National Express remains one of the UK’s most trusted and recognisable transport brands, connecting millions of passengers every year through its extensive coach network.
On Christmas Day, National Express will operate 20 coach journeys to and from Bradford and more than 30 to and from Leeds, connecting friends and families across key UK destinations including Glasgow, Edinburgh, Sheffield, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Derby, Nottingham, Leicester, Birmingham, London and Heathrow Airport.
With rail services coming to a standstill on Christmas Day and planned rail disruption affecting travel throughout the festive period, the UK’s largest scheduled coach operator is stepping up to keep the country moving, offering reliable services and great-value fares from just £6 one-way.
Demand is already strong, with passengers quick to secure their seats on National Express’s unrivalled Christmas Day network. Bookings between Leeds and Manchester are currently up 67% compared to this time last year, building on significant year-on-year growth recorded between July and September.
National Express continues to set the standard for reliability, with network punctuality consistently above 90% and cancellations under 0.2%. Passengers can count on the UK’s most trusted coach service, offering an extensive network of routes nationwide and a market-leading customer experience.
Ed Rickard, Network Director for National Express said:
“When reliability matters most our customers know that they can count on us to get them home safely this Christmas – and as the nation’s favourite coach operator we are offering the UK’s biggest festive transport network, with thousands of frequent, comfortable and affordable services throughout Christmas and New Year – including 20 journeys for Bradford and over 30 for Leeds on Christmas Day.
“Given the planned rail disruption over the festive period we’re expecting our coaches to be busy so we encourage customers to book early to get the best prices and guarantee a seat for travel.”
Customer experience sits at the heart of the operator’s offering. Modern coaches feature leather reclining seats, USB power points, air conditioning and generous legroom, allowing passengers to travel in comfort. Many services include free Wi-Fi, providing added convenience for work, entertainment or staying in touch on the move.
A generous luggage allowance — up to 20kg for the hold plus a small onboard bag, makes National Express ideal for holidaymakers, students relocating for term-time, families travelling with gifts or gear, and anyone who needs more space than trains or budget airlines typically provide.
Ed Rickard, Network Director for National Express added:
“It’s worth remembering that we could not deliver the outstanding services that we do, day-in-day-out, without our highly respected partner operators, coach drivers and colleagues. While they are appreciated daily, they deserve special thanks at Christmas when working jolly hard to get everybody home for Christmas.”
National Express is known for its great-value fares, with prices starting from as little as £6 on selected routes. The operator regularly offers seasonal promotions, including its popular ‘Kids Go Free’ offer, helping families travel more affordably during peak periods such as school holidays, Christmas and summer breaks. Flexible ticket options, including fully amendable fares, allow travellers to adapt plans without stress — an increasingly important feature in today’s travel landscape.
Coach travel remains one of the most environmentally efficient forms of public transport, producing significantly fewer emissions per passenger than cars or domestic flights. National Express continues investing in fleet improvements, exploring low-emission technologies and promoting cleaner long-distance travel as part of the UK’s sustainability goals.
Whether travelling for work, visiting family, heading to university or exploring the UK, National Express offers a blend of reliability, comfort and value that has made it a cornerstone of British travel for decades. With a continually expanding network and a focus on customer experience, it remains committed to delivering safe, affordable and sustainable journeys for everyone.
For full service details and to book tickets, please visit www.nationalexpress.com/Christmas
