- Recommended
Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon
Local museum on Barnstaple's history, archaeology, and culture. A strong first stop for understanding the town and wider North Devon.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Bristol to Barnstaple
Showing times and prices for Aug 04
Cheapest price
€29
Average price
€30
Fastest journey
3 h 20 m
Average duration
3 h 20 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
110 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Bristol to Barnstaple is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bristol to Barnstaple will cost around €30 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €29.
Fast buses
Of the 2 buses that leave Bristol for Barnstaple on Tue, Aug 04, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Aug 04 the direct buses cover the 110 km distance in an average of 3 h 20 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 20 m .
On Tue, Aug 04 the slowest buses will take 3 h 20 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.
NX1054:00 PM3h20Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)7:20 PMBarnstaple, Silver Street (Bus Station)€291One-way0 transfers- NX5023:35 PM3h20Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)6:55 PMBarnstaple, Silver Street (Bus Station)€321One-way0 transfers
- NX5023:35 PM3h20Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)6:55 PMBarnstaple, Silver Street (Bus Station)€321One-way0 transfers
- NX1054:00 PM3h20Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)7:20 PMBarnstaple, Silver Street (Bus Station)€291One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus and train for Bristol to Barnstaple
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Bristol to Barnstaple among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from €19. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 10m. 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 train costs an average of €19, and a bus costs an average of €21.
Distance: 68 miles (110 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€32 Average price | €28 Average price Cheapest | €40 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 28m Average total duration 2h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 40m Average total duration Fastest 2h 10m 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 Bristol to Barnstaple is a train with an average price of €28.
This is compared to other travel options from Bristol to Barnstaple:
A train is €4 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Bristol to Barnstaple costing on average €32.
The fastest way to travel from Bristol to Barnstaple is by train with an average journey time of 2h 10m.
Other travel options to Barnstaple take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 58m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Bristol and Barnstaple including taking a bus and train.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Bristol to Barnstaple 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 €32 compared to roughly €40 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €8. The journey takes 2h 58m 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.
Bristol to Barnstaple Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Great Western Railway | Departure Time 08:14AM | Arrival Time 10:50AM | Duration 2h36 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €27 |
Operator Great Western Railway | Departure Time 11:41AM | Arrival Time 02:58PM | Duration 3h17 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price €21 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:35PM | Arrival Time 05:40PM | Duration 3h05 | Departure days Wed, Sat | Cheapest price €33 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:35PM | Arrival Time 06:55PM | Duration 3h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €29 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:55PM | Arrival Time 07:25PM | Duration 3h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €29 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 07:20PM | Duration 3h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu | Cheapest price €27 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 07:40PM | Duration 3h10 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price €27 |
Operator Great Western Railway | Departure Time 10:50PM | Arrival Time 05:19AM | Duration 6h29 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price €55 |
Live departures
Bristol to Barnstaple bus times
The table below shows live departures for Bristol to Barnstaple buses for tomorrow, Tuesday, August 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NX502 | 3:35 PM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 3h20 | 6:55 PM Barnstaple, Silver Street (Bus Station) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| NX105 | 4:00 PM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 3h20 | 7:20 PM Barnstaple, Silver Street (Bus Station) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Bristol to Barnstaple 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.
Tue
Aug 04
Aug 04
Wed
Aug 05
Aug 05
Thu
Aug 06
Aug 06
Fri
Aug 07
Aug 07
Sat
Aug 08
Aug 08
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Aug 09
Mon
Aug 10
Aug 10
Why should you book Bristol to Barnstaple buses with Omio?
National Express as well as Megabus offer buses services from Bristol to Barnstaple.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Bristol to Barnstaple.
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 Bristol to Barnstaple.
- 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 Bristol to Barnstaple.
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 Bristol to Barnstaple.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Bristol to Barnstaple.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Bristol to Barnstaple
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Bristol to Barnstaple run on average 1 times per day, taking around 2h 58m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €21 but you can travel from only €19 by train.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 05:47, the last at 21:00. The fastest bus covers the 68 miles (110 km) distance in 2h 36m.
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 €19
Distance 68 miles (110 km) |
Average bus duration 2h 58m |
Cheapest ticket price €21 |
Buses per day 1 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 2h 36m |
First bus 5:47 AM |
Last bus 9:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 14 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 €19
Bus providers: National Express, Megabus from Bristol to BarnstapleYou can travel by bus between Bristol to Barnstaple with National Express, Megabus for as low as €19. 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 5m
Cheapest Price
€21
National Express frequency
1 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
€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 Barnstaple
Things to do in Barnstaple
Discover the best of Barnstaple — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Barnstaple trip today.
- Recommended
The Plough Arts Centre
Regional arts venue presenting contemporary exhibitions, film, and performances. Worth visiting for changing visual art shows in central Barnstaple.
- Recommended
North Devon Maritime Museum
Maritime museum in a historic signal station at nearby Instow. Displays explain local seafaring and estuary links relevant to North Devon.
- Must visit
Tarka Trail
Traffic-free trail along the old railway, linking Barnstaple with coast and countryside. Excellent for walking or cycling with estuary scenery.
- Recommended
Boutport Street
Historic shopping street lined with characterful buildings. Ideal for appreciating Barnstaple's commercial heritage and everyday town-centre atmosphere.
- Recommended
Rock Park
Green riverside park popular for walks, sports, and family time. It offers open views and a relaxed break close to the town centre.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Devon Clotted Cream
A rich North Devon cream made by slowly heating milk. Served with scones and jam, it is a defining regional treat across Devon tea rooms.
- Vegetarian
Devon Cream Tea
Traditional Devon split scones filled with jam and clotted cream. The Devon style puts cream before jam and is a proud local custom.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Devon Cider
A classic West Country cider from nearby orchards. Dry or sparkling styles are widely drunk in North Devon pubs and with local food.
62 The Bank
Smart modern restaurant in Barnstaple known for seasonal British cooking, tasting menus, and polished service in an intimate setting.
Giovanni's & Luca's
Established Italian restaurant with a loyal local following, serving pasta, pizza, and seafood in a relaxed riverside area.
The Pelican
Historic pub and restaurant in the town centre, popular for cask ales, classic British dishes, and a traditional atmosphere.
British Pound Sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK: hotels and meals are usually lower than major cities, while local buses and everyday dining stay fairly manageable for tourists.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £15-25 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £45+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.80-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual for good service if not already added. Round up for taxis, and small change is fine in cafes.
Stagecoach Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.50
- Day pass
- £4.50
To the city center
Barnstaple, Silver Street (Bus Station) -> Barnstaple Railway Station
- Distance
- 0.5 km
- Travel time
- 7 min
- Stagecoach buses around Barnstaple generally accept contactless card payment as well as cash. Check the fare before boarding in the Stagecoach Bus app.
- Barnstaple town centre is compact, so many central stops are within a short walk from Silver Street Bus Station and the railway station.
FAQs: Bus from Bristol to Barnstaple
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bristol to Barnstaple 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 Barnstaple, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Bristol to Barnstaple can start from as little as €21 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Bristol to Barnstaple is €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 Bristol to Barnstaple is 2h 36m 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 Bristol to Barnstaple leaves at 5:47 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Bristol to Barnstaple leaves at 9:00 PM.
Yes, there are 1 direct buses a day from Bristol to Barnstaple with National Express, Megabus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Bristol to Barnstaple, you can count on National Express, Megabus for the best way to get you to Barnstaple. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Bristol and Barnstaple and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Barnstaple from Bristol is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2h 36m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Bristol to Barnstaple is August.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Bristol and Barnstaple including taking a bus and train.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Bristol to Barnstaple:
- 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 Bristol to Barnstaple for bus company National Express, Megabus.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Bristol to Barnstaple 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 Bristol to Barnstaple.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Bristol to Barnstaple:
- 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 Bristol to Barnstaple:
- 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 Bristol to Barnstaple.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Bristol to Barnstaple with the following bus company: National Express, Megabus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Bristol to Barnstaple with the following bus company: National Express, Megabus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Bristol to Barnstaple with the following bus company: National Express, Megabus.
Since neither Bristol nor Barnstaple 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 Bristol to Barnstaple 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 Barnstaple, travelers should be aware of typical urban safety concerns such as pickpocketing in busy areas and on public transport. It's advisable to stay vigilant in crowded spots, especially around the town center and transportation hubs. While scams are not prevalent, travelers should be cautious of unsolicited offers or deals that seem too good to be true, particularly from street vendors or unofficial ticket sellers. Keeping personal belongings secure and purchasing tickets from official sources helps ensure a safe experience.
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 Bristol to Barnstaple
Most Bristol to Barnstaple buses use the Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) to Barnstaple, Silver Street (Bus Station) station pair. Use this guide to compare Bristol and Barnstaple bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Bristol
Arrival bus stations in Barnstaple
Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)Bristol Bus Station (Bay 19), Marlborough Street 15, BS1 3ES
City-centre transport
Getting to Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) from Bristol city centre
Bus76, X6, X1, 39, 75, X9, X4, 73, X39, 522, X6a, X1a · 4m · €2 · every ~156 min
Bristol, Airport Bus Station
City-centre transport
Getting to Bristol, Airport Bus Station from Bristol city centre
BusFal · 19m · €11 · every ~4 min
A1 · 29m · €4 · every ~30 min
A1 · 32m · €4 · every ~30 min
A1 · 39m · €4 · every ~30 min
Barnstaple, Silver Street (Bus Station)
City-centre transport
Getting to Barnstaple, Silver Street (Bus Station) from Barnstaple city centre
Bus301, 155, 21C, 29, 21B, 310, 309, 303, 19 · 3m · €2 · every ~10 min
Most popular bus connections from Bristol
More options for your journey from Bristol to Barnstaple
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Barnstaple and Bristol
Most popular bus connections to Barnstaple
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