National Express has successfully retained its contract with London Stansted Airport, following a competitive tender process managed by the airport’s owners, Manchester Airports Group (MAG).

The UK’s leading scheduled coach operator has secured a five-year deal to operate high frequency coach services on behalf of the airport. It will continue to serve over 20 major London locations, as well as key regional routes including services to Birmingham, Cambridge, Leicester, Luton, Norwich, Milton Keynes and Oxford.

National Express has been operating dedicated coach services to Stansted Airport since 2003. As part of the bid, a phased expansion of the network will see new routes and increased frequencies introduced, providing improved travel options and connectivity for passengers. 

In 2024 National Express was the first UK coach operator to successfully trial Yutong’s state-of-the art GTW-14 electric coach on high-frequency services between Stansted Airport and London, further demonstrating its commitment to supporting MAG’s sustainability goals and improving the environmental impact of travellers to Stansted. 

Alex Jensen, Chief Executive Officer at National Express, said: 

“We are pleased to continue our partnership with London Stansted Airport. This win is a reflection of our experience, expertise and dedication to providing high-quality public transport services for our partners and customers. 

“With hundreds of services running day and night to Stansted Airport, customers are repeatedly choosing us because they know we’re the most reliable, affordable and convenient option, with our brilliant coach drivers taking them right to the airport terminal door.

“We’re proud to play a part in Stansted’s expansion plans and look forward to many years of service delivery and growth.”

National Express runs fast and frequent services from London to Stansted Airport over 100 times a day, and customers can reach central London in as little as 45 minutes on the A8 service. 

Customers can expect a comfortable experience on board National Express’s modern coaches, including reclining leather seats, free wifi on selected services, USB charging and a generous luggage allowance of up to 20kg. 

Great value fares are available from just £7.50 one way. For more information and to book visit www.nationalexpress.com.

Transport & Logistics – Driving The Industry Forward