Once you've worked out where you want to go and how to get there, the impartial
online journey planners indicate which coach operators run buses on the routes you choose. To book an intercity coach trip or buy bus tickets, you still have to visit the specific coach companies --happily, usually online.
Main UK Intercity Coach Operators
You can probably get almost anywhere in the UK by using one of the main national and regional coach companies:
- National Express is the UK's biggest coach operator, with long distance direct routes around the country, a large presence in most coach terminals and many niche routes ( between airports, for example). Coaches have onboard wi-fi and disabled facilities. There are also senior and student discounts. National Express is the only domestic UK coach company that operates 24-hour services. You can book online or by telephoning +44 (0)8705 808080. Tickets can be texted to your mobile.
- Scottish Citylink is the main coach company in Scotland, linking 200 cities and towns with 400 coach trips a day. Book online or by telephoning +44 (0)8705 50 50 50, 7a.m. to 10p.m., 7 days a week. You can receive your ticket reference as a text message on your mobile if you choose. On most services, the driver can also sell you a ticket on the day but you may not be guaranteed a seat.
- Megabus.com is the long distance coach business of Stagecoach, one of the UK's major local bus operators. The company is relatively new but covers a lot of territory and fares are very competitive. In fact, they claim to have fares as low as £1. I'm sure it's true though I've yet to find one that low. Book online or by telephoning +44 (0)900 160 0900, 7a.m. to 10p.m., 7 days a week.
Once you've crossed the country, you'll probably still want to get around for short distances. So, next, let's take a look at
local bus services.
