Coach Journeys Across the UK
Coaches can be an affordable way to travel between towns and cities. This page helps you find a journey, choose an operator and know what to check before you book.
Find a coach journey
The simplest way to find a coach journey is to use an operator's own website. You will usually be asked for:
- where you are travelling from;
- where you are travelling to;
- the date you want to travel (and a return date, if you need one);
- how many people are travelling, including children.
The site will then show the available journeys, times and fares. You book and pay on the operator's own website, and your ticket is usually sent by email or shown in the operator's app.
Coach operators across the UK
These are the main intercity coach operators. Not every operator serves every area, so you may need to check more than one — especially for journeys within Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
National Express
The largest UK coach network, linking hundreds of towns and cities across England, Scotland and Wales, plus airport services.
FlixBus
Intercity coaches between many UK cities, with some routes continuing to destinations in Europe.
Megabus
Budget coach services between major UK towns and cities, including some routes into Scotland.
Scottish Citylink
The main coach network within Scotland, linking cities, towns and many rural and island-connected communities.
Translink (Northern Ireland)
Translink runs bus and coach services across Northern Ireland, including Goldline express coaches. Use the journey planner to find routes and times.
Before you book
Things to check before you pay
- Departure and arrival stops. Coach stops are not always at a bus or coach station — check the exact pick-up and drop-off points on a map.
- Connection times. If your journey involves changing coaches, leave enough time between services.
- The total fare. Check for booking fees and the cost of any extras before you pay.
- Luggage allowance. Operators set their own limits on the number and size of bags.
- Amendments and refunds. Cheaper tickets often cannot be changed or refunded — read the fare rules first.
- Journeys to or from Northern Ireland. These cross the Irish Sea, so the trip may include a ferry crossing. Check how the crossing works and what you need to bring.
Travelling with a disability or mobility needs
Coach accessibility varies between operators and between individual vehicles. Before you book, contact the operator directly to confirm:
- whether the coach on your journey has a wheelchair space and a lift;
- how your wheelchair or mobility aid will be carried and secured;
- what help the driver or station staff can give with boarding and luggage;
- arrangements for a companion or carer travelling with you.
National Express has a dedicated assisted travel team you can contact before booking:
More help with public transport
Our public transport guide covers accessible travel, fares, bus passes and passenger support across buses, coaches, trains and taxis.
Public Transport: Accessible Travel, Fares and Passenger Support
A simple reminder
Coach tickets, timetables and fare rules are set by each operator and can change. Always check the operator's own website for current prices, times and conditions before you travel.
Sixpence Support UK provides information only. We do not sell tickets, take bookings or arrange travel, and we cannot guarantee the price or availability of any journey.