Modern coaches are light years away from the coaches of even ten or fifteen years ago. The vehicles are more reliable, quiet and powerful. They are double glazed and climate controlled with toilets as standard. Driver's hours are strictly controlled and the vehicles themselves are built to high standards.

Victoria Coach Station and National Express

Victoria Coach Station is London 's principal coach gateway. It is located in the heart of the city, a short walk from Victoria mainline railway station. It is run by Transport for London and is the base of National Express and Eurolines services as well as a selection of smaller coach operators. The station is equipped with a selection of shops and facilities including a left luggage office, located behind Gate 6.

National Express is the UK 's largest coach carrier and operates from all over the country. It runs both express services from many major towns and cities as well as connecting services for smaller towns and villages. It is a hassle free, great value travel option to over 1,200 nationwide, including the UK 's main airports. For details telephone +44 (0)8705 80 80 80.

Smaller Operators

Greenline coach specialise in friendly scheduled coach services between London and the Home Counties. There are two 24 services between London and the historic city of Oxford ; Oxford Espress (Citylink X90) and the Oxford Tube. Both serve the Victoria area and have additional pick-up and drop-off points en route including Notting Hill and Hillingdon. Phone for details:

Greenline Coaches tel: +44 (0)870 608 7261
Oxford Espress tel: +44 (0)1865 785 400.
Oxford Tube tel: +44 (0)1865 772250

Eurolines

Eurolines consists of 30 plus independent operators making up Europe 's largest regular coach network. The UK operator is National Express. These services are a great way to get around Europe on a budget. In all 25 countries are covered from Austria to Yugoslavia . Find out more about Eurolines phone +44 (0)8705 14 32 19.

Using Coaches with a Disability

It's essential to check accessibility and concessionary rates with the coach operator. All National Express passengers who qualify as disabled are automatically entitled to receive a discount of up to 50%. The company also has a Code of Practice and a disabled persons' travel helpline: +44 ( 0)12 1423 8479.

Coach Tours

These tours are a great way to sightsee without the hassle of making loads of travel arrangements and bookings. Tours can last from half-a-day to several weeks. In addition to tours within London and its immediate surroundings, London is within easy reach of many major tourist attractions like Stone Henge and Leeds Castle . Tour operators such as Evan Evans Tours and Golden Tours offer a high-standard of service at a reasonable price.

There are dozens of coach tour operators in the UK , large and small, offering a wide range of tour packages. Some will include discounted entrance to attractions or perhaps theatre or concert tickets. Operators frequently negotiate special hotel rates too. Find out more from the Coach Tourism Council tel: +44 (0)20 8461 8325.