National Express coach tickets and timetables

Wed, 05 Nov
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Provider information and services

National Express

About
National Express is the UK’s leading long-distance coach company, operating over 550 services per day and serving more than 900 destinations nationwide. It also runs frequent services to major UK airports — including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Bristol — 24 hours a day. All National Express coaches are air-conditioned and offer free Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment. Most vehicles are equipped with seat belts and power outlets at every seat, allowing you to charge your phone or laptop during your journey. Ticket options include Restricted Fare, Standard Fare, and Fully Flexible Fare, with the latter providing maximum flexibility for cancellations or changes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Luggage included
Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible toilets.
Bikes
Folding Bikes are allowed; non-folding bikes are not allowed.

About National Express Coaches

National Express is the UK’s largest and most recognized coach operator, proudly part of the Mobico Group. Since 1972, National Express has been connecting cities, airports, coastal towns, rural villages, and major destinations across the UK — offering reliable, comfortable, and affordable travel for millions of passengers every year.

Today, National Express operates one of the largest coach networks in the country, covering over** 540 routes** and linking more than 900 destinations. Whether you're heading to a bustling city, catching a flight, or planning a relaxing getaway, National Express offers a greener, stress-free alternative to driving or flying, with an ever-growing fleet of modern, low-emission coaches and zero-emission electric buses already on the road.

Ready to travel? Book your National Express ticket with Omio and enjoy comfort, convenience, and great value for money.

Why Travel with National Express?

Looking for a comfortable, affordable, and eco-friendly way to explore the UK? National Express makes coach travel easy, with modern amenities, flexible ticket options, and routes reaching every corner of the country. Whether you're heading to a major city, the airport, or a charming countryside town, you’ll find a service that fits your plans.

  • Affordable fares: Great prices with discounts for students, seniors, and young travellers.
  • Wide network: Connections to major cities, airports (including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, and Manchester), and charming rural towns.
  • Comfort guaranteed: Reclining leather seats, free Wi-Fi, charging points, air conditioning, and onboard toilets.
  • Eco-friendly travel: National Express coaches are among the greenest ways to travel long distance in the UK.
  • Flexible tickets: Modify or upgrade your ticket easily with flexible travel options.

National Expres to London Heathrow Airport

National Express offers frequent and direct coach services to London Heathrow Airport from cities across the UK. With spacious seats, free Wi-Fi, and ample luggage space, travelling to the airport by coach is an easy, affordable, and stress-free option. Coaches serve all Heathrow terminals, ensuring a smooth start to your journey.
Buses to
Buses to
London Heathrow Airport
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Buses from London to Bournemouth

The London to Bournemouth route is one of the most popular services operated by National Express. Coaches run regularly throughout the day, offering a comfortable, affordable, and direct journey between the capital and the beautiful south coast. Whether you're heading to Bournemouth for its stunning beaches, vibrant town centre, or coastal events, travelling with National Express ensures a smooth and relaxing trip. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, spacious seating, and onboard amenities all the way from London Victoria Coach Station to Bournemouth's main coach stops.
Buses to
Buses to
Bournemouth
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How to Book Cheap National Express Tickets

Save time and money when you book your National Express coach tickets with [Omio]! Omio makes it simple to find the best prices, compare travel options, and book securely in just a few clicks. Here's why travellers choose Omio:

  • Live schedules and real-time updates: Stay informed about your departure, any delays, or service changes.
  • Simple mobile booking: Search, book, and store your ticket digitally via the free Omio app.
  • Language support: Get help in your language, whenever you need it.
  • Safe and secure payment: Choose your preferred method – credit card, PayPal, SOFORT, and more.

👉 Download the Omio app today and keep all your travel details at your fingertips!

Major National Express Bus Stations and Popular Destinations

London Victoria Coach Station London Victoria Coach Station is one of the busiest hubs for National Express travel, connecting passengers to hundreds of destinations across the UK and Europe. Just 300 metres from London Victoria Train Station, it’s easy to reach by bus, train, taxi, or on foot. Facilities include toilets, comfortable waiting areas, phone charging points, ticket machines, ATMs, and a variety of coffee shops and food outlets.

Heathrow Airport Central Bus Station Located between Terminals 2 and 3, Heathrow Central Bus Station offers direct National Express services to destinations across the UK. It’s fully covered and open 24 hours a day, with facilities including toilets, ticket counters, waiting areas, ATMs, and plenty of food and coffee options nearby. It's the easiest way to connect between flights and long-distance coach travel.

Bristol Coach Station Bristol’s centrally located coach station is smaller but well-equipped, offering everything you need for a smooth journey. You’ll find a coffee shop, a snack bar, ticket machines, a payphone, and clean toilet facilities. It’s an ideal starting point for bus travel around the southwest of England.

Birmingham Coach Station Located close to Birmingham city centre, Birmingham Coach Station is a key interchange for National Express services. Amenities include toilets, ATMs, free Wi-Fi, phone charging points, coffee shops, and comfortable waiting areas. There’s also a taxi rank nearby for onward travel. Please note: the station is within Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone. If you’re driving, make sure your vehicle meets the emission requirements to avoid any charges.

Manchester Chorlton Street Coach Station Manchester’s main coach station, on Chorlton Street, is just a short walk from Manchester Piccadilly Train Station and many of the city’s top attractions. Facilities for travellers include a cash point, ticket machines, charging points, toilets, and nearby car parking — making it a convenient hub for coach travel across the UK.

Leeds City Bus Station Leeds City Bus Station, located just east of the city centre, serves National Express routes to Manchester, Birmingham, London, and beyond. Amenities include toilets, ATMs, charging points, and an on-site payphone. You’ll also find newsagents and food vendors close by, ideal for picking up travel essentials before your journey.

Bournemouth Coach Station Bournemouth’s Travel Interchange is conveniently located near the town centre and the main railway station, making it easy to transfer between train and coach services. National Express routes from Bournemouth connect to London, Heathrow, Birmingham, and other major cities. Facilities include toilets, waiting areas, ticket offices, and nearby cafés and shops.

Coaches to
Coaches to
Manchester
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Coaches to
Coaches to
Birgmingham
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Coaches to
Coaches to
Bristol
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Popular Routes

National Express coach tickets

Select the route

Showing the fastest and cheapest results for 05 Nov

National Express
08:304h50
London, Victoria Coach Station
13:20Manchester, Coach Station
£121One-way
0 changes
National Express
09:304h40
London, Victoria Coach Station
14:10Manchester, Coach Station
£131One-way
0 changes
National Express
07:304h50
London, Victoria Coach Station
12:20Manchester, Coach Station
£131One-way
0 changes
National Express
15:004h55
London, Victoria Coach Station
19:55Manchester, Coach Station
£101One-way
0 changes
National Express
12:004h55
London, Victoria Coach Station
16:55Manchester, Coach Station
£131One-way
0 changes

FAQs about National Express Travel

Booking National Express tickets online is quick and easy with Omio. Simply use the Omio website or free mobile app to search for bus travel options across the UK and Europe. You can filter results by ticket price, departure time, journey duration, and more — in your preferred language. Once you book, your ticket will be sent directly to your phone or email, ready to show the driver when boarding. No need to print! Download the Omio app to keep all your tickets in one place.

Usually, six months in advance. Timetables may change, so book accordingly.

National Express tickets are typically available to book around 12 to 15 months in advance. If your travel date is further away, you can set an email alert through Omio, and we'll notify you as soon as tickets for your journey become available.

Yes! While many National Express services offer free seating on a first-come, first-served basis, you can reserve a specific seat during booking for a small additional fee (around £2). Reserved seating is usually available in the first few rows of the coach.

When you book through Omio, you’ll receive your ticket by email — and you can also access it in the Omio app. Mobile tickets are accepted by National Express, so you can simply show your phone when boarding. If you prefer a paper ticket, you can print it out, but printing is not required at most stations.

Normally, you won’t need to show ID to board. However, it's recommended to travel with valid photo identification (such as a passport or driving licence), especially if you're using a discounted ticket (like a senior, youth, or student fare).

If you experience delays, cancellations, or other issues during your trip, you can reach out to Omio's 24/7 multilingual Customer Service team. We’re here to help before, during, and after your journey.

National Express coaches are equipped with a passenger lift at the front entrance for wheelchair users. If you are travelling with a wheelchair or require assistance, you must notify National Express at least 36 hours before departure by calling 08717 81 81 81. Booking early ensures the best support for your journey.

Carry-on luggage: You may bring one small soft bag (up to 45cm x 35cm x 20cm) on board, as long as it fits under the seat or in an overhead rack. Hard-shell cases and wheeled suitcases must be placed in the luggage hold.

Hold Luggage: Each passenger is permitted to bring one large item (75 x 50 x 32 cm), weighing 20 kg max. 2 medium items may be carried instead of one large, but is subject to availability.

Additional luggage: Extra bags, large items, and oversized luggage may incur an extra fee. You can arrange additional baggage in advance online or at the station.

Pushchairs and buggies: These can be stored in the hold free of charge.

Only foldable bikes are allowed and must be packed in a protective bag or hard case before being stowed in the luggage hold.

Pets are not allowed on National Express services, except for registered assistance dogs. If you are travelling with an assistance dog, contact National Express at least 36 hours before departure to confirm arrangements.

National Express FAQs

Everything you need to know to travel with National Express: amenities, cancellation policy, luggage allowance and more
FAQs
National Express buses are accessible for passengers with reduced mobility, offering assistance, priority seating, and accessible toilets.
National Express buses are equipped with air conditioning and heating systems to ensure passenger comfort during the journey.
You can take a bicycle on board National Express buses only if it is a folding bike; non-folding bikes are not allowed.
National Express allows you to cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund, minus a cancellation fee, and changes can be made up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Children typically need their own tickets when traveling with National Express, but the company offers discounted fares for children under a certain age.
You can eat food onboard National Express buses, as the provider permits food consumption during travel.
You can bring two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage when traveling with National Express.
National Express charges an extra fee of 10€ per additional bag.
National Express does not offer night journeys with sleeper seats.
Pets are not allowed on National Express services; only assistance dogs are permitted on board.
National Express does not guarantee the ability to choose specific seats on their buses, as seating may vary based on the service and availability.
National Express provides USB plugs for passengers on their services, ensuring convenience for travelers needing to charge their devices.
National Express coaches are equipped with onboard toilets.
National Express provides WiFi on their services.

bus station information and facilities

Most popular National Express bus stations

London, Victoria Coach StationWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
Amenities at bus station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 06:00-23:00
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
2 km
carConnection
Car connection
Buckingham Palace Road
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi
Dining
Dining
  • Pret a Manger (in the station)
  • Starbucks (in the station).
Taxis
Taxis
  • Available outside the station on Buckingham Palace Road.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps
WC
WC
  • Available in the station.
Public transport options for London, Victoria Coach Station
  • Bus: 11, 44, 170, 211, C1, C10 Metro: Victoria Train: Southern, Gatwick Express
Amenities at bus station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 00:00-23:59
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
carConnection
Car connection
Bassingbourn Rd
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi
Dining
Dining
  • Pret a Manger (in the station)
  • Starbucks (in the station).
Taxis
Taxis
  • Available outside the coach station, with services operating 24/7.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps
WC
WC
  • Available in the station.
Public transport options for Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
  • Bus: National Express, Airport Bus: Express Train: Stansted Express
Amenities at bus station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 06:00-22:00
carConnection
Car connection
Chorlton Street
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi
Dining
Dining
  • Café at the Station (in the station)
  • Fast Food Express (in the station).
Taxis
Taxis
  • Available outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Ramps, assistance
WC
WC
  • Available in the station.
Public transport options for Manchester, Coach Station
  • Bus: 50, 192, 201, 203, 205, 219, 255, 256 Train: Manchester Piccadilly Metro: Piccadilly Gardens
Amenities at bus station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 00:00-23:59
carConnection
Car connection
Bath Road
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi
Dining
Dining
  • Pret a Manger (in the station)
  • Caffè Nero (in the station)
Taxis
Taxis
  • Available outside the arrivals area, with services provided by licensed black cabs and private hire vehicles.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Ramps, assistance
WC
WC
  • Available in the station.
Public transport options for London, Heathrow Airport Terminals 2 & 3
  • Bus: 105, 111, 140, 285, 423 Train: Heathrow Express Metro: Piccadilly
Amenities at bus station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 06:00-23:00
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
carConnection
Car connection
Mill Lane
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi
Dining
Dining
  • Cafeteria and fast-food options inside the station
Taxis
Taxis
  • Available outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps
WC
WC
  • Available in the station.
Public transport options for Birmingham, Coach Station
  • Bus: 97, 97A, X1, X2 Train: Birmingham New Street

National Express destinations

Not sure where to begin your National Express adventure? Check out these popular National Express destinations for travel details and nearby attractions:

HomeCoachesBus ProvidersNational Express

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