Megabus provides affordable bus travel to many of the UK’s most sought-after destinations. You can travel to cities like Bristol and Salisbury for just a few pounds, yet navigating their website for trip options can be challenging, akin to rummaging through a grab bag full of surprises.

While the company previously offered both train and coach (UK English for bus) travel, they have since ceased the train services. Additionally, if you’ve heard tales of £1 fares from friends, it’s important to note that these deals seem to be nonexistent now.

What remains are their low-cost bus services, characterized by a recognizable blue and yellow design. Reviews regarding cleanliness, temperature control, timeliness, perceived safety, and overall comfort are mixed. However, they align with the general expectations of budget travel in this sector.

What’s The Catch?

Here are the key factors to consider:

Limited Destinations and Schedules

Budget travel is enabled by the company’s focus on only the most frequented routes, often on a limited and somewhat erratic schedule. Consequently, the low fare you seek might only be available on select routes and specified days of the week. For instance, availability may differ significantly from one day to the next, requiring flexibility in your travel plans to secure the best price.

Complicated Journey Planning

Attempting to plan a trip from London to Bath can prove frustrating. Initially, the fare finder on the company’s website doesn’t clearly indicate whether a direct journey is available. After some navigation, you might end up with options that require traveling a significant distance—such as to Bristol, which is over 13 miles from Bath. In this scenario, the total round trip could clock in at £17.90, factoring in additional local bus costs and time spent traveling.

Comparatively, checking prices and schedules with National Express, the largest intercity coach operator in the UK, reveals a more straightforward journey with a shorter travel time and competitive pricing. Therefore, while occasional cheaper fares may exist with Megabus, the potential trade-off in time and convenience could overshadow any savings.

Where Does Megabus Go?

The answer to this question might feel elusive. Although the website promises an easy travel planning experience, we found it to be quite the opposite. Without entering specific destinations and dates, you cannot ascertain whether your desired journey is available. This can lead to wasted time trialing various options, only to find that the lowest fare is not as appealing as anticipated.

To maximize your time, it is wise to check other bus or coach company websites first to confirm routes and prices before considering Megabus.

Bus, Train – Does It Really Make That Much of a Difference?

The difference can be substantial. For example, traveling from London to Lincoln by train takes around 2 to 3 hours, while a bus journey might extend to 5 or 7 hours. While bus travel typically remains cheaper, exploring seasonal deals on train services can often reveal worthwhile bargains.

That said, Megabus may only be advantageous if you have ample time and are flexible regarding your destination. Nevertheless, booking in advance with a national coach company like National Express could yield equally good or better results.

How to Travel with Megabus

All travel bookings must be made online via the Megabus website. It is advisable to print your booking confirmation and take it with you for a smooth travel experience.

London Sightseeing

A relatively new offering from Megabus includes a two-hour, non-stop sightseeing bus tour of London. While it promises to showcase 50 significant sights, one might question whether a quick overview could rival an in-depth experience.

The Bottom Line

Many of Megabus’s stops appear to be strategically located near universities, sports venues, and large shopping centers. If you’re a student or familiar with their changing routes, you might save on occasions. However, for visitors and tourists, this once financially savvy option may not seem worthwhile anymore, considering the time and effort invested in making the journey.