- 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.
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Bristol to Margate
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Bristol to Margate run on average 8 times per day, taking around 6h 13m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $19 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 03:45, the last at 19:15. The fastest bus covers the 171 miles (276 km) distance in 5h 15m.
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
Plan this route
Journey facts
- Distance171 miles (276 km)
- Average bus duration6h 13m
- Cheapest ticket price$19
- Buses per day8
- Fastest bus5h 15m
- First bus3:45 AM
- Last bus7:15 PM
- Cheapest MonthMay
- Cheapest DaySun
- High SeasonApr - Jun
- Low SeasonJan - Mar
- Busiest DaySat
- Least Busy DaySat
- Best time to book21 days
Understand & plan this route
Book with confidence
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
Frequently asked questions about your Bristol to Margate trip
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Bristol to Margate.
Cheap bus tickets from Bristol to Margate can start from as little as $19 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Bristol to Margate is $28 ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The earliest bus from Bristol to Margate leaves at 3:45 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Bristol to Margate leaves at 7:15 PM.
There are 8 buses a day from Bristol to Margate which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
Bristol to Margate Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:45AM | Arrival Time 09:25AM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:15PM | Arrival Time 09:15PM | Duration 7h00 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $71 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:15PM | Arrival Time 11:30PM | Duration 7h15 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $20 |
Live departures
Bristol to Margate bus times
The table below shows live departures for Bristol to Margate buses for today, Tuesday, November 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 4:15 PM Bristol | 7h15 | 11:30 PM Margate | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Bristol to Margate buses with Omio?
National Express operates all buses services from Bristol to Margate.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Bristol to Margate.
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 bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Bristol to Margate.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Bristol to Margate.
Bus companies
Bus companies from Bristol to Margate
Buses from Bristol to Margate with National Express. Overnight buses available on this route with National Express. Use the details below to compare onboard facilities.
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
5h 15m
Cheapest National Express Price
$19
National Express frequency
8 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.
Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Bristol and Margate
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
When taking a bus from Bristol to Margate, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Margate. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Bristol and Margate and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Bristol to Margate:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Bristol to Margate for bus company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Bristol to Margate 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 {providersWithBike}.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Bristol to Margate.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Bristol to Margate:
- 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 Margate:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Bristol to Margate.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Bristol to Margate with the following bus company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Bristol to Margate with the following bus company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Bristol to Margate with the following bus company: National Express.
Complete guide to Margate
Things to do in Margate
Discover the best of Margate — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Margate trip today.
- Must visit
Shell Grotto
Intriguing underground passage decorated with shell mosaics. Part museum, part mystery, and one of Margate's best-known heritage sites.
- Recommended
Margate Museum
Small local museum telling Margate's social and seaside history through photographs, objects, and changing volunteer-led displays.
- Must visit
Margate Main Sands
Margate's sandy main beach beside the old harbour. Ideal for classic seaside views, sunsets, and easy access to the old town.
- Must visit
Margate Old Town
Characterful historic quarter with narrow lanes, independent shops, and galleries. The best area for wandering and finding local charm.
- Recommended
Margate Harbour Arm
Revived harbour promenade with sea views, public art, and space to stroll. Especially lively during events and summer evenings.
- Gluten-free
Kent Oysters
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.
Fish And Chips
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.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Ashmore Farmhouse Cheese
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.
Angela's
A popular old-town restaurant known for modern British cooking, seasonal plates and a relaxed bistro atmosphere near the seafront.
Sargasso
A well-regarded seafood restaurant with refined sharing plates, natural wine and a stylish dining room close to Margate’s harbour.
Forts Cafe
A respected coffee roastery and cafe serving specialty coffee, brunch and pastries in a bright, contemporary space.
British pound sterling (£)
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.
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 coffee.
Tipping culture
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.
Stagecoach Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.00
- Day pass
- £4.70
To the city center
Marine Terrace -> Margate Old Town, Margate
- Distance
- 0.8 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Most local buses in Margate accept contactless card and mobile payments; the £2.00 single fare cap is widely available on Stagecoach services.
- Margate is compact, so walking is often the quickest way between Marine Terrace, Old Town, and the seafront.
Plan your visit to Margate
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Margate.
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 Margate, travelers should be mindful of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like the seafront and markets. Be cautious of unofficial taxi services and always use licensed providers to avoid overcharging. Additionally, watch out for scams involving street vendors selling counterfeit goods or overpriced souvenirs. Staying aware of surroundings and securing personal belongings helps ensure a safe visit.
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.
FAQs: Bus from Bristol to Margate
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bristol 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.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Bristol and Margate including taking a bus and train.
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.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Bristol to Margate
Most Bristol to Margate buses use the Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) to Margate, Marine Terrace station pair, with some services arriving at Margate, Cliftonville Darwin Court. Use this guide to compare Bristol and Margate 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 Margate
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 · $3 · every ~156 min
Bristol, University Queens RoadBeacon House, Queens Rd, Bristol BS8 1QU, UK
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.
Which Margate station do buses from Bristol arrive at?
Buses from Bristol to Margate most often arrive at Margate, Marine Terrace. Some services arrive at Margate, Cliftonville Darwin Court, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Margate arrival station.
Margate, Marine TerraceMargate, Station Approach, Margate CT9 5AD, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Margate, Marine Terrace from Margate city centre
Bus35 · 7m
944, 8 · 10m · $4 · every ~4 min
Margate, Marine Terrace bus station facilities and services
Margate, Marine Terrace has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Margate, Marine Terrace. ATMs are available at Margate, Marine Terrace.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Margate, Marine Terrace.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Margate, Marine Terrace: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Margate, Marine Terrace: The station is accessible for wheelchair users.
Margate, Cliftonville Darwin Court
City-centre transport
Getting to Margate, Cliftonville Darwin Court from Margate city centre
Bus69 · 9m · $4 · every ~2 min
Most popular bus connections from Bristol
Most popular buses to and from Margate and Bristol
Most popular bus connections to Margate
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