Arle Court Transport Hub becomes home to enhanced National Express services

Arle Court Transport Hub has officially become a new stop on National Express’ expanding network, as part of a number of enhanced services on offer from the UK’s largest scheduled coach operator.

Over 100 additional National Express journeys per week are now available from Arle Court Transport Hub, connecting Cheltenham and Gloucester with Bristol Airport, Bristol city centre, Birmingham, Exeter, Gloucester, Newquay, Penzance, Plymouth, Taunton, and Weston-super-Mare.

Image (left to right) Andrew Moore (Planning Manager – UK Coach, National Express); Cllr David Gray, Gloucestershire County Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Planning; Toyo Olubunmi (Staff Member, Arle Court Transport Hub); and Gavin Bennet (MD of Partner Operator Bennetts Coaches).

From today, the following enhanced National Express services and connections will be available for those travelling to or through Arle Court Transport Hub:

• 100 service between Weston-super-Mare, Bristol Airport / Bristol, Gloucester, Cheltenham (Arle Court Transport Hub), Birmingham

• 102 service between Plymouth, Paignton, Exeter, Bristol, Cheltenham (Arle Court Transport Hub), Birmingham

• 104 service between Penzance, Newquay, Plymouth, Exeter, Bristol, Cheltenham (Arle Court Transport Hub), Birmingham

• 106 service between Penzance, Newquay, Plymouth, Exeter, Taunton, Bristol Airport / Bristol, Cheltenham (Arle Court Transport Hub), Birmingham

Arle Court Transport Hub aims to transform the travel experience for residents and visitors within, to and from Cheltenham and Gloucester, as well as those arriving from the M5 via long-distance coach travel, by providing enhanced park and ride facilities that are both convenient and comfortable.

Cllr David Gray, Cabinet Member for Environment and Planning, said: “The inclusion of Arle Court Transport Hub as a new stop on several enhanced National Express services is fantastic news for Cheltenham and Gloucestershire. The transport hub offers a vital link to key cities and locations across the UK, providing greater choice, convenience and affordability for those traveling by coach. It also supports our efforts to reduce traffic congestion and pollution in the town centre and make travel more sustainable.”

Ed Rickard, Network Director for National Express, said: “We’re pleased to be launching our enhanced services through Arle Court Transport Hub today, providing local residents and visitors with better public transport connections between Cheltenham and Gloucester, Bristol, Birmingham and the south west. With soaring costs and disruption on the railways, we continue to invest in our extensive coach network with reliable, affordable journeys and a guaranteed seat - and as we head into the busy festive season we are encouraging customers to book early and secure the best deals.”

Conveniently located near the A40 in Cheltenham, Arle Court Transport Hub began operation in July 2024. It offers state-of-the-art facilities including: a brand-new multi-storey car park with 860 spaces and 100 x 7kW EV commissioned chargepoints; an expanded bus terminal providing comfortable indoor and outdoor waiting areas, real-time information screens, a customer service desk and toilets (including a Changing Places toilet); and new and improved active travel facilities such as secure cycle lockers, cycle hoops and cycle maintenance tools.

Phase 3 of works on-site is due to be completed shortly. This will include more surface car parking spaces added to the existing west car park, bringing the total number of spaces on site to almost 1000 spaces compared with 576 previously. This final phase will also see the addition of dedicated coach and camper/van parking and further work to enhance the transport hub’s sustainability features including the installation of four rapid EV chargepoints.

For more details about Arle Court Transport Hub, including car park information, bus and coach service information and available on-site facilities, visit www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/arlecourt

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