About Us

Because transport is such an integral part of daily life, the history of National Express to a large extent mirrors the history of post-war Britain.

1950s-1970s

With increasing car use and the building of motorway networks, travel boomed in the UK in the 1950s. A new era in public passenger transport was ushered in by the Transport Act 1968, and the formation of the state-owned National Bus Company to provide bus services across the UK. In 1972 the ‘National’ brand was extended to offer a co-ordinated express coach service across the country.

1990s

Fast forward to the 1990s, and, following its flotation in 1992, the renamed National Express Group expanded by acquiring businesses privatised by national and local Government. Since flotation, the company has developed a strong reputation for successfully transferring companies from the public to the private sector, primarily in the UK but also overseas.

Key dates

• 1992: National Express Group floats on London Stock Exchange
• 1995: Acquisition of West Midlands Travel, one of the UK’s largest bus companies
• 1996: Enters UK rail market with acquisition of Gatwick Express and Midland Mainline
• 1998: Enters US transport market with acquisition of Durham School Services
• 2004: Enters London bus market with acquisition of Travel London
• 2005: Enters Spanish coach and bus market with acquisition of Alsa
• 2007: Acquisition of Continental Auto in Spain
  Wins East Coast rail franchise in the UK
  Launches new airport transfer service, dot2dot