Barnes Coaches

"Unfortunately we had a very bad experience with Barnes Coaches. I'd booked a luxury 19 seater to arrive at our address in the high street then onto another location within the village at 6.20am to go to Gatwick North. Was getting a bit panicky as the mini bus didn't arrive, but had a call from a friend who was being picked up at the 2nd stop to say a huge coach had arrived, the driver said he couldn't get down the high street, so we trugged up the road to the coach. When i asked the driver why we didn't have the luxury mini bus he said "they thought you wouldn't be able to fit all your luggage in", i was quite annoyed as i'd had no communication from Barnes telling me this was the case and I wanted something special as this was the start of a 2 week 40th birthday holiday for my husband. not a great start! so we were late leaving ramsbury because of this. 2nd issue, the driver missed the turning for the M25 so had to go another 8-10 miles up and back down the motorway to turn back and get off the right junction, we were really late now! On the way home at gatwick we waited at the coach area where we were instructed to wait, no marshall to release the coach. I must also say when a lady from the office rang me the week before to confirm the booking i asked if i could have a number in case of emergency. she gave me an office number which wasn't answered after trying several times (this was at 7am), my husband kept on trying and finally spoke to someone (30 minutes after waiting with very tired children), she mentioned nothing about the marshall. the bus eventually turned up and to my shock it was the 19 seater luxury mini bus which i'd originally ordered (i thought you said you couldn't fit all our luggage in!), so i was extremely worried that that might be the case, but as i thought it did fit in. "We pride ourselves in providing exceptional levels of service, from the initial booking stage all the way through to the day of travel". this is what you quote on your email to me when asking for feedback. You haven't given me exceptional levels of service at all, a real disaster from beginning to end. I shall not be using you again for any airport trips and certainly wont be recommending you to anyone else."

Would they recommend: No

"This is at least the third year we've used Barnes Coaches for our Running Club day trip and as always they were excellent! Nothing was too much trouble for them and everyone commented on how helpful and friendly the driver was. Will definitely be using them again!"

Would they recommend: Yes

"The driver did everything he could to get us to the ground on time. He acted very human throughout the trip and allowed it all to flow to our requirements. The vehicle provided everything that was required and the trip worked out well. The driver arrived in plenty of time before departure, worked with me well on pick ups and tried to find the best way of getting to the destination despite very difficult traffic."

Would they recommend: Yes

"Tried to postpone downtown Abby trip due to urgent hospital admission , was told about no refund policy which whilst I understand. Was explained in a brusque and unsympathetic way , having been a regular customer for many years I will not be using you in future"

Would they recommend: No

"This year we had the best driver! Here 13 years I have come to England with groups. This year I was fortunate to have Lucy, a very high quality driver, the best since all these years! In addition it is helpful and she knows very well the region Always as comfortable bus ... Too bad you do not have smaller bus ... See you next year ! (With Lucy course)"

Would they recommend: Yes

"The coach hire went very well and the company were brilliant, a lovely clean coach and a great driver ,We always use Barnes for our functions and each time they provide an excellent service"

Would they recommend: Yes

"Hired Barnes coaches to transport guests to and from our wedding on 24th July. They were fantastic. Great value and excellent staff from start to finish. The driver when returning even hung around for any stragglers who hadn't made their way to the coach yet! Excellent, Would definitely recommend and use again!"

Would they recommend: Yes

"We tendered for this annual trip and Barnes were the cheaper company. not just on price but in so many other ways. we are able to have the pick time and location we wanted. The drivers explain safety procedure to all passengers in a friendly and polite manner. they notify us of changes / stops throughout the journey. when we arrive, the drivers go above and beyond what they would normally do. they help out in anyway they can. they become one with us that without them our members would find the walk that they do during the week unbearable. the drivers give encouragement and help everyone on board. nothing is too much trouble. our members want the same coach company every year and the same drivers. they are part of the British Dutch walking Fellowship family. it would not be the same without them."

Would they recommend: Yes

"Austria - Picked up from the door, minibus very clean and driver very courteous especially for 4am. taken to greenbridge to meet the main coach. All on time, Met our main tour guide on route and all we can say is if you have 'Steve' as your driver/guide you wont go wrong. Felt very safe and relaxed while he was driving and he is very knowledgeable and kept us inform all the way, with plenty of stops to stretch our legs on the long journey. He is a real credit to your company, And as his saying goes 'tough' from one of your toughers. Thanks for a great holiday"

Would they recommend: Yes

"The journey was good with a little inconvenience as not toilet facilities on board as well as the inability to play music as equipment faulty. The driver was very good and helpful as well as understanding. The vehicle was well kept. Overall good dealing a part from the point mentioned above."

Would they recommend: Yes