Cheshire and Wirral coaches

Advice Overview

The only local coach routes in Cheshire and Wirral are operated privately on a contract basis. 

National and international coach travel is available from Chester (National Express and Flixbus) and for UK destinations from Nantwich.

On the Wirral, National Express provides a service from Birkenhead.

Key Tips

Plan well in advance. If you have additional needs, you may well need to contact the coach operator in advance of your journey (up to 36 hours). Pre-booking is always advised.

Booking through a website such as Check My Bus may well save you money.

If you are older or disabled, you may be able to buy a Coachcard and save money on your fares (if you intend to travel regularly).

Remember that toilets on coaches may not be accessible, so plan accordingly.

Operators

National Express operates from Chester, Nantwich and Birkenhead.

Flixbus operates national and international routes from Chester.

Help with cost

Older people and those with disabilities can receive ⅓ discount on Standard and Fully Flexible fares from National Express by buying a Senior or Disabled Coachcard. (They cost £12.50 each + P&P). Details can be found on the National Express website.

Special Assistance

National Express has created Journey Assistance cards for customers to print off.  The cards help customers to access support whilst travelling without having to ask. They can be found on the National Express website (scroll down for a link to a printable PDF).

Travelling with Mobility Equipment 

Wheelchairs and Mobility Scooters

Wheelchair users are welcome on National Express services, but are strongly advised to contact the Assisted Travel Team on 03717 818181 (9:00am to 5:00pm, seven days a week) to discuss their options and requirements.

Wheelchair lifts cannot be deployed at all stops and not all stops are accessible, so it is recommended to check in advance of travel.

Users cannot travel in their mobility scooter on National Express services, but if a scooter can be folded and stowed away, weighs less than 20kg, and does not use a wet cell battery, then it can be brought on the journey.

Flixbus requires 36 hours’ notice if you are travelling with mobility equipment and cannot guarantee accessibility at all stops. It is recommended to check your route accessibility by contacting the operator in advance of travel.

Assistance Dogs

National Express accepts fully trained assistance dogs and recommends pre-booking. The customer must supply a safety harness.

Flixbus requires 36 hours’ notice to transport assistance dogs.

Routes and timetables

Traveline is a partnership of transport companies, local authorities and passenger groups which have come together to bring routes and times for all travel in Great Britain by bus, rail, coach and ferry. They can help you find the way that best suits you for making your journey using the most up to date information. From their website, you can plan your journey from door to door, see the different ways you could travel, how long the journey will take and view your route on a map: www.traveline.info

National Express have a dedicated Assisted Travel Team who you can contact to discuss your needs: 03717 818181 (9:00am to 5:00pm, seven days a week).

The Flixbus website provides information regarding travel companions, assistance dog registration, travelling with a wheelchair, and accessibility at stops.