- Must visit
Turner Contemporary
Major contemporary gallery on the seafront inspired by J. M. W. Turner. Essential for modern art, sea views, and Margate's creative revival.
Cheapest price
$28
Average price
$28
Fastest journey
7 h 30 m
Average duration
7 h 30 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
256 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Birmingham to Margate is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Birmingham to Margate will cost around $28 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $28.
Of the 1 buses that leave Birmingham for Margate on Wed, Aug 05, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Aug 05 the direct buses cover the 256 km distance in an average of 7 h 30 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h 30 m .
On Wed, Aug 05 the slowest buses will take 7 h 30 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.


Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Birmingham to Margate among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $22. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 5m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $22, and a train costs an average of $53.
Distance: 159 miles (256 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$30 Average price Cheapest | $91 Average price | $72 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 45m Average total duration 6h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 35m Average total duration Fastest 3h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 38m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Birmingham to Margate:
A bus is $62 (€50) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Birmingham to Margate costing on average $91 (€75).
Other travel options to Margate take longer:
Bus takes on average 6h 15m.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:05AM | Arrival Time 02:15PM | Duration 7h10 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 10:30PM | Duration 7h30 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:10PM | Arrival Time 11:30PM | Duration 7h20 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:15PM | Arrival Time 11:25PM | Duration 7h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:15PM | Arrival Time 12:25AM | Duration 7h10 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:25PM | Arrival Time 12:25AM | Duration 7h00 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $26 |
The table below shows live departures for Birmingham to Margate buses for tomorrow, Wednesday, August 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 3:00 PM Birmingham | 7h30 | 10:30 PM Margate | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Birmingham to Margate run on average 10 times per day, taking around 6h 15m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $22 (€18) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 03:25, the last at 21:30. The fastest bus covers the 159 miles (256 km) distance in 7h 0m.
Distance 159 miles (256 km) |
Average bus duration 6h 15m |
Cheapest ticket price $22 (€18) |
Buses per day 10 |
Fastest bus 7h 0m |
First bus 3:25 AM |
Last bus 9:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 7 days |
Discover the best of Margate — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Margate trip today.
Major contemporary gallery on the seafront inspired by J. M. W. Turner. Essential for modern art, sea views, and Margate's creative revival.
Intriguing underground passage decorated with shell mosaics. Part museum, part mystery, and one of Margate's best-known heritage sites.
Small local museum telling Margate's social and seaside history through photographs, objects, and changing volunteer-led displays.
Margate's sandy main beach beside the old harbour. Ideal for classic seaside views, sunsets, and easy access to the old town.
Characterful historic quarter with narrow lanes, independent shops, and galleries. The best area for wandering and finding local charm.
Revived harbour promenade with sea views, public art, and space to stroll. Especially lively during events and summer evenings.
Fresh Pacific and North Sea oysters are a classic Kent coast treat, prized in nearby Whitstable and commonly enjoyed in Margate for their briny local character.
Beer-battered local fish with chips is a staple seaside meal in Margate, tied to the town’s harbour culture and traditional British coastal dining.
This Kent cheese is a soft washed-rind cow’s milk cheese from the region, often served on local menus and valued for its rich, pungent flavour.
A popular old-town restaurant known for modern British cooking, seasonal plates and a relaxed bistro atmosphere near the seafront.
A well-regarded seafood restaurant with refined sharing plates, natural wine and a stylish dining room close to Margate’s harbour.
A respected coffee roastery and cafe serving specialty coffee, brunch and pastries in a bright, contemporary space.
Moderate for a UK seaside town. Rooms and dining cost less than London, but summer stays and tourist areas can raise hotel, cafe, and local transport prices.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up for taxis. Cafes usually do not expect tips, but small change is appreciated.
Official public transport app
Marine Terrace -> Margate Old Town, Margate
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Birmingham to Margate 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 Margate, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Birmingham to Margate buses use the Birmingham, Coach Station to Margate, Marine Terrace station pair, with some services arriving at Margate, Cliftonville Darwin Court. Use this guide to compare Birmingham and Margate bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Birmingham, Coach Station is 1 km from Birmingham city centre. Public transport options include:
Birmingham, Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria and fast-food options inside the station
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Birmingham, Coach Station.
Available at Birmingham, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham, Coach Station: Elevators, ramps.
Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport) is 1 km from Birmingham city centre. Public transport options include:
Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Restaurants available in the airport terminal.
Free WiFi available. ATMs are aTMs available inside the airport terminal.
Ticket office support is available at Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport).
Available at Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport): Facilities accessible for disabled persons.
Margate, Marine Terrace has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Margate, Marine Terrace. ATMs are available at Margate, Marine Terrace.
Ticket office support is available at Margate, Marine Terrace.
Available at Margate, Marine Terrace: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Margate, Marine Terrace: The station is accessible for wheelchair users.
Cliftonville, Northdown Road is 1 km from Margate city centre. Public transport options include:
Cliftonville, Northdown Road has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Cliftonville, Northdown Road. ATMs are available at Cliftonville, Northdown Road.
Ticket office support is available at Cliftonville, Northdown Road.
Available at Cliftonville, Northdown Road: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cliftonville, Northdown Road: Accessible for persons with mobility impairments.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need