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.
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
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.
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.
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.
You have to be at an airport 2 hours before flight to be further intimidated by airport security staff which accuse a traveller of being late Not the case there is no gates any more all flights are bundled into one long corridor preventing persons getting to their flights on time as my flight was 8.15am and there was people in front of me on a 10.20am and 11am flight and that is the reason they removed gates to specific flights just mix them all up then intimidate the customer also . Then 2 weeks later I heard on news a paraplegic was removed from aircraft as a tool kit he had on possession was said to be capable of dismantling the aircraft the tool kit was used for adapting a hire car Staff said you don't know the full story yea Wright take of your shoes take of your shoes sure I stood in nothing check your own . Over the top Staff virtual signilling
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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👍
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.
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.
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.
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.
I would prefer this over flying. Flying is bring and the airport experience is awful. This seems more relaxed and the ferry is just fun. Two hours extra isn't a big deal.
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.
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.
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.
Flying is pretty much unconscionable now when there is a feasible alternative. City centre to city centre it's only a couple of hours longer than flying, and unless you're a VIP who can't spare that? This is definitely the way to go.
Nothing unusual or unique about this. National Express have been doing it for years. Bus starts in London, stops in all major cities on the way up including Birmingham and Manchester then the ferry over to Belfast.
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. :-)
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
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.
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
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.
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
Thanks for this I would love to visit Belfast mainly to visit the Titanic museum and this would give me a good option and they use Stenna and not P & O who i would never travel with following there recent activities,
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. 👍🏻
Great trip sir. Except London - Paris or London to another Capital City in European Continent, it was rare to see bus trip using ferry crossing service like this in UK as far as I watch in UA-cam. But in my country, actually it's common to see bus trip using ferry crossing at straits like this, and there is plenty.
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.😁
Been with ulsterbus and driven it numerous times and I never tire of the scenery, of the two ferry operators stena has the better facilities but I personally prefer p&o as it’s quicker but nowhere near the comfort of the stena
Hi John, our service is heavily used by overseas independent travellers and we get great feedback from them on the Ayrshire coast section of the journey - if it's good weather they say it's like getting a free scenic tour thrown in for free!! The view from the ferry coming in and out of both ports is another highlight for many. Kind regards HANNON Coach
Very useful information. A friend got stuck at Cairnryan as a foot passenger last summer. Local buses linking ferry port to Stranraer infrequent. The port staff made her a cup of tea and called a taxi but had she known about the Hannon service, life would have been easier. That said, she told me Stranraer was a cracking place: all it needed was more live, folk music bars.
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
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Sometimes it can take up to three hour SC to get through Belfast’s ‘International’ airport! The flight is only 25 to 35 minutes but the delays before and after are not pleasant. EasyJet have also got very stingy with its baggage allowance.
I go over a lot to see my daughter, I use the rail and sail, if hubby can't go with the car. train from Kilmarnock to Ayr, bus from Ayr down, onto ferry as a foot passenger, . £33. What i like is the fact you can take what you like, Plenty of room on the ferry, get a meal, have a drink, or watch a film, or get a massage, or get your nails done. Relaxing.
Great video. I haven't been on this service to Glasgow. But, l have in the past done the Belfast to London Service. Which stops off at Manchester, Birmingham, and other places. It is a long 12hr overnight journey to London. But, something l would do again.
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!
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 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.
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 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 😊😊
Until recently we had London - Cairnryan - Belfast. London - Holyhead - Dublin (this went through to Westport or Ballina or Galway at one time). Leeds - Manchester - Dublin. London - Cardiff - Rosslare - Waterford - Cork. Glasgow - Letterkenny - North Donegal. In the past we had services from Leicester via Birmingham, Bristol & Rosslare to Waterford and Limerick. There was even a service from London via Bristol, Rosslare to Cork & Skibbereen!!. There was also a Glasgow - Dublin via Stranraer, Larne & Dundalk. And Slatterys had a London - Rosslare - Waterford - Tralee. There were others. I think the 80s & 90s were the best years for choice. I still have many of the timetables. There was also a through Dublin - London - Paris for a short time and a Dublin - London - Frankfurt and Stuttgart.
Indeed I travelled on the London to Cork service many many times, it was the 890 Eurolines service. At that time there used to be about 3 or 4 nightly departures from London to Ireland....going back further there was slatterys which was infamous for breakdowns
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
Booked a coach through National Express to visit Belfast for the first time this year from Glasgow. Wanted to get an idea of the ferry as I've not done it this way before. Interesting insight on the journey, many thanks! Easyjet these days quoted me £168 for a round trip (and I only added a small cabin suitcase next to my free handbag/backpack allowance). Hoping for a smooth ride though as I want to do further ireland trips in the future as well ✌
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.
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
When I started senior school I went on a couple European trips in the first couple of years by coach from Birmingham! Birmingham to Corsica via Paris The ferry to Corsica was so rough even got a couple of the teachers who had been numerous times across the channel at its worst, a bit green! Then is was Birmingham to Venice via Rome! To get to see so much more doing this was, than just sitting in a non descriptive airport!
I like your videos yet am surprised and disagree with your conclusion. Length of time vs hassle of airport security, free luggage, carbon atmospheric issues and anything to avoid Ryan Air: Bus & Ferry wins hands-down.
I remember getting a coach from the Gorbals to Donegal via Larne when I was a kid when my parents took us back to their land of birth. Pretty sure one guy still does it.
When I was training for Nursing at The Western and Gartnavel Hospitals in the the mid 70s. There was a bus left Drumchapel every Friday for Donegal. One of my close friends in The Nurses Home came from Donegal. I managed to track her down about 20+years ago. It was wonderful. I’d love to try this route from Ayr to Belfast. I was born in the North East of England ,mainly raised in a wee village in Ayrshire and since then have moved a fair few times . However All of Ireland is in my DNA for many different reasons. Thank you for this video. Can’t tell you how much i enjoyed it and now planning my own trip over the Irish Sea🤗🤗🤗
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.
I liked your video but it would’ve been nice to know what kind of food was available and prices. If the food was any good or not. Would you recommend something over something else. I just subscribed.
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.
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.
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
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.
I like Stena Line. After what P&O has done I’m never travelling on that one.
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.
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.
You have to be at an airport 2 hours before flight to be further intimidated by airport security staff which accuse a traveller of being late Not the case there is no gates any more all flights are bundled into one long corridor preventing persons getting to their flights on time as my flight was 8.15am and there was people in front of me on a 10.20am and 11am flight and that is the reason they removed gates to specific flights just mix them all up then intimidate the customer also .
Then 2 weeks later I heard on news a paraplegic was removed from aircraft as a tool kit he had on possession was said to be capable of dismantling the aircraft the tool kit was used for adapting a hire car
Staff said you don't know the full story yea Wright take of your shoes take of your shoes sure I stood in nothing check your own .
Over the top Staff virtual signilling
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.
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.
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 hate flying but even id choose a pksce over a journey like that any day
You certainly love travelling across the Irish Sea….
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 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
I love to travel by express bus. This video is perfect for me.😀👍👍
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 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.
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
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.
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😎💪🏼
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👍
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.
Just the ride on the ferry and missing the jammed packed airport makes this seem like such a comfy option.
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
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
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.
Eurolines, flixbus, bla bla bus, megabus, all run accross the 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.
The bus from London Victoria to Krakow goes onto the ferry although passengers must go through security and walk aboard.
Just recently found your channel, most enjoyable. Stunning scenery on this video so although slower than plane preferable for the UA-cam channel. 😎
I would prefer this over flying. Flying is bring and the airport experience is awful. This seems more relaxed and the ferry is just fun. Two hours extra isn't a big deal.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Twists and bends? That's the significantly improved version. Try it in a minibus back in the 70s!
Flying is pretty much unconscionable now when there is a feasible alternative. City centre to city centre it's only a couple of hours longer than flying, and unless you're a VIP who can't spare that? This is definitely the way to go.
Nothing unusual or unique about this. National Express have been doing it for years. Bus starts in London, stops in all major cities on the way up including Birmingham and Manchester then the ferry over to Belfast.
I'm a civil engineer, and captain, I've done dover to Calais ferry many times, biut never the Chunnel
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. :-)
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.
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.
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
Over the last three years I have use this service every time I travel between Glasgow and Lurgan in north of Ireland
Stenaline best ferry. P n o screw over staff and customers. Boycott p and o ferries
There is something very calming about your videos - no unnecessary rubbish, just a nice documentary style. Thank you
Great video. We have services like that in Estonia as well, from Tallinn to Kärdla and Kuressaare on the islands.
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!
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 !
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
Well done you Just gave that man free advertising to a man who is worth millions
Thanks for this I would love to visit Belfast mainly to visit the Titanic museum and this would give me a good option and they use Stenna and not P & O who i would never travel with following there recent activities,
Seems a great service.
There is no longer a daytime service from southern England to Belfast via Scotland by train or coach.
I know I’ve used that for so many years and really enjoyed someone else driving
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. 👍🏻
Great trip sir. Except London - Paris or London to another Capital City in European Continent, it was rare to see bus trip using ferry crossing service like this in UK as far as I watch in UA-cam. But in my country, actually it's common to see bus trip using ferry crossing at straits like this, and there is plenty.
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.😁
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.
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
Been with ulsterbus and driven it numerous times and I never tire of the scenery, of the two ferry operators stena has the better facilities but I personally prefer p&o as it’s quicker but nowhere near the comfort of the stena
I must try P&O one day just for a comparison. Thanks for your comment.
Hi John, our service is heavily used by overseas independent travellers and we get great feedback from them on the Ayrshire coast section of the journey - if it's good weather they say it's like getting a free scenic tour thrown in for free!! The view from the ferry coming in and out of both ports is another highlight for many.
Kind regards
HANNON Coach
Another advantage about ferry crossing vs flying.
At least on a ferry you can get up and walk about for longer than you can on a plane.
Very useful information. A friend got stuck at Cairnryan as a foot passenger last summer. Local buses linking ferry port to Stranraer infrequent. The port staff made her a cup of tea and called a taxi but had she known about the Hannon service, life would have been easier. That said, she told me Stranraer was a cracking place: all it needed was more live, folk music bars.
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
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
Hi Scott thanks for namimg and shaming easyjet.
The price for flying just over 100 miles is absolutely ridiculous!
Does the bus have a toilet?
Thanks Scott, I could watch you all day, so relaxed and so informative and you look jolly and cute too !
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.
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.
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.
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!
Years ago when I was young there used to be a bus from Belfast to London. It was a killer, believe me.
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.
It's amazing what big load these ferries carry.
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.
Sometimes it can take up to three hour SC to get through Belfast’s ‘International’ airport! The flight is only 25 to 35 minutes but the delays before and after are not pleasant. EasyJet have also got very stingy with its baggage allowance.
I miss the ferry from troon to Northern Ireland
I go over a lot to see my daughter, I use the rail and sail, if hubby can't go with the car. train from Kilmarnock to Ayr, bus from Ayr down, onto ferry as a foot passenger, . £33. What i like is the fact you can take what you like, Plenty of room on the ferry, get a meal, have a drink, or watch a film, or get a massage, or get your nails done. Relaxing.
Great video. I haven't been on this service to Glasgow. But, l have in the past done the Belfast to London Service. Which stops off at Manchester, Birmingham, and other places. It is a long 12hr overnight journey to London. But, something l would do again.
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!
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 .... ?
Hannon coaches the best
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
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 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 😊😊
Until recently we had London - Cairnryan - Belfast. London - Holyhead - Dublin (this went through to Westport or Ballina or Galway at one time). Leeds - Manchester - Dublin. London - Cardiff - Rosslare - Waterford - Cork. Glasgow - Letterkenny - North Donegal. In the past we had services from Leicester via Birmingham, Bristol & Rosslare to Waterford and Limerick. There was even a service from London via Bristol, Rosslare to Cork & Skibbereen!!. There was also a Glasgow - Dublin via Stranraer, Larne & Dundalk. And Slatterys had a London - Rosslare - Waterford - Tralee. There were others. I think the 80s & 90s were the best years for choice. I still have many of the timetables. There was also a through Dublin - London - Paris for a short time and a Dublin - London - Frankfurt and Stuttgart.
Indeed I travelled on the London to Cork service many many times, it was the 890 Eurolines service. At that time there used to be about 3 or 4 nightly departures from London to Ireland....going back further there was slatterys which was infamous for breakdowns
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
Booked a coach through National Express to visit Belfast for the first time this year from Glasgow. Wanted to get an idea of the ferry as I've not done it this way before. Interesting insight on the journey, many thanks!
Easyjet these days quoted me £168 for a round trip (and I only added a small cabin suitcase next to my free handbag/backpack allowance). Hoping for a smooth ride though as I want to do further ireland trips in the future as well ✌
I think that national express does it from Birmingham to Belfast
I took a flexi bus from Dusseldorf Germany to London in early 2019 and the bus itself went on the channel tunnel and on to British soil .
That sounds like a marathon journey. How long did that take?
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.
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
When I started senior school I went on a couple European trips in the first couple of years by coach from Birmingham!
Birmingham to Corsica via Paris
The ferry to Corsica was so rough even got a couple of the teachers who had been numerous times across the channel at its worst, a bit green!
Then is was
Birmingham to Venice via Rome!
To get to see so much more doing this was, than just sitting in a non descriptive airport!
Here in New Zealand, you can book a through ticket between Christchurch and Wellington using InterCity coach and the Cook Strait ferry.
I like your videos yet am surprised and disagree with your conclusion. Length of time vs hassle of airport security, free luggage, carbon atmospheric issues and anything to avoid Ryan Air: Bus & Ferry wins hands-down.
I remember getting a coach from the Gorbals to Donegal via Larne when I was a kid when my parents took us back to their land of birth. Pretty sure one guy still does it.
When I was training for Nursing at The Western and Gartnavel Hospitals in the the mid 70s. There was a bus left Drumchapel every Friday for Donegal.
One of my close friends in The Nurses Home came from Donegal. I managed to track her down about 20+years ago.
It was wonderful. I’d love to try this route from Ayr to Belfast.
I was born in the North East of England ,mainly raised in a wee village in Ayrshire and since then have moved a fair few times .
However All of Ireland is in my DNA for many different reasons.
Thank you for this video.
Can’t tell you how much i enjoyed it and now planning my own trip over the Irish Sea🤗🤗🤗
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.
how come there is no boarder control?i have not being on a ferry before. Do you think i would need my International passport?
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.
I liked your video but it would’ve been nice to know what kind of food was available and prices. If the food was any good or not. Would you recommend something over something else. I just subscribed.
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.
That’s mad. Good to know. Thanks man