National Express West Midlands Reviews 1,273

TrustScore 1 out of 5

1.2

While we don't verify specific claims because reviewers' opinions are their own, we may label reviews as "Verified" when we can confirm a business interaction took place. Read more

To protect platform integrity, every review on our platform—verified or not—is screened by our 24/7 automated software. This technology is designed to identify and remove content that breaches our guidelines, including reviews that are not based on a genuine experience. We recognise we may not catch everything, and you can flag anything you think we may have missed. Read more

Review summary

Created with AI, based on recent reviews

Looking at 101 reviews, most reviewers were let down by their experience overall. Many customers report consistently late or no-show buses, leading to significant delays and missed appointments or work. The service is frequently criticized for poorly planned routes, dirty buses, and slow journeys, with some routes being cut short or removed without proper notification, leaving passengers stranded. Reviewers also express frustration with the rising prices, which they feel are not justified by the declining quality of service. Additionally, many people find the staff, particularly the drivers, to be unhelpful, with some reports of them not stopping for waiting passengers or closing doors. Some customers also mentioned issues with fare dodgers being allowed on buses, which they believe contributes to higher fares for law-abiding passengers. Conversely, a small portion of people felt satisfied with the service, highlighting specific routes or drivers for their punctuality and helpfulness.

What people talk about most

Service

Reviewers mention negative feedback about service, with many describing it as an "absolute disgrace" and... See more

Staff

Reviewers highlight negative aspects of staff, with many expressing dissatisfaction with bus drivers'... See more

Location

Customers express significant dissatisfaction with bus stop locations and route changes, often resulting in... See more

Price

Consumers express significant dissatisfaction with pricing, citing constant price increases despite a... See more

Delivery service

Clients share negative opinions on delivery service, with many expressing frustration over buses consistently... See more

Reviews shaping this summary

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Still utterly utterly useless. Prices have just gone up, still can't offer a service resembling anything remotely decent. Still couldn't organise a p!$$-up in the local Wetherspoons. Every route these... See more

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Yet another appalling experience with the 66 bus. Why are they no longer completing the route to Sutton Coldfield? More and more often they get so far then turn around and head back to Birmingham city... See more

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Lying, overpriced, terrible-quality service. Update Google Maps and other apps when your buses don't show up, instead of pretending they've departed on time. Absolute disgrace. Oh, and if we wa... See more


Company details

  1. Bus Company

Written by the company

As the biggest bus operator in the West Midlands, our teams work hard to get you to where you need to go across Birmingham, the Black Country, Coventry and the wider region. Visit our website for information around routes, timetables, tickets and travelling sustainably.


Contact info

  • National Express House, B5 6DD, Birmingham, United Kingdom

  • nxbus.co.uk

1.2

Bad

TrustScore 1 out of 5

1K reviews

5-star
4-star
3-star
2-star
1-star

No history of asking for reviews

This company hasn't invited their customers, so reviews may not be representative

Hasn’t replied to negative reviews

How this company uses Trustpilot

See how their reviews and ratings are sourced, scored, and moderated.

Companies on Trustpilot aren't allowed to offer incentives or pay to hide reviews. Reviews are the opinions of individual users and not of Trustpilot. Read more

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Always late

Bus 35 Birmingham, never on time!!
Waiting over 30mins in the cold, missed my train 2 days in a row. Worst experience

January 8, 2025
Unprompted review
National Express West Midlands logo

Reply from National Express West Midlands

Hi Peter,

I am sorry to hear this.

Unfortunately, delays or disruptions are mostly caused by traffic congestion, road accidents or other unplanned circumstances. We do our best to minimise the inconvenience, however, sometimes these circumstances are beyond our control.

The 35 was affected this day due to a road closure as a result of an earlier accident which diverted all traffic.

However, if this is a recurring issue and you wish to report it, please use the feedback form here http://nxbus.co.uk/west-midlands/contact-us/contact-national-express (>still need help>complaints>feedback) so our team can look into this for you and improve our services.

Kind regards
Maalas

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

The busses are never on time

The busses are never on time , sometimes they are not even coming 49 bus! Not talking about rude drivers that they think they own the bus!
But you increased the single ticket price by nearly 50%!
You guys are a proper joke

January 7, 2025
Unprompted review
National Express West Midlands logo

Reply from National Express West Midlands

Hi Ungureanu,

I am sorry to hear this.

Unfortunately, delays or disruptions are mostly caused by traffic congestion, road accidents or other unplanned circumstances. We do our best to minimise the inconvenience, however, sometimes these circumstances are beyond our control.

If this is a recurring issue and you wish to report it, please use the feedback form here http://nxbus.co.uk/west-midlands/contact-us/contact-national-express (>still need help>complaints>feedback) so our team can look into this for you and improve our services.

Kind regards
Maalas

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Come on guys why do you start new year…

Come on guys why do you start new year with buses not showing up in the morning in walsall on lichfield street

January 2, 2025
Unprompted review
National Express West Midlands logo

Reply from National Express West Midlands

Dear David,

I am sorry to hear about this and for any inconvenience caused to your journey.

Please fill in the feedback form here - http://nxbus.co.uk/west-midlands/contact-us/contact-national-express (scroll down to the still need help section, select complaints and feedback) and we can look in to this matter further for you.

Kind Regards
Lai

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

The driver just left us standing in the…

The driver just left us standing in the cold, we are waiting for the bus to come in a cold for about 15min, he later come around 20:25 and he saw us standing, my kids were so happy to see the bus coming ,all for us to see the bus just pass us without waiting and it’s not like the bus was full , just 3 people inside and I was even waving at him and he didn’t stop, left me and my kids inside the cold for another 30 minutes

December 24, 2024
Unprompted review
National Express West Midlands logo

Reply from National Express West Midlands

Hi Yinka,

I am very sorry to hear this.

Some services will not serve stops if it's diverted or out of service and only drop passengers off.

We are happy to look into the issue for you but we do require further details. We would like to request that you contact us should you wish to discuss this with us further.

Please use the feedback form here http://nxbus.co.uk/west-midlands/contact-us/contact-national-express (>still need help>complaints>feedback) so our team can contact the garage and get back to you with an explanation as to why the bus did not stop.

​​​​​​​I apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Kind regards,
Maalas

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Bad bus service.

The quality of the service is dreadful. Certain routes have ridiculous priority over others. Private business is not efficient. The 50 route runs 10 times as many buses as most other routes. Time table doesn't even make sense. Runs more buses in the day time and drops to one every 30 minutes after 18:00 when everyone is trying to get home.

Buses frequently don't show up so your 30 minute wait is turned into an hour. Badly planned services. It's a public service that half the people don't pay for and the main adult workforce needs to chip fund it through their taxes and their monthly subscription.

December 15, 2024
Unprompted review
National Express West Midlands logo

Reply from National Express West Midlands

Hello Alex,

I am sorry to learn of your dissatisfaction with the performance of our services.

If you wish to provide feedback on your experience please feel free to click on the form ‘Complaints and Feedback' under the 'Still need help’ section where this can be looked into further: https://nxbus.co.uk/west-midlands/help-information/contact

We hope to hear from you soon.

Kind regards,
Amy R

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Bus too early

Bus too early. Missed it by being on time. Waiting 20 minutes in this cold.. unusable service, wasted a ticket and froze half to death before giving up for reasons of freezing.

December 8, 2024
Unprompted review
National Express West Midlands logo

Reply from National Express West Midlands

Hello,

Thank you for your review.

I am sorry to hear of your concerns when travelling. We understand how critical a reliable service is and we are sorry that we’ve let you down.

If you wish to provide further feedback on any of our service routes please feel free to click on the form ‘Complaints and feedback' under 'Still need help’ section where this can be looked into further: https://nxbus.co.uk/west-midlands/help-information/contact.

Regards,
Amy

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I am disabled 2bus drivers just went…

I am disabled 2bus drivers just went past me i had put my arm out kent st gornal disgrace

December 4, 2024
Unprompted review
National Express West Midlands logo

Reply from National Express West Midlands

Hi Derrick,

Thank you for your review, I am sorry to hear of your concerns when travelling and we understand how critical a reliable service is and we are sorry that we’ve let you down.

If you wish to provide further feedback on any of our service routes please feel free to click on the form ‘Complaints and feedback' under 'Still need help’ section where this can be looked into further: https://nxbus.co.uk/west-midlands/help-information/contact.

Regards
Samantha

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Complaint Regarding Unacceptable…

Complaint Regarding Unacceptable Behavior by Bus Driver on Route NX

Dear Bus Éireann Customer Service,

I am writing to formally complain about an incident that occurred on the NX bus route in Dublin on December 3rd, 2024, at approximately 15:13 from the main stop in Dublin.

While I understand that buses can sometimes run late, the behavior of the driver was completely unacceptable. When the bus arrived, the driver opened the door and immediately started shouting “NO, NO” as I attempted to board. This was confusing and distressing, as I initially thought I had made a mistake. It was only after a fellow passenger informed me that the drivers were changing that I understood the situation.

When the door was opened again and I entered the bus, I politely suggested to the driver that he should communicate more respectfully. However, he responded rudely, asking if I wanted to come in, while another driver laughed. This behavior is not only unprofessional but also disrespectful. As someone who works with the public, I know the importance of treating everyone with courtesy and respect.

I hope that appropriate action will be taken to ensure that all drivers treat passengers with the respect they deserve, regardless of their background. Such behavior should not be tolerated, and I trust that Bus Éireann will address this issue promptly.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

December 3, 2024
Unprompted review
National Express West Midlands logo

Reply from National Express West Midlands

Hi Waseem,

I am sorry to hear of your concerns when travelling on the Dublin Express. This would need to investigated further and to do so would need further details including ticket number, should you wish to discuss this with us further please use the following link https://www.dublinexpress.ie/contact-us.

Regards
Samantha

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

529 bus service is an absolute…

529 bus service is an absolute disgrace, went to the stop this morning at 9.45 and as I got to the stop the driver on the bus didn't stop and he was going too fast to probably even stop anyway, then I didn't get on a bus till 10.15, this service is supposed to be every 7 mins, yeah right you lucky to see a bus every 30 mins if your lucky, I've just about had enough of the bus service it isn't up to standard anymore and if it was for the fact that I could drive I would never use them again and when you send them a complaint through email they don't get back to you, absolute waste of space

November 28, 2024
Unprompted review
National Express West Midlands logo

Reply from National Express West Midlands

Hi Gemma,

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience.

We sincerely apologise for your recent experience with one of our services. We understand how critical a reliable service is and we are sorry that we’ve let you down.

If you wish to provide further feedback on any of our service routes please feel free to click on the form ‘Complaints and feedback' under 'Still need help’ section where this can be looked into further: https://nxbus.co.uk/west-midlands/help-information/contact

Regards
Samantha

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

What is wrong with your timing nx bus.

I was supposed to get to an event by 5, I checked the map and it says the bus was supposed to be here by 4:46 but the bus didn't come and this happened with the 4:56 bus again, I am so angry right now because I could not attend the event. Please fix these stupid bus issues!!!!!!!!!!

November 26, 2024
Unprompted review
National Express West Midlands logo

Reply from National Express West Midlands

Hi ???,

We're sorry for the dissatisfaction with our services. Our network planning teams do work hard to devise suitable timetables for our routes. Unfortunately there are factors out of our control that can impact punctuality.

Please fill in the feedback form here - http://nxbus.co.uk/west-midlands/contact-us/contact-national-express (scroll down to the still need help section, select complaints and feedback) and we can look in to this matter further for you.

Regards

Samantha

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Today has been the second time a bus…

Today has been the second time a bus driver ignored me on the bus stop. I thought he was gonna pull over cause I saw the blinker was on. So while waiting, I opened my google wallet and when I looked up and tried to walk over, the driver went straight past me. There was also this one time where I pressed the red button but the driver didn't stop.

November 25, 2024
Unprompted review
National Express West Midlands logo

Reply from National Express West Midlands

Hi Abigail,

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience.

We sincerely apologise for your recent experience with one of our services. We understand how critical a reliable service is and we are sorry that we’ve let you down.

If you wish to provide further feedback on any of our service routes please feel free to click on the form ‘Complaints and feedback' under 'Still need help’ section where this can be looked into further: https://nxbus.co.uk/west-midlands/help-information/contact

Regards
Samantha

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

OMG I voted for a new mayor of…

OMG I voted for a new mayor of Birmingham and he worse than the last 1. Bus service is getting worse waited over an hour for a X22 from Birmingham home, 5 x21 to weoley Castle. No good to me.
You need to sort buses out we all don't have a car and most cannot afford taxi

November 20, 2024
Unprompted review
National Express West Midlands logo

Reply from National Express West Midlands

Hi Elaine,

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience.

We sincerely apologise for the ongoing issues you’ve experienced, particularly with delays. We understand how critical a reliable service is and we are sorry that we’ve let you down.

If you wish to provide further feedback on any of our service routes please feel free to click on the form ‘Complaints and feedback' under 'Still need help’ section where this can be looked into further: https://nxbus.co.uk/west-midlands/help-information/contact

Regards
Samantha

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

If I could give a zero I would

If I could give a zero I would. Not everyone has the money to burn getting taxis to and from work. No.6 didn’t turn up at 7:25 and I needed to get to work. No reason given!

October 20, 2024
Unprompted review
National Express West Midlands logo

Reply from National Express West Midlands

Hi,

We're sorry for the dissatisfaction with our services. Our network planning teams do work hard to devise suitable timetables for our routes. Unfortunately there are factors out of our control that can impact punctuality.

Please fill in the feedback form here - http://nxbus.co.uk/west-midlands/contact-us/contact-national-express (scroll down to the still need help section, select complaints and feedback) and we can look in to this matter further for you.

Kind Regards

Kind regards,
Rema

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

Number 6 bus didn't show up…

Number 6 bus didn't show up in Solihull centre at 14.30 hours, no reason why or nothing, keep a check on your buses!!

October 19, 2024
Unprompted review
National Express West Midlands logo

Reply from National Express West Midlands

Hi,

We're sorry for the dissatisfaction with our services. Our network planning teams do work hard to devise suitable timetables for our routes. Unfortunately there are factors out of our control that can impact punctuality.

Please fill in the feedback form here - http://nxbus.co.uk/west-midlands/contact-us/contact-national-express (scroll down to the still need help section, select complaints and feedback) and we can look in to this matter further for you.

Kind Regards

Kind regards,
Rema

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Nowadays the bus service is very very…

Nowadays the bus service is very very poor the buses are not on time they are delayed 20- 20 mins. I live in Smethwick, today I want to catch bus 87 but it was 24 mins late and I got late for my work.

October 11, 2024
Unprompted review
National Express West Midlands logo

Reply from National Express West Midlands

Dear Suneha,

We're sorry for the dissatisfaction with our services. Our network planning teams do work hard to devise suitable timetables for our routes. Unfortunately there are factors out of our control that can impact punctuality.

Please fill in the feedback form here - http://nxbus.co.uk/west-midlands/contact-us/contact-national-express (scroll down to the still need help section, select complaints and feedback) and we can look in to this matter further for you.

Kind Regards
Lai

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Busses pass us. Not 1, not 2 ..but 4!

I use the bus almost daily and always had issues but nothing as it happened today.
4 busses 61 & 63..FOUR ffs passed me and few other people in the bus station. Just went past us. A journey that should've taken 15min took close to an hour. Then, Moor street..waiting for 60. Delayed. Delayed. Delayed. Everything everywhere everyday is delayed with this company.

October 10, 2024
Unprompted review
National Express West Midlands logo

Reply from National Express West Midlands

Hi,

We apologise to hear of the dissatisfaction with our services.

We try to keep services running to schedule but unfortunately there are factors out of our control that impact punctuality. Our planning teams work hard to devise suitable timetables for our routes and will try to make adjustments where possible to provide a better service.

If you wish to provide feedback on any of our service routes, please feel free to click for the form ‘Complaints and feedback' under 'Still need help’ section where this can be looked into further: https://nxbus.co.uk/west-midlands/help-information/contact

We hope you have a much better experience on our services going forward.

Kind regards,

Ewa

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Bus service is diabolical

Bus service is diabolical. Every day the 49 bus service form Solihull to Rubery is late or doesn't even turn up. Over half the week I am forced to get taxis to work due to this diabolical service if I could leave no stars I would. You should be ashamed of the filthy useless service you provide.

October 7, 2024
Unprompted review
National Express West Midlands logo

Reply from National Express West Midlands

Hi,

We apologise to hear of the dissatisfaction with our services.

We try to keep services running to schedule but unfortunately there are factors out of our control that impact punctuality. Our planning teams work hard to devise suitable timetables for our routes and will try to make adjustments where possible to provide a better service.

If you wish to provide feedback on any of our service routes, please feel free to click for the form ‘Complaints and feedback' under 'Still need help’ section where this can be looked into further: https://nxbus.co.uk/west-midlands/help-information/contact

We hope you have a much better experience on our services going forward.

Kind regards,

Ewa

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Bus is always late and some times the…

Bus is always late and some times the next one doesn't even come! terrible service

October 3, 2024
Unprompted review
National Express West Midlands logo

Reply from National Express West Midlands

Hi Lisa,

Thank you for your review, and I am sorry for the delay and inconvenience caused.

We try to keep services running to schedule but unfortunately there are factors out of our control that impact punctuality. Our planning teams work hard to devise suitable timetables for our routes and will try to make adjustments where possible to provide a better service.

If you wish to provide feedback on any of our service routes, please feel free to click for the form ‘Complaints and feedback' under 'Still need help’ section where this can be looked into further: https://nxbus.co.uk/west-midlands/help-information/contact

We hope you have a much better experience on our services going forward.

Regards
Samantha

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Busses are coming late every day

Worst experience now a days ... every day bus delays if you check the timings in map 15-25 min delay .I donno why officials are not taking any action for inconvenience. Yesterday I was waiting for the bus at cycle works stop and bus time showing at 5:35pm it was showing scheduled after some time when I check the map it was showing departed..Like seriously I was standing Their how this invisible bus moved on .and the next it was showing 5:57pm. Finally bus came around 6:5 pm like seriously half an hour delay. Every day the same problem very difficult for working people. Officials Please do some needful.

October 1, 2024
Unprompted review
National Express West Midlands logo

Reply from National Express West Midlands

Hi,

We apologise to hear of the dissatisfaction with our services.

We try to keep services running to schedule but unfortunately there are factors out of our control that impact punctuality. Our planning teams work hard to devise suitable timetables for our routes and will try to make adjustments where possible to provide a better service.

If you wish to provide feedback on any of our service routes, please feel free to click for the form ‘Complaints and feedback' under 'Still need help’ section where this can be looked into further: https://nxbus.co.uk/west-midlands/help-information/contact

We hope you have a much better experience on our services going forward.

Kind regards,

Wasif

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Absolutely the worst service

Absolutely the worst service
The buses on route 21 are never in time
For a whole week they have been coming at different times and drivers just take the bus whenever they want

October 2, 2024
Unprompted review
National Express West Midlands logo

Reply from National Express West Midlands

Hi,

I'm sorry to hear of the delays experienced on this service route.

We try to keep services running to schedule but unfortunately there are factors out of our control that impact punctuality. Our planning teams work hard to devise suitable timetables for our routes and will try to make adjustments where possible to provide a better service.

If you wish to provide feedback on any of our service routes, please feel free to click for the form ‘Complaints and feedback' under 'Still need help’ section where this can be looked into further: https://nxbus.co.uk/coventry/help-information/contact

We hope you have a much better experience on our services going forward.

Kind regards,

Wasif

The Trustpilot Experience

Anyone can write a Trustpilot review. People who write reviews have ownership to edit or delete them at any time, and they’ll be displayed as long as an account is active.

Companies can ask for reviews via automatic invitations. Labeled Verified, they’re about genuine experiences.

Learn more about other kinds of reviews.

We use dedicated people and clever technology to safeguard our platform. Find out how we combat fake reviews.

Learn about Trustpilot’s review process.

Here are 8 tips for writing great reviews.

Verification can help ensure real people are writing the reviews you read on Trustpilot.

Offering incentives for reviews or asking for them selectively can bias the TrustScore, which goes against our guidelines.

Take a closer look