NatEx boosts Stansted capacity amid rail disruption
National Express is boosting capacity on services between Stansted Airport and London this weekend. The decision comes amid rail disruption and increased demand for direct coach services.
With no direct rail link between Liverpool Street and Stansted Airport, National Express’s advanced bookings for travel on Sunday 20 October have jumped by over 50% compared to the same date in 2023. To meet increased demand, it has added almost 2,000 extra seats to services between London and Stansted. The enhanced services have increased journey options between the airport and the capital by nearly 25%, to almost 200 round trips per day.
During the summer National Express introduced several improvements to services between the capital and Stansted Airport, including the addition of Tottenham Hale and Kings Cross St Pancras stops on its frequent, fast A8 service.
“Every time there’s rail disruption, we see an increase in bookings as the public look for affordable and reliable ways to travel” – John Boughton, Commercial Director for National Express UK and Ireland
John Boughton, Commercial Director for National Express UK and Ireland, said: “As always, we’ve stepped up a gear to ensure people can get to and from London Stansted Airport this weekend, and it’s great to see that savvy travellers are choosing the reliable, affordable and sustainable option by travelling with National Express.
“With hundreds of frequent and fast services between London and Stansted we’re looking forward to providing more customers with comfortable, convenient transport, with drop-offs right at the airport terminal door.
“Every time there’s rail disruption, we see an increase in bookings as the public look for affordable and reliable ways to travel and when demand is high our lowest price tickets sell out quicker and earlier, so we always recommend booking in advance to get the best prices and to guarantee a seat for travel.”
The coach operator’s investment in Stansted Airport services follows a 25% increase in customers turning to National Express last year. Over 19 million customers travelled on its coach network during 2023, up from 15 million in 2022.