National Express vs. FlixBus to Heathrow Airport

[u/neilb303]

Does anyone have experience using FlixBus to travel to and from Heathrow Airport? I usually take the National Express although it is significantly more expensive than FlixBus. It would be an early morning trip (~5-6am). I’ve read some bad reviews on FlixBus reliability (bus late, bus not showing up) but I’m not sure if it’s relevant to FlixBus in Bath.

[u/Fit_Leadership_5836]

Used both. No problem with either. Flixbux infinitely cheeper. Bosh

[u/P0RKYM0LE]

Historically I've done both and the National Express has broken down once and arrived late on another occasion. FlixBus I have used once and had no issues.

[u/RoyalTeeJay]

I've used both and FlixBus will mess you around a lot more than national express.
Additionally, when things go left, FlixBus only has AI customer support zero human intervention or assistance.

I would use FlixBus in an emergency, not as a choice over National Express.
Additionally, the seats of National Express is slightly bigger with more legroom.
Flix bus seats are Slimmer, with less legroom.

[u/Peppers_16]

I have not got Flixbus to Heathrow, but the two times I've used Flixbus to/from London the service departed late. Meanwhile I've used National Express to/from Heathrow and other destinations many times and not once departed late.

With an international flight I would personally pay the extra for National Express for peace of mind. Flixbus are great value for trips where running late isn't a disaster but they operate on tighter margins.

Just my 2p. 

[u/Jibblaynuk]

National express I used to get to London stopping at Heathrow all the time. I would say 1 in 5 times was a massive delay. I usually do Flixi now for the price, it’s been on time but been on it a lot less. Also you are going at Rush hour time, that might slow it down. I expect it will stay over night at the station though if it’s the first bus, so likely won’t be late arriving.

[u/po2gdHaeKaYk]

Honestly, I took the Flixbus twice in the summer was blown away. Incredibly cheap prices. I was being quoted for £££ to take rail, and at the time I needed to get on my flight, Fixbus was available. Absolutely no problems going there and back.

It's so easy to forget what it was like when public transportation was affordable. The prices we're charged to get to various airports can be ridiculous.

[u/Karma0504]

I've taken the Flixbus to Heathrow four times, it's been late once by 30 minutes. That was during the afternoon, so maybe there was a traffic jam. I've taken the early morning bus once and had no issues.

[u/Suitable_Gear_8472]

Flixbus cancelled my trip to Heathrow randomly without any warning. I had to get taxi and they won’t pay for it.

[u/Notimefruit]

I prefer flixbus, you get a little more legroom, I do it regularly 6-7 times a year and never had a problem, never been more than 5 minutes late. National express cancelled on me twice and it was unbearably hot or cold depending on the weather.