Popular routes in the United Kingdom
Daily Departures | Average price | Average trip duration | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
From Belfast to Dublin | Daily Departures124 | Average price$21 | Average trip duration2h 25m | |
From London to Paris | Daily Departures16 | Average price$58 | Average trip duration9h 50m | |
From Bristol to London | Daily Departures142 | Average price$10 | Average trip duration3h | |
From London to Bristol | Daily Departures92 | Average price$11 | Average trip duration3h | |
From Manchester to London | Daily Departures147 | Average price$22 | Average trip duration5h 20m |
Hitting the Road: Bus Travel in the UK
Planning a British adventure? American tourists seeking an affordable way to explore the UK's vibrant cities, charming towns, and historic sights will find buses, or "coaches" as they're called here, a budget-friendly alternative to trains.
National Express & Megabus
These major players cover a vast network across England, Scotland, and Wales. National Express offers frequent departures, and sometimes even onboard Wi-Fi, while Megabus caters to budget travelers with very low fares.
Why choose the bus in the UK?
Cost-Effective: Generally much cheaper than trains, especially for longer distances.
Extensive Network: Reaches many towns and cities not serviced by trains.
Comfort & Convenience: Modern coaches boast reclining seats and ample legroom (depending on the chosen operator).
So, is the bus the right choice for you?
For budget-conscious travelers wanting to explore beyond major cities, buses are a fantastic choice. With Busbud by your side for comparisons and bookings, navigating Britain's beautiful landscapes and historic towns becomes a stress-free and affordable adventure.
Busbud for the Win: Forget scouring multiple websites. Busbud helps you compare fares and schedules across all major operators (including train companies and carpooling) to find the most cost-effective option for your journey. Book directly through Busbud for a seamless experience.

Trains in the UK
While buses offer a budget-friendly way to explore, tourists seeking a faster and more scenic alternative might consider the UK's excellent train network. Here's a breakdown of what you need to know:
Major Train Companies:
National Rail: This vast network covers most of Britain, connecting major cities and towns. Multiple train companies operate under the National Rail banner, so you might encounter different operators on your journeys.
Long-Distance Services: Companies like Avanti West Coast and LNER handle long-distance routes, often connecting major cities at high speeds.
Types of Train Tickets:
Advance Purchase: The golden ticket for budget-conscious train travelers! Booking in advance can lead to significant savings, but these tickets are usually restricted to specific trains and dates.
Off-Peak & Anytime: Offer more flexibility in terms of travel times, but come at a higher price than Advance Purchase tickets.
The Benefits of Train Travel:
Speed & Efficiency: Trains are generally faster than buses, especially for longer distances.
Scenic Routes: Many rail journeys boast breathtaking views of the British countryside.
Comfort & Amenities: Modern trains offer comfortable seating, luggage storage, and sometimes even onboard cafes.
Considerations:
Train Fares: Trains can be much more expensive than buses, especially for last-minute bookings.
Limited Network: Trains might not reach all the destinations buses do.
Train Travel vs. Buses in the UK:
Ultimately, the choice between trains and buses depends on your priorities and budget. Trains are a great option for those who want a faster and more comfortable journey, even if it comes at a slightly higher cost. Buses, on the other hand, are perfect for budget-conscious travelers who don't mind a slower pace and have the flexibility to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations.
No matter what you choose, Busbud is here to help! Book bus or train tickets to explore the UK and enjoy the ride with us!

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The Best Way To Book Bus and Train Tickets
Busbud.com makes it easy for you to find, compare and book city-to-city bus tickets, all over the world. We save you the extra trip to the bus station. With Busbud, wherever you go, you have a worldwide bus station within reach and available in your own language and currency. Busbud prides itself on its worldwide partnerships. We make it possible for you to buy tickets with its large network of trustworthy bus partners like Greyhound, Eurolines, ALSA, OUIBUS (BlaBlaBus), National Express and many others.
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Plan your next bus trip in United Kingdom
- Bus from Stansted to London
- Bus Edinburgh - London
- London - Glasgow
- Bus from London to Winchester
- Bus Glasgow - London
- London - Oxford
- Bus from Heathrow to Southampton
- Bus Glasgow - Belfast
- Luton - London
- Bus from Leicester to London
- Bus Leeds - London
- Cardiff - London
- Bus from London to Leeds
- Bus London - Stansted
- London - Leicester
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