Megabus will begin running its new s overnight sleeper bus service next month between Glasgow and the UK capital.

The firm will operate three busses with special sleeper units on 5 September. Each bunk on the newly refurbished coaches features a pillow, duvet, blanket, reading light and a curtain to provide each passenger with privacy. Despite Megabus’ image as a low-cost company, each passenger will also be provided with an overnight pack that includes an eye mask, a toothbrush and toothpaste to clean up before arrival.

According to Sir Brian Souter, chief executive of Stagecoach, which owns the Megabus low-cost coach firm, the move comes amid increasing demand for overnight coach service between the two cities. He added that taking a comfortable overnight bus directly into each city’s centre was a better and greener way to travel than red-eye flights.

Trial runs of the new service will begin this month, which Souter said was the best way to see if it was indeed what customers were really looking for. The coaches are scheduled to run throughout the week; buses will depart shortly before midnight from either city and will arrive at 07:20 and 08:05 in London and Glasgow, respectively.

Tickets for the service run between £1 and £40 plus booking fees. Meanwhile, fares for a similar service from competitor ScotRail start at about £19 per person.