You tend to opt for the quickest route when travelling abroad, but there are always other options to consider. I decided to take the coach to Paris instead of flying or going by Eurostar mainly because prices during the UK’s summer bank holiday were more than I wanted to pay. I’d forgotten the number of routes into Europe coach companies offered and although it’s not necessarily the quickest route, it was one that suited my budget. So after my experience, here are my 10 tips for coach travel from London to Europe.
There are a few places that specialise in coach travel to Europe from London. If you don’t know where to start, try the following first:
Don’t assume all coach companies offer routes to the same destinations or even the same drop-off locations. Make sure you check since each service will differ.
Comparison platforms
If you’re short on time try using a comparison website. They will do a wide search across some of the same coach companies mentioned, all in one place.
Here’s why you should consider night travel if you take the coach to Europe…
Most coaches provide plug sockets or USB charge connectors. Even though the majority of coaches will have U.K. 3-pin sockets on board, some actually will not, so remember to take your European travel adaptor with you on the coach. I travelled on OUIBus and noticed their plug sockets were actually European 2-pin. Luckily I carried my adaptor in my bag.
So if you end up going via OUIBus, remember to take an adapter just in case.
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You’ll not always know in advance if your coach will cross into Europe via the Eurotunnel or ferry. If you’re prone to getting queasy if you travel by boat, you may want to factor this in and bring anything with you that will help your seasickness.
Don’t forget to take your headphones with you. Apart from listening to your own music some coaches have TVs so may have the option to watch shows, movies or music videos. If you’re a light sleeper, you might also want to carry a pair of earplugs, because even on a night route the coach can sometimes become quite noisy.
Don’t forget your passport! I’ve seen people almost in tears because they forget theirs and only realised it at the airport. As you’re going by coach it may easily slip your mind as it’s not a natural association. You’ll need it to get through customs for the crossing.
The best thing about traveling by coach is the generous luggage allowance you get and the fact that you don’t have to cram your toiletries into a small clear plastic bag! Allowances may differ but for example, National Express lets you take one bag weighing 20kg max and two small pieces of hand luggage. And for free too!
It’s useful to look and book your tickets in advance as soon as you know your travel plans. You’ll often find a few better deals the further ahead you book even though coach fares tend to be a better deal anyway.
One of the good things about travelling by coach is that you don’t need to arrive two hours before departure. Usually you’re asked to be at the departure point 15-20 minutes prior to leaving. This may differ across companies, so double check. At least you don’t have to get there so early and stand in front of an airport departure board.
Lastly, if you’re travelling overnight, then remember to take into account your transport at the other end as you’ll get there very early. Although I was meant to arrive after 6am, we reached Paris nearly an hour earlier. Luckily the metro was open by the time I got off and got there, but remember to check local transport routes before you leave for bus and train journeys or factor in the cost for a shuttle or taxi.
If you’re thinking of going to Europe, why not consider going by coach next time. Not only is it a lot cheaper, but there are a few other benefits in doing so too!
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