Compare National Express coach tickets and find the cheapest fare
Compare National Express coach tickets with other coaches and flights on Kombo, then book in a few clicks. Kombo searches more than 400 coach, train, flight and carpooling companies, so you see the cheapest and fastest options side by side. Our customer service team answers 7 days a week.
National Express runs scheduled coaches linking towns, cities and airports across England, Scotland and Wales. It belongs to Mobico Group (formerly National Express Group), where UK coach now sits within the Alsa division. Looking for cheap coach tickets? Check FlixBus on the same route, or use our coach comparison to see every operator at once.
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National Express in 2 minutes
8 airports served, including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and Luton
1/3 off Standard and Fully Flexible fares with a Coachcard
Free Wi-Fi, USB charging and toilets on core UK services
2 medium or 1 large case in the hold, up to 20kg each
3 fare types: Restricted, Standard and Fully Flexible
Children can travel alone from age 14
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Before you book your National Express coach tickets
How do I find cheap National Express coach tickets?
Book early and pick the right fare. Prices rise as seats sell, so booking a few weeks ahead usually pays off. Then compare: on Kombo you see the coach next to other coach operators and flights for the same day, so you know at once whether the coach really is the cheapest option.
Which ticket type should I choose?
Choose the fare that matches how sure you are of your plans. There are 3 types:
Restricted: the cheapest. No changes, no refunds, and no Coachcard discount.
Standard: no refund, but you can change the date and time before departure for a fee (from £5, plus any fare difference).
Fully Flexible: free changes before departure, and a full refund up to 24 hours before your outbound journey.
What is a Coachcard and how much does it save?
A Coachcard gives you 1/3 off Standard and Fully Flexible fares for 1 year. There are 3 cards:
Young Persons Coachcard: for ages 16 to 26, and full-time students.
Senior Coachcard: for ages 60 and over.
Disabled Coachcard: for disabled passengers.
Bring your card (and proof of age) when you travel. An out-of-date Coachcard invalidates the ticket.
How much do children pay?
Children aged 3 to 15 get 25% off the adult Standard or Fully Flexible fare. One child aged 0 to 2 travels free with each paying adult. Flying instead? Read our guide to children's and infants' plane tickets.
Does National Express go to Heathrow and Gatwick?
Yes. National Express Heathrow and Gatwick coaches run alongside services to Stansted, Luton, Manchester, Birmingham and Bristol airports, as well as Dublin. If you are flying, allow at least 180 minutes between your coach's arrival and your flight. Compare the coach with easyJet or Ryanair fares on Kombo before you book the whole trip.
Can I take a coach from London to Paris?
Yes, there are coach services from London to Paris, Amsterdam and Brussels. For a faster crossing, compare them with the Eurostar and see what to do in Paris.
Is there Wi-Fi and a toilet on board?
Yes, on core UK services. You get free Wi-Fi, USB charging points, an on-board toilet, air conditioning and a guaranteed seat. Charge your phone before you leave, just in case.
Can children travel alone?
Yes, from age 14. Under 14, a child must travel with a responsible person aged 16 or over. Young people aged 14 and 15 may travel alone between 5am and 10pm, and need proof of age or a signed letter from a parent or guardian.
Are the coaches wheelchair accessible?
Many services are, but check before you book: space on board and step-free access at stops vary. Disabled passengers can save 1/3 with the Disabled Coachcard. The operator's accessibility team can help you plan the journey.
Your National Express journey: luggage, tickets and boarding
What is the National Express luggage allowance?
On UK journeys, you can put 2 medium cases or 1 large case in the hold, up to 20kg each, plus 1 small bag on board.
Medium case: up to 70 x 30 x 45cm.
Large case: up to 75 x 50 x 32cm.
Hand luggage: 1 soft bag up to 45 x 35 x 20cm and 10kg, under the seat or in the overhead rack.
Extra bags: up to 3 more in the hold, at £10 per item one way when you add them online (£15 at a ticket office).
Hard-shell cases, wheelie bags and framed rucksacks go in the hold, free of charge. Folding pushchairs travel free on top of your allowance. International routes have their own limits: to Paris, Amsterdam or Brussels, you get 2 hold items with a combined weight of 20kg.
Can I take my bike?
Only if it is folded, dismantled and wrapped. A full-size bike will not be accepted.
How early should I arrive?
At least 10 minutes before departure. Seats left empty are released when the coach is about to leave, so do not cut it fine.
Where is London Victoria Coach Station?
London Victoria Coach Station is at 164 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 9TP, a short walk from Victoria rail and Underground station. It is open daily from 07:00 to 23:30, with waiting areas, toilets, charging points, cafés and luggage storage. Other major hubs include Birmingham, Manchester and the London airports.
Do I need to print my ticket?
No need, as long as you can show it when you board. Keep it handy, check the date and time match your coach, and keep your phone charged.
Can I change or cancel my ticket?
It depends on your fare. Fully Flexible tickets can be changed for free and refunded up to 24 hours before departure. Standard tickets can be changed for a fee but not refunded. Restricted tickets cannot be changed or refunded. Booking fees are non-refundable.
Is the coach cheaper than the train?
Often, but not always. Advance cheap train tickets can beat the coach on some routes and save you hours. Search your route on Kombo to compare both in one go.
Other questions?
Read our FAQ or contact our customer service, available 7 days a week.
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