How to Use FlixBus from the UK: 5 European Cities Worth an Overnight Bus Trip
- Sam Burden
- Feb 2, 2025
- 3 min read
If you want to explore Europe without flying, FlixBus UK is one of the most affordable and low-carbon ways to do it. With overnight departures from London Victoria, you can wake up in a new city without spending a penny on a hotel. Here are five routes worth booking and everything you need to know before you go.
1. Paris, France 🇫🇷
Paris is the obvious first FlixBus UK trip and it genuinely works. You leave London at 11pm and arrive in time for a proper morning in the city. The Eiffel Tower, Montmartre and the Louvre are all reachable without a hotel, and you're back in London late the next night.
Cost (approx.): £50 return
Depart London: 11:00 PM
Arrive Paris: 9:50 AM
For a full Paris itinerary, read my guide to a perfect day trip to Paris from London.
2. Rotterdam, Netherlands 🇳🇱
Rotterdam is criminally underrated for a day trip. The Cube Houses, Erasmus Bridge and Boijmans Museum are all walkable from the bus stop, and the city's modern architecture makes it feel completely different from Amsterdam. The early evening departure gives you a full night to sleep.
Cost (approx.): £60 return
Depart London: 7:00 PM
Arrive Rotterdam: 6:45 AM
Read my full guide to Rotterdam in a day before you go.
3. Antwerp, Belgium 🇧🇪
Antwerp is one of those cities that rewards slow exploration. The Cathedral of Our Lady, the diamond district and the city's legendary food scene are all worth a full day. FlixBus UK gets you there by mid-morning, leaving plenty of time before your return departure.
Cost (approx.): £50 return
Depart London: 10:00 PM
Arrive Antwerp: 10:45 AM
For ideas on what to do, read my 24 hours in Antwerp guide.
4. Amsterdam, Netherlands 🇳🇱
Amsterdam works brilliantly on a FlixBus UK overnight. You arrive in time for the Van Gogh Museum opening, can squeeze in a canal cruise before lunch, and still have the afternoon for the Anne Frank House or wandering the Jordaan. Book early — this route sells out.
Cost (approx.): £60 return
Depart London: 10:00 PM
Arrive Amsterdam: 10:15 AM
Read my Amsterdam in a day guide for a full itinerary.
5. Brussels, Belgium 🇧🇪
Brussels is the earliest arrival on this list, you'll be there before 6am, which means you can watch the Grand Place wake up before the crowds arrive. The Belgian Beer Museum, Atomium and the city's famous waffles are all within easy reach. It's a long day but an incredible one.
Cost (approx.): £70 return
Depart London: 8:00 PM
Arrive Brussels: 5:50 AM
For more ideas, read my day trip to Brussels guide.
Tips for making the most of FlixBus UK overnight routes
Prices change - always check before you book
The prices above are approximate and based on booking in advance. FlixBus UK fares are dynamic, so the earlier you book the better. Check current prices directly here
Pack your own food
There's no catering on board, but you can bring whatever you like. Pack snacks and a refillable water bottle - it saves money and means you arrive ready to explore rather than hunting for breakfast.
Dress in layers
Overnight buses can get cold. A light blanket or a large scarf makes a real difference to how rested you feel on arrival.
Choose your seat early
Window seats on the upper deck (where available) are worth grabbing for the leg room and the view. Book as far in advance as you can.
⚠️ FlixBus drops you at city-centre stops - no taxi needed. But double check the exact stop location before you travel, as it varies by route.
FlixBus UK makes European travel genuinely accessible - no airport faff, no checked baggage fees, and a much lower carbon footprint than flying. If you've never tried an overnight bus trip, any of these five routes is a brilliant place to start.
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