Hopping oversees is about to get easier with the launch of a direct international service to Europe from the Medway Towns.

Eurolines, which is part of National Express, launches its direct scheduled coach services to five European cities on April 1.

And with its own international departure point at Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre, it means Medway residents haven’t got far to travel to hop on board a coach and relax all the way to Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels, Cologne or Frankfurt.

John Gilbert, managing director for Eurolines, said: "Fares on Eurolines services offer great value and we pride ourselves in always offering ultra-low fares.

"For instance our return fare to Amsterdam or Paris will cost just £45

"We’ll be operating daily services to many of the destinations making it a far easier way to travel to Europe for thousands of people in the Medway area.

"With ultra modern coaches the journeys are very relaxing. We’re convinced the services will prove to be very popular."

Eurolines, which operates to more than 500 destinations in Europe, is also offering services from Gillingham to cities further afield. With a single connection passengers can travel to the Baltic countries, Russia and the Mediterranean (including Spain and Bulgaria).

Tickets for the Gillingham international departures can be bought from any National Express travel agency, online at www.eurolines.co.uk or from the telephone Travel Centre on 08717 818 177.