
Just recently found your channel, most enjoyable. Stunning scenery on this video so although slower than plane preferable for the UA-cam channel. 😎
There was ( before Covid ! ). a bus service that took you from Glasgow to Donegal via Larne . Bus Feda ..! Left Glasgow at 7 am and you arrived in Letterkenny at 3.30 in
afternoon . Great journey AND the bus went on the ferry.
No messing about in airports / security / check ins etc.
This might be an option for us since they cancelled the Donegal flight as well.
Commonplace in Ireland for years. I've often taken a bus from Limerick city through Rosslare Europort on a roll on roll off ferry to Pembroke and from there to London.
Great video. We have services like that in Estonia as well, from Tallinn to Kärdla and Kuressaare on the islands.
Welcome to Belfast my home town Many years ago when I was in the Royal Naval Auxillary Service we would do transfers with a shared boat to Great Harbour Port Glasgow and I enjoyed the coach trip back to Cairnrayn
Very interesting Scott.Drove that route many times in the past.Nice to see the Ayrshire coast again there.Small point.The ferry doesn't cross the Irish Sea.Thats the North Channel at that point.Doesn't become the Irish Sea till a good bit further down.😁
I have seen this bus many times at the bus station, and always wondered what the trip would be like. Now I know, thanks for that.
This could be a better option if you were travelling with large luggage or something like a bike. Hannon's website says you can bring 2x23kg bags, or 1 bag / 1 bike. I reckon flying would be costlier, particularly for a bike
That's a good point Will. I did see passengers bringing on all sorts of random items, so that was also explain part of Hannon's appeal. Thanks for your comment.
Hi Will, yes the fact that our price includes your luggage is a big saving compared to flying as an option. You can take up to 2 medium-sized suitcase each weighing no more than 23Kg each and even outsized luggage such as bikes, etc at no extra cost. For outsized luggage it is subject to availability and we do require prenotification and authorization.
Great Timing, seeing this. Ive been on Hannons site checking this out for November. Thank you, seeing the boat inside and the trip up into glasgow is a great help. Looked very relaxing on board too. So looking forward to this now!
AWESOME. I would like to do that trip just for the experience. Thank you for doing and taking us along.
Hi Ken, thanks for your comment. That's why I subject myself to these trips. They are all experiences worth trying at least once, and you never know, you might just discover something new. What I'm learning about myself is that I have a higher pain threshold than I realised. :-)
In mid 2024, I´ll be hitting another set of digits. I lost count how many times I´ve been in England. So that looks like a fun way to explore the British Isles and Ireland. I heard of that bus service before and it looks very practical and easier that worrying about reaching the port in time, and catching another bus or train on the other end. That would be a fun way to turn 50. Easy Jet is the UK version of Spirit. Unless I really have to I would rather not. In fact it´s fun to watch the sea while going.
First time I have heard of this option see you soon Hannon Coach 👍🏴⭐️😁
Thank you John. Enjoyable video. We have visited Glasgow & Belfast in our travels on Disney Cruise Lines in 2018 & 2019. My wife and I would take that bus trip for the adventure of it. We enjoyed visiting both Glasgow & Belfast. We took the Hop On Hop Off bus in Belfast to tour the city. The best stop was the Titanic Museum. A great city to visit.
That was good down to earth appraisal of trip anyone could enjoy . Ferry travel is always a more relaxing affair than flying . Would be great if Stenna would operate from Hull to Rotterdam or Zebrugga.
There used to be a Eurolines coach from Dublin to London, via Holyhead. Also, there was a coach from Cork to London via Pembroke. I believe the cork route is finished but the Dublin coach may still be operational.
Cork route I believe is dead, still says the Dublin route is there but last time I checked they still are not taking any bookings. It's a shame I loved that service to cork. Took all night but I found the ride home to Tipp relaxing.
The bus from Dublin to London still runs, operated by bus eireiann and you can buy tickets through eurolines or national express
Looks good must look this up and plan a trip over home, good luck
I really enjoy your videos
Great to see all the different places and the travelling as well
Love these trips Scott , really appreciate your travel an info….. in case I wish to use any of these travel methods myself…. All the best😎💪🏼
Thanks for this video review! After watching this, I decided to book the Glasgow-Belfast bus trip with Hannon because I'm traveling from Australia/NZ and want to be able to see the scenery rather than just fly over and miss it all. Being able to take luggage for free with Hannon, compared to the hiked bag fees Easyjet charges, made it an easy decision for me. You've got a new subscriber! I look forward to checking out your other videos for more ideas on where and how to travel while I'm in your neck of the woods.
I enjoyed that ,thank you. When I used to go on that ferry, I loved to go below deck & watch the big trucks & busses coming on & off
I don't think you can do that now ! From me in Irvine 😊😊
I love going by Hanson coaches it also goes further than Belfast it goes onto sprucefield which is nearer for my daughter to pick me up also I can take a larger case for staying longer , I enjoy it I treat it as a day out travelling definitely so many positives from me
Ferry looks nice and fresh and clean 😊
I used this service last month and had it very easy. The coach goes on to Lisburn and Lurgan after Belfast. Really handy as I was visiting a friend in Lurgan. Recommended
So cute, bus driver honked and waved in the end ❤
Love what you are doing, fantastic. I Love Ferries and traveling. Greatings from Germany.
I once spent 12 hrs on that route, due to winter storm, and that the other ferries wouldn't leave port. It was a wild crossing
Scottish Citylink ran a similar service but passengers changed vehicles at cairnryan.
Also late 1990s Ulsterbus ran a through service in the summer between Edinburgh/Glasgow and Belfast, I remember thinking how exotic it seemed.
CIE used to run a Dublin Edinburgh and Dublin Liverpool service using through coaches years ago too
It's amazing what big load these ferries carry.
I was on this actual bus/ferry and remember thinking "what is this guy filming for?" 🤣 can hear myself talking to the driver. Lovely fella. Anyway, I have used this Stena service for 24 years now travelling to football in Glasgow (which was the night before this specific trip, my return journey home), and mainly use either Hannon or CityLink. The difference is Hannon's driver actually boards the ferry and continues the whole journey, plus you're straight off, rather than waiting half an hour at the terminal for the connecting CityLink bus. It's also very rare that the ferry is late, so you just caught a bad day, probably due to the choppy conditions. It's funny watching this back now, it was from March 2022.
just found your channel. Amongst other things I do I often have the privilege of driving coaches and over night runs. I love it. Not the most glamorous way to travel but always people looking for cost effective travel.
National Express from London to Dublin I noticed once. Irish plated coach as well which caught my eye. I didn't know national Express operated in Ireland.
Fascinating report on Hannon’s service. Translink/Citylink also operate a Belfast - Glasgow service but the coaches don’t now go on the ferry. They also do a Belfast - London service.
The first cross channel service started from Derry/Londonderry to Glasgow as a joint operation between Ulsterbus and Western Scottish. Originally the coaches went on the ferry / Larne to Stranraer then. In 1971 Lough Swilly and Western Scottish started a Letterkenny - Glasgow service with the coaches going on Board.
The bus from London Victoria to Krakow goes onto the ferry although passengers must go through security and walk aboard.
In Denmark the ferry company Molslinjen runs bussen between Copenhagen and cities on the Jutland peninsula via the Odden Aarhus ferry route.
The most normal route will normaly be over the Storebælt fixed link and the Lillebælt bridges.
It's crazy to think of a time when Storebælt wasn't around, having to take a ferry between the two halves of your country 😅
The train ferries seemed cool though
@@epender I have fond memorial of taking the intercity ferries when gpimg on holiday in Esbjerg where I had family.
I think I was 12 or 13 years old when the fixed link opened.
I’m so excited I saw this video… just bought tickets for this coach today for travel in a couple of weeks. This transportation was exactly what I’ve been looking for… so odd that this video appeared in my UA-cam right when I needed it. Now we just have to hope our luggage doesn’t weigh more than 23 Kg 😬😬
Sorry late always love your videos Scott your are the Best another great adventure 😁😁😁💟💟
Thanks Mary. I can always rely on you for great feedback. Hope you are keeping well. :-)
I did this trip in the reverse direction, to Glasgow, and it was great. The only problem was I did not know that the coach would be held at Cairnryan when the ferry was delayed (silly, I know) and was panicking that I would be stuck there overnight. Lovely journey along the coast through Ayrshire. Whole thing marvellous, and such a bargain.
What documents are necessary?
@@marcosperez-cj9pw None, because you are travelling within the UK. I do understand though that the border control agencies keep a discrete eye on NI ferry crossings and may vet behind the scenes.
@@simonjones7727 Is there no immigration booth? I ask you because I have a Spanish passport but it is expired, I have a valid DNI and I have pre-established status.
@@marcosperez-cj9pw No, nothing. It is assumed that you are just within the UK. On the Hannon Coach it drives on board, and it drives off. The driver checks your ticket when you board. That is all.
@@simonjones7727 thank you so much
This was a good video - thanks for highlighting this service! Liked and subscribed.
I did a return from Belfast to Glasgow with them last weekend and found it very good. Would of been over again this weekend but not feeling great but sisters are away again. Its really good of carrying any luggage as you get 2 big suitcases per person on the coach plus carry on.
In July 1981 on my my first ever foreign trip traveling independently I took a scheduled bus from Glasgow to Dublin ( the final portion was actually a rail journey from Belfast - Dublin). That bus didn't leave from what was then the fairly new Buchanan Street bus station but from somewhere in the East End. It took broadly the same route down the A77 but the ferry was from Stranraer to Larne, not Cairnryan then onwards to Belfast centre. The bus company was called "Doig's. I'm surprised by the number of empty seats on this bus from Glasgow. Looks like a nice, relaxing journey even in Winter sitting down with someone else driving you down the beautiful Ayrshire coast thro Turnberry, Girvan etc before embarking on the ferry. On my list and thanks!
Sounds like a great trip for a family with children, the boat used to do a return trip from Belfast to Scotland. Which you didn't leave the boat, Pirates and Princesses party I think it was called.
Hi Scott , interesting video , just discovered you . Back in the '80s you could get a coach from Aldersgate ( London ) , to Frankfurt am Main . Nothing unusual you might say , but this was different . You boarded a coach at East London , this took you to the old Southend airport . Then a flight on a propeller aeroplane to Ostend airport in Belgium . Then a coach direct to Frankfurt . It was a long journey ! Subscribed.
I went to Glasgow uni from belfat in 1989.
Took the ferry from larne and train from stranrar. As it was cheap and smooth. £16 return.
Brings back memories, although rougher service
Thanls
A bus service from Glasgow to Belfast and onto a ferry. That is so cool I would do that. Sounds like an adventure
Before Covid I would regularly get the Megabus from Swansea, South Wales to Rosslare. But this would drop you at Pembroke Dock terminal where you then get aboard Irish Ferries. I once did a journey for £5. They since have closed the route. Great video again. 👍🏻
There are a few bus services that use ferries, such as Glasgow to Dunoon and Fort William to Ardgour.
the winglets featured on the superfast ferries are just there for show, improve the look of the funnel, and really give it that "superfast" feel
I have never seen the coach between Glasgow and Belfast go on the ferry before. It's been a while since I used it. But it's so straightforward that way a wee trip to Scotland is on the horizon. Ta
It Previously used to be equipped with Hover jets It was a popular site to see A Coach hurtling across the Irish Sea at 55mph.
Hail hail sounds good
Very enjoyable - I have planned and planned nd planned over very many years - and I have never executed the - plan to go to Irelands - but I was extremely fortunate to have met and was befriended by several Irish Men and women - One Irish friend introduced me to the game of golf - The second Irish man gave me a very famous book by Ben Hogan - that cause me to take up golf - It took nearly (3) years before I could beat him - The 3rd Irish man- was a Golf Professional - - He said to me - ( I can see you have (some natural ability - But this is how we hold the golf club) - and finally my Golf Clubs Irons was Hand Made in Lesmagahow - in 1982 - Now each time I look at them - they all ask in one voice - What Ca We do For You - Much thanks for a very wonderful video - Much Success - yes I will sub
A great way to get to Belfast . Thoroughly enjoyed my trip
Ulsterbus Tours ran a coach service from Belfast via Stranraer,Dumfries,Carlisle down to Preston,Manchester,Birmingham,London during the 00s which was a great service then National Express took it over which means grumpy drivers and zero customer care and it was scrapped with covid lockdown.
I do this route boat and ferry about 4 times a year when I go to the Celtic games
Hail Hail Chara C'mon The Hoops 🇮🇪🍀
Up the Celts !
The German company FlixBus operates from London to Paris, as does the French company BlaBlaBus (SNCF). I think there are some smaller companies too. They use cross-channel ferries and sometimes the Channel Tunnel. Other European destinations are offered.
We went a few years ago with dodds of troon and it also had pick up points on the way to Cairnryan...took some to Belfast City and others to titanic experience...it was brilliant day out
I have been on Flixbus with there Neoplan double decker from Hamburg to Copenhagen and that bus went on to a ferry from Puttgarden to Rødby
Twists and bends? That's the significantly improved version. Try it in a minibus back in the 70s!
There was a bus service operated by Bus Eireann called Eurolines which you could take from Cork, Ireland to London. Did this years ago
That was very good, I enjoyed it!
Hello Scott, thanks for taking the trouble to compile this video. I would never have suspected there was such a through service ! One minus point however is the scheduling. On some days it leaves Glasgow quite late in the afternoon and on certain days it's a very early departure from Belfast. So alright it's not so bad in summer but on a dark day in winter .... ?
I done this before but with Citylink/Stena Line only difference was we would leave the bus at Cairnryan and get onto the ferry ourselves.
I also went to Amsterdam via London with National Express which use the euro tunnel or ferry.
London to Amsterdam by National Express! How long is that journey? Just over to Paris is 13 hours, so it must be close to 18-20 hours for Amsterdam??
Hi Glen, yes what is unique about our coach service is that we check you in to the ferry and the coach actually boards the ferry and travels with you so all your bags can stay onboard the coach for the whole journey. The 923 bus service drops you at the port to board as a foot passenger and then a different bus picks you up at the other side. Our service is also direct with no stops. The 923 is a good service and a good option if you are travelling to Ayr or Haven Craig Tara.
@@PlanesTrainsEverything This was back in 2017 I done this but I would leave Glasgow at 10:15pm at night, arrive in London Victoria around 6.30am
From there I would leave Victoria Coach station at 9.30am and cross the channel tunnel, we stopped at Brussels at 5pm CET then Rotterdam around 8pm and Amsterdam at 9.45pm. So took about 22.5 hours.
Thanks! Your video helps me a lot! I am planning to go to Belfast from Glasgow
Great video - thanks Scott! Hadn't heard of you, but this appeared 'as if by random' in my feed so thought I'd get it watched. Nice to see that travel vlogs aren't the preserve of younger folks whose knees still work perfectly!
Much I miss about my native UK, but British officiousness isn't among them - though I'd say the barnacles of Cairnryan sleep easier in the knowledge that banning video of their port operations renders them safe from... ever being taken seriously!
Loving the opportunities you provide, to travel vicariously. And I note that comfort 'twixt Cairnryan and Larne has improved vastly since the Townsend Thoresen era which I remember fondly, if not vividly... Europic Ferry and Free Enterprise VII, I believe. Wishing you smooth skies and seas; looking forward to more of your videos.
You can get a eurolines coach from london to amsterdam for 18 pounds each way an i think thats amazingly cheap it leaves in evening an arrives 6am
The 'winglets' are there to modify the airflow around the exhaust stack and lift any emissions as high as possible away from the ship. The angled extensions serve no purpose and are actually a trademark of Superfast (the original owner of this vessel) and they have ordered these extensions to be removed on previous sales, so I'm guessing either they've changed policy or this vessel is chartered to Stena rather than them purchasing it.
I've used a similar service since the 90s to travel back and forth for the Football in Glasgow. Used to do this every week at one point
I think the key advantage of the coach is you don’t have to pay for bags. So while it is true that it is largely pointless if you are just doing a quick return (in which case fly), it is a seriously good value option if you have a suitcase or two.
...and there are less restrictions on what to pack. On many airlines, you aren't allowed to take power banks with you - even in checked luggage!
Pre-pandemic I regularly did coaches from Europe to the UK. Blablabus, Flixbus, Megabus (Ouibus and Eurolines but I think they've now been absorbed in to one or two of aforementioned companies). Most interesting was from Paris to Union Ivkoni.
I thought that this was a very beautiful trip from the start to finish. The journey from Glasgow to catch the ferry was so delightful. The Ferry itself was amazing and I felt the price was good. I would do this trip rather than flying Easyjet.
HI there, I've done this journey many times with the Rail and Sail - the drive from Cairnryan to Ayr is an absolute joy.
Hi scot, back late 80s early 90s there was a service from galway west ireland to london nigthly service,, very popular at the time, bus eireann and national express ran it, also private company slatterys had service aswell, sailed dublin to holyhead,
That’s mad. Good to know. Thanks man
A few years ago I did Belfast to Carlisle by National Express, which may have stopped in Glasgow on the way (I forget the exact route)
Alot nicer inside than I might have thought. Reminds me of the ferry me and late partner took from Zante to main land Greese..it was very nice.
I've also done that journey :) much warmer and calmer seas!
@@chrissymcmillan5364 We were staying on Zante and went for a coach trip to Olympia...see the old Olympic ruins...Was a lovely day. The main street was nice.....Had lunch under the big tree in the middle. Brought some flavoured olive oil (never used,still have it). And brought my partner some jewelry...The ferry was a relatively new one..Yellow Levante...This was in 2015...I lost my partner to cancer in 2017. I miss her very much.
Yes, that was also the reason I travelled to the Peloponnese. The site of Olympia was fascinating! I was based in Langanas Zante - I actually wasn't a great fan of that particular resort but good base for bus tours. I also took a day tour over to neighbouring Island Kefalonia, and would go back to stay there if I (hopefully) return to Greece. I'm sorry for you loss, these memories are precious. thank you for exchanging holiday notes x
@@chrissymcmillan5364 Thank you Chrissy....We stayed in Tsilivi. Laganas I believe is more for the younger crowd..We also went to Kefalonia...I guess most folks who stay in Zante visit these two places. We weren't the kind to spend all day sitting on a beach..we wanted to see the the culture etc. Also did a tour around Zante..visiting olive oil makers ..etc....And the boat trip to the famous shipwreck beach...But unfortuantely we were not allowed to land because of the weather...It was a nice day..but the sea was rougher than expected...Very dissapointed..Since losing my partner I have wanted to return..as a kind of pilgrimage...But I am not very at organising things..my partner did all that kind of thing...But I now have a real hankering to visit Japan...But I doubt I ever will...I have lost any confidence I had..not that I had any to start with..and I just wouldn't know were to start...Maybe in another life.