Published on
November 18, 2025
In a move set to bring relief to families facing financial strain this festive season, National Express has launched a generous initiative offering free coach travel for children. Available until January 4, 2026, the offer allows up to three children aged 15 and under to travel for free when accompanied by a fare-paying adult. With travel costs rising during the winter months, this offer provides a welcome opportunity for families to create special memories without the added stress of high travel expenses.
A Holiday-Saving Offer for Families
The National Express offer arrives at a time when many families are under increased financial pressure, particularly during the holiday season. Sarah Rosier, customer experience director for National Express, acknowledged the challenges families face in trying to make the holidays special. She explained that the initiative was designed to make travel more affordable, ensuring families can enjoy the festivities without the added burden of costly transportation.
Whether it’s visiting Christmas markets, enjoying a pantomime, or planning a Twixmas getaway to keep the children entertained, National Express’ ‘kids go free’ campaign enables families to save on travel expenses. This is particularly timely, as families are often juggling multiple activities over the festive season and looking for ways to make the most of their time together. The initiative also offers a reliable alternative to rail travel, especially as rail disruptions are expected during the holidays, ensuring smoother journeys for those traveling by coach.
Why Choose National Express?
Beyond the savings, National Express is offering a comfortable travel experience for families. The company has maintained a punctuality rate of over 90% across its network, with cancellations remaining under 0.2%, making it one of the most reliable coach services in the UK.
For families looking for a hassle-free journey, National Express provides leather reclining seats, Wi-Fi on selected services, and USB power sockets for charging devices—perfect for keeping children entertained during long trips. The generous luggage allowance of 20kg per passenger allows families to bring along everything they need for their winter adventures, without the worry of excess baggage fees.
A Welcome Relief for Families During the Festive Season
With Christmas travel already expensive, National Express’ offer comes as a relief to many parents. This initiative is particularly beneficial for those planning to take trips to festive hotspots across the UK. Parents can now afford to take their children on memorable trips to destinations like London, Bath, York, or Manchester—without the added worry of expensive train fares or the challenge of securing tickets during the busy holiday period.
The ability to travel on a direct coach service, without the hassle of changing trains or navigating busy stations, ensures a more relaxed experience. Families can enjoy the comforts of their journey with the added convenience of National Express’ frequent services, operating from major cities and regional hubs across the UK.
Easy Booking and Convenient Travel
Booking travel with National Express is simple and straightforward. Families can visit the official website at www.nationalexpress.com/kids-travel-free to book their coach tickets. The website offers an easy-to-navigate platform, where travelers can use the promo code ‘KIDSFREE’ to access the free travel offer for children.
It’s recommended that travelers book their tickets in advance to secure the best available routes, especially during peak travel times like Christmas and New Year’s Eve, when demand for coach services is high. National Express provides multiple routes across the country, ensuring families can easily find a service that fits their travel schedule.
Additional Benefits for Travelers
Apart from the obvious savings on fares, National Express also supports the wellbeing of passengers with various onboard amenities. The free Wi-Fi and spacious seats provide comfort during longer journeys, while USB power sockets allow children to keep their devices charged for entertainment purposes. This is a particularly useful feature for families traveling long distances to visit relatives or attend special events during the festive season.
For travelers heading to Christmas markets in London, Edinburgh, or Birmingham, National Express provides convenient access to these bustling hotspots, where families can enjoy festive food, crafts, and entertainment. The Twixmas period, a popular time for short getaways between Christmas and New Year, also becomes more accessible thanks to this affordable and comfortable travel option.
Quick Tips for Families Traveling with National Express
- Book in Advance: Use the promo code ‘KIDSFREE’ when booking to ensure you get the free children’s travel offer and reserve your seat early to avoid last-minute rush.
- Pack Light: With a generous 20kg luggage allowance, families can pack all they need without worrying about extra baggage fees.
- Make Use of Onboard Amenities: Take advantage of the free Wi-Fi and USB charging ports to keep children entertained during the journey.
- Plan for Peak Travel Times: Christmas and New Year are busy travel periods, so booking early will ensure your preferred travel times.
- Check for Local Attractions: If traveling to festive destinations, check out the local Christmas markets and other seasonal events for a full holiday experience.
Key Highlights of the National Express Offer
- Free travel for children (up to 3 children per fare-paying adult)
- Comfortable amenities: Leather reclining seats, USB power sockets, and free Wi-Fi
- Generous luggage allowance: 20kg per passenger
- High punctuality: Over 90% punctuality across the network
- Flexible booking options: Available from major cities across the UK
- Convenient access to festive destinations like London, Bath, Manchester, and Edinburgh
Disclaimer: The Attached Image in This Article is AI Generated
