As a NX Coach Driver myself its always nice to get thanks for the work we do, sometimes we get caught in traffic (or behind a tractor) and we have to remain professional at all times and sometimes this can be hard for us knowing that our passengers have got places to be, connecting trains, planes or family meeting them. I usually do the A1/A2 Service to Luton Airport or the later 565 to Bradford (Departing at 19:30). Keep up the good work and cant wait for next video
@nathansmith5687 I am curious to know when the London to the Services driver gets off, where does he go? Services aren't connected to any roads usually, only motorways. Also where did the Services to Penzance driver appear from to take over? Also how many hours must a driver to before taking a break and how long must the break be?
I always thank a good, safe and smooth driver! In the 'old days' when coaches were allowed in the outside lane of the motorway I suspect it was easier to stay on time as you didn't have the problem of being stuck behind hgv's overtaking. It also contributed to a journey with a more consistent speed. Keep up the good work!
Yes, an interesting option. Leaving Victoria Coach Station at 11.00 hours and arriving into Penzance a little after 19.15 is really very civilised I think. Whatever the limitations of coach travel I think that the interaction with the staff who are going to drive you safely to your destination and ensure that your luggage is safely stored is a major plus for a nervous or vulnerable passenger. Thanks again; very informative.
14:27 I took the national express to Launceston (it’s where I grew up) at Christmas to visit my parents for the Christmas and new year and I’ve got to say the seats are very very cramped
Used to drive this route when I was a national express coach driver in the 1990s. We were based in Truro and later Camborne and our coaches used to refuel in Plymouth depot on the way up to London and then again on the way back, Personally I would say the fuel stop was a top up for the return journey. I'm sure the coaches the Bruce's ( Scottish company) use are spec'd with larger non-standard fuel tanks, which allows them to do Glasgow to London and return without refuelling. Sounds farfetched, but when I was driving in the 90s, we had 3 coaches that could easily do Penzance to Edinburgh back to Plymouth without refuelling.
I haven't thought about Leigh de lamare or Membury since I was a kid. It was a regular part of our journey to visit family. In my experience, national express drivers are generally a very nice bunch of folks.
Welcome to Cornwall mark! I recommend you do the st erth to st Ives branch line (I think you have done this before) also a visit to the isles of Scilly by plane one way and ferry the other to experience both...good luck I hope you enjoy your time here all the best for the weather aswell!
I did that bus once overnight but not quite as far as it was only to Truro.19:15 doesn't need a PM!The 24 hour clock is the most sensible clock for public transportation but try telling the Americans and Trent Barton in the English East Midlands!
When I listened to that back I thought ‘I bet someone tells me I don’t need to use the pm on a 24 hour clock’! 😂 Truro’s not a bad effort though Kevan. Looks a nice place whenever I’ve been through there.
Use to enjoy Penzance area years ago. Hotel was terrible, family went via train and i drove the car down. Last coach trip was sheerings from Kent to Penzance. Since then my son drives for Kings Ferry owned by National express. He has a VIP coach with onboard cinema and kitchen where a chef is employed some times. He enjoys it. Lives and breathes it. Good services they are. I am now in MerthyrTydfil, no longer a Kent man.. Frightened of going back to these places as i hear many are rundown. I will be in Somerset in two weeks , so may take a trip to Penzance and check it out.
I went from Birmingham to Exeter last year in the National Express and one of the stops was at Bridgewater in Somerset. We got stuck in loads of traffic to get to Bridgewater only for no-one getting off or on in Bridgewater. It made us over an hour late. It brought the memory back to me when I saw Exeter coach station on your video.
45 mins to Heathrow is very good going from Victoria. I used to live a couple of streets down from the coach station and if I did Heathrow in under an hour I thought I was doing well.
In the 90s we had 35mins from VCS to LHR during the daytime departures and only 25mins on the 2330 departure from VCS to LHR on the night cars to Penzance. Certainly a lot quieter then
I have to admit it's been many years since I boarded any coach or bus, as I usually drive, or occasionally go by train.[having been a BR Signalman for years], But I have enjoyed watching this video; thanks for posting. I once did Blackpool - London Vic overnight; during the 1970s. I'll certainly watch more and subscribe.
i really enjoy that trip. Have been many times over the years both by National Coach and Train. I have to get to Victoria from Dover to start with so it usually takes me from 8am to 6.30pm to get to Paignton by coach. Or alight at St David's or Exeter. I actually haven't gone right through to Penzance though. It was nice for you not to have too many passengers. Thank you yet again for the lovely video. HAPPY EASTER to you and your family.
This was really good to see, as I have looked into doing this journey with NE. I've been saying for years and years that I must go back down there one day. Thanks
That looked a great trip tbh - I've got a friend moving to Cornwall and think I'll take the bus now to visit her rather than the train - the buses have come on a bit since I last used them and time and price wise, they make a good option - thanks for another very professional review!
Got caught out on that one my self, made a passing comment to a lady on the Lizard that it was England's most southerly point. Was told quite abruptly that it was Cornwall's most southerly point not England's but hey!
I love Penzance. If i as a South African had to live in England i would live their. Its not as cold. Saw a good few plants that are found in Capetown. So the climate must be similar
I've done the tube to get from seven sisters to heathrow after a football game. It was an hour and ten minutes and it fell under the travel card rules at the time. (I was flying back home to aberdeen)
Great video, the coaches are pretty comfortable and great value with certain journeys not being too different from the train. If you're travelling between central London and Heathrow at night you have the added option on the N9 for the price of a single bus fare.
Excellent report as always Mark, nice quiet comfortable journey, very little traffic or hold ups, almost on time, big plus, look forward to your next one bud 👍
well done mark many years ago i did the overnight coach 504 to penzance via chippenham Bristol airport bridgewater paighton plymouth it was a great ride well done paul in kent
Yep, I mean I don’t mind the place but prefer the quieter areas of Cornwall tbh (like anywhere I guess). The Isles of Scilly for example, well, that was just an AMAZING place!
@@LetsMakeaTrip Newquay is fine outside of the Busy summer. Even in Summer then all the "Party dudes"😁 are either asleep or on the beach during the day. You can also make it across Newquay from one end to the other without going near the main High St & avoiding everybody if you know what roads to take. Once you are past the Rail Station then its quiet anyway.
Two changes at Exeter sttions Mark?..surely Waterloo to St Davids,then from there to Penzance,or am i missing something.. oaxh looked good,may try it,Thanks.all the best
I think it may be a pricing thing getting off at the different stations. I haven't done it personally, it's just what TrainPal threw up in the search tbh, so I would be interested to find out for sure.
Used to.make a few coach journeys in the 1980s when I was a student. Don't remember waiting tooms at Victoria, we just waited at the stands. I can still recall the smell of diesel fumes. Longest journey was to Glasgow, overnight, with Stagecoach. Out of interest, it would be less miles going via the M3 and A303. But the A303 is mostly single carriageway, so it might be more stopping and starting which would use more fuel.
I think the gate numbering at Victoria is a hangover from pre National Express days and regional sectors after NE was born. When I was there a lot in the early 1980s the rule of thumb was southeast lowest then working up through southwest, Wales etc to Midlands and North up around 17 upwards for the likes of Liverpool Manchester etc. Scottish services had the very highest plus along the far wall. Hope this helps.
nice video, as you come towards the border on the A30 between Devon and Cornwall you would of passed the nearly home trees always a welcome sight on the way home.
Great video as always!! I travelled on the coach journey from Victoria to Dungarvan Ireland a few times which was 16.5hrs including nearly 4 hours on the ferry. Hope all is well, take care
For Zone 1 to Heathrow the Piccadilly line is £5.60 taking ~35mins, Elizabeth line is £13.30 taking ~30mins. As the Piccadilly line is getting brand new air conditioned trains this year and it's only about 5mins slower to zone 1 it's definitely the best option.
There's also the frequency problem with the Elizabeth line to Heathrow with some terminals only served a few times an hour. Honestly not showing the additional Elizabeth line charge to Heathrow on the tube map is close to a scam by TFL as it rarely makes sense to take as even the Heathrow express booked early can be cheaper.
I guess it depends where in Central London you are starting from, and which Terminal you are going to. Personally I would take the tube every time unless your hotel was literally outside Vic Coach Station and you were going to T2 or T3. And even then you'd have to prebook it rather than just turn up and wait a few minutes for the tube
Mrs R and myself found this helpful,informative and given us food for thought. The price and time comparison between bus and train was an eye opener. We've been thinking about taking a coach holiday but not to keen on being tied to a set itinerary and length of holiday. We are now thinking of touring by bus, two or three days in a place before moving on to another place.
Cheers both. Well actual coach holidays, I’m not so sure they’re for me because of this set itinerary thing you mentioned. Having said that, try anything once. There may be some kind of interest in it on here? I might ask the question 🤔
An epic road trip - these trips really are very good - both in composition and delivery Mark ! - Did the trip from the North West to the South West - the feeling of being very far from home does overcome you- particularly when you have started at 04.00......
6:20 "Overpriced heathrow express" - have you seen the price for first class on the heathrow express? it's crazy. Normal pricing is also mad for what is just a 15 minute journey. I'd take the elizabeth line if i had to use LHR. Gatwick is closer for me these days.
A nice chilled vid there Mark. I have not been further than Plymouth so one day I will make it all the way. In the summer the coaches are rammed with tourists even the overnight one based on videos I have seen so as usual a much more pleasant experience in the low seasons. Agree the price is excellent for such a distance with limited competition. Sad news about the FlixBus crash in Germany but given hardly anyone wears a seatbelt, even the second driver, deaths were much more likely. I used them last month to travel from Krakow to Prague and will again in October for travel from Tallinn to Riga and Warsaw. Looking forward to the next few vids of your journey.
Cheers mate. Yes it was very relaxed really, certainly wasn’t overly tired at the end. I don’t see many people wearing seatbelts unfortunately, despite it being a legal requirement. Enjoy your trips in Europe mate 👍
Thanks for another brilliant video. Respect to you for doing this trip the whole way. My preference for seats is either the very front seats or the very back row depending on the journey. I remember a few years ago reserving a front seat for a trip from Bristol to Birmingham but upon boarding the driver told me the front seats were unavailable and I had been moved to Seats 2A and 2B. He then swapped me again to the whechair seat at the front.
I’ve seen people move to that front seat and the driver didn’t seem to mind. Only problem with the rear is it being near the toilet which could pong a bit after a while and you’ve got people in and out all the time. There is an exit row, I think it’s something like row 16 which has better leg room. That’s a good seat.
13mpg for a coach is pretty decent! Our 2 axle coaches will average 11.5/12 mpg. So 13 for a triaxle coach is decent, given the drag of the third axle too. As always Mark, brilliant. Cheers for now
Cheers mate. Yep, quite a few comments saying 13 mpg is decent. Obviously I haven’t got a clue when it comes to stuff like this(!) So I’m glad I asked in the vid as it’s always useful to know. And I’ve learnt something about tri-axle drag aswell! Nice one 😊👍
It's got to be the steady cruise mode, no stop start,I found the speed made a big difference too, plus it's mostly southwards, so downhill all the way!😅
That was another good video interesting journey I travelled from Hereford to Exeter 2 changes ok if not long waits at each bus station but your journey went smoothly plenty of comfort breaks 👍
Haha, cheers. It has been mentioned before so I thought I’d keep saying it (increase my engagement 😉) but also hold two fingers up to the camera to illustrate.
Hey mate, perfect timing for a national express video, anyways today I'm planning a trip to Bournemouth with national express because i had nothing else to do but yeah in my opinion I'm excited! But as always cheers mate 👍
I used to work for NX and often travelled on the Levantes. Always found the seats slippery so i would slide down them. I agree that VCS was the pits. Looks like its been improved over the years. Wait until NX have to move out as the whole area is destined for redevelopment as its owned by the Duchy of Westminster.
Very good video again Mark. Prices for trains are always more but I managed to get a bargain on Penzance to Chippenham £24.75 with a changeover at Bristol. The coach in comparison was £19.90 but only as far as Bristol then use local services runs back to Chippenham. That's booked about 2 months in advance. Enjoy Penzance, can't wait to see what else you got coming up
Another great video, always enjoy your coach trips, thank you. I usually use the sleeper train going down and the daytime coming back into London, but I think I would maybe consider it one time to see.
Great video as always! I’m not a huge fan of bus travel for longer distances vs. train. The mere thought you have to sit hours and hours tight unless there is a service break (or go and see the bathroom should one be there and not permanently locked by the driver) makes me chuckle. In a train you can get up any time, and walk around and no driver will moan at you for walking up and down the aisle.
Its NOT a Bus.. Its a Coach.. 😁Calling it a Bus makes you sound American. If you are watching a UA-cam Video like this then you should know the difference between a Bus & a Coach🤣
Looked a comfortable journey, Mark😊. Love Cornwall but it is a bit of a trek from Scotland. We visited Perranporth a few years ago but we flew down to Exeter then hired a car!
I was going to say, flying and self-drive is probably the best option - maybe even to Newquay. Don’t think I’ve been to Perranporth but plenty of time for that. 😊👍
Hi Mark, yep have to agree with you Victoria coach station looking good. Lovely iconic building very impressive your style of presentation very food long journey….👍🏻
Great video, Mark. You must have travelled with all of the main coach companies by now and, from what I've seen, National Express look like one of the best. I just have to try them one day but I haven't so far because I can never seem to find a departure or arrival time that suits me. Getting to my destination far too late in the day isn't an attractive deal. In the meantime, CrossCountry and Avanti West Coast will continue to rob the pants off me!
Just returned to the US, after a trip to see "Doc Martin's village. LHR to Paddington, then the next morning, PAD to Bodmin on the Great Western Railway. My return to LHR was on National Express. I would not hesitate to recommend either of those companies for their great service. Very enjoyable trip. Seeing Port Isaac was a dream come true!
That’s a big issue isn’t it Ian - frequency but, depending on where you live I guess, you may only have one service each way a day (like here in Shrewsbury). It’s better than nothing tbh but I guess the demand is just not there yet.
Great video as always Mark. I much prefer train travel but I think I would choose the coach. 8 hours on a National Express coach sounds more appealing than 5 and half hours on those awful GWR class 800s and 802s.
I used to live 5 minutes if I was travelling from Victoria it was cheaper and lot less hassle changing tubes the coach is direct especially if you going on another city you can't get from Heathrow. Its some times dearer from Heathrow play around to see what to go
Brilliant video, I think as long as the weather is dry it helps with travel, this trip would have been truly epic if the sun was shining and you had blue skies all the way, but it was still pretty good, nice coach, good fellow passengers and a couple of excellent drivers, 13 mpg for a coach is excellent, trucks only manage between 8 and 10 mpg, big plus was the coach not being rammed, I was on one of these Victoria to Lhr coaches on a connection from Telford/Victoria change and hop to Lhr, only problem was it left Victoria in the thick of afternoon/ Eve rush hour, but surprisingly it got to Lhr in around an hour and a bit, good going considering how busy it was coming out of London,. Dropped me at Lhr at 6.30 pm, so ideal for a 21.30 departure,.
Cheers Mike. Yes I think the weather would’ve been better in the Summer and obviously the day is longer. Possible trade-off the coach would be busier. Mad those mpg figures for trucks. Must be big tanks!
On Saturday the 6th April im am Traveling on National Express as GWR are on Strike again and have messed up my Travel again for the Second time in 8 Months. I will seriously have to consider not travelling by train until these issues between the train companies staff the unions and the government are sorted out and use Nation Express Coaches instead should i Travel any Long Distances. You Journey was Fantastic. So you have any plans to try out the fairly new Flightline 703 Route from Bracknell to Heathrow T5 Via Windsor & Slough or the other direction of Travel on the also Fairly New Coaches that came into service a few months ago? Or maybe you have already done this Journey but just not Published the Video yet.
Hi Philip, thanks. I don’t have any plans to take these coaches yet but thanks for the info. And yes the trains are a pain atm and it’s nice to have a fairly quiet, relaxing journey by coach even if it’s a bit longer.
I have look at one of your comments say that Bridgwater in Somerset is bad because of the traffic you are right I am from Bridgwater. The National Express you where on I used 10 years a go in 2014 there two services one you where on and one that I used both started from London Victoria both Coaches went to Heathrow Airport to change drivers then to Bridgwater then Taunton, Exeter, Dawlish ,Newton Abbot ,Torquay Paignton, Ivybridge Plymouth change drives at National Express Depot which Stagecoach own now then in to Plymouth Bus Station then to Liskeard, St Austell , Falmouth and the last stop Penzance.
Thanks to your National Express videos and unfortunate rail strikes we have decided to take a NX coach next time! We are looking forward to our Manchester to Newcastle trip!
@@LetsMakeaTrip That video was key in our decision and we are looking forward to it. If it goes well who knows maybe we will be regular coach travellers... 🤷♂️
not done that route but have done Liverpool to Penzance via Birmingham took about 12 hours with changes in Birmingham and Plymouth it did not go via Newquay it we Saltash then down to Turro and Falmouth then Helston I got off in Prothleven just before Penzance I have family living there
It’s been 2017 and took the Tube in from Heathrow . Since that time the pricing on Heathrow express is way way down if you book early . Luggage on the tube unless you have hand carry is an issue perhaps . I like Paddington as a budget very transit connected base so the Heathrow Express (Different name now I believe ) would be my choice .
Great video as always. Good to see they give you a rest stop on this journey though, they dont if you are going to Barnstaple. One correction though, it doesn't actually stop at Exeter Bus Station; Stagecoach dont let coaches use it and you are dumped at Bampfylde Street or Sidwell Street.
Years ago they use to let Coaches in the Bus Station & Megabus. but was 2018 when I last used it. Overnight Megabus to Newquay in Jan. Never AGAIN. Noisy bloke talking like it was Midday until 1am.. Luckily he got off at Exeter at 4am..
Yes we stopped out on the road outside the bus station (wasn’t really sure how else to describe that tbh). The rest stop was just about right time-wise. I mean, you can be there for 45 mins sometimes and that’s a little too long when you just want to get going. Cheers Daz 👍
That was a great offer. I doubt we’ll see it again with the increasing popularity of coaches and the malfunctioning rail system but you never know. If we do, I’ll be on it 👍
Well, I did travel from Heathrow to Central London (and back) using the Tube, Megabus, the Elizabeth Line and the Heathrow Experess. Indeed the Tube is the cheapest one, but not the fastest, and by coach it was quite nice. These new Caetano Levante III are indeed comfy and seat 2A is one I took advantage of many times. Must definitely go to Cornwall someday.
@@LetsMakeaTrip I definitely would go to Cornwall by coach. But the views from the train in my opinion might be way better especially in Plymouth and Dawlish
Absolutely, vallue for money; comfort little compromise to make ! What you see is a lot more of Cornwall , Devon than on rail, something different thand Dawlish and Plymouth, Cornwall rural some seaside resorts make it more enjoyable, New Quai !
As a NX Coach Driver myself its always nice to get thanks for the work we do, sometimes we get caught in traffic (or behind a tractor) and we have to remain professional at all times and sometimes this can be hard for us knowing that our passengers have got places to be, connecting trains, planes or family meeting them. I usually do the A1/A2 Service to Luton Airport or the later 565 to Bradford (Departing at 19:30). Keep up the good work and cant wait for next video
Well said Nathan and thanks for the comment. Always appreciate the professionalism of you guys and the skill involved. Cheers mate 😊👍
I couldn’t find the USB on the coach I went on 😫 where are they as they weren’t on the back of the seat
@@elizabethmh_465 it depends on where you were sitting and what type of coach it was as the older ones are in different locations
@nathansmith5687 I am curious to know when the London to the Services driver gets off, where does he go? Services aren't connected to any roads usually, only motorways. Also where did the Services to Penzance driver appear from to take over? Also how many hours must a driver to before taking a break and how long must the break be?
I always thank a good, safe and smooth driver! In the 'old days' when coaches were allowed in the outside lane of the motorway I suspect it was easier to stay on time as you didn't have the problem of being stuck behind hgv's overtaking. It also contributed to a journey with a more consistent speed. Keep up the good work!
Yes, an interesting option. Leaving Victoria Coach Station at 11.00 hours and arriving into Penzance a little after 19.15 is really very civilised I think.
Whatever the limitations of coach travel I think that the interaction with the staff who are going to drive you safely to your destination and ensure that your luggage is safely stored is a major plus for a nervous or vulnerable passenger.
Thanks again; very informative.
I love both coach and train journeys.
So do I Ellen. Most of the time!😂
Driven most of that route several times but it's nice to see the scenery along the road for a change. Coach looked really good and clean.
I suggest going to Southampton with National Express with Basingstoke being one of the coach stops. It is the NX 032.
Heyman, Just wanted to say how much I love your videos. They make my days brighter.
Hi Mike, thanks for the comment mate and I’m glad you enjoy them. Appreciate the support 😊
14:27 I took the national express to Launceston (it’s where I grew up) at Christmas to visit my parents for the Christmas and new year and I’ve got to say the seats are very very cramped
Used to drive this route when I was a national express coach driver in the 1990s.
We were based in Truro and later Camborne and our coaches used to refuel in Plymouth depot on the way up to London and then again on the way back, Personally I would say the fuel stop was a top up for the return journey.
I'm sure the coaches the Bruce's ( Scottish company) use are spec'd with larger non-standard fuel tanks, which allows them to do Glasgow to London and return without refuelling.
Sounds farfetched, but when I was driving in the 90s, we had 3 coaches that could easily do Penzance to Edinburgh back to Plymouth without refuelling.
They are yes
Yes afaik it was filled up. The drivers stay over at Penzance so I guess it’s pretty-much full for someone else to take it back overnight.
Use to get tea coffee sarnies served on board once
I haven't thought about Leigh de lamare or Membury since I was a kid. It was a regular part of our journey to visit family. In my experience, national express drivers are generally a very nice bunch of folks.
Welcome to Cornwall mark! I recommend you do the st erth to st Ives branch line (I think you have done this before) also a visit to the isles of Scilly by plane one way and ferry the other to experience both...good luck I hope you enjoy your time here all the best for the weather aswell!
Cheers Mark. The Isles of Scilly vids will be coming soon and yes, ferry out, flight back 👍
I did that bus once overnight but not quite as far as it was only to Truro.19:15 doesn't need a PM!The 24 hour clock is the most sensible clock for public transportation but try telling the Americans and Trent Barton in the English East Midlands!
When I listened to that back I thought ‘I bet someone tells me I don’t need to use the pm on a 24 hour clock’! 😂 Truro’s not a bad effort though Kevan. Looks a nice place whenever I’ve been through there.
Use to enjoy Penzance area years ago. Hotel was terrible, family went via train and i drove the car down. Last coach trip was sheerings from Kent to Penzance. Since then my son drives for Kings Ferry owned by National express. He has a VIP coach with onboard cinema and kitchen where a chef is employed some times. He enjoys it. Lives and breathes it. Good services they are. I am now in MerthyrTydfil, no longer a Kent man.. Frightened of going back to these places as i hear many are rundown. I will be in Somerset in two weeks , so may take a trip to Penzance and check it out.
I went from Birmingham to Exeter last year in the National Express and one of the stops was at Bridgewater in Somerset. We got stuck in loads of traffic to get to Bridgewater only for no-one getting off or on in Bridgewater. It made us over an hour late. It brought the memory back to me when I saw Exeter coach station on your video.
What's worse is that you unnecessarily visited the services regularly voted as the worst in the country.
That is a bit frustrating yes. Maybe Bridgewater is designated as a ‘must stop’ stop if that is such a thing and the driver had no option?
45 mins to Heathrow is very good going from Victoria. I used to live a couple of streets down from the coach station and if I did Heathrow in under an hour I thought I was doing well.
In the 90s we had 35mins from VCS to LHR during the daytime departures and only 25mins on the 2330 departure from VCS to LHR on the night cars to Penzance. Certainly a lot quieter then
I have to admit it's been many years since I boarded any coach or bus, as I usually drive, or occasionally go by train.[having been a BR Signalman for years], But I have enjoyed watching this video; thanks for posting. I once did Blackpool - London Vic overnight; during the 1970s.
I'll certainly watch more and subscribe.
Recent subscriber, loving your videos. You have a lovely clear speaking voice, really enjoy listening.
Hi Clare, thanks for the sub and for commenting. Much appreciated 😊
i really enjoy that trip. Have been many times over the years both by National Coach and Train. I have to get to Victoria from Dover to start with so it usually takes me from 8am to 6.30pm to get to Paignton by coach. Or alight at St David's or Exeter. I actually haven't gone right through to Penzance though. It was nice for you not to have too many passengers. Thank you yet again for the lovely video. HAPPY EASTER to you and your family.
This was really good to see, as I have looked into doing this journey with NE. I've been saying for years and years that I must go back down there one day. Thanks
That looked a great trip tbh - I've got a friend moving to Cornwall and think I'll take the bus now to visit her rather than the train - the buses have come on a bit since I last used them and time and price wise, they make a good option - thanks for another very professional review!
Got caught out on that one my self, made a passing comment to a lady on the Lizard that it was England's most southerly point. Was told quite abruptly that it was Cornwall's most southerly point not England's but hey!
Thanks Mark! And what lovely drivers.
They were excellent yes 👍
I love Penzance. If i as a South African had to live in England i would live their. Its not as cold. Saw a good few plants that are found in Capetown. So the climate must be similar
I've done the tube to get from seven sisters to heathrow after a football game. It was an hour and ten minutes and it fell under the travel card rules at the time. (I was flying back home to aberdeen)
Great video, the coaches are pretty comfortable and great value with certain journeys not being too different from the train. If you're travelling between central London and Heathrow at night you have the added option on the N9 for the price of a single bus fare.
❤What a great channel.. Presented well.. And thoroughly enjoyed watching this episode... Right.. Now let's watch some more 😊
Cheers mate and thanks for the kind words. Onwards to the Isles of Scilly this week!
Those Levante 3's are lovely coaches....i used to dupe the Birmingham to Glasgow over night service in the 90's now and again
I thought so - really comfortable so a good fit for this long trip 👍
Excellent report as always Mark, nice quiet comfortable journey, very little traffic or hold ups, almost on time, big plus, look forward to your next one bud 👍
Cheers mate, yep I can definitely recommend this one and for £20 (ish) can’t go wrong really 👍
well done mark many years ago i did the overnight coach 504 to penzance via chippenham Bristol airport bridgewater paighton plymouth it was a great ride
well done paul in kent
Cheers Paul and well done to you for taking the overnight option!
Long journey but looked like a good one and with excellent, friendly drivers.
The drivers can make the journey in my experience 😊
Thank you. What a great trip... and thank you for the excellent commentary as usual. 😊
Good video Mark, and glad your trip was a good one with no major hold ups along the way :)
I did London to Glasgow once and it was ok apart from the bit where the driver played loud bagpipe music when we entered Scotland .
Think that'd lose a couple of points for me Mark!! lol
I would recommend you spend more time in Newquay at some stage Mark. the Fistral end of Newquay (south) is stunning
Yep, I mean I don’t mind the place but prefer the quieter areas of Cornwall tbh (like anywhere I guess). The Isles of Scilly for example, well, that was just an AMAZING place!
@@LetsMakeaTrip Newquay is fine outside of the Busy summer. Even in Summer then all the "Party dudes"😁 are either asleep or on the beach during the day. You can also make it across Newquay from one end to the other without going near the main High St & avoiding everybody if you know what roads to take. Once you are past the Rail Station then its quiet anyway.
Two changes at Exeter sttions Mark?..surely Waterloo to St Davids,then from there to Penzance,or am i missing something.. oaxh looked good,may try it,Thanks.all the best
Apologies for my spelling,sausage fingers and old age.🫣
I think it may be a pricing thing getting off at the different stations. I haven't done it personally, it's just what TrainPal threw up in the search tbh, so I would be interested to find out for sure.
@@LetsMakeaTrip yes Mark,another oddity for rail travel.Let us know if u find out,all the best.
Used to.make a few coach journeys in the 1980s when I was a student. Don't remember waiting tooms at Victoria, we just waited at the stands. I can still recall the smell of diesel fumes. Longest journey was to Glasgow, overnight, with Stagecoach.
Out of interest, it would be less miles going via the M3 and A303. But the A303 is mostly single carriageway, so it might be more stopping and starting which would use more fuel.
I think the gate numbering at Victoria is a hangover from pre National Express days and regional sectors after NE was born. When I was there a lot in the early 1980s the rule of thumb was southeast lowest then working up through southwest, Wales etc to Midlands and North up around 17 upwards for the likes of Liverpool Manchester etc. Scottish services had the very highest plus along the far wall.
Hope this helps.
Cheers Simon, yes I thought it might be something like that. Like I said, every time I head north I seem to be at the highest numbered gates.
nice video, as you come towards the border on the A30 between Devon and Cornwall you would of passed the nearly home trees always a welcome sight on the way home.
exactly 6.25 miles from my house , i work up north alot ,, and love to see these after working away ,,
@@leeslog555 probably about the same seeing them after a long drive home makes me really happy.
Great video as always!! I travelled on the coach journey from Victoria to Dungarvan Ireland a few times which was 16.5hrs including nearly 4 hours on the ferry. Hope all is well, take care
That’s a long one Peter! I did the London - Dublin overnight last year and that was a bit of a slog! Good fun looking back though 😂
Nice video keep them coming
For Zone 1 to Heathrow the Piccadilly line is £5.60 taking ~35mins, Elizabeth line is £13.30 taking ~30mins. As the Piccadilly line is getting brand new air conditioned trains this year and it's only about 5mins slower to zone 1 it's definitely the best option.
There's also the frequency problem with the Elizabeth line to Heathrow with some terminals only served a few times an hour. Honestly not showing the additional Elizabeth line charge to Heathrow on the tube map is close to a scam by TFL as it rarely makes sense to take as even the Heathrow express booked early can be cheaper.
I guess it depends where in Central London you are starting from, and which Terminal you are going to. Personally I would take the tube every time unless your hotel was literally outside Vic Coach Station and you were going to T2 or T3. And even then you'd have to prebook it rather than just turn up and wait a few minutes for the tube
@@dazzlingdaz187 Oh yer the coach never makes sense, the Piccadilly is faster, cheaper and far far more frequent.
Mrs R and myself found this helpful,informative and given us food for thought. The price and time comparison between bus and train was an eye opener. We've been thinking about taking a coach holiday but not to keen on being tied to a set itinerary and length of holiday. We are now thinking of touring by bus, two or three days in a place before moving on to another place.
Cheers both. Well actual coach holidays, I’m not so sure they’re for me because of this set itinerary thing you mentioned. Having said that, try anything once. There may be some kind of interest in it on here? I might ask the question 🤔
You must be exhausted after that long trip on the coach to go to penzance the place I still go to for my holidays in Cornwall
An epic road trip - these trips really are very good - both in composition and delivery Mark ! - Did the trip from the North West to the South West - the feeling of being very far from home does overcome you- particularly when you have started at 04.00......
Cheers mate. That’s certainly an early start yep! I would just hope for two seats to myself, get on the coach and go to sleep if I could!
6:20 "Overpriced heathrow express" - have you seen the price for first class on the heathrow express? it's crazy. Normal pricing is also mad for what is just a 15 minute journey. I'd take the elizabeth line if i had to use LHR. Gatwick is closer for me these days.
Great video Mark National Express excellent service are you going to Isles of Scilly next?
Take care .
Tony& Jean.
Hi both, I must just have headed over there next yes 😊👍
What a bargain and seeing Cornwall from a coach looks lovely thank you for sharing 🙏
Cheers Louise and thanks for taking the time to comment. 😊👍
@@LetsMakeaTrip Pleasure 🙏
A nice chilled vid there Mark. I have not been further than Plymouth so one day I will make it all the way. In the summer the coaches are rammed with tourists even the overnight one based on videos I have seen so as usual a much more pleasant experience in the low seasons. Agree the price is excellent for such a distance with limited competition. Sad news about the FlixBus crash in Germany but given hardly anyone wears a seatbelt, even the second driver, deaths were much more likely. I used them last month to travel from Krakow to Prague and will again in October for travel from Tallinn to Riga and Warsaw. Looking forward to the next few vids of your journey.
Cheers mate. Yes it was very relaxed really, certainly wasn’t overly tired at the end. I don’t see many people wearing seatbelts unfortunately, despite it being a legal requirement. Enjoy your trips in Europe mate 👍
Thanks for another brilliant video. Respect to you for doing this trip the whole way.
My preference for seats is either the very front seats or the very back row depending on the journey. I remember a few years ago reserving a front seat for a trip from Bristol to Birmingham but upon boarding the driver told me the front seats were unavailable and I had been moved to Seats 2A and 2B. He then swapped me again to the whechair seat at the front.
I’ve seen people move to that front seat and the driver didn’t seem to mind. Only problem with the rear is it being near the toilet which could pong a bit after a while and you’ve got people in and out all the time. There is an exit row, I think it’s something like row 16 which has better leg room. That’s a good seat.
13mpg for a coach is pretty decent! Our 2 axle coaches will average 11.5/12 mpg. So 13 for a triaxle coach is decent, given the drag of the third axle too. As always Mark, brilliant. Cheers for now
Cheers mate. Yep, quite a few comments saying 13 mpg is decent. Obviously I haven’t got a clue when it comes to stuff like this(!) So I’m glad I asked in the vid as it’s always useful to know. And I’ve learnt something about tri-axle drag aswell! Nice one 😊👍
It's got to be the steady cruise mode, no stop start,I found the speed made a big difference too, plus it's mostly southwards, so downhill all the way!😅
Very good presentation…
Thanks Michael 😊
That was another good video interesting journey I travelled from Hereford to Exeter 2 changes ok if not long waits at each bus station but your journey went smoothly plenty of comfort breaks 👍
another excellent video.many thanks
Cheers Kevin and thanks for watching 😊
Great video mark. It’s funny you released this now whilst I’m on a national express bus to Glasgow from Birmingham
Thanks, I hope the trips going/gone well for you 😊👍
Every time you say "double USB sockets" all I hear is "WSB sockets"! Great video as always. :)
Haha, cheers. It has been mentioned before so I thought I’d keep saying it (increase my engagement 😉) but also hold two fingers up to the camera to illustrate.
Hey mate, perfect timing for a national express video, anyways today I'm planning a trip to Bournemouth with national express because i had nothing else to do but yeah in my opinion I'm excited! But as always cheers mate 👍
Cheers, hope you enjoy the trip to Bournemouth - somewhere I haven’t been so I might do it myself at some point 👍
I used to work for NX and often travelled on the Levantes. Always found the seats slippery so i would slide down them.
I agree that VCS was the pits. Looks like its been improved over the years. Wait until NX have to move out as the whole area is destined for redevelopment as its owned by the Duchy of Westminster.
Thanks Mark…great watch and reminds me of Lincoln to Penzance via 🚌
Cheers. Doing it from Lincoln seems like a long run that (assuming you’re changing in London).
Very good video again Mark.
Prices for trains are always more but I managed to get a bargain on Penzance to Chippenham £24.75 with a changeover at Bristol. The coach in comparison was £19.90 but only as far as Bristol then use local services runs back to Chippenham.
That's booked about 2 months in advance.
Enjoy Penzance, can't wait to see what else you got coming up
When you done your trip to thurso, an idea could of been taking transport from there all the way to penzance
There was two that you where to stop at Newquay and one went to Penzance
Funny information in Polish @ Victoria bus station: "Odloty", which is exclusively for planes. Buses don't fly, so it should be "Odjazdy".😀
I did Sunderland to Penzance with the change at London Victoria lets just say it wasnt too much fun.
A long run that. I would do it but overnight in London and then of course, it’s costing a whole load more money!
Another great video, always enjoy your coach trips, thank you. I usually use the sleeper train going down and the daytime coming back into London, but I think I would maybe consider it one time to see.
It’s worth a go from a money point of view but I honestly believe it’s a comfortable option, albeit a long one.
Great video as always! I’m not a huge fan of bus travel for longer distances vs. train. The mere thought you have to sit hours and hours tight unless there is a service break (or go and see the bathroom should one be there and not permanently locked by the driver) makes me chuckle. In a train you can get up any time, and walk around and no driver will moan at you for walking up and down the aisle.
I agree! Just knowing I couldn't get up and walk around would make me restless!
Its NOT a Bus.. Its a Coach.. 😁Calling it a Bus makes you sound American. If you are watching a UA-cam Video like this then you should know the difference between a Bus & a Coach🤣
Looked a comfortable journey, Mark😊. Love Cornwall but it is a bit of a trek from Scotland. We visited Perranporth a few years ago but we flew down to Exeter then hired a car!
I was going to say, flying and self-drive is probably the best option - maybe even to Newquay. Don’t think I’ve been to Perranporth but plenty of time for that. 😊👍
Hi Mark, yep have to agree with you Victoria coach station looking good. Lovely iconic building very impressive your style of presentation very food long journey….👍🏻
Cheers Michael. Victoria Coach Station doesn’t get a lot of love but from the outside I think it’s fantastic!
Great video, Mark. You must have travelled with all of the main coach companies by now and, from what I've seen, National Express look like one of the best. I just have to try them one day but I haven't so far because I can never seem to find a departure or arrival time that suits me. Getting to my destination far too late in the day isn't an attractive deal. In the meantime, CrossCountry and Avanti West Coast will continue to rob the pants off me!
Just returned to the US, after a trip to see "Doc Martin's village. LHR to Paddington, then the next morning, PAD to Bodmin on the Great Western Railway. My return to LHR was on National Express. I would not hesitate to recommend either of those companies for their great service. Very enjoyable trip. Seeing Port Isaac was a dream come true!
That’s a big issue isn’t it Ian - frequency but, depending on where you live I guess, you may only have one service each way a day (like here in Shrewsbury). It’s better than nothing tbh but I guess the demand is just not there yet.
Sounds great Mark and I’m glad you enjoyed it 👍
That will chear me up after my surgery. Excited.
I hope it went well mate.
Nice video mark, awful long way to go , look forward to seeing your upcoming videos
Cheers Sean. It was worth it for the next few videos. A great place 👍
Great video as always Mark. I much prefer train travel but I think I would choose the coach.
8 hours on a National Express coach sounds more appealing than 5 and half hours on those awful GWR class 800s and 802s.
Cheers Stephen and yes if you use South Western Railway and GWR it can take you longer on the train!
Add the trip on the ferry to The Scilly Isles. I stayed in a tent, it pissed down for 3 days, then I came home again😢
Did that. Video will be out soon 😊👍
Loved this trip!
Cheers Paul, thanks as always for the comment 😊👍
I'd like to have done that when it was operated by Trathens with Neoplan Skyliners. They were cool
They certainly looked cool those. I wonder if any still exist doing ‘heritage’ tour stuff?
I used to live 5 minutes if I was travelling from Victoria it was cheaper and lot less hassle changing tubes the coach is direct especially if you going on another city you can't get from Heathrow. Its some times dearer from Heathrow play around to see what to go
Thank You.
.
My pleasure 😊
Brilliant video, I think as long as the weather is dry it helps with travel, this trip would have been truly epic if the sun was shining and you had blue skies all the way, but it was still pretty good, nice coach, good fellow passengers and a couple of excellent drivers, 13 mpg for a coach is excellent, trucks only manage between 8 and 10 mpg, big plus was the coach not being rammed, I was on one of these Victoria to Lhr coaches on a connection from Telford/Victoria change and hop to Lhr, only problem was it left Victoria in the thick of afternoon/ Eve rush hour, but surprisingly it got to Lhr in around an hour and a bit, good going considering how busy it was coming out of London,. Dropped me at Lhr at 6.30 pm, so ideal for a 21.30 departure,.
Cheers Mike. Yes I think the weather would’ve been better in the Summer and obviously the day is longer. Possible trade-off the coach would be busier. Mad those mpg figures for trucks. Must be big tanks!
@@LetsMakeaTrip 450 litres is the norm, some have dual tanks 8/900 litres +.
On Saturday the 6th April im am Traveling on National Express as GWR are on Strike again and have messed up my Travel again for the Second time in 8 Months. I will seriously have to consider not travelling by train until these issues between the train companies staff the unions and the government are sorted out and use Nation Express Coaches instead should i Travel any Long Distances. You Journey was Fantastic. So you have any plans to try out the fairly new Flightline 703 Route from Bracknell to Heathrow T5 Via Windsor & Slough or the other direction of Travel on the also Fairly New Coaches that came into service a few months ago? Or maybe you have already done this Journey but just not Published the Video yet.
Hi Philip, thanks. I don’t have any plans to take these coaches yet but thanks for the info. And yes the trains are a pain atm and it’s nice to have a fairly quiet, relaxing journey by coach even if it’s a bit longer.
Edwards coaches are. great had Kerry drive us Bristol last week good video mark
Cheers Pete. I love their posh seats on the 040 London to Bristol run though I understand thoses coaches are being phased out sadly.
I have look at one of your comments say that Bridgwater in Somerset is bad because of the traffic you are right I am from Bridgwater.
The National Express you where on I used 10 years a go in 2014 there two services one you where on and one that I used both started from London Victoria both Coaches went to Heathrow Airport to change drivers then to Bridgwater then Taunton, Exeter, Dawlish ,Newton Abbot ,Torquay
Paignton, Ivybridge Plymouth change drives at National Express Depot which Stagecoach own now then in to Plymouth Bus Station then to Liskeard, St Austell , Falmouth and the last stop Penzance.
nice trip report again mark
Cheers Caleb, thanks for leaving a comment mate 😊👍
Am I correct in thinking National Express has discontinued the London to penzance route . Or they are going too !
Wow - £22 seems excellent value..
Thank you.
You're welcome!thanks for watching 😊
Thanks to your National Express videos and unfortunate rail strikes we have decided to take a NX coach next time! We are looking forward to our Manchester to Newcastle trip!
Brilliant! I’ve done it the other way (see previous vid) and found it an interesting route - especially M62 over the Pennines. Enjoy 😊👍
@@LetsMakeaTrip That video was key in our decision and we are looking forward to it. If it goes well who knows maybe we will be regular coach travellers... 🤷♂️
not done that route but have done Liverpool to Penzance via Birmingham took about 12 hours with changes in Birmingham and Plymouth it did not go via Newquay it we Saltash then down to Turro and Falmouth then Helston I got off in Prothleven just before Penzance I have family living there
Has the facade of Victoria Coach building been updated? Looks much more from the sixties or seventies vintage .
I might consider using the new Birmingham to Penzance overnight route that NX do someday.
I wonder if that means, if you're in Penzance, there will there be a video to the Isle of Scilly
I reckon one might be out this Friday 😉
Did you have a second driver on the coach for the first part and why did the first driver relinquish the steering wheel at Sedgemoor?
It’s been 2017 and took the Tube in from Heathrow . Since that time the pricing on Heathrow express is way way down if you book early . Luggage on the tube unless you have hand carry is an issue perhaps . I like Paddington as a budget very transit connected base so the Heathrow Express (Different name now I believe ) would be my choice .
Great video as always. Good to see they give you a rest stop on this journey though, they dont if you are going to Barnstaple. One correction though, it doesn't actually stop at Exeter Bus Station; Stagecoach dont let coaches use it and you are dumped at Bampfylde Street or Sidwell Street.
Years ago they use to let Coaches in the Bus Station & Megabus. but was 2018 when I last used it. Overnight Megabus to Newquay in Jan. Never AGAIN. Noisy bloke talking like it was Midday until 1am.. Luckily he got off at Exeter at 4am..
Yes we stopped out on the road outside the bus station (wasn’t really sure how else to describe that tbh). The rest stop was just about right time-wise. I mean, you can be there for 45 mins sometimes and that’s a little too long when you just want to get going. Cheers Daz 👍
@robh8814 Noise on overnight coaches is so inconsiderate I agree!
Well done Mark I'm tempted to do this considering the train fare in advance isn't what I call cheap 😊
Good luck if you do. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Years ago there was a winter National Express offer £10 return anywhere in Britain. Done Edinburgh /Penzance. Nearly killed me.
That was a great offer. I doubt we’ll see it again with the increasing popularity of coaches and the malfunctioning rail system but you never know. If we do, I’ll be on it 👍
There use to be £10 on a Tues/Wed as well.. Did Dumfries-London & also did a few Newquay runs from London for that.
Well, I did travel from Heathrow to Central London (and back) using the Tube, Megabus, the Elizabeth Line and the Heathrow Experess. Indeed the Tube is the cheapest one, but not the fastest, and by coach it was quite nice.
These new Caetano Levante III are indeed comfy and seat 2A is one I took advantage of many times. Must definitely go to Cornwall someday.
But would you go to Cornwall on the coach Enrico? I reckon I know enough from your previous comments to think you would mate. 😊
@@LetsMakeaTrip I definitely would go to Cornwall by coach. But the views from the train in my opinion might be way better especially in Plymouth and Dawlish
Isnt 2A the Wheelchair seat hence why you get so much legroom.
@@robh8814 no. 2A is not a wheelchair seat but is just behind it
Hey that was a nice trip £23 couldn’t do it for that price by car
Exactly Simon. Much less stressful than driving too. And when you get there, why not use local buses to get around. I did 👍
18:48Why was that? Swr go through to St David's (unless they're running late when sometimes they're terminated at Central)
It will be a pricing thing. You could stay on until StD, but getting off earlier might save you a few quid, so worth weighing up the options.
I defer to what Daz says here Andrei.
What a great vid
Thanks mate 😊👍
Absolutely, vallue for money; comfort little compromise to make ! What you see is a lot more of Cornwall , Devon than on rail, something different thand Dawlish and Plymouth, Cornwall rural some seaside resorts make it more enjoyable, New Quai !
The Dawlish area is great on the train I have to admit but the coach was a little different yes.
Went on this coach run, well ok part way penzance to Phymouth
That's still a fair chunk of the route tbh!