In all of Great Britain, National Express offers intercity and interregional coach services. It belongs to the National Express Group. The majority of services are outsourced to nearby coach firms. The corporate headquarters are located in buildings above Birmingham Coach Station. A countrywide network connects more than 540 destinations, including 59 of the 76 cities on the UK mainland, with over 1,800 services running daily, with over 1,900 services running on Fridays. For all major UK airports, more than 1,000 airport services go directly to the terminal daily. Numerous routes are available from National Express to locations all around the nation.
Additionally, shuttle and airport services are provided, albeit there is no apparent change in branding for the passenger between a regular, shuttle, or airport service. Numerous town centers are traversed by many National Express coach routes, significantly lengthening longer trips. Over speedier direct routes, fewer shuttle services run at least once every hour. All major UK airports are served by National Express’ 1,100 airport services every day, including East Midlands, Gatwick, Heathrow, Luton, and Stansted. These services run directly to the terminal and are available around the clock. When the National Express image brand was modified in 2003 and the previous Airlink, Flightlink, Jetlink, and Speedlink brands were combined, the Airport brand was born. Although the ‘Airport’ coding is still used on tickets, the Airport branding was removed as part of the 2007 rebrand. Many National Express coach routes pass through town centers, greatly extending longer trips. Fewer shuttle services operate at least once every hour compared to faster direct routes. National Express has 1,100 airport services daily that go to all of the major airports in the UK, including East Midlands, Gatwick, Heathrow, Luton, and Stansted. These services are always accessible and run straight to the terminal. The Airport brand was created after changes were made to the National Express image brand and the former Airlink, Flightlink, Jetlink, and Speedlink brands were integrated. The Airport branding was eliminated as part of 2007 revamp, even though the ‘Airport’ coding is still used on tickets.
OVERVIEW
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Now Purchase affordable National Express bus tickets online and research bus timetables, rates, bus station locations, services, special offers, and promotions. One of the largest bus companies in the UK and Europe is National Express. From bustling cities like London and Amsterdam to sleepy towns like Bath and York, they offer over 100 destinations. When traveling in the UK and Europe, National Express is the bus company to choose from because of its affordable fares, frequent departures, and dependable service. The best amenities are available on National Express buses, including reclining leather seats, VUER, a digital entertainment system, free WiFi, USB charging connections, onboard toilets, more legroom, and air conditioning. The registered office of National Express Group PLC, an English and Welsh corporation, is located at National Express House, Birmingham Coach Station, Mill Lane, Digbeth, Birmingham, B5 6DD. You may travel and discover cities like London, Paris, Amsterdam, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Cardiff, and many more with National Express. You can be guaranteed to find what you’re looking for with National Express thanks to its routes throughout the UK and Europe. Whether you’re traveling for business, pleasure, or both, National Express has a coach that’s right for you.
History of National Express
- Modern vehicles from National Express’ fleet provide greater legroom, electrical outlets, and air conditioning to passengers. The National Express control center, which gets a GPS signal for the coach tracker and data on the temperature on board every 30 seconds, is actually in charge of keeping an eye on the bus temps.
- Customers can track the whereabouts of their bus while waiting for it, and those already on board can take advantage of comfortable temperatures. Instead of calling the company’s hotline if your bus is a little late, you can check the National Express Coach Tracker, which enables you to follow your bus in real-time and view its whereabouts. The first motor buses started to circulate on British roads after the end of World War One.
- To unify separate bus companies under one common name, the National Bus Company wasn’t founded until 1968, and by the middle of the 1970s, the National Express name had been used for the first time. National Express saw competition in the 1980s from throughout the nation, particularly for routes to and from London, but was able to prevail because of its expanded services and discounted ticket prices.
- The corporation kept expanding by the 1990s, adding new lines to airports and constructing coach stations in Liverpool, Leeds, and Southampton. National Express still operates routes all over the UK and continues to be the nation’s top coach company.
THINGS TO NOTE BEFORE ARRIVAL
Prior to your arrival take into account the following to make your journey less stressful:
GET YOUR LUGGAGE READY
Long baggage rules can be difficult to understand. Here is a brief way to ensure that your luggage is prepared for travel.
- Weigh it – You can bring one small piece of hand luggage and two medium-sized suitcases (each weighing no more than 20kg) on your coach. Learn more about the allowed amount of luggage.
- Label it: In the event of a loss, luggage tags will be crucial in assisting with the recovery of your belongings. Before boarding your coach, make secure luggage tags with your complete name and address and attach them to each piece of luggage.
- Secure it – Although your luggage will be kept in their secure luggage holds, it is always advisable to take an extra moment to make sure your luggage is properly locked before boarding your coach. Your luggage label may be printed right here. It’s also crucial to check your bags for any prohibited goods that aren’t permitted onboard for passenger safety. See their list of restricted luggage items for more information.
- Advice: There may be a fee associated with taking larger or more bags on your trip. Please see their complete luggage terms and conditions for more information.
CONFIRM YOUR TICKET
Make certain that all of the relevant details are on your ticket. Once you get it, double-check that your information is accurate and your travel arrangements are as expected.
Tip: Have you made a Coachcard reservation? Please be sure you bring it. Additionally, you should check the validity of your Coachcard because using an expired card may void your ticket.
BEFORE LEAVING THE HOUSE
Check off each item on their list before you leave for the coach station to be sure you have everything you need:
- It will help your coach stay on schedule if you go to the coach station at least 10 minutes before your planned departure.
- The most crucial details to check are the proper time and date and that your ticket is valid for the coach you intend to take.
- Bring your Coachcard and a form of identification showing your age if you made your reservation using this method.
- Are you using an open-return ticket to travel? Prior to leaving, confirm that the ticket is valid by using the manage my booking option online or by phoning their Contact Center.
- Verify sure your contact information is written on the outside of your luggage and that it is securely tied.
- Plan your route so that you know where you’re going, when you’re getting there, and where you need to go after getting off the coach.
- Want to know the exact location of your coach? Use their Coach Tracker to follow the journey even before you board the vehicle.
HOW DO I PURCHASE BUS TICKET?
1. Online reservations
Reserve your seat using the Journey Planner on their homepage. You will subsequently receive an email containing your ticket and an order confirmation; print this email and carry it with you.It has never been easier to purchase a ticket thanks to the variety of available payment options. Use your credit/debit card, PayPal, or Amazon account to make a payment right now.
2. Phone reservations
If you’d rather make a reservation over the phone, call their Customer Contact Center and a staff member will assist you.
3. Making a reservation with a coupon
If you have a coupon code, please visit their “Using a Coupon” page to learn how to use it and how much you can save.
4. Station-based reservations
Additionally, you can purchase a ticket directly from the coach driver on the day of departure or at one of their coach stations. A booking fee is not charged when you buy a ticket from a driver.
5. Using a booking agent
The majority of Post Office locations as well as hundreds of high street agents provide tickets for sale.
FEES
Instead of adding these fees to the price of your ticket and raising it, they charge separate fees for the many aspects of their service in order to keep the fares as cheap as possible and to be completely open with their consumers.
Booking fees
They attempt to keep the booking fees as low as possible and vary them depending on the manner of booking. Their booking fees are as follows:
- Booking fees of £1 per online transaction
- £2.50 reservation charge for phone reservations
- At coach stations, a $2 booking feee
- Additionally, all regular debit/credit card fees and reservation costs are covered by the booking fees.
Delivery charges
They charge a £2.50 fee for mailing your ticket to you in order to offset rising company expenses and keep providing you with the best pricing. They charge a £1 delivery fee if you decide to have an SMS ticket sent to your cell phone through text message.
Amendment fees
Fees for amendments Standard Fare: £5.00; in cases where the proposed amendment requires a higher fare, excess fare will also be charged. If you change your ticket over the phone, there is a £6 amendment cost in addition to any applicable excess fare. With a fully flexible fare, you can make an unlimited number of changes up until the time of departure without paying an additional price.
The formula for calculating amendments is as follows: excess fee + standard amendment fee + new fare – paid original fare.For instance, if your original fare was £10 and your new fare is £15, the excess fee is £5 (in addition to the regular adjustment fee of £5). With their Change Coach add-on, you can modify or cancel your booking up to 24 hours prior to departure for airport trips. During the checkout process, you can add this option to Standard Fare Tickets.
Cancellation and refund costs
Refunds – Only refundable tickets are eligible for refunds, which can be requested 72 hours before your departure (see Fares, tickets and Coachcards for more information). Tickets with the flexible add-on included may be canceled up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure. The remainder of the amount can be returned, but not the flexible add-on fee. If you change your mind about purchasing a ticket but don’t have the flexible add-on, they charge a regular cancellation cost of £5.
FEATURES
More than simply going from one place to another is involved with national express. They are committed to delivering you more as the top coach provider in the country. By providing affordable prices and first-rate quality, you may get more for your money. More comfort is provided by the plush seats, generous legroom, complimentary Wi-Fi, power outlets, and unmatched safety. More comfort since they offer more stops and services than any other coach company and operate all throughout the UK. Along with simple booking and their welcoming customer service. In fact, thanks to almost 29,000 five star ratings on TrustPilot, their grateful clients have given them an “Excellent” rating. Compared to other coach operators, the rail, and driving, traveling with us is more environmentally friendly. And thanks to significant, ongoing investment, we’ll only become more environmentally friendly.
The benefits of using National Express are endless. But every one of them supports the same conclusion.
Taking care of you
- You instantly become their top priority as you become a National Express customer. You are always in the finest of hands with us, from making sure their customer service representatives are there when you need them to providing safety technology on board the coaches that is unparalleled.
Protecting the environment
- Their goal is to become the most environmentally friendly coach company in the UK, so we’ve committed to having a zero-emission coach fleet by 2035, well ahead of the UK’s 2050 net zero target. See some of the ways they are preserving the environment, one bus trip at a time.
Increased onboard comfort
- Climb onboard a contemporary fleet of comfortable and fashionable National Express coaches to experience travel the way it was meant to be. Learn how to take advantage of complimentary Wi-Fi, a liberal allowance for bags, charging stations, and more from the convenience of your reserved seat.
Premium add-ons for your trip
- Did you realize that you may change your trip to make it more comfortable? You can reserve your preferred coach seat, add extra luggage, buy insurance, and more at the Add Extras page when booking or using My Account.Online resources that are more convenient
- You can get excellent service in other places besides just on ships. With the click of a mouse, you may simplify your journey with their online tools. You can use Route Map to plan your travel from points all over the UK and locate the best service for you. For those who want to know where their coach is right now, the Coach Tracker is perfect!
Unrivaled value
- We think that everyone should be able to afford to take a coach. So they provide a variety of ticket kinds and waive booking fees as a result if you check out while connected into My Account. For those who qualify, we also provide Coachcards, which allow for a 1/3 discount on all of their Standard and Fully Flexible coach rates.
Security & safety
- They give the utmost consideration to both the employees and customers’ safety. The most recent onboard safety systems are continually being invested in, and security is assessed on a regular basis. Their employees are properly qualified to spot and alert the authorities to any suspicious activity in the stations and on board their services. In order to help us improve the services, they also welcome the general public and the clients to provide them with feedback in the form of compliments or complaints.
National Express Services and Discounts
- Discounts, offers, and coupon codes for National Express on Bus travel are frequently less expensive, but you may cut your costs even further with National Express discounts and special offers. Purchasing one of National Express’s Coach Cards may be worthwhile if you want to travel widely within the UK. If the ticket fare for a trip is more than $38, you instantly recover the cost of the card, which is only about $13.
- On any National Express Standard Fare, coachcards are accepted. Trips run by third-party suppliers and “Restricted” fare kinds are excluded. Simply check the Coachcard box when purchasing your ticket and enter your unique Coachcard number to receive your discount. Don’t forget to bring it with you since the driver will require you to display it. On any National Express Standard Fare, coachcards are accepted. Restricted fare categories and journeys run by third-party providers are excluded.
Service at National Express Airport
- All of the major airports in the UK, including Gatwick, Heathrow, Stansted, and Manchester Airport, are serviced by National Express as well. On specified routes, the airport transfer services operate day and night, providing more than 100 services per 24 hours, or one service every 15 minutes.
- The majority of them are even accessible on Christmas Eve when National Express increases the number of seats to provide passengers with an alternative during the yearly rail closure around Christmas. You can board at one of the many pick-up locations in key UK cities and towns and proceed directly to the airport door.
LUGGAGE AND LOST PROPERTY
Here is a quick tip to make sure your luggage is prepared before you go.
Weigh it: You may bring one large suitcase, two medium-sized suitcases, or both on your bus, together with one compact piece of carry-on luggage.
Measure it: Medium-sized objects must fit within the parameters of 70 cm by 30 cm by 45 cm, while large items may not exceed 75 cm by 50 cm by 32 cm. Your hand luggage is limited to measuring 45 cm by 35 cm by 20 cm.
Mark it – In the event of a loss, luggage tags are crucial for assisting in the recovery of your belongings. Before boarding your coach, make secure luggage tags with your complete name and address and attach them to each piece of luggage.Your luggage label may be printed right here.
Secure it – Although your luggage will be kept in the secure luggage holds, it is always advisable to take an extra moment to make sure your luggage is properly locked before boarding your coach. It’s also crucial to check your bags for any prohibited goods that aren’t permitted onboard for passenger safety.
Pushchairs
Folding strollers and buggies will be transported without charge in the hold in addition to the permitted amount of luggage.
Prohibited Items
Some goods are prohibited from being brought on the buses for the safety of all of the passengers:
- Any explosives or weaponry
- drugs or solvents that aren’t medications
- Pushchairs/prams that don’t fold
- Bicycles that aren’t collapsed, broken down, and wrapped (we can not accommodate a full-size unfolded frame)
- any animals, excluding service dogs
- Any products that we believe dangerous, improperly packaged or secured, or that are perishable
- See their Conditions of Carriage for further information in detail.
Storage for bags at bus stops
They offer luggage storage services at the following coach stations:
- Victoria Coach Station in London
- Buchanan Bus Station in Glasgow
- Glasgow Bus Station
- Learn more about the amenities at their coach station.
Hand luggage
A single piece of soft hand baggage is allotted to you (max dimensions 45cm x 35cm x 20cm and max weight up to 10kg) Hand luggage must be stored in an overhead bin or under the passenger’s seat. No hard-shelled cases, wheelie bags, or hard-framed rucksacks/backpacks, with the exception of briefcases, are allowed on board for safety reasons and must be packed with hold luggage. There won’t be any more fees for this.
LOST PROPERTY
They can quickly locate any items you may have misplaced or left behind thanks to the central lost property database. They charge clients a small fee when items are retrieved because maintaining ther lost property tracking system is expensive and time-consuming. Contact their Lost Property Team if you’ve misplaced or left something behind.
Contact us
All client comments and opinions are truly appreciated as they allow them to better understand how we can serve you.
Please get in touch with them using one of the methods listed below if you want to speak with a member of the assisted travel team, require any additional information before you reserve your coach trip, or simply want to confirm any of the points made.
By calling their staff at 03717 81 81 81, which is open from 8 am to 8 pm seven days a week.
The form for assisted travel through email.
By mail
National Express National Express House Mill Lane Digbeth Birmingham B5 6DD The Assisted Travel Team The National Express General Conditions of Carriage apply to every ticket that is issued and every passenger that is transported. National Express Ltd., National Express House, Birmingham Coach Station, Mill Lane, Birmingham, B5 6DD, is the company that issued the document. 2590560 is the company’s registered number.
HOW CAN I GET MY TICKET REFUNDED?
You must determine whether the ticket you purchased is eligible for a refund. Depending on the type of ticket you bought, you may be able to change the time and date on your ticket. This information can be found on your ticket or in their confirmation email.
There are no refunds for restricted and standard fare types. Refunds are available for completely Flexible fare types.
You can contact them using their contact us page to seek a refund of your completely flexible ticket, or you can go to “My account” to do so. Due to the non-refundable nature of their booking fee and their inability to handle refunds for partially used tickets.
Fully Modular Fare
This is the most complete choice we have. Up to 24 hours before your intended departure, take advantage of free adjustments and complete refunds. For the majority of totally flexible tickets, you can cancel and receive a refund in “my account” if your trip is more than 24 hours away. Customers who purchased excess baggage, change-and-go services, and seat reservations together with a completely flexible ticket must get in touch with us to receive a full refund. If you used the guest checkout option to complete your transaction, you can still create a “My account” account with the email address you used to buy your original ticket. On the booking summary page, eligible consumers will notice a “cancel and refund” button. Your ticket won’t be available for this function if the button isn’t displayed, so please get in touch with them using the contact page.
Standard fare ticket
If you have a Standard fare ticket, you may change the day and time before the time that it is currently scheduled for if you choose. No alterations can be made to tickets purchased at a restricted fare.
FAQ
Is booking online required?
No, but we advise making a reservation online to secure your seat in advance and benefit from their lowest prices. Additionally, you can make a reservation at one of their coaches stops using one of their user-friendly self-service kiosks, on-site travel agencies, or nearby Post Office locations. You can also reach the National Express Bookings Center by calling 08717 818181 from 8 am to 8 pm, seven days a week. In addition to your phone company’s access fee, calls cost 13p per minute.
I misplaced my ticket. Can they send another one or not?
They will need the full information of your trip, the date the ticket was purchased, the amount of the ticket, and the payment method used in order to try to locate your ticket. After that, you can contact them by clicking here or by calling their Contact Center at 03717 818181 (+44 3717 818181 from abroad) if your trip is about to depart. Their lines are available every day from 8 am to 8 pm. To retrieve your ticket, simply log into My Account if you know your ticket number.
What can I anticipate from a National Express trip?
Their top goal has always been ensuring the safety of the clients and employees, therefore they have added a variety of additional safeguards to help us do so. When you travel with them, you can anticipate:
- Please review and follow the most recent local recommendations. Please visit the UK Government website for additional details.
- Increased and improved cleaning procedures both inside and outside of their coaches.
Visit the coronavirus safety website for more information on the coronavirus (Covid-19) security measures.
What identification should I bring to show that I am qualified for a cheap flight?
If you use a Senior Coachcard, we advise you to travel with the following forms of identification: a passport or driver’s license that contains a birth certificate, a concessionary bus pass, or a Freedom pass issued by a local authority. If you travel with a Young Persons Coachcard, we advise bringing the following identification: a passport or driver’s license with a birth certificate, or, if you are above 27, a letter from a college or university showing that you are enrolled full-time. Please carry your current British military ID if you are eligible for their HM Forces Discount.
On a coach, may I reserve the front seat?
The front seats can be requested kerbside for clients who require mobility help by calling their Assisted Travel Team at 03717 81 81 81 and choosing option 3. 7 days a week, 8 am to 8 pm, lines are available. You can also use this form. When making an online reservation, you may additionally purchase a seat reservation for £2.00. Front seats will be available on a first-come, first-served basis if seat reservations are not possible in advance.
How do I cancel my ticket?
Please be aware that not all of their ticket types are refundable even though all of their tickets are cancellable. Before requesting a refund, kindly review the terms and conditions listed on your ticket. Refunds for Fully Flexible prices can be made through My Account. There are no refunds for Standard and Restricted fares. Their “Travel and Ticketing” webform is the simplest way to cancel your ticket. A member of their customer service staff will handle processing your ticket once you have filled out all the necessary information. Additionally, you can reach them by calling 0371 781 8181, which is available every day from 8 am to 8 pm (calls to this number are charged at a local rate)
Is there a charge for recovered Lost Property items?
We can quickly locate any items you may have misplaced or left behind thanks to their central lost property database. They charge clients a small fee when items are retrieved because maintaining their lost property tracking system is expensive and time-consuming. Contact their Lost Property Team if you’ve misplaced or left something behind.
CONCLUSION
They make money and cash by providing their clients with operational excellence, which in turn creates shareholder value. Additionally, they are guided in how we conduct business by their core values of excellence, safety, customers, people, and community. Consumers need high levels of safety in addition to excellent performing transport services. In everything they do at National Express, safety comes first. It is also one of the company’s essential principles. In everything they do at National Express, safety comes first. It is also one of the company’s essential principles. Through increasing customer loyalty, gaining additional business in the existing areas, and opening new markets like the German rail market and the urban bus market in Bahrain, operational excellence also contributes to the Group’s sustainable growth. They also provide day tours and vacations via coach.