National Express

So here’s our receipt — and I still can’t get over the value.

This was a return journey for two adults from Northampton to Heathrow.

Payment method:	Credit Card
Card type:	MASTERCARD
Fare:	£25.20
Booking Fee:	Free
E-Ticket:	Free
Standard Outbound Seat Reservation	£5.00
Standard Return Seat Reservation	£5.00
Change & Go Return	£10.00

Total:

£45.20

Even better, the bus stop in Northampton is less than 1km from our house. Logistically, it couldn’t have been simpler. Jane waited at the bus stop with the bags, I drove back to leave the car on the driveway, then walked back down to the bus stop. Easy.

On the return home it will be even smoother, as my son will be ready to collect us as soon as we step off the coach.

At Heathrow, the bus stop is right outside Arrivals — no transfer bus, no standing around in the cold.

We opted for the Change & Go ticket for added flexibility in case we arrive back earlier or later than planned. Probably unnecessary — but it’s nice to have the option.

Other reasons to use National Express

Aside from the price, there are plenty of positives:

1. There’s a live coach tracker within the app, so you can see exactly where the bus is — no guessing when it’ll turn up.

2. The view is surprisingly good from any seat. I even spotted deer grazing on the motorway verge.

3. Comfortable and clean (although I didn’t inspect the onboard toilets).

4. Relaxing — next time I might even bring snacks and fully lean into it.

And back to the price…

• Our reserved seats weren’t available on the outbound journey, but I had that refunded via online chat — bringing the total down to £40.50.

• £40.50 would barely cover the petrol for a return trip to Heathrow.

• By not taking the car, we also avoided parking costs — the cheapest Meet & Greet option for just over five weeks was £250.

Assuming the return journey goes smoothly, this may well become our preferred way of getting to and from Heathrow for longer trips.

I booked around three months in advance. FlixBus — which is similarly convenient — was considerably more expensive at the time.

Post trip Update;

• When we boarded the bus from home down to Heathrow our reserved seats had been taken by some seat squatters that weren't for moving. To make things easier we opted to move further down the bus. When I complained to National Express they were quick in refunding the £5 that I'd paid for the reserved seats together with an apology.

• The trip down was simple

• Our return flight landed on time - so didn't need the flexibility that we'd pre-paid for. That said - I think I would opt to have this flexibility if we choose to travel back from a return flight with National Express again.

Would I do it again - Yep 100% - If the costs and availability suit - then it is a pretty simple decision.