50th Birthday Timeline

Our journey begins

The majority of scheduled coach services run by the National Bus Company are united under one brand, initially known as 'National'.

1972

National Express takes the stage

The now famous 'National Express' brand first makes an appearance.

1974

A summer scorcher

One of the hottest summers on record melts the asphalt on Britain's roads putting travellers in a sticky situation.

1976

Lovely Jubilee

The London Underground's Jubilee line is inaugurated. It commemorates the Silver Jubilee of Elizabeth II in 1977, after which the line was named.

1979

Rapide Starts

The first London Rapide Shuttle service, complete with onboard toilet, steward, and a service of snacks and hot and cold drinks, goes into operation.

1981

Band Aid blasts off

As our coaches deliver passengers to London in the winter of this year, pop stars gather in Notting Hill to form Band Aid.

1984

Faster than Halley's comet

Comet Halley reaches the closest point to the Earth, during its second visit to the solar system in the 20th century.

1986

Game on!

Nintendo releases the Game Boy across the world. It's soon a fixture in the hands of big and little kids, helping many a journey pass a little more quietly for many parents.

1989

We go public

National Express floated on the London Stock Exchange on 1st December 1992 for a price of 165p per share.

1992

Tunnel vision becomes a reality

The Channel Tunnel, a 51 km (32 mi) long tunnel beneath the English Channel from Dover to Calais, officially opens.

1994

It (almost) comes home

The country is gripped by football fever for Euro '96 with thousands of England and Scotland fans heading to Wembley on our coaches.

1996

Millennium Bug

Everyone worries about the Millennium Bug breaking technology across the world. Helpfully, the government sends every household a booklet called 'What everyone should know about the Millennium Bug'.

1999

Millennium celebrations

The world ushers in a new millennium and celebrations are held in living rooms, pubs, towns and cities across the globe.

2000

X Factor hits our screens

The biggest talent show of the noughties - X Factor - hits our screens.

2004

Improved accessibility

First Caetano Levante fully accessible coach is launched.

2006

Here we go!

The brand new Wembley Stadium is finished and we soon become its official coach service.

2007

A Fab opening

The new Birmingham coach station is officially opened by Fabio Capello.

2009

Running rings around the world

We take thousands of spectators to the hugely successful London Olympics. Team GB win 29 gold medals and Mo Farah's 'mobot' celebration sweeps playgrounds across the land.

2012

Equality in action

The first same-sex wedding takes place after a change in law in England and Wales.

2014

Fair pay all the way to Plymouth

Plymouth Coach Station opens and we become the first UK private transport group to become an accredited Living Wage Foundation employer.

2016

Comeback kids

Football fans are priced out of flights and hotels for Liverpool and Tottenham's Champions League Final clash. We arrange affordable return travel to Madrid, and the big match is back on!

2019

Irish times

Dublin Express launches with over 100 services a day connecting the airport to the city centre.

2020

Happy Birthday Victoria

Victoria Coach station celebrates 90 years of welcoming and seeing-off thousands of passengers every year. This iconic builidng has played a big part in our story since day one.

2022

Into the Future >

Going greener

National Express pledges for all coaches to be fully zero emission by 2035.

2035