How to cut the cost of coach travel

As with rail travel, the general rule of thumb is the earlier the book, the less you'll pay.

 

The big two operators, National Express and Megabus, often have cheap promotional fares, particularly at quieter times of the year such as January and February.

You can also save by investing in a National Express coach discount card.

National Express Senior Coachcard

The Senior Coachcard for the over 60s offers a third off standard fares. The card costs £10 (plus £2 postage and packing) for a year.

There are no time restrictions on when you can use your Senior Coachcard. However, you won’t be able to use it on Hotel Hoppa, Eurolines, Ulsterbus, third party services, special event services, Multiride and FunFare tickets.

National Express Young Persons Coachcard

For people aged 16 to 26, the Young Persons Coachcard offers a third off standard fares. It will also save you 10% on trips to sporting events or festivals.

The card costs £10 (plus £2 postage and packing) for a year or £25 (plus £2 postage and packing) for three years.

There are no time restrictions on when you can use your Young Persons Coachcard. However, you won’t be able to use it on Hotel Hoppa, Multiride, Eurolines, Ulsterbus, third party services, special event services and FunFare tickets.

National Express Family Coachcard

There are two versions of the Family Coachcard.

The 1plus1 card allows a child to travel free when accompanied by a full fare paying adult, and costs £8 (plus £2 postage and packing) for a year.

The 2plus2 version costs £16 (plus £2 postage and packing) a year and allows two children to travel free when joined by two full fare paying adults.

There are no time restrictions on when you can use your Family Coachcard. However, you won’t be able to use it on Hotel Hoppa, Multiride, Eurolines, Ulsterbus, third party services, special event services and FunFare tickets.

National Express Disabled Coachcard

The Disabled Coachcard enables cardholders to save a third on standard fares anytime. The card costs £10 (plus £2 postage and packing) for a year. The card is open to anyone who is registered as disabled.

There are no time restrictions on when you can use your Disabled Coachcard. However, you won’t be able to use it on Hotel Hoppa, Eurolines, Ulsterbus, third party services, special event services and FunFare tickets.