As millions of people prepare for their late summer getaways, the UK bank holidays weekend is shaping up to be one of the most challenging periods for travel this year. With road congestion expected to peak and train strikes this weekend causing widespread disruption, coach operator National Express is positioning itself as a vital alternative for frustrated passengers.
Record Numbers on the Roads
According to the RAC, nearly 18 million drivers are expected to hit the roads between Friday and Monday. The last bank holiday in the UK before Christmas has always been busy, but this year the numbers are particularly high. Analysts warn that motorway delays of 40 minutes or more are likely on the M5 between Bristol and Devon, as well as along the M20 in Kent – key routes for coastal holidays and Channel crossings.
For travellers determined to make the most of their break, National Express coaches are seeing a surge in bookings. The operator has highlighted that demand for intercity coach travel rises sharply whenever rail services are hit by strikes or engineering work, as is the case this weekend.
Train Strikes Compound the Pressure
Adding to the chaos are strikes by CrossCountry train staff belonging to the RMT union. Industrial action is set to wipe out CrossCountry services on Saturday and Monday, with severe knock-on effects across the network. Reduced timetables are also in place for Avanti West Coast and London Northwestern, with key routes out of London facing cancellations and delays.
This wave of disruption leaves thousands of passengers searching for alternatives. With rail capacity slashed, many travellers are opting for National Express services, which continue to run nationwide throughout the UK bank holidays weekend. Coaches may take longer than trains, but they provide reliability when rail passengers face uncertainty and last-minute cancellations.
Engineering Works Add to Delays
Even beyond industrial action, travellers face obstacles. Network Rail is carrying out 261 engineering projects across the country over the long weekend. Among the most significant are closures between London King’s Cross and Peterborough, forcing passengers to seek alternative travel. With limited train availability, National Express is being relied upon to connect key cities and holiday destinations without interruption.
Industry experts note that such situations are becoming increasingly common. Whenever there are train strikes this weekend or future bank holidays UK, coach operators like National Express become the backbone of Britain’s domestic travel system.
National Express: A Reliable Alternative
National Express is capitalising on its reputation for reliability, reminding passengers that it operates around-the-clock services linking major cities, airports, and tourist destinations. With extra capacity added on popular routes, the company aims to ease pressure for holidaymakers determined not to let transport chaos ruin their plans.
Spokespersons have reassured passengers that while roads will be busier, coaches benefit from reserved seating, scheduled departures, and fixed fares – unlike trains, where disruption often triggers price surges and overcrowding.
What Travellers Should Know
- Leave early: Congestion will be worst in the South East and South West, especially near airports and seaside towns.
- Book in advance: National Express advises booking seats online before travel, particularly during the busy bank holiday UK period.
- Check updates: With engineering work and strikes, travellers should regularly check for timetable changes and allow extra time for connections.
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