Coaches

A mini guide to the pros & cons of coach travel

We try to give an unbiased listing of several options for transportation to and from the airport. Taking the coach is one of these options. Below we try to point out both the advantages and disadvantages of going by coach.

Price

Coaches are probably the cheapest form of public transportation if you do it right. Shopping around and booking ahead can save you so much money, there are even singles from Leeds to London for £1! A standard return from Leeds to London Gatwick would cost around £125 for 2 adults and 2 children. Considerably cheaper then the train. But make sure to have a close look at the special offers, and book ahead!

Comfort

The main disadvantage is the lack of comfort on some coaches. The toilet is small and usually smelly and the seats are less comfortable than in a taxi or your own car. Children often find that they are more prone to motion sickness on a coach. People with back trouble, very young children, and the elderly may wish to consider other options.

Convenience and Reliability

Whether or not coach travel is convenient will depend on the route, the coach schedule and the time of your flights (outbound and return). Traffic jams affect coaches as much as they do car drivers. Some coach firms are very reliable and excel at scheduling to ensure you make it to the airport on time, whereas others are less so. You also have to take into account that the you will have to get to the coach departure point, which may or may not be conveniently located.

Security

Security is not really an issue.

Conclusion

Basically, it comes down to how much you are willing to pay for comfort and convenience. If you don't mind paying a bit more, the train is an option to look at. If you have several small children or the trip you are planning isn't longer than two weeks, you might want to have a look at the price of parking your car at the airport or read about car hire options.