In a major boost for budget-conscious travellers, National Express has launched a dramatic half-price flash sale on coach travel across Britain. The UK's largest scheduled coach operator is slashing fares for journeys taking place from early February until late May 2026.
Sale Details and How to Book
The promotion went live at 10am on Tuesday 20 January 2026 and will run until midnight on Friday 23 January. To secure the full 50% discount, passengers must book their journey at least 15 days in advance and enter the promotional code FLASHSALE at the online checkout. The sale is valid for bookings made online or via the National Express app for travel up to 22 May 2026.
A smaller discount of 25% is available for trips between late January and early February, provided they are booked between three and 14 days ahead. It is important to note that neither offer applies to special coaches put on for events and festivals. Travellers can also avoid the standard £1.50 booking fee by creating a free account with National Express.
Incredible Fares on Popular Routes
The sale makes intercity and airport travel remarkably affordable. An analysis by The Independent has uncovered a selection of standout one-way deals for a solo traveller, all found since the sale launched:
- London to Bristol on 7 February: £1.95
- London to Manchester on 28 February: £3.75
- London to Newcastle on 15 March: £4.95
- Liverpool to Leeds on Good Friday, 3 April: £4.20
- Heathrow Airport to Plymouth on Easter Monday, 6 April: £6.30
- Birmingham to Manchester Airport on 10 May: £3.95
- Cardiff to London on 22 May: £4.45
Even travel on key dates like the start of the February half-term is discounted, with a journey from London to Stansted Airport on 14 February available for £8.50.
Competitive Landscape and Market Pressures
This aggressive pricing move comes at a pivotal time for the UK's intercity coach market. National Express's former main rival, Megabus, ceased operations in England and Wales just over a year ago, blaming low passenger demand.
However, the competitive environment is shifting. The Mobico Group, which owns National Express, has acknowledged it faces "strengthening competition in the market". A significant new challenger is the giant transport provider Flix, which owns FlixBus. The company has stated it is making "further expansion into the airport-shuttle segment" – a traditional stronghold for National Express. Flix also operates Greyhound in the US and Kamil Koc in Turkey.
This flash sale is therefore seen not just as a seasonal promotion, but as a strategic play by National Express to solidify its market position and attract passengers in an increasingly competitive landscape for affordable UK transport.
