- Must visit
Bristol Museum & Art Gallery
Major city museum with natural history, archaeology, art, and local collections in a grand building. A top all-round introduction to Bristol.
Cheapest price
$40
Average price
$41
Fastest journey
3 h 25 m
Average duration
3 h 32 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
110 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Barnstaple to Bristol is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Barnstaple to Bristol will cost around $41 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $40.
Of the 3 buses that leave Barnstaple for Bristol on Fri, Jul 31, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jul 31 the direct buses cover the 110 km distance in an average of 3 h 32 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 25 m .
On Fri, Jul 31 the slowest buses will take 3 h 35 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.






Buses from Barnstaple to Bristol run on average 1 times per day, taking around 3h 10m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $28 (€23) but you can travel from only $26 (€21) by train.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 04:12, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 68 miles (110 km) distance in 3h 19m.
Distance 68 miles (110 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price $28 (€23) |
Buses per day 1 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 3h 19m |
First bus 4:12 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 21 days |
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:30AM | Arrival Time 11:05AM | Duration 3h35 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:40AM | Arrival Time 11:05AM | Duration 3h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 12:05PM | Duration 3h35 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:40AM | Arrival Time 12:05PM | Duration 3h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:25AM | Arrival Time 12:50PM | Duration 3h25 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $36 |
The table below shows live departures for Barnstaple to Bristol buses for tomorrow, Friday, July 31. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:30 AM Barnstaple | 3h35 | 11:05 AM Bristol | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:40 AM Barnstaple | 3h25 | 11:05 AM Bristol | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:30 AM Barnstaple | 3h35 | 12:05 PM Bristol | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Discover the best of Bristol — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bristol trip today.
Major city museum with natural history, archaeology, art, and local collections in a grand building. A top all-round introduction to Bristol.
Historic passenger ship designed by Brunel. Explore decks, cabins, and dockside museum displays on one of Bristol’s most famous heritage attractions.
Purpose-built city history museum beside the floating harbour. It tells Bristol’s story through people, trade, protest, and everyday life.
Historic waterfront district with museums, boats, walks, and lively public spaces. Ideal for first-time visitors wanting Bristol’s signature atmosphere.
Elegant Georgian neighborhood of terraces, crescents, and village-like streets. A classic base for architecture, walks, and access to the bridge.
Panoramic viewpoint above the Avon Gorge near the suspension bridge. One of Bristol’s best free spots for dramatic landscapes and sunset photos.
A split-top white roll filled with roast beef, onions and gravy. A Bristol classic tied to the city’s old market and dockside workers.
Bristol’s own blue cheese, made in Somerset and long associated with the city. Rich, creamy and pungent, it reflects the region’s historic cheese trade.
Dry, still or sparkling cider made from West Country apples. Bristol’s pubs and cider houses make it a defining local drink with deep regional roots.
Historic harbourside restaurant in a converted shipping container. Celebrated for local seafood, oysters and relaxed waterside dining.
Michelin-starred fine dining known for modern British tasting menus, polished service and an intimate, special-occasion atmosphere.
Beloved casual eatery serving mezze and Middle Eastern plates. Lively, affordable and one of Bristol’s longest-established independent favourites.
Moderate for UK city breaks. Hotels and dining are cheaper than London, but central stays, attractions, and transport can still add up for tourists.
Restaurants: 10-12.5% if service is not included. Taxis: round up or add 10%. Cafes: tipping is optional, small change appreciated.
Official public transport app
Bristol Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) -> Bristol City Centre, Broadmead
Getting from Barnstaple to Bristol by bus is a more relaxing and straightforward journey than traveling by train. The schedule varies throughout the week with at least one daily direct departure and one or two connecting routes. It is sometimes quicker to take a connecting route than a direct service but all journeys take between three and three and a half hours. Departures are from Barnstaple Silver Street Bus Station with routes terminating at Bristol Marlborough Street Bus Station.
All buses from Barnstaple to Bristol are operated by National Express, which has a part British and a part multinational ownership. The National Express fleet is made up of modern and comfortable buses with standard onboard facilities of air conditioning or heating, WiFi and toilets. Some buses also have individual power outlets.
Direct buses to Bristol from Barnstaple take approximately three hours ten minutes to make the journey while connecting routes have an actual journey time of just under three hours and a short waiting time for transfers. Connections are all made at Taunton.
The schedule for buses from Barnstaple to Bristol varies throughout the week but there is one direct departure every day and one or two connecting routes in operation. All departures are in the morning.
Departure bus station: All buses to Bristol from Barnstaple start their journey at the Barnstaple Silver Street Bus Station. This is centrally located near the junction of Queen Street and Silver Street while the town centre and Barnstaple Train Station are both just a short walk away. It is served by cabs and local buses as well as long-distance buses. Among the facilities at Barnstaple Silver Street Bus Station are toilets, a waiting room, ATMs, food shops, fast food kiosks and a coffee shop.
Arrival bus station: Buses from Barnstaple to Bristol complete their journey at Bristol Marlborough Street Bus Station, which can be found in the Haymarket district of the town. It is just a short walk from the city-centre shops and the attractions of the River Severn waterfront. Bus station facilities include toilets, a waiting room, a newsagent, coffee shop and food kiosks.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Barnstaple to Bristol by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Bristol, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Barnstaple to Bristol buses use the Barnstaple, Silver Street (Bus Station) to Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) station pair, with some services arriving at Bristol, Airport Bus Station. Use this guide to compare Barnstaple and Bristol bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need