Nationalexpress Affiliate Program Overview

National Express operates one of the UK’s leading coach travel networks, offering extensive routes across the UK and internationally. Their affiliate program is designed to reward partners who drive bookings to their platform, capitalizing on growing trends in eco-friendly and affordable travel. Affiliates can promote National Express’s services including coach tickets, group travel options, and special offers.

Commission Structure

• Commission Rates: Affiliates earn a commission based on a percentage of the net revenue generated from each completed booking. The specific rate starts at 5% per sale and can increase up to 10% for top-performing affiliates, depending on monthly sales volume.
• Commission Duration: Commissions are paid on a one-time basis per confirmed sale. There is no recurring commission for repeat bookings made by the same customer through prior affiliate referrals.
• Sub-Affiliate Commissions: National Express does not currently offer sub-affiliate commissions within their program.
• Cookie Duration: The tracking cookie lasts for 30 days, meaning commissions are awarded if a referred user books within this period after clicking the affiliate link.
• Affiliate Network: The National Express Affiliate Program is managed internally through their dedicated affiliate team rather than via third-party affiliate networks.

National Express Promotion Policy

• ✅ Allowed Channels:
  • Personal websites and blogs related to travel and transportation
  • Email marketing (following GDPR and anti-spam standards)
  • Social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
  • Content marketing and SEO-driven articles
  • Pay-per-click (PPC) advertising on approved keywords
• ❌ Prohibited Channels:
  • Advertising on competing coach or transportation brands
  • Pop-up ads or unsolicited spam emails
  • Incentivized clicks or bookings
  • Unauthorized discount code distribution
  • Use of trademark bidding without explicit permission

Commission Payment

• Approval Time: Commissions are typically approved 30 days after a booking is completed to allow for cancellation or refunds.
• Minimum Payout Threshold: Affiliates must reach a minimum earning of £50 before payments are issued.
• Payment Schedule: Payments are made on a monthly basis, usually around the 15th of each month for commissions approved in the prior month.
• Payment Methods: Commission payments are primarily processed via bank transfer. PayPal payment options may be available on request but are not standard.

Summary

The National Express Affiliate Program offers a competitive commission rate structure for affiliates focusing on travel-related audiences. Its 30-day cookie window and in-house program management ensure clear and transparent tracking. Affiliates benefit from a well-known UK travel brand with wide appeal, and clear guidelines on promotion channels support effective and compliant marketing. Payment terms are straightforward, with solid support for affiliates once a minimum threshold is met.