Rail Strikes in the UK

While industrial action continues to disrupt rail travel across the UK, many clever travellers have discovered a trusty, often overlooked alternative: the humble coach. Affordable, reliable, and gloriously strike-proof, coaches are stepping up as the unsung heroes of modern travel. In this blog post, we’ll explore why coaches might just be your best bet when the trains grind to a halt — and offer a bit of a laugh at Britain’s ever-charming transport woes.

Train strikes have become something of a grim tradition in recent years, particularly since 2022. Disputes over pay, working conditions, and job security have led to repeated walkouts, leaving millions of commuters and holidaymakers scrambling for alternatives.

The impacts are painfully familiar: limited services, entire networks shutting down, and a general atmosphere of chaos as passengers desperately try to piece together alternative routes using buses, taxis, and occasionally, a rather heroic bicycle.

And when services do run during a strike? Expect:

• Reduced Frequency: Trains might only run once an hour (if you're lucky).
• Crowded Carriages: It's less "first class luxury" and more "sardine tin on rails."
• Short Notice Cancellations: Nothing says adventure like finding out your 7:30 train no longer exists… at 7:25.
• Higher Stress Levels: The only thing moving faster than the trains is your blood pressure.

Little wonder, then, that many have turned their eyes towards an alternative that doesn’t involve standing forlornly at a deserted station.

When the rails fail you, fear not — the coach networks of the UK are ready and waiting. Modern coaches have come a long way from the rickety rides of yesteryear. Today’s long-distance buses offer comfort, affordability, and reliability that are hard to beat, especially during a strike.

Here’s why you should hop on board:

• Guaranteed Services: While train companies wrangle with unions, coach services usually run unaffected.
• Direct City Centre Routes: Coaches often travel straight from city centre to city centre — no faffing about in obscure industrial estates.
• Affordable Fares: Even last-minute coach tickets are generally much cheaper than their train equivalents.
• Comfort Features: Think Wi-Fi, USB charging ports, onboard toilets, and reclining seats — it’s practically a moving spa (well, almost).
• Green Credentials: Coaches are one of the most eco-friendly forms of transport, emitting significantly less CO2 per passenger than trains or planes.

So, while others are fighting for overpriced taxi rides or contemplating riding a Boris Bike from Manchester to London, you could be comfortably cruising along the M6, snacks in hand and stress levels blissfully low.

Let’s take a quick tour through the "greatest hits" of the UK’s recent train strike history — because sometimes you just need to know who to thank for your unexpected three-hour coach journey.

Here’s a whistle-stop tour of major strikes:

• June 2022: The biggest rail strike in 30 years, with three days of walkouts by RMT members over pay and job cuts.
• July 2022: Further industrial action causing widespread disruption, just as people were planning their summer holidays.
• August 2022: ASLEF drivers joined in the action, paralysing even more services.
• October 2022: Rolling strikes continued, including multiple dates around half-term (parents, rejoice… not).
• December 2022: Christmas plans in tatters as union action caused mass cancellations during the holiday season.
• 2023 and beyond: Ongoing negotiations and sporadic strikes continue into 2024, with no clear resolution in sight.

Each new announcement seems to follow a familiar pattern: hope briefly rekindles, only to be crushed beneath yet another walkout notice.

Still hesitating? Let’s look a little closer at why coaches are an increasingly popular choice when train strikes loom large:

• Consistency: Coach operators are generally unaffected by rail union disputes — meaning you can actually get to where you want to go.
• Flexibility: Many coach companies offer flexible booking options, allowing easy rebooking if plans change.
• Availability: During strikes, coach services often add extra capacity to meet surging demand.
• Comfortable Travel: Legroom, Wi-Fi, and fewer surprises — what’s not to like?
• Booking Simplicity: Platforms like CheckMyBus make finding, comparing, and booking coach journeys laughably easy.

And let’s be honest: there’s a certain smug satisfaction in watching train passengers panic at Euston while you board your coach in peace, coffee in one hand and novel in the other.

Thinking of giving coach travel a go next time the trains are on strike? Here’s a quick checklist to ensure a smooth transition:

• Book Early: Coach seats sell fast when strikes are announced — don’t dilly-dally!
• Check Multiple Operators: Services like National Express, Megabus, and FlixBus often operate similar routes — compare prices and times.
• Pack Light: Most coaches have generous luggage allowances, but it’s still smart to pack sensibly.
• Charge Devices Beforehand: Yes, coaches have USB ports, but a full battery is your best friend.
• Bring Snacks and Water: Not every coach stop will have a Pret or Costa waiting for you.

Master these basics, and you’ll be gliding through your next travel day while others are still refreshing their train apps in vain.

Are you also interested in other topics relating to long-distance coach travel? You can find many more articles on booking, passenger rights and more on the overview page of our blog. There you will find the following articles, among others: