New direct coach service linking north Devon, Bristol and Birmingham from 13th July

New direct coach service linking north Devon, Bristol and Birmingham from 13th July

National Express is launching a new service from 13th July
© Shaun Fellows, Shine Pix

From Monday 13th July the UK’s leading scheduled coach operator is introducing a new direct service between Bideford, Barnstaple, Taunton, Bristol, Cheltenham and Birmingham*.

The daily 105 service offers passengers a comfortable, reliable and more sustainable transport option to driving as people look for more cost-effective ways to travel during the busy summer period.

According to VisitBritain’s latest Domestic Sentiment Tracker**, nearly eight in ten people (79%) are planning a domestic trip in the next year, highlighting continued appetite for UK travel despite ongoing cost pressures, with the rising cost of living and holiday costs influencing travel choices.

The new direct 105 coach service launches shortly after National Express announced 100,000 discounted one-way fares across its UK network as part of its Summer of Yes campaign, aimed at making day trips and short breaks more affordable throughout the summer.

Between now and September, Britons can take advantage of great-value day trips and short breaks for £7 or less*** on selected routes across the coach giant’s nationwide network, which connects holidaymakers with hundreds of towns and cities across the country.

Neil Collins, Director of Coach Network Planning at National Express, said:

“This new service gives people a simple, direct link between the Midlands and north Devon at a time when many are choosing to holiday closer to home. We know people are being more mindful about how they spend, particularly when it comes to holidays.

“Coaches can offer a comfortable and sustainable alternative to driving, so whether it’s a seaside break, a city visit, or catching up with friends and family, we’re making it easier for people to say yes to all of their summer plans - without having to compromise on the experiences that matter most, or worrying about the cost of travel.”

National Express’ modern coach services link hundreds of destinations across the country, with free Wi-Fi on selected services, USB power sockets and a generous free luggage allowance of up to 20kg. For more information and to plan journeys visit www.nationalexpress.com.

* The new 105 service will not stop at Cheltenham on Fridays.

** VisitBritain Domestic Sentiment Tracker (June 2026) found that 79% of UK adults intend to take a domestic overnight trip in the next 12 months, while rising living costs and the increasing cost of holidays remain among the biggest barriers to travel.

*** One-way only on selected routes, subject to availability. Fare includes booking fee. Travel between 1 July and 30 September 2026.