Does exactly what it says on the tin. Lines, all over Europe. (Eurolines)

Member Name: jamesontheroad

Product:	Eurolines
Date:	09/01/09 (32 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Cheap. Very cheap.

Disadvantages: It's a coach.

Looking back through my DooYoo reviews there seems to be little pattern or reason behind the reviews that I right. An airline review here, DVD film here, café here etc etc. But today I've just reviewed Europe's fastest form of public transport - the TGV, and now I'm reviewing what must be its slowest.

Perhaps you're surprised to learn that Eurolines even still exists? I was. Many moons ago I spent some twenty-eight hours on a bus from London to Prague (just months before the first low cost airline started flying between the two cities, such is my luck). I had imagined that they had been killed off by the aggressive budget fares of the low cost airlines and the increasing convenience of high speed trains.

But Eurolines fills a niche, and they fill it well. If you absolutely must travel somewhere in Europe, you can depend on a long distance bus to get you there on the cheap. And I mean cheap. Buy in advance, and you can travel from London to Paris, Amsterdam or Brussels for just £15 one way. Eurostar can't match that. No budget airline can match that, even when the flight is supposedly "free" because transfers to and from airports will easily add up to more.

There are more than five hundred possible destinations in Europe, and they're all plugged into the UK's National Express coach network, with connections towards continental Europe possible many times a day at London Victoria coach station (not forgetting the Irish Republic and Northern Ireland, whose own bus companies provide through travel from Britain). Paris, Amsterdam and Brussels are also your most likely point of connection if you are traveling further afield. That said, there are many direct services to the Alps and major European cities, including the new EU member countries in eastern Europe and the Baltics. Although I would personally recommend against any direct bus route to Europe, if you need to get there, they'll get you there. Eventually.

Some top tips to facilitate your travels. Remember that Eurolines is not a single bus company, but a network of co-operating bus companies, usually with one major bus company in each European country. Standards vary, although ultimately a coach is still a coach. All have onboard WCs, seats that recline about an inch and usually an incomprehensible moustached driver. You can significantly improve the comfort of your journey by bring two inflatable pillows - one for your neck and one for the inevitable hard bit that your end up leaning against when you try to sleep. A lightweight airline-style blanket is also useful for aggressive air conditioning. Lots of water, snacks and a choice of reading material are also good, but try to be disciplined and don't deplete your supplies before you've even reached Dover.

Don't forget (for the ultimate bus spotter or osteopath client) that Eurolines in the UK also sell an unlimited pass that costs £119 for 15 days of unlimited travel anywhere in Europe.

To book, visit http://www.eurolines.co.uk/

Summary: If you absolutely have to get there on the cheap. And only then.