Cheers Steve, yes for me, a lot depends on my fellow passengers (whatever mode of transport I’m using 😂). Service is pretty consistent, coaches can differ and to this date there is nothing that comes close to the ‘premium’ seat on the 040 London - Bristol express service. Superb so if you ever get the chance….👍
took the journey from Blackpool to Manchester and return journey due to a meeting when I lived in Blackpool a few years back, convenient ride and cheaper than the train by far.
Been visiting blackpool at least twice a year...always get national express...the one thing i will say it does need a better upto date covered bus station they did have a covered bus station years ago...used by blackpool transport...but for some reason it was sold on..think there is a gym on the site now.. !
Hi Mark. I work for a coach company in Norwich that operates two ex Nat Exp, 16 plate Lavante 2s. We have very little problems with them, in fact 1 of them is currently on the Isle of Wight. Great video, as always.
I always take the train to Blackpool from Manchester, the coach isn't cheap enough to warrant the price. At least with the train you get repay delay too if it is late, also the trains are far more frequent and you can move around on them. That said the train can get very busy so the coach might be more relaxing. I am guessing that coach was possibly operating by East Yorkshire buses or Selwyns. National Express don't operate many of the coaches themselves.
Great video and trip report. That coach you had was brought back onto the network within the last year due to demand. It used to run with Go North East on their own National Express contracts and was used briefly in service on their own routes before coming to that operator you had today. Some operators are having to bring back 63 (2013/2014) plates until new coaches arrive which are causing delays.
Cheers mate, yes I gather there’s a bit of a wait on new coaches and, correct me if I’m wrong, the impression I get is NX are doing well atm and the demand certainly seems to be there. Good news all round really 👍😂
Im told there's about an 8 month lead time on new coaches at present, and NX need 250 new coaches in the next 18 months but Caetano only have the capacity to build 150, so they will either have to relax age limits again or allow other coaches on the network
To my knowledge National Express only use their coaches for 8 years but some operators do withdraw them after 5 or 6 years. Or if it’s a Parks of Hamilton coach they probably get withdrawn after 3 years at a guess but I might be completely wrong I’ve course mate.
Done this same journey a couple of times now at £4 a pop, absolute bargain, and relatively reliable. Actually looked this week and it was £13 each way (not coincidentally timed with the approaching school holidays and more train strikes presumably).
I love Blackpool! Hope you enjoyed your time there! Incidentally, the coach station is on the site of the former Blackpool Central railway station, closed in 1964 and considerably beter sited than today's Blackpool North. I think NX are going great guns atm, totally recasting the network after the lockdown , and of course, the rail strikes have been manna from heaven for them!
Totally agree Mark. Very odd the railway station closed as like the name suggests, it’s so close to the centre. I had to walk a mile to my hotel which appeared to be on the old line - certainly got that impression anyway and it seems to have been replaced by the road.
@@LetsMakeaTrip I believe Blackpool counci; wanted the land, and BR sold it to them for a song! The original Beeching proposals were to close the line into Blackpool North!
@@markstramtrainbuscapades1729 not sure now but the old platforms at Blackpool central were still visible a few years ago and the line of the old railway as well.
That coach station has been there as long as I can remember, I’m Manchester born and it used to be called Chorlton Street bus station when I was young, there was never an enclosed or gated area for the coaches to arrive and depart, I haven’t lived in Manchester since the 80s and it hasn’t changed much over the years, even the coach bays are the same but with concrete stops at the kerb, great video, thank you for the memories.
Cheers Keith - only second time I’d been there tbh so knew very little about it. Glad it brought back some nice memories mate and thanks for the comment 😊👍
I live in Glasgow and years ago I used to travel to Blackpool by bus , but I don't think the coaches run anymore to Blackpool and I miss that , the only coaches that go are the coaches where you have to book a hotel and coach .
Brilliant mate - that’s what it’s all about, trying different stuff and why not. If it doesn’t work out, well at least you had a go 😊👍 I like York, so yes will definitely be back up there at some point.
I drive these coaches from Stansted and we have some old 14 plates still running. Most coaches are usually retired after 5 years to keep the fleets modern.
Hi Alice, thanks for the info. I got the impression 5 years was around the time (wish it was the same for my company car!). Seems there’s a bit of a delay on the arrival of new ones though.
Hey with the reading lights and also the plug sockets the driver has full control the driver may have forgot to switch the sockets on and yeah reading lights would only be switched on in poor light hope this helps
Great video as usual. You can make the most beige seeming travel routes interesting. New Isle of Man ferry arrived this month from Korea, looking forward to trying that out
Cheers mate. Yes re: the Manxman - you and me both! I think it’s gonna be next year though now by the time I get back from travelling but it’s definitely something to look forward to!
On relation to oldest coaches, East Yorkshire still has a 63 reg branded coach (which they only repainted back to National Express a few months ago). Route 132 is possibly your best bet for that.
My brother did the same journey last week but in the opposite direction. National express used have a policy of 7 years being the maximum age except duplicates. He used the option of booking his seat for £2. As he has sight problems. He was suitably impressed,
Also History with coach 8, Coach 8 Transfered to Go-Ahead East Yorkshire for National Express work from Go-North East as number 7130 and then put into National Express work, it's currently the oldest coach in Hull's NX coaching fleet as NX stuff Only have lifespan of 5 years
Travelled from Manchester to Liverpool and to Blackpool. Used cioach/train and car. In all preferred the train. Really much the same time end to end. Cost. Ok rail is most expensive. But in all have to look at comfort
Next time you travel National Express, look near the front wheel/passenger door and it should tell you who owns the coach, known as the legal lettering
I've used both National Express and Xcountry from Sunderland to Blackpool via Manchester. I preferred the train but used the Sunderland to Carlisle then Preston to Blackpool by train rather than the coach as it took so much longer and had a sore bum by the time I got off the coach.
Nice video. But with the train price, the train would definitely get my business, good as the coach was. Still, best part is the excellent pub at Manchester coach station 😜
In terms of lifespan of coaches, Bennetts Coaches our local NX operator absorb the fleet into their own local work and repaint into Bennetts livery. You'll typically get ex NX vehicles doing school runs and private charter work. Some 2017 coaches have recently been stood down from NX work.
That’s interesting thanks. I see a few coaches here doing school runs etc - quite a few on private plates. They’re not ex NX though tbh but I do wonder how old some of them are!
Changed a bit since I last went to Blackpool when National Exp used a coach park on Lonsdale Road. Convenient for me as, at one time, had a through service from Skegness. Also had several overnight runs between Blackpool and London - double deck coach, very comfortable, and fascinating going through the tunnel under the Mersey in the early hours 😂. Your coach will have been one of the East Yorkshire Motor Services fleet.
Really nice video! National Express has now introduced a new Blackpool service where you can pick it up from London VCS and go directly from Blackpool. It leaves VCS roughly at 23:30 and arrives in Blackpool roughly 07:20 the next day. They also have the same coming back! Leaving Blackpool roughly at 21:50 and arriving back at VCS roughly at 06:00 the next day. Rough travel time of 8hrs and 10 minutes both ways. Really looking forward to the next video of yours!
That is a bargain. I have got the Train from Manchester to Blackpool in the past. It does seem to stop everywhere though. You mentioned Upper Crust. Have you ever tried the too good to go app? Upper crust is often on there, and you get really good deals for their food.
That looked like a pretty good journey. With the price for the train though, hmmm, I'd be tempted to go that route and have a bit more time to spend in Blackpool enjoying some rock or even better, fish n chips. :) Looking forward to the next one.
Hi mark love the video i know you have loads of trips but when you said the which way i have one for you the 555 from Lancaster to keswick in the lakes and all that for 2 pounds one way
Hi David, yes already got this on my list the 555. Not sure when I’m going to get round to it tbh but it’s been mentioned before a few times so it must be good! Cheers for the recommendation 😊👍
The rail service from Manchester to Blackpool is excellent, they are every 30 minutes and run through the night as well to Manchester Airport, the fastest journey time is around 56 minutes.
56 minutes? Really? According to the app, 1hr 14 minutes is the fastest. Not once have I caught the train in Manchester and arrived in Blackpool in less than an hour.
@jasongray4517 I caught the 03:30 Blackpool to Manchester Airport service it only called at Manchester Piccadiilly....that having been said it was 2 years ago so maybe they fo not run anymore.
@davehanson7764 And it's always a gamble where Northern Rail is concerned. Unreliable, frustrating and expensive. It's not known as Northern Fail for no good reason.
@jasongray4517 True ,but I have had too many bad experiences with National Express coaches to be honest as services from Blackpool are oftetn varied I work in Manchester quite ofern and trains from Blackpool are very frequent....when tbey run of course 😀
Cheers Kai and you mate. NX certainly a more extensive network though Megabus and Flixbus do offer some interesting routes without a change in Birmingham or London not covered by NX - certainly cross country examples like Newcastle to Portsmouth are useful in that respect 😊👍
The previous iteration of Manchester Coach Station was terrible though it’s now around 20 years since the rebuild so a lot of people won’t remember it but it was grim. The biggest benefit to taking the coach is avoiding Blackpool North Station where I have consistently seen comments of how terrible it is to use and how rude the platform staff are. I have no idea why they should be so bad but no one seems to have a good word about them or the station. Apparently you are prevented from going onto the platform till the last min which creates a Euston style rush. Not great when you cannot reserve a seat in advance. As you mentioned though the fares are cheap.
Hi hi. Usually vehicles are only kept for 5 years due to the amount of mileage they accumulate. However since Covid and other reasons I don't know about some older vehicles have either been retained or have been dragged (kicking & screaming) back into service. The oldest I've seen knocking around Bham are 15 plates which were brought back after they had been put onto the private hire contract. Unfortunately CKP that you had was quite a problem child for us when it was on the Bham-Hull route and I'm kinda glad we don't see it much now 😂 Hope thus helps 👋
Hi Ashley, 5 years - useful to know but yep the impression I get (unless I’m mistaken) is that NX are doing well atm and there’s plenty of demand post-covid, especially with the supposed uncertainty around rail travel. Good news for them and passengers really 👍
Hi Lias, great to meet you both! I’m glad you left me a comment - appreciate that and thanks for the other engagement you’ve had with the channel 😊 I hope you had as good a time as us, I’m back home now - tired but London’s like that isn’t it. A couple of nights is usually enough for me! Cheers mate 👍
13:22 Those trains are usually uncomfortable and packed! If I can't justify going in and out of Manchester Airport station (where those trains start) , I'd normally take the coach.
Do you know if National Express have a similar set up to Scottish Citylink, where they don’t actually own any vehicles, instead use a variety of operators to operate their services?
@@LetsMakeaTrip are you sure about that? You can pass right next to it on the Preston-Blackpool road. It has 15ft high security fences, loads of cctv and no signage. There is a surrounding earthworks and what looks like covered buildings within. We always thought it was something military due to the security and the way its hidden. Edit. Looking on google maps it does describe it as a reservoir but that security doesn't add up.
The 173 service I took departed Hull 08:20, Leeds 10:15, Bradford 10:45, Manchester (my starting point) 12:00, arrived Blackpool 13:20. Which service are you referring to?
Hi that was an excellent video and i really enjoyed it so much. I went by train from Preston to Blackpool back in early June and the return ticket coast £8.80 or something like that. I would have taken the train to Blackpool from Manchester and paid the extra as with a coach it could have been an even more delay than you had.
great video here and one of the first dew ive watched on your channel, personally i think i would stick with the Coach, as trains have proven to be quite unreliable in recent months (if you where to book in advance) and i feel like a coach is more private
Yes good point on the reliability and NX are certainly benefiting from the uncertainty around rail atm. Privacy can be good on the coach yes providing no-one’s sitting next to you. Cheers Brandon. 😊👍
Good video as usual mark, i would rather travel by train i think as i used to drive coaches and its like a busman’s holiday if i go by road having said that £4 is not that bad I’ve never been to Blackpool is it worth a look.
Cheers Sean. Well Blackpool - there’s nothing quite like it imo. Probably best to research it first inc where to stay and as with anywhere new, depends what you want I guess. Everyone should go there once though I reckon 👍
Great video as usual. I don't know if you noticed that at Manchester Central Coach Station the arrivals and departure screens also show local buses from stands across the road.
Cheers Phil, I didn’t look that closely tbh, I know the Witchway goes from outside so I’m assuming those are on it, not sure what other buses also go from the road though.
I just found out your channel and I watched your video in a coach going to Heathrow airport haha I was in a coach watching you in a coach 😂 much love mate ❤ have a good day
Your videos are giving me a craving to use the coach, I'm thinking of going to Blackpool from London, The furthest I've ever done by coach is London to Birmingham.
Hi. Hope u are well. Yes well, another cheap but enjoyable journey, how do u do it for the price. Are u going to make video when u get to location like Blackpool. Does your wife not come anymore. Do u take any food with u. Looking forward to next one. Safe travels. Best wishes David and Beverley Norfolk
Hi both, thanks as always for the engagement. Firstly I book in advance as much as possible - sometimes months ahead. I did film the hotel in Blackpool but unfortunately the audio quality is terrible so I’m going to have to scrap it. She’s not my wife 😂 but yes we’re hoping to do some more stuff together in the future - probably another sleeper or overnight ferry. Lastly, I normally grab a Costa in the morning of travel if I can and then wing it for the rest of the day! Cheers guys 😊👍
Ah that’s good to here. Depends also on the country that you’re in I suppose. In the Netherlands, for example, you only have three point seatbelts on the most ‘dangerous’ seats, and two point seatbelts on the rest. Not sure why they wouldn’t install three point seatbelts on all seats though, would seem a lot safer to me, even if they are really tight ;)
Hello , I done this trip way back in May I done it Blackpool - Manchester I wanted to try there newer Coach but ended up 2017 plate coach. I enjoyed the trip.
@@sameyers2670 Hi Sam, a few years ago we did a trip from Leeds to Swansea, changing at Birmingham, and at Birmingham picked up a coach which had come from Hull. It was single-manned; I presume the driver overnights in Swansea and then does a return trip the next day. Does that service still operate, suspect you may have done it yourself!
I was there on way to Blackpool and coming back from Blackpool yesterday, I had an hour layover there, facilities are good and there's plenty of security about 👍
Reliable service, good video. Check out city link 914 and then 915 in Scotland my friend, I did them last week its unbelievable. Best views in the UK. I think you'd like it.
Used to love a National Express trip when I lived in Manchester. Live in Preston now so not as frequent. Love the older Volvo Caetanos. They had a really nice engine roar and turbo whistle if your an enthusiast like me. The last of buses where you can hear all parts of the engine doing their thing. Used to love sitting at the back and just enjoying the sounds. Still enjoy a coach trip. If you've got time it's a great way to get around and see different places and dare I say it..... different people!! Some with better social skills than others! 😂😂
@@LetsMakeaTrip thanks. 🙂 it used to be great. It had an old-fashioned charm about it. I was living at student like lifestyle at the time. I used to do the route from Manchester to Birmingham. They are all Caetano Leventes but on different chassis and engines. The older ones I liked were Volvo B9R or some of the Scania engines ones. If you sit near the back they are great sounding engines for an enthusiast. They really rev and it was cool at the time booming through the streets of Manchester or London. You can hear the turbo and all the different gears spool up as they accerlate. I hope you come to Preston and try the Stagecoach Gold 125 from Preston to Bolton. Nice route. Be good content for your channel 👌
I enjoyed that one too, Steve as you were travelling through my childhood territory Just seeing the M6 signs to Chorley and Leyland put a big smile on my face. I went to primary school in Leyland and grew up in Eccleston near Chorley. The coach looked OK - not superb. That the Wi-Fi didn't work is - right - no big deal, but it is indicative of a disappointingly lax corporate attitude. If it doesn't work - then bloody well fix it! It is indicative of a company that enjoys middling mediocrity. That would annoy me. NE is just not making the effort. Caps off to the cleanliness of the bathroom though. Well done NE. Why not go all the way and make things 100% proper? Keep doing these bus trips, Steve: I always watch them. Paul in Oz.
Cheers Paul, yep I think the WIFI thing, the driver can operate it from the front - I keep meaning to ask them about that. Thanks again for commenting on the videos. It’s Mark btw 😂😉
Hi Mark how you doing mate? Great video as always well edited and perfect background music added on the road scenes its nice to see another National Express coach journey again yes its a short journey but its still alright I don't really like Blackpool myself due to the some of drunk people causing trouble in the streets as there so run down plus there's no change there the National Express coach station in Manchester doesn't look too great the Birmingham one is better good that the toilets are free though to use ashamed that the coach arrived 37 mins late due to that accident on the M62 the coach is alright for a 7 year old coach manufactured in 2016 bad the plug sockets you used didn't work nor the reading light not working either possibly the driver did turn them off as there is a button that the driver can turn on and off like on every coach because it was the daytime the toilet facilities did look very clean and well stocked for soap and toilet paper which is great for it traveling from Hull also bad that the WIFI wasn't working either which isn't good either £4 is an absolute bargain but not for the some of the coaches lack of working plug sockets, reading lights and WIFI anyways i hope your having a good afternoon so far Mark and keep up the great content as always on the channel its amazing 👍
Cheers FG and thanks, as always, for watching and giving your thoughts. Would you take the train for an extra £1.50? I think I would but I was in no rush so delays on this occasion were no big deal for me. 😊👍
@@LetsMakeaTrip Maybe if I was in a rush but if I wasn't in a rush I would take the national express coach like you did but at least you got there in the end anyways i hope your having a good afternoon so far Mark 👍
£4 thats a deal traveling on the train alot more at least u did not have many stops and u had a bit of personal space and the toliets wer clean not on trains i think it was a good deal any money u save is good does not matter how much
Wow, £4 is almost an all-time low fare even if the journey was short. I went with a friend to Blackpool in June 2018, and we paid £28 return each as there was a short notice strike of Northern rail trains, but we had a great time overall. Some 10-12 years ago there used to be the X70 express route, known as Red Rocket Express, between Manchester and Blackpool, but it did not last long as its operator went bankrupt in 2013
Has all the National Express and Blackpool promotions coaches got a toilet on it? just curious say dose all Blackpool promotions and National express coaches say leave from Paisley Abercorn street or Glasgow have a toilet on there coach.
Nice video!! I'm an engineer for Go North East who operates for National Express. We have just put 2 Levante 1's back on the network 63 reg ones. We use them on the 172 Newcastle to Manchester Airport. If you want to travel on one get in contact.
Cheers Tony, I must have just missed out on this. Did the 172 route a couple of weeks ago with BM69KPG, lovely scenic run but yep, a newer coach. If they end up anywhere else, please let me know. Thanks for the offer 😊👍
Varies a bit in my experience- the 040 London to Bristol is superb in their Premium Seats’ and i’ve had some nice Flixbus seats. Megabus feel the most dated to me tbh but happy to be recommended a nice modern Megabus coach if you know of any 👍
You were spot on about the toilets though the amount of space you have is good, the flixbus journeys are ok but bare in mind they are new as far as the megabus journeys go I believe they're new busses are getting built as we speak and are all volvo rather than volvo/plaxton so should be more reliable ventilation, WiFi comfort etc, they should be in service in next 6-9 month
Hi there I myself and my partner were somewhat amused to see you go past the Thomson’s arms on your current trip it was one of my old haunts when I used to go out on the Manchester gay scene 😅
Hi Adrian, cheers for the comment. Yes I gather from the comments it’s quite big (or at least once was) on the Manchester bay scene though I guess that’s not surprising considering it’s location. And still even better if you like coaches - sorted 😊👍
I always think National Express offer a pretty consistent service, and with nice passengers as well it makes for a very civilised journey eh!?
Cheers Steve, yes for me, a lot depends on my fellow passengers (whatever mode of transport I’m using 😂). Service is pretty consistent, coaches can differ and to this date there is nothing that comes close to the ‘premium’ seat on the 040 London - Bristol express service. Superb so if you ever get the chance….👍
The oldest bus is a 06 reg B12M Plaxton Paragon
@@Coach_spotting_cheshire holy shit is it safe?
@@Coach_spotting_cheshireoldest bus for who?
@@s125ish National express
took the journey from Blackpool to Manchester and return journey due to a meeting when I lived in Blackpool a few years back, convenient ride and cheaper than the train by far.
9:30 it’s the reservoir near Weeton. Look on the old maps it has been there for years :)
Here’s Alex - I thought as much 👍
You would be spotting more than coaches in the Thompson Arms 😆. It's part of the village. Great video btw
Haha, cheers Amanda - I’ll definitely take a look sometime though 👍
Been visiting blackpool at least twice a year...always get national express...the one thing i will say it does need a better upto date covered bus station they did have a covered bus station years ago...used by blackpool transport...but for some reason it was sold on..think there is a gym on the site now.. !
Hi Mark. I work for a coach company in Norwich that operates two ex Nat Exp, 16 plate Lavante 2s. We have very little problems with them, in fact 1 of them is currently on the Isle of Wight. Great video, as always.
Hi Kram, cheers mate. I’ve heard there’s a delay in getting new coaches which I presume is affecting quite a few companies.
I always take the train to Blackpool from Manchester, the coach isn't cheap enough to warrant the price. At least with the train you get repay delay too if it is late, also the trains are far more frequent and you can move around on them. That said the train can get very busy so the coach might be more relaxing.
I am guessing that coach was possibly operating by East Yorkshire buses or Selwyns. National Express don't operate many of the coaches themselves.
Cheers Ian, some good points made there. I’ll definitely try the train at some point to compare. And yes I think it was East Yorks operating it.
Great video and trip report. That coach you had was brought back onto the network within the last year due to demand. It used to run with Go North East on their own National Express contracts and was used briefly in service on their own routes before coming to that operator you had today.
Some operators are having to bring back 63 (2013/2014) plates until new coaches arrive which are causing delays.
Cheers mate, yes I gather there’s a bit of a wait on new coaches and, correct me if I’m wrong, the impression I get is NX are doing well atm and the demand certainly seems to be there. Good news all round really 👍😂
Im told there's about an 8 month lead time on new coaches at present, and NX need 250 new coaches in the next 18 months but Caetano only have the capacity to build 150, so they will either have to relax age limits again or allow other coaches on the network
I'm a driver on the network, and my garage are due to receive Van Hool over decks soon for the 550 and 551 services
“Not too bad!” I’d say it’s rather good for the price. What a cheery chap.
I am Stuart, thanks for the compliment 😂
To my knowledge National Express only use their coaches for 8 years but some operators do withdraw them after 5 or 6 years. Or if it’s a Parks of Hamilton coach they probably get withdrawn after 3 years at a guess but I might be completely wrong I’ve course mate.
Cheers Ross 😊👍
A pretty short National Express run and there might be regional buses too although maybe you'd have to change in Preston?
local bus (stagecoach branded) trundles through a lengthy journey to st annes and then on into near the back of town hall (an hours journey plus)
Yes probably quite scenic but by no means fast.
Interesting video, the pub on the corner looked a good find. Visited Blackpool myself in march for an RAF Reunion, back again next march as well.
Cheers Neil, I’m assuming you’ll be going by NX then next year 🤔
@@LetsMakeaTrip from where i live i will be driving 😁
Done this same journey a couple of times now at £4 a pop, absolute bargain, and relatively reliable. Actually looked this week and it was £13 each way (not coincidentally timed with the approaching school holidays and more train strikes presumably).
Coach prices sky rocket when the strikes are on. Seeen £80 one way
I travel to manchester a lot to visit my parents and I prefer the coach than the train….glad you had a nice journey to Blackpool
I did Gina - I went with an open mind, the coach was good and I had a decent time in Blackpool and Fleetwood. An all round good experience. 👍
I love Blackpool! Hope you enjoyed your time there!
Incidentally, the coach station is on the site of the former Blackpool Central railway station, closed in 1964 and considerably beter sited than today's Blackpool North.
I think NX are going great guns atm, totally recasting the network after the lockdown , and of course, the rail strikes have been manna from heaven for them!
Totally agree Mark. Very odd the railway station closed as like the name suggests, it’s so close to the centre. I had to walk a mile to my hotel which appeared to be on the old line - certainly got that impression anyway and it seems to have been replaced by the road.
@@LetsMakeaTrip I believe Blackpool counci; wanted the land, and BR sold it to them for a song!
The original Beeching proposals were to close the line into Blackpool North!
@@markstramtrainbuscapades1729 not sure now but the old platforms at Blackpool central were still visible a few years ago and the line of the old railway as well.
That coach station has been there as long as I can remember, I’m Manchester born and it used to be called Chorlton Street bus station when I was young, there was never an enclosed or gated area for the coaches to arrive and depart, I haven’t lived in Manchester since the 80s and it hasn’t changed much over the years, even the coach bays are the same but with concrete stops at the kerb, great video, thank you for the memories.
Cheers Keith - only second time I’d been there tbh so knew very little about it. Glad it brought back some nice memories mate and thanks for the comment 😊👍
I live in Glasgow and years ago I used to travel to Blackpool by bus , but I don't think the coaches run anymore to Blackpool and I miss that , the only coaches that go are the coaches where you have to book a hotel and coach .
Citylink still run to Blackpool from Glasgow
@@s125ish thanks I will need to check that out
I have always been a train guy. Because of your video, I will try the bus service to London soon because why not 😃
Come visit York next 🙂
Brilliant mate - that’s what it’s all about, trying different stuff and why not. If it doesn’t work out, well at least you had a go 😊👍 I like York, so yes will definitely be back up there at some point.
I drive these coaches from Stansted and we have some old 14 plates still running. Most coaches are usually retired after 5 years to keep the fleets modern.
Hi Alice, thanks for the info. I got the impression 5 years was around the time (wish it was the same for my company car!). Seems there’s a bit of a delay on the arrival of new ones though.
Hi Mark
Always enjoy watching your videos
Both entertaining and informative, great.
Cheers Alan, thanks a lot for the comment 😊👍
Hey with the reading lights and also the plug sockets the driver has full control the driver may have forgot to switch the sockets on and yeah reading lights would only be switched on in poor light hope this helps
It does, cheers Davey👍
The ticket office is often open it’s not usually closed I make that journey regularly it’s half the cost of the train
Cheers Peter. Yep advance tickets on the train can be more comparable if you can do that.
Manchester looks nice might have to come over from London.
Nice video as always! Don't travel on national express much but one of the most expensive "main" coach operators I find!
Cheers Danny - best booking well in advance if you want the cheapest fares. There are some bargains about 👍
Great video as usual. You can make the most beige seeming travel routes interesting. New Isle of Man ferry arrived this month from Korea, looking forward to trying that out
Cheers mate. Yes re: the Manxman - you and me both! I think it’s gonna be next year though now by the time I get back from travelling but it’s definitely something to look forward to!
Last time I used national express it was full of people shouting on phones non stop ; despite the driver saying to keep the noise down
On relation to oldest coaches, East Yorkshire still has a 63 reg branded coach (which they only repainted back to National Express a few months ago). Route 132 is possibly your best bet for that.
My brother did the same journey last week but in the opposite direction. National express used have a policy of 7 years being the maximum age except duplicates. He used the option of booking his seat for £2. As he has sight problems. He was suitably impressed,
Oh totally agree. If you don’t mind paying £2-3 and seat 2a is available, I’d go with that every time 👍
Also History with coach 8,
Coach 8 Transfered to Go-Ahead East Yorkshire for National Express work from Go-North East as number 7130 and then put into National Express work, it's currently the oldest coach in Hull's NX coaching fleet as NX stuff Only have lifespan of 5 years
You forgot coaches 83 and 84 which are 63 plate
Travelled from Manchester to Liverpool and to Blackpool. Used cioach/train and car. In all preferred the train. Really much the same time end to end. Cost. Ok rail is most expensive. But in all have to look at comfort
Yep £1.50 extra in advance and I probably prefer the train just about. Also (though you never know these days) less susceptible to delays?
Next time you travel National Express, look near the front wheel/passenger door and it should tell you who owns the coach, known as the legal lettering
Cheers Les, I will do 👍
I've used both National Express and Xcountry from Sunderland to Blackpool via Manchester. I preferred the train but used the Sunderland to Carlisle then Preston to Blackpool by train rather than the coach as it took so much longer and had a sore bum by the time I got off the coach.
Nice video. I went to Blackpool on holiday with my family in 2020, although we went by car! I believe the 173 originates in Leeds (I think)?
Great video Mark. Id love to do a trip to Blackpool as ive never been. Cheers x
Cheers, go with an open mind I’d say and see what you think! 😊👍
Nice video. But with the train price, the train would definitely get my business, good as the coach was. Still, best part is the excellent pub at Manchester coach station 😜
Thank you for this video!
Lovely weather Mark, Nx fares are very competitive in my opinion. Your videos are always interesting and informative. 😎👍🏻
Cheers Michael, thanks for the lovely comment. Appreciated 😊
Try riding on trentbarton red arrow from Derby to Nottingham or X38 Derby to Burton
Cheers Dylan, thanks for the recommendation 😊👍
In terms of lifespan of coaches, Bennetts Coaches our local NX operator absorb the fleet into their own local work and repaint into Bennetts livery. You'll typically get ex NX vehicles doing school runs and private charter work. Some 2017 coaches have recently been stood down from NX work.
That’s interesting thanks. I see a few coaches here doing school runs etc - quite a few on private plates. They’re not ex NX though tbh but I do wonder how old some of them are!
Changed a bit since I last went to Blackpool when National Exp used a coach park on Lonsdale Road. Convenient for me as, at one time, had a through service from Skegness. Also had several overnight runs between Blackpool and London - double deck coach, very comfortable, and fascinating going through the tunnel under the Mersey in the early hours 😂. Your coach will have been one of the East Yorkshire Motor Services fleet.
Cheers Peter, first time going on the coach to Blackpool for me. Looks like quite a bit of development going on around the coach station 👍
Class video again . Not keen on national express however but suppose they do the job of getting you from a to b
Cheers Jack. Yep, if I get a decent coach, any of the major operators will do for me 👍
Really nice video! National Express has now introduced a new Blackpool service where you can pick it up from London VCS and go directly from Blackpool. It leaves VCS roughly at 23:30 and arrives in Blackpool roughly 07:20 the next day.
They also have the same coming back! Leaving Blackpool roughly at 21:50 and arriving back at VCS roughly at 06:00 the next day. Rough travel time of 8hrs and 10 minutes both ways.
Really looking forward to the next video of yours!
Cheers Alex, didn’t know that. Fancy arriving in Blackpool that time in the morning - probably still loads of stuff going on!
That is a bargain. I have got the Train from Manchester to Blackpool in the past. It does seem to stop everywhere though. You mentioned Upper Crust. Have you ever tried the too good to go app? Upper crust is often on there, and you get really good deals for their food.
😊 the oldest ive seen in my local area is a 15 plate but have also seen a old 62 belonging to solent coaches but ex national express coach
So they are about. Interesting- thanks for the info 👍
@@LetsMakeaTrip no worries first have transferred a one from Kernow to berkshire for new RA3 service aswell on private reg
That looked like a pretty good journey. With the price for the train though, hmmm, I'd be tempted to go that route and have a bit more time to spend in Blackpool enjoying some rock or even better, fish n chips. :) Looking forward to the next one.
Thanks, yep train just about wins it for me (subject to reliability). But I will try it at some point to compare 👍
Alternatives are Local Buses ending up in Preston with a Preston-Blackpool bus service.
Yep and costing just as much with a change in Preston and stops - not for me tbh 😊
Great video. I definitely would use the coaches. Train companies are on strike so often, I don’t want to give them my money.
On a normal day I’d probably take the train but it is difficult to ascertain what constitutes a ‘normal day’ atm I think.
Hi mark love the video i know you have loads of trips but when you said the which way i have one for you the 555 from Lancaster to keswick in the lakes and all that for 2 pounds one way
Hi David, yes already got this on my list the 555. Not sure when I’m going to get round to it tbh but it’s been mentioned before a few times so it must be good! Cheers for the recommendation 😊👍
Thank you will look forward to it
The rail service from Manchester to Blackpool is excellent, they are every 30 minutes and run through the night as well to Manchester Airport, the fastest journey time is around 56 minutes.
56 minutes? Really? According to the app, 1hr 14 minutes is the fastest. Not once have I caught the train in Manchester and arrived in Blackpool in less than an hour.
@jasongray4517 I caught the 03:30 Blackpool to Manchester Airport service it only called at Manchester Piccadiilly....that having been said it was 2 years ago so maybe they fo not run anymore.
Just had a butchers the first service now is at 05:00 as far as I can see... its a shame that I oftern used to use them .
@davehanson7764 And it's always a gamble where Northern Rail is concerned. Unreliable, frustrating and expensive. It's not known as Northern Fail for no good reason.
@jasongray4517 True ,but I have had too many bad experiences with National Express coaches to be honest as services from Blackpool are oftetn varied I work in Manchester quite ofern and trains from Blackpool are very frequent....when tbey run of course 😀
Yeah the 7 year old coaches do lag a little but i hope you enjoyed blackpool
Cheers Jake. I went with an open mind and yeh, enjoyed it overall 😊👍
Awesome video. I think when it comes to coach travel, national express is probably your only best and reliable option. Have a good weekend
Cheers Kai and you mate. NX certainly a more extensive network though Megabus and Flixbus do offer some interesting routes without a change in Birmingham or London not covered by NX - certainly cross country examples like Newcastle to Portsmouth are useful in that respect 😊👍
A very good Saturday evening Mark from Alan in Lowestoft buddy 👍 😊
Hi Alan, sorry I’m late getting around to answering the comments mate 😊👍
Looks like a good journey
Yes Jack, cheap and comfortable - what I like 👍
Cheers Mark , you couldn't get me some rock and candyfloss , haven't had any in ages.
I was going to grab lots but y’know budgets and stuff 😂 maybe next time mate 😊👍
The previous iteration of Manchester Coach Station was terrible though it’s now around 20 years since the rebuild so a lot of people won’t remember it but it was grim. The biggest benefit to taking the coach is avoiding Blackpool North Station where I have consistently seen comments of how terrible it is to use and how rude the platform staff are. I have no idea why they should be so bad but no one seems to have a good word about them or the station. Apparently you are prevented from going onto the platform till the last min which creates a Euston style rush. Not great when you cannot reserve a seat in advance. As you mentioned though the fares are cheap.
Hi hi.
Usually vehicles are only kept for 5 years due to the amount of mileage they accumulate. However since Covid and other reasons I don't know about some older vehicles have either been retained or have been dragged (kicking & screaming) back into service.
The oldest I've seen knocking around Bham are 15 plates which were brought back after they had been put onto the private hire contract.
Unfortunately CKP that you had was quite a problem child for us when it was on the Bham-Hull route and I'm kinda glad we don't see it much now 😂
Hope thus helps 👋
Hi Ashley, 5 years - useful to know but yep the impression I get (unless I’m mistaken) is that NX are doing well atm and there’s plenty of demand post-covid, especially with the supposed uncertainty around rail travel. Good news for them and passengers really 👍
Good evening it was me that bumped in to you in the hotel in London the other day with my son
Hi Lias, great to meet you both! I’m glad you left me a comment - appreciate that and thanks for the other engagement you’ve had with the channel 😊 I hope you had as good a time as us, I’m back home now - tired but London’s like that isn’t it. A couple of nights is usually enough for me! Cheers mate 👍
@@LetsMakeaTrip absolutely we was there Friday and got home today we was down to see the monster trucks at the London stadium
13:22 Those trains are usually uncomfortable and packed! If I can't justify going in and out of Manchester Airport station (where those trains start) , I'd normally take the coach.
Do you know if National Express have a similar set up to Scottish Citylink, where they don’t actually own any vehicles, instead use a variety of operators to operate their services?
I think the majority are run by ‘partner operators’ yes.
Yes it’s similar, national express do own some coaches , I think it’s some of the airport routes around London
You are correct about the construction off the M55, it is a covered reservoir.
Ah thanks for confirming 😊👍
@@LetsMakeaTrip are you sure about that? You can pass right next to it on the Preston-Blackpool road. It has 15ft high security fences, loads of cctv and no signage. There is a surrounding earthworks and what looks like covered buildings within. We always thought it was something military due to the security and the way its hidden.
Edit. Looking on google maps it does describe it as a reservoir but that security doesn't add up.
Incorrect with the Hull - Blackpool via Leeds & Manchester, it's just Via leeds on way into Blackpool, on way back from Blackpool it's via Manchester
The 173 service I took departed Hull 08:20, Leeds 10:15, Bradford 10:45, Manchester (my starting point) 12:00, arrived Blackpool 13:20. Which service are you referring to?
I think the landmark is weeton reservoir
Cheers Peter - I was pretty convinced it was a res so I’m sure you’re right 😊👍
Hi that was an excellent video and i really enjoyed it so much. I went by train from Preston to Blackpool back in early June and the return ticket coast £8.80 or something like that. I would have taken the train to Blackpool from Manchester and paid the extra as with a coach it could have been an even more delay than you had.
In regard to delays, I'd be more inclined to put my faith in National Express than Northern Fail.
Yep, swings and roundabouts but the coach is probably more reliable to book in advance in this current climate!
great video here and one of the first dew ive watched on your channel, personally i think i would stick with the Coach, as trains have proven to be quite unreliable in recent months (if you where to book in advance) and i feel like a coach is more private
Yes good point on the reliability and NX are certainly benefiting from the uncertainty around rail atm. Privacy can be good on the coach yes providing no-one’s sitting next to you. Cheers Brandon. 😊👍
Good video as usual mark, i would rather travel by train i think as i used to drive coaches and its like a busman’s holiday if i go by road having said that £4 is not that bad I’ve never been to Blackpool is it worth a look.
Cheers Sean. Well Blackpool - there’s nothing quite like it imo. Probably best to research it first inc where to stay and as with anywhere new, depends what you want I guess. Everyone should go there once though I reckon 👍
The thing on the M55 is a pig farm!
Oh someone else confirmed it was a covered reservoir. Now I’m confused 😂
I take the National Express when my life's in a mess as it makes me smile.
Neil Hannon did that too 😉
Great video as usual.
I don't know if you noticed that at Manchester Central Coach Station the arrivals and departure screens also show local buses from stands across the road.
Cheers Phil, I didn’t look that closely tbh, I know the Witchway goes from outside so I’m assuming those are on it, not sure what other buses also go from the road though.
I just found out your channel and I watched your video in a coach going to Heathrow airport haha I was in a coach watching you in a coach 😂 much love mate ❤ have a good day
Haha, cheers mate. What are the chances 😂
Yep, definitely take the train if it was me
I’ll certainly have a look at it for comparison 👍
Your videos are giving me a craving to use the coach, I'm thinking of going to Blackpool from London, The furthest I've ever done by coach is London to Birmingham.
Go for it! Just sit back, relax and think of the money you’ve saved!
Hi. Hope u are well. Yes well, another cheap but enjoyable journey, how do u do it for the price. Are u going to make video when u get to location like Blackpool. Does your wife not come anymore. Do u take any food with u. Looking forward to next one. Safe travels. Best wishes David and Beverley Norfolk
Hi both, thanks as always for the engagement. Firstly I book in advance as much as possible - sometimes months ahead. I did film the hotel in Blackpool but unfortunately the audio quality is terrible so I’m going to have to scrap it. She’s not my wife 😂 but yes we’re hoping to do some more stuff together in the future - probably another sleeper or overnight ferry. Lastly, I normally grab a Costa in the morning of travel if I can and then wing it for the rest of the day! Cheers guys 😊👍
Im 99% sure the site of the coach station in Blackpool is the site of the old Blackpool Central Railway Station
Yes I think you’re right Marc 👍
What do you think of the three point seatbelts? Are they as tight as some people say they are?
No I don’t find them too bad tbh. Never had an issue even on the longer journeys.
Ah that’s good to here. Depends also on the country that you’re in I suppose. In the Netherlands, for example, you only have three point seatbelts on the most ‘dangerous’ seats, and two point seatbelts on the rest. Not sure why they wouldn’t install three point seatbelts on all seats though, would seem a lot safer to me, even if they are really tight ;)
The coach station at Blackpool is where a disused station used to be and the road in was built on top of the railway line
Yes I got the impression it was something like that. Quite a bit of building work going on behind it too 👍
You should have taken the coach from Hull. It leaves twice a day
This was the 08:20 from Hull that I picked up in Manchester (12:00).
Hello ,
I done this trip way back in May I done it Blackpool - Manchester I wanted to try there newer Coach but ended up 2017 plate coach. I enjoyed the trip.
Cheers mate and thanks for sharing the experience 😊👍
Hitting the hi life, going to Blackpool
I went with an open mind 😊
Great vid! What was the hotel like?
Cheers Steve, not bad tbf, was the Travelodge down by Bloomfield Road. New rooms too 👍
I know that east Yorkshire coaches recently repainted a caetano levante 1 from 2014 to help so that might be the oldest
I'm a driver at EY, we have put 2 63 plate Levante 2s back on the network at the last uplift until we can get new coaches
@@sameyers2670oh that's cool, I do love those things
Cheers guys, thanks for the info 😊👍
@@LetsMakeaTrip you are welcome
@@sameyers2670 Hi Sam, a few years ago we did a trip from Leeds to Swansea, changing at Birmingham, and at Birmingham picked up a coach which had come from Hull. It was single-manned; I presume the driver overnights in Swansea and then does a return trip the next day. Does that service still operate, suspect you may have done it yourself!
Hi it's John did you travel from Charlton st bus station and we're are you staying in Blackpool m8 all the best John 😊
Hi John, yes Manchester, Chorlton Street. I did stay in Blackpool, for one night, Travelodge, Blackpool South 👍
I was there on way to Blackpool and coming back from Blackpool yesterday, I had an hour layover there, facilities are good and there's plenty of security about 👍
Cheers Sarah. Yes I agree, everything you need really and only a short walk from the station.
I Love national express
Cheers Dylan 😊👍
the best bus is 100 lothing bus or the fleet number 1130 or 1129
I’ll look out for that mate, cheers 👍
Reliable service, good video.
Check out city link 914 and then 915 in Scotland my friend, I did them last week its unbelievable. Best views in the UK. I think you'd like it.
Cheers Nikki, the Citylink service is high on my list to do. Once I find the time I’ll definitely be back up there 👍
Used to love a National Express trip when I lived in Manchester. Live in Preston now so not as frequent. Love the older Volvo Caetanos. They had a really nice engine roar and turbo whistle if your an enthusiast like me. The last of buses where you can hear all parts of the engine doing their thing. Used to love sitting at the back and just enjoying the sounds. Still enjoy a coach trip. If you've got time it's a great way to get around and see different places and dare I say it..... different people!! Some with better social skills than others! 😂😂
Cheers Alex, I’m not as clued-up as you in terms of the engine tbh, but I’ll have a listen for that next time! Thanks for the comment mate 😊👍
@@LetsMakeaTrip thanks. 🙂 it used to be great. It had an old-fashioned charm about it. I was living at student like lifestyle at the time. I used to do the route from Manchester to Birmingham. They are all Caetano Leventes but on different chassis and engines. The older ones I liked were Volvo B9R or some of the Scania engines ones. If you sit near the back they are great sounding engines for an enthusiast. They really rev and it was cool at the time booming through the streets of Manchester or London. You can hear the turbo and all the different gears spool up as they accerlate. I hope you come to Preston and try the Stagecoach Gold 125 from Preston to Bolton. Nice route. Be good content for your channel 👌
How far in advance did you purchase your bus ticket and how far in advance would need to purchase the train ticket for the very low price
Wht about taking the train and doing a time / quality comparison.
I may well do the train at some point Ken 👍
Would it be faster and easier to get the train from Manc to Blackpool?
I think it’s about the same time-wise. Easier, yes probably.
Big advantage of train is frequency
I enjoyed that one too, Steve as you were travelling through my childhood territory Just seeing the M6 signs to Chorley and Leyland put a big smile on my face. I went to primary school in Leyland and grew up in Eccleston near Chorley. The coach looked OK - not superb. That the Wi-Fi didn't work is - right - no big deal, but it is indicative of a disappointingly lax corporate attitude. If it doesn't work - then bloody well fix it! It is indicative of a company that enjoys middling mediocrity. That would annoy me. NE is just not making the effort. Caps off to the cleanliness of the bathroom though. Well done NE. Why not go all the way and make things 100% proper? Keep doing these bus trips, Steve: I always watch them. Paul in Oz.
Cheers Paul, yep I think the WIFI thing, the driver can operate it from the front - I keep meaning to ask them about that. Thanks again for commenting on the videos. It’s Mark btw 😂😉
Thompson's is very much a gay bar in the village, before bus spotters visit, though I'm sure they will be welcome. Great video as usual.
I’m dying to try it! Will try and feature the pub in a future video😊
Hi Mark how you doing mate? Great video as always well edited and perfect background music added on the road scenes its nice to see another National Express coach journey again yes its a short journey but its still alright I don't really like Blackpool myself due to the some of drunk people causing trouble in the streets as there so run down plus there's no change there the National Express coach station in Manchester doesn't look too great the Birmingham one is better good that the toilets are free though to use ashamed that the coach arrived 37 mins late due to that accident on the M62 the coach is alright for a 7 year old coach manufactured in 2016 bad the plug sockets you used didn't work nor the reading light not working either possibly the driver did turn them off as there is a button that the driver can turn on and off like on every coach because it was the daytime the toilet facilities did look very clean and well stocked for soap and toilet paper which is great for it traveling from Hull also bad that the WIFI wasn't working either which isn't good either £4 is an absolute bargain but not for the some of the coaches lack of working plug sockets, reading lights and WIFI anyways i hope your having a good afternoon so far Mark and keep up the great content as always on the channel its amazing 👍
It says 'Edited'... did you edit out all the commas, full stops and apostrophes? lol
@@peterdean8009 nope I just added something at the end
Cheers FG and thanks, as always, for watching and giving your thoughts. Would you take the train for an extra £1.50? I think I would but I was in no rush so delays on this occasion were no big deal for me. 😊👍
@@LetsMakeaTrip Maybe if I was in a rush but if I wasn't in a rush I would take the national express coach like you did but at least you got there in the end anyways i hope your having a good afternoon so far Mark 👍
£4 thats a deal traveling on the train alot more at least u did not have many stops and u had a bit of personal space and the toliets wer clean not on trains i think it was a good deal any money u save is good does not matter how much
Cheers mate, yep £4 definitely a great deal that but I would like to try the train in comparison 👍
Is there a video tomorrow?
Probably Saturday. I’m flat-out atm with work so I don’t have a lot of time unfortunately.
Wow, £4 is almost an all-time low fare even if the journey was short. I went with a friend to Blackpool in June 2018, and we paid £28 return each as there was a short notice strike of Northern rail trains, but we had a great time overall.
Some 10-12 years ago there used to be the X70 express route, known as Red Rocket Express, between Manchester and Blackpool, but it did not last long as its operator went bankrupt in 2013
I bet they bumped those prices up when the strike was announced! Never heard of the Red Rocket Express, I’ll have to look it up. Cheers mate 😊👍
Has all the National Express and Blackpool promotions coaches got a toilet on it? just curious say dose all Blackpool promotions and National express coaches say leave from Paisley Abercorn street or Glasgow have a toilet on there coach.
National Express coaches should have toilets.
Nice video!! I'm an engineer for Go North East who operates for National Express. We have just put 2 Levante 1's back on the network 63 reg ones. We use them on the 172 Newcastle to Manchester Airport. If you want to travel on one get in contact.
Cheers Tony, I must have just missed out on this. Did the 172 route a couple of weeks ago with BM69KPG, lovely scenic run but yep, a newer coach. If they end up anywhere else, please let me know. Thanks for the offer 😊👍
One things for sure the National Express coaches inside are way outdated compared to they're competitors
Varies a bit in my experience- the 040 London to Bristol is superb in their Premium Seats’ and i’ve had some nice Flixbus seats. Megabus feel the most dated to me tbh but happy to be recommended a nice modern Megabus coach if you know of any 👍
You were spot on about the toilets though the amount of space you have is good, the flixbus journeys are ok but bare in mind they are new as far as the megabus journeys go I believe they're new busses are getting built as we speak and are all volvo rather than volvo/plaxton so should be more reliable ventilation, WiFi comfort etc, they should be in service in next 6-9 month
Hi there I myself and my partner were somewhat amused to see you go past the Thomson’s arms on your current trip it was one of my old haunts when I used to go out on the Manchester gay scene 😅
Hi Adrian, cheers for the comment. Yes I gather from the comments it’s quite big (or at least once was) on the Manchester bay scene though I guess that’s not surprising considering it’s location. And still even better if you like coaches - sorted 😊👍
Awesome video but can you upload on a Friday again
Cheers mate 😊👍