National Express has reported strong passenger growth on services at the start of 2026, with more people choosing coach travel for their journeys across the UK.
In January 2026, several routes recorded significant year-on-year increases, with Brighton services leading the way. Passenger journeys to and from the popular seaside destination rose by 32%, building on steady growth throughout 2025.
The UK’s largest scheduled coach operator has also seen year-on-year growth to and from a number of other leisure destinations and transport hubs during January 2026, including:
- Gloucester: +22%
- Blackpool: +19%
- Gatwick Airport: +14%
- Swindon: +14%
- Bristol Airport: +13%
Javier Martinez Prieto, Managing Director for National Express UK Coach, said:
“Passengers are clearly rethinking how they get around the UK, and coach travel continues to offer an affordable and reliable alternative to car and rail travel.
“This growing demand for our coach services also supports more sustainable journeys, helping to reduce congestion on the road network while supporting towns and cities’ visitor economies by improving access for passengers from across the UK.
“Alongside our valued partner operators, we’re proud to run the UK’s largest coach network, offering great value fares and comfortable, convenient connections to hundreds of destinations and airports nationwide.”
National Express’ modern coach services link hundreds of destinations across the country, including all major UK airports, with leather reclining seats, free Wi-Fi on selected services, USB power sockets and a generous luggage allowance of up to 20kg.
For more information and to plan journeys visit www.nationalexpress.com.
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