Bristol to Ipswich bus with National Express

Sat, Sep 19
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Bristol to Ipswich

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 19

Cheapest price on Sep 19

$59

Average ticket price on Sep 19

$84

Fastest journey on Sep 19

6 h 55 m

Average journey duration on Sep 19

7 h 18 m

Buses on Sep 19

6

Distance

267 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Bristol to Ipswich is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Bristol to Ipswich will cost around $84 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $59.

Fast buses

It's difficult to get from Bristol to Ipswich without transferring at least 2 times.

  • National ExpressNX040 · NXA8 · NX717
    7:00 PM7h20
    Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
    2:20 AMIpswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)
    $591One-way
    2 transfers
  • National ExpressNX040 · NXA8 · NX717
    12:20 PM8h10
    Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
    8:30 PMIpswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)
    $651One-way
    2 transfers
  • National ExpressNX202 · NX727 · NX717
    8:00 AM7h35
    Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
    3:35 PMIpswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)
    $931One-way
    2 transfers
  • National ExpressNX202 · NX728 · NX717
    6:00 AM7h05
    Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
    1:05 PMIpswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)
    $941One-way
    2 transfers
  • National ExpressNX202 · NX727 · NX717
    4:30 PM6h55
    Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
    11:25 PMIpswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)
    $951One-way
    2 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Bristol to Ipswich

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Bristol to Ipswich among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $90 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 28m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $90, while a train costs an average of $142.

Distance: 165 miles (267 km)

Compare bus with

Most popular
Bus
Train
Driving

$90

Average price

Cheapest

$142

Average price

$72

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

6h 3m

Average total duration

5h 33m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 28m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 58m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 39m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.3 - 0.7kg

CO2 emissions

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

-

CO2 emissions

National Express

Most popular bus company

Great Western Railway

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 Ipswich is a bus with an average price of $90.

This is compared to other travel options from Bristol to Ipswich:

A bus is $53 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bristol to Ipswich costing on average $142.

The fastest way to travel from Bristol to Ipswich is by train with an average journey time of 2h 58m.

Other travel options to Ipswich take longer:

Bus takes on average 5h 33m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Bristol and Ipswich including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Bristol to Ipswich 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 $90 compared to roughly $72 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-18.17. The journey takes 5h 33m versus 3h 39m 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.

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 Ipswich Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:00AM
Arrival Time
01:05PM
Duration
7h05
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$94
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:00AM
Arrival Time
03:35PM
Duration
7h35
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$93
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:00AM
Arrival Time
05:35PM
Duration
7h35
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$100
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
12:20PM
Arrival Time
08:30PM
Duration
8h10
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$65
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:00PM
Arrival Time
10:25PM
Duration
8h25
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
$48
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:30PM
Arrival Time
10:25PM
Duration
7h55
Departure days
Thu
Cheapest price
$53
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:45PM
Arrival Time
10:25PM
Duration
7h40
Departure days
Thu, Fri
Cheapest price
$45
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:30PM
Arrival Time
11:25PM
Duration
6h55
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$95
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:00PM
Arrival Time
01:20AM
Duration
7h20
Departure days
Fri, Sun
Cheapest price
$63
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:00PM
Arrival Time
02:20AM
Duration
7h20
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$59
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:45PM
Arrival Time
06:30AM
Duration
9h45
Departure days
Thu
Cheapest price
$61
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:15PM
Arrival Time
06:30AM
Duration
9h15
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$72

Live departures

Bristol to Ipswich bus times

The table below shows live departures for Bristol to Ipswich buses for tomorrow, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
National ExpressNX202 · NX728 · NX7176:00 AM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
7h05
1:05 PM Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)2 transfers
National ExpressNX202 · NX727 · NX7178:00 AM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
7h35
3:35 PM Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)2 transfers
National ExpressNX202 · NX727 · NX71710:00 AM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
7h35
5:35 PM Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)2 transfers
National ExpressNX040 · NXA8 · NX71712:20 PM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
8h10
8:30 PM Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)2 transfers
National ExpressNX202 · NX727 · NX7174:30 PM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
6h55
11:25 PM Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)2 transfers
National ExpressNX040 · NXA8 · NX7177:00 PM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)
7h20
2:20 AM Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)2 transfers

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Bristol to Ipswich by train or bus

Compare train and bus 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.

Sat
Sep 19
Sun
Sep 20
Mon
Sep 21
Tue
Sep 22
Wed
Sep 23
Thu
Sep 24
Fri
Sep 25

Why should you book Bristol to Ipswich buses with Omio?

National Express operates all buses services from Bristol to Ipswich.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Bristol to Ipswich.

Why book with Omio vs National Express?

  • 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 train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Bristol to Ipswich.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Bristol to Ipswich.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Bristol to Ipswich

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Bristol to Ipswich run on average 7 times per day, taking around 5h 33m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $59 but you can travel from only $49 by train.

The earliest bus runs at 02:00, the last at 21:15. The fastest bus covers the 165 miles (267 km) distance in 4h 35m.

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 $49
Distance
165 miles (267 km)
Average bus duration
5h 33m
Cheapest ticket price
$59
Buses per day
7
Fastest bus
4h 35m
First bus
2:00 AM
Last bus
9:15 PM
Cheapest Month
Jul
Cheapest Day
Mon
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Thu
Least Busy Day
Thu
Best time to book
1 day
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 $49

Bus providers: National Express from Bristol to IpswichYou can travel by bus between Bristol to Ipswich with National Express for as low as $59. 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 National Express Duration
4h 35m
Cheapest National Express Price
$59
National Express frequency
6 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.

Complete guide to Ipswich

Things to do in Ipswich

Discover the best of Ipswich — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Ipswich trip today.

  • Must visit

Ipswich Museum

Ipswich’s main museum and gallery, covering local history, archaeology, art, and natural science in a major Victorian institution.

  • Must visit

Christchurch Mansion

Elegant mansion museum in Christchurch Park with period rooms, Ipswich treasures, and changing displays in a beautiful historic setting.

  • Recommended

Ipswich Art Gallery

Free contemporary gallery showing regional and national artists. A strong stop for visitors exploring Ipswich’s modern cultural scene.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for the UK: hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local buses and casual meals remain fairly affordable for tourists.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
£18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£50+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£3-4.50 for cappuccino or latte.

Tipping culture

Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Taxis are often rounded up. Cafes usually do not require tips.

FAQs: Bus from Bristol to Ipswich

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bristol to Ipswich 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 Ipswich, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Bristol to Ipswich can start from as little as $59 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Bristol to Ipswich is $90 ; 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 Ipswich is 4h 35m to travel the 165 miles (267 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 Ipswich leaves at 2:00 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Bristol to Ipswich leaves at 9:15 PM.
There are 7 buses a day from Bristol to Ipswich which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Bristol to Ipswich, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Ipswich. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Bristol and Ipswich and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
When departing from Bristol , you have various bus station options to start your journey from including Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St), Bristol, University Queens Road . When arriving in Ipswich , you can end your journey in bus stations like Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema), Capel St Mary, Ipswich Road .Passengers board the bus most frequently from Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St), which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema), located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Ipswich from Bristol is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 4h 35m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Bristol to Ipswich is July.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Bristol and Ipswich including taking a train and bus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Bristol to Ipswich:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Bristol to Ipswich for bus company National Express.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Ipswich are:
  • Ipswich Waterfront, a vibrant area with marinas, restaurants, and historic buildings along the River Orwell
  • Christchurch Mansion, a Tudor mansion housing an art gallery and museum with works by Gainsborough and Constable
  • Ipswich Museum, featuring exhibits on local history, natural history, and archaeology
  • Holywells Park, a scenic park with ponds, woodlands, and a children's play area
  • Suffolk Food Hall, a destination for local produce, dining, and views of the Orwell Bridge.
The best things to do in Ipswich include:
  • New Wolsey Theatre, a contemporary venue hosting a variety of performances including plays, musicals, and comedy shows
  • Orwell Country Park, offering beautiful walking trails and views of the River Orwell
  • Ipswich Transport Museum, showcasing a collection of transport and engineering heritage
  • DanceEast, a hub for dance performances and workshops
  • Jimmy's Farm & Wildlife Park, a family-friendly attraction with animals, gardens, and a farm shop.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Bristol to Ipswich depends on the bus companies:
  • 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 Ipswich.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Bristol to Ipswich:
  • 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 Ipswich:
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Bristol to Ipswich.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Bristol to Ipswich with the following bus company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Bristol to Ipswich with the following bus company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Bristol to Ipswich with the following bus company: National Express.
Since neither Bristol nor Ipswich 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 train as it is the most popular way to get from Bristol to Ipswich 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 Ipswich, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like the town center and markets. Scams involving overcharging by unofficial taxi drivers can occur, so it’s advisable to use licensed cabs or pre-booked transportation. Travelers should also remain aware of their surroundings at night, as isolated areas may have increased petty crime.
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 Ipswich

Most Bristol to Ipswich buses use the Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) to Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) station pair. Use this guide to compare Bristol and Ipswich 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 Ipswich
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, University Queens RoadBeacon House, Queens Rd, Bristol BS8 1QU, UKWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Bristol, University Queens Road from Bristol city centre

Bus72 · 11m · $5 · every ~8 min

Bristol, University Queens Road bus station facilities and services

Bristol, University Queens Road has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.

Food and drink

Food options include: Cafes and eateries in vicinity.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Bristol, University Queens Road. ATMs are aTMs available at nearby locations.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Bristol, University Queens Road.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Bristol, University Queens Road: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Bristol, University Queens Road: Wheelchair accessible via ramps.

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