National Express enhances services to new Cheltenham Arle Court transport hub

National Express has announced plans to enhance services connecting the brand-new Cheltenham Arle Court park and ride site with Bristol Airport, Bristol city centre, Birmingham, Exeter, Gloucester, Newquay, Penzance, Plymouth, Taunton, and Weston-super-Mare.

From Thursday 12 December 2024, the UK’s largest scheduled coach operator is boosting direct transport for passengers in Cheltenham and Gloucester, with over 100 journeys departing the new Arle Court park and ride site each week. Tickets start from £8.90 one-way and are available to book at www.nationalexpress.com.

Gloucestershire County Council’s new £33 million transport hub at Cheltenham Arle Court’s park and ride site features comfortable waiting areas and accessible facilities including toilets and easy links to local bus services.

Ed Rickard, Network Director for National Express, said:

“We continue to invest in our extensive coach network, including this newly enhanced service which will serve the incredible new transport hub at Arle Court and improves customer connections between Cheltenham, Gloucester, Bristol, Birmingham and the south west.

“With soaring costs and disruption on the railways, more and more savvy customers are choosing National Express for reliable, great value travel and a guaranteed seat. We’re really pleased to be providing even more direct, affordable journeys, especially as people start to make travel plans for the festive season.”

Cllr. David Gray, Cabinet Member for Environment and Planning at Gloucestershire County Council, said:

"This is exactly the kind of expansion we sought when we secured government funding to redevelop the hub, offering a significantly enhanced customer experience and reducing unnecessary traffic into Cheltenham town centre. It’s also providing more convenience for those wishing to take coach travel with a secure site to park.”

From Thursday 12th December 2024 the following enhanced services and connections will be available:

• 100 between Weston-super-Mare, Bristol Airport / Bristol, Gloucester, Cheltenham Arle Court park and Ride, Birmingham
• 102 between Plymouth, Paignton, Exeter, Bristol, Cheltenham Arle Court park and ride, Birmingham
• 104 between Penzance, Newquay, Plymouth, Exeter, Bristol, Cheltenham Arle Court park and Ride, Birmingham
• 106 between Penzance, Newquay, Plymouth, Exeter, Taunton, Bristol Airport / Bristol, Cheltenham Arle Court, Birmingham

The coach operator’s investment in providing reliable, frequent and sustainable coach travel follows a 25% increase in customers turning to National Express last year, with 19 million customers travelling on its coach network during 2023.

Customers can expect a comfortable experience on board National Express’s modern coaches, including reclining leather seats, free wifi, charging sockets and a generous luggage allowance of one small soft hand luggage and one large suitcase weighing up to 20kg.

Visit www.nationalexpress.com to plan your journey and book tickets.