Britain's biggest scheduled coach operator, National Express, is stepping in to provide vital transport links this festive season. The company has announced a major capacity boost, adding 10,000 extra seats to its network to help travellers navigate planned railway engineering works during the busy 'Twixmas' period.
Key Routes and Dates for Enhanced Services
The additional capacity will be focused on some of the nation's most important intercity and airport corridors. From 26 December 2025 to 4 January 2026, travellers can access more frequent and reliable coach services connecting Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, London, and Heathrow Airport. This initiative directly responds to anticipated high demand and reduced rail options.
Ed Rickard, Network Director for National Express, explained the move: "With planned rail engineering works ahead, more people are turning to us for affordable, reliable travel. We've stepped up once again to add 10,000 extra seats to ensure our customers can travel between the Midlands, the North West, and London this Twixmas."
Affordable and Family-Friendly Travel Offers
Alongside the extra seats, National Express is running promotional offers to make seasonal journeys more economical. The company is continuing its popular 'kids go free' promotion, allowing up to three children to travel at no extra cost when accompanied by a fare-paying adult. This offer is valid until 4th January 2026.
"Whether it's visiting the Christmas markets or watching a pantomime, our kids go free offer is helping parents save on travel costs," added Ed Rickard. For budget-conscious travellers, one-way fares between major hubs like Birmingham and London start from just £12*, though these are subject to limited availability during the peak dates.
Booking Advice and Onboard Experience
Due to expected high demand, National Express is strongly advising customers to book their tickets in advance to secure a place. The operator boasts an industry-leading record for reliability, with a punctuality rate consistently above 90% and cancellations below 0.2%.
Passengers can expect a comfortable journey with modern amenities, which typically include:
- Leather reclining seats
- Free Wi-Fi on selected services
- USB power sockets
- A generous luggage allowance of up to 20kg
Flexible 'Change & Go' ticket options are also available for those needing adaptable travel plans. All services can be booked directly through the National Express website.
