NATIONAL Express coaches will return to the Monmouth area from Monday November 2, following positive discussions between local MP Catherine Fookes and the coach operator .

The new trial will introduce a stop at Monmouth Services (A40) on the 112 service between Birmingham and Haverfordwest. Calling at Newport, Cardiff, Bridgend, Port Talbot, Swansea, Carmarthen, Tenby, and Pembroke Dock, the daily service offers Monmouthshire residents an affordable intercity coach transport link.

Residents, particularly young people, had raised concerns with Catherine about the lack of long-distance coach services in Monmouth. While Chepstow residents can travel by coach to London, Monmouth has had no long-distance coaches stopping for many years.

In response, Catherine contacted National Express to explore options for restoring long-distance coach travel to the area.

Unfortunately, Monmouth coach station was not an option, as newer, larger tri-axle coaches are too big to safely access the station. However, Catherine asked National Express to consider other nearby locations, including service stations.

Following these constructive discussions, National Express has agreed to launch a trial stop at Monmouth Services. Passenger demand and ticket sales will be reviewed in February 2027 to determine whether the service is commercially viable to continue permanently.

Catherine Fookes MP said: “This is fantastic news for Monmouth and Raglan. I’m really pleased that, following our discussions, National Express is bringing a trial coach service back to the area.

“I know this is something a lot of people have wanted to see return, so it’s really important that we now make sure this trial is a success.

“National Express will be reviewing ticket sales early next year, so I’d really encourage residents to make use of the service - perhaps for some Christmas shopping in Cardiff or Birmingham - and help us demonstrate the demand for it.

“In the meantime, I will continue working with National Express to push for this to become a permanent service.”

Neil Collins, Director of Coach Network Planning at National Express, said:

“We are pleased to work with Catherine Fookes MP to introduce this trial stop at Monmouth Services on our Birmingham to Haverfordwest service. We look forward to seeing local residents make use of the service and hope to see strong demand during the trial period.”

The three-month trial will begin on Monday, November 2. Tickets are available to book from November 2 at: