- Must visit
M Shed
City museum on Bristol’s docks covering local history, people, transport and protest movements. A strong first stop for understanding the city.
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
The cheapest and fastest buses from Barnstaple to Bristol
Showing times and prices for Jun 15
Cheapest price
$39
Average price
$39
Fastest journey
3 h 25 m
Average duration
3 h 25 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
110 km
Cheap tickets
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 $39 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $39.
Fast buses
Of the 1 buses that leave Barnstaple for Bristol on Mon, Jun 15, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jun 15 the direct buses cover the 110 km distance in an average of 3 h 25 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 25 m .
On Mon, Jun 15 the slowest buses will take 3 h 25 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.
NX5028:40 AM3h25Barnstaple, Silver Street (Bus Station)12:05 PMBristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)$391One-way0 transfers
- NX5028:40 AM3h25Barnstaple, Silver Street (Bus Station)12:05 PMBristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)$391One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus and train for Barnstaple to Bristol
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Barnstaple to Bristol among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $28. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 32m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $28, and a train costs an average of $26.
Distance: 68 miles (110 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$40 Average price Cheapest | $48 Average price | $49 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 40m Average total duration 3h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 2m Average total duration Fastest 2h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 57m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Barnstaple to Bristol is a bus with an average price of $40 (€32).
This is compared to other travel options from Barnstaple to Bristol:
A bus is $8 (€6) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Barnstaple to Bristol costing on average $48 (€39).
The fastest way to travel from Barnstaple to Bristol is by train with an average journey time of 2h 32m.
Other travel options to Bristol take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 10m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Barnstaple and Bristol including taking a bus and train.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Barnstaple to Bristol among Omio's users.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.
Tickets start at around $40 (€32) compared to roughly $49 (€40) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $9 (€7). The journey takes 3h 10m versus 1h 57m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by National Express, Megabus.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
Barnstaple to Bristol Bus Timetables
| 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 Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:40AM | Arrival Time 11:05AM | Duration 3h25 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $37 |
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 $34 |
Operator Great Western Railway | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 02:24PM | Duration 3h24 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $33 |
Live departures
Barnstaple to Bristol bus times
The table below shows live departures for Barnstaple to Bristol buses for tomorrow, Monday, June 15. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NX502 | 8:40 AM Barnstaple, Silver Street (Bus Station) | 3h25 | 12:05 PM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Barnstaple to Bristol by bus or train
Compare bus and train prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Mon
Jun 15
Jun 15
Tue
Jun 16
Jun 16
Wed
Jun 17
Jun 17
Thu
Jun 18
Jun 18
Fri
Jun 19
Jun 19
Sat
Jun 20
Jun 20
Sun
Jun 21
Jun 21
Why should you book Barnstaple to Bristol buses with Omio?
National Express as well as Megabus offer buses services from Barnstaple to Bristol.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Barnstaple to Bristol.
Why book with Omio vs National Express?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for National Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of Megabus to find the best option for your trip from Barnstaple to Bristol.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare National Express with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Barnstaple to Bristol.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Megabus to find the best option for your trip from Barnstaple to Bristol.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Barnstaple to Bristol.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Barnstaple to Bristol
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
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.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from $26 (€21)
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 |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from $26 (€21)
Bus providers: National Express, Megabus from Barnstaple to BristolYou can travel by bus between Barnstaple to Bristol with National Express, Megabus for as low as $26 (€21). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
National Express
About
National Express is the UK’s leading long-distance coach company, operating over 550 services per day and serving more than 900 destinations nationwide. It also runs frequent services to major UK airports — including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Bristol — 24 hours a day. All National Express coaches are air-conditioned and offer free Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment. Most vehicles are equipped with seat belts and power outlets at every seat, allowing you to charge your phone or laptop during your journey. Ticket options include Restricted Fare, Standard Fare, and Fully Flexible Fare, with the latter providing maximum flexibility for cancellations or changes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 25m
Cheapest Price
$28 (€23)
National Express frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible toilets.
Bikes
Folding Bikes are allowed; non-folding bikes are not allowed.
Megabus
About
Megabus is a low-cost intercity bus service operating across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Known for its affordable fares, including promotional $1 tickets, Megabus offers routes connecting over 500 cities and university campuses in North America. The company provides amenities such as air conditioning, power outlets, free Wi-Fi, and onboard restrooms, with many routes utilizing double-decker buses for scenic views. Megabus aims to provide safe, convenient, and affordable express bus travel.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 50m
Cheapest Price
$23 (€19)
Megabus frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
One piece of luggage is included per passenger reservation. For guidance, a piece of luggage must not exceed 62 inches (length + width + height) and should not weigh more than 50 pounds (23kg).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased by buying an additional travel ticket in advance or by adding up to two additional pieces when booking for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
Megabus reservations cannot be canceled or refunded, but they can be traded in for another journey up to 3 hours before your original scheduled departure for a fee.
Refund
If Megabus fails to provide on-time reliable service for reasons wholly within their control, refunds or alternative travel arrangements may be offered.
Pregnant on board
Being pregnant on board is allowed, but no specific details or restrictions are provided.
Unaccompagned minor
Unaccompanied minors under the age of 17 are not permitted to travel on Megabus.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cold food and drinks, as well as hot drinks with a lid, are allowed on board, but hot food is not.
Seat reservation
Reserved seats can be purchased for an additional fee, starting from £2.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.
Complete guide to Bristol
Things to do in Bristol
Discover the best of Bristol — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bristol trip today.
- Must visit
Bristol Museum & Art Gallery
Major museum and gallery with archaeology, natural history, fine art and Egyptian collections near the University area.
- Must visit
SS Great Britain
Museum ship designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, one of Bristol’s signature attractions and a major piece of maritime engineering history.
- Must visit
Bristol Harbourside
Revitalized waterfront area with museums, public art, walking routes and some of the city’s most photogenic views.
- Must visit
Old City
Historic core of Bristol with narrow lanes, heritage buildings, street art and access to St Nicholas Market.
- Recommended
Clifton Village
Elegant neighborhood of terraces, small streets and viewpoints near the Suspension Bridge, popular for strolling and architecture.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Bristol Cider
Traditional West Country cider is deeply tied to Bristol and the surrounding apple-growing region. It ranges from still to sparkling and is a classic local drink in pubs and cider houses.
- Vegetarian
Bath Bun
A sweet enriched bun with currants and sugar, long associated with nearby Bath and commonly found across Bristol bakeries and tea rooms. It is a classic regional teatime treat.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Cheddar Cheese
England’s famous Cheddar comes from Somerset, close to Bristol. This firm cow’s milk cheese is a staple in the region and often featured on local cheeseboards and in pub dishes.
Pasture Bristol
Popular steakhouse near the waterfront, known for wood-fired cooking, high-quality beef, and a lively modern dining room.
Wilsons
Highly regarded neighbourhood restaurant in Redland, celebrated for seasonal farm-to-table cooking and an intimate, ingredient-led approach.
The Pony Chew Valley
Well-known destination restaurant by Josh Eggleton outside central Bristol, focused on refined seasonal British cooking in a polished countryside setting.
Pound sterling
Moderate by UK standards. Dining and hotels cost less than London, but central areas can still be pricey.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- GBP 8-15 for takeaway or a casual lunch.
- Mid-range
- GBP 18-35 per person at a mid-range restaurant.
- Fine dining
- GBP 60+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- GBP 3-4.50 for a regular coffee.
Tipping culture
Service is often included only at some restaurants. If not, tip 10-12.5% for good service. Round up in taxis. Tipping is not expected for pubs or counter service.
First Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- GBP 2.00
- Day pass
- GBP 6.00
To the city center
Bristol Bus & Coach Station, Marlborough Street, Bristol -> Bristol Temple Meads Station, Bristol
- Distance
- 1.8 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Tap on with a contactless card or mobile wallet on most First Bus services; the GBP 2.00 single fare cap applies to many routes.
- Use the First Bus app for live times and mobile tickets; buying a day ticket in the app can be quicker than paying on board.
Buses from Barnstaple to Bristol
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.
Which bus companies travel from Barnstaple to Bristol?
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.
How long is the bus from Barnstaple to Bristol?
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.
How many buses are there from Barnstaple to Bristol?
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.
What are the departure and arrival stations for buses from Barnstaple to Bristol?
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.
FAQs: Bus from Barnstaple to Bristol
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.
Cheap bus tickets from Barnstaple to Bristol can start from as little as $28 (€23) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Barnstaple to Bristol is $40 (€32) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Barnstaple to Bristol is 3h 19m to travel the 68 miles (110 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Barnstaple to Bristol leaves at 4:12 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Barnstaple to Bristol leaves at 11:50 PM.
Yes, there are 1 direct buses a day from Barnstaple to Bristol with National Express, Megabus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Barnstaple to Bristol, you can count on National Express, Megabus for the best way to get you to Bristol. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Barnstaple and Bristol and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Bristol from Barnstaple is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3h 19m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Barnstaple to Bristol is August.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Barnstaple and Bristol including taking a bus and train.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Barnstaple to Bristol:
- Megabus
- Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Barnstaple to Bristol for bus company National Express, Megabus.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Bristol are:
- Clifton Suspension Bridge, an iconic 19th-century suspension bridge offering panoramic views of the Avon Gorge
- Bristol Cathedral, a historic cathedral with stunning Gothic architecture and serene gardens
- SS Great Britain, a restored 19th-century passenger steamship and museum located in the Great Western Dockyard
- Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, a museum featuring diverse collections of art, archaeology, and natural history
- St Nicholas Market, a vibrant market with a variety of food stalls, independent shops, and local crafts.
The best things to do in Bristol include:
- Bristol Zoo Gardens, a family-friendly attraction with diverse animal exhibits
- Take a boat tour along the River Avon for unique views of the city
- Explore the street art in the Stokes Croft area, known for its vibrant murals and graffiti
- Visit the Arnolfini, a contemporary arts center with exhibitions and performances
- Enjoy a leisurely walk or picnic in Brandon Hill Park, home to the historic Cabot Tower.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Barnstaple to Bristol depends on the bus companies:
- Megabus
- Megabus reservations cannot be canceled or refunded, but they can be traded in for another journey up to 3 hours before your original scheduled departure for a fee.
- National Express
- You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company National Express.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Barnstaple to Bristol.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Barnstaple to Bristol:
- Megabus
- One piece of luggage is included per passenger reservation. For guidance, a piece of luggage must not exceed 62 inches (length + width + height) and should not weigh more than 50 pounds (23kg).
- National Express
- Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Barnstaple to Bristol:
- Megabus
- Additional luggage can be purchased by buying an additional travel ticket in advance or by adding up to two additional pieces when booking for a fee.
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Barnstaple to Bristol.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Barnstaple to Bristol with the following bus company: National Express, Megabus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Barnstaple to Bristol with the following bus company: National Express, Megabus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Barnstaple to Bristol with the following bus company: National Express, Megabus.
Since neither Barnstaple nor Bristol are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United Kingdom and United Kingdom. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Barnstaple to Bristol among Omio's users.
The currency used in the United Kingdom is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). For travelers, using a card is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially in cities and for transportation tickets, though carrying some cash can be useful for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Bristol, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like the city center and on public transport. Common scams include overcharging by unofficial taxi drivers and counterfeit event tickets. It's advisable to use licensed taxis and buy tickets only from official vendors to avoid these issues. Additionally, travelers should stay aware of their surroundings at night, particularly in less busy areas.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Barnstaple to Bristol
Barnstaple
Bristol
The major bus station for departures in Barnstaple is Barnstaple, Silver Street (Bus Station). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Barnstaple, Silver Street (Bus Station) for your trip from Barnstaple to Bristol.
Barnstaple, Silver Street (Bus Station)
information
The major bus station for arrivals in Bristol is Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) for your trip to Bristol from Barnstaple.
information
Bristol, Airport Bus Station
information
Most popular bus connections from Barnstaple
More options for your journey from Barnstaple to Bristol
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Bristol and Barnstaple
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
