National Express will increase its coach service provision between Birmingham and Gatwick and Heathrow airports from 17 April, with some journeys between the city and Heathrow set to be quicker than the train as of that date, the operator says.
In that case, the two locations will be linked 27 times per day, up from 22 at present. 18 of those will be quicker than the like-for-like rail journey according to the provider, with running times from two hours and 15 minutes.
Birmingham to Gatwick will also be accelerated, with almost 30 minutes being removed to give a journey time of three hours and 25 minutes. National Express will sell tickets between Birmingham and the airports from £7 one-way.
The operator says that Easter bookings for services to Gatwick and Heathrow are currently tracking 10% above the same holiday period in 2024.
National Express Network Director Ed Rickard says that the further investment in timetables to and from Birmingham “means that we are offering over double the number of services and faster journey times than any other operator, making it easier than ever for savvy holidaymakers to get to the airport.”
Mr Rickard adds that enhanced direct National Express services between Birmingham and Heathrow and Gatwick airports are expected to prove attractive to passengers who do not wish to change trains, or between train and other coach services.
Heathrow Airport Surface Access Director Sophie Chapman says that the global air travel hub welcomes the uplift in connectivity.
“As part of our commitment to reaching net-zero, Heathrow is dedicated to encouraging the use of sustainable travel options at the airport,” she adds.
“Heathrow’s extensive coach network provides direct services to many towns and cities across the country, and we are very pleased that journey times between Birmingham and the airport are about to get even quicker and more frequent.”
