- 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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Travel Information
Compare bus and train for Bristol to Margate
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Bristol to Margate among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $17. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 27m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $17, and a train costs an average of $42.
Distance: 171 miles (276 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$34 Average price Cheapest | $82 Average price | $72 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 41m Average total duration 6h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 57m Average total duration Fastest 3h 27m 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 |
The cheapest way to travel from Bristol to Margate is a bus with an average price of $34.
This is compared to other travel options from Bristol to Margate:
A bus is $47 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bristol to Margate costing on average $82.
The fastest way to travel from Bristol to Margate is by train with an average journey time of 3h 27m.
Other travel options to Margate take longer:
Bus takes on average 6h 11m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Bristol and Margate including taking a bus and train.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Bristol to Margate among Omio's users.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.
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.
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 | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:45AM | Arrival Time 10:25AM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:15AM | Arrival Time 02:15PM | Duration 7h00 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $25 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:30AM | Arrival Time 02:15PM | Duration 6h45 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:05AM | Arrival Time 06:05PM | Duration 9h00 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $25 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:30AM | Arrival Time 06:05PM | Duration 7h35 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:55PM | Arrival Time 09:15PM | Duration 8h20 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 09:15PM | Duration 7h15 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:35PM | Arrival Time 12:25AM | Duration 9h50 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:50PM | Arrival Time 12:25AM | Duration 9h35 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:15PM | Arrival Time 11:30PM | Duration 7h15 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:15PM | Arrival Time 12:25AM | Duration 7h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 12:25AM | Duration 6h55 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $25 |
Live departures
Bristol to Margate bus times
The table below shows live departures for Bristol to Margate buses for today, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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
Compare prices and tickets Bristol to Margate 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.
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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.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Bristol to Margate
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Bristol to Margate run on average 7 times per day, taking around 6h 11m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $17 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 6h 25m.
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
Distance 171 miles (276 km) |
Average bus duration 6h 11m |
Cheapest ticket price $17 |
Buses per day 7 |
Fastest bus 6h 25m |
First bus 3:45 AM |
Last bus 7:15 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
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
Bus providers: National Express from Bristol to MargateYou can travel by bus between Bristol to Margate with National Express for as low as $17. 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
6h 25m
Cheapest Price
$17
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 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.
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.
Cheap bus tickets from Bristol to Margate can start from as little as $17 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Bristol to Margate is $34 ; 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 Margate is 6h 25m to travel the 171 miles (276 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 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 7 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.
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.
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, Bristol, Clifton Down . When arriving in Margate , you can end your journey in bus stations like Margate, Marine Terrace .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 Margate, Marine Terrace, located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Margate from Bristol is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 6h 25m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Bristol to Margate is March.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Bristol and Margate including taking a bus and train.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Bristol to Margate for bus company National Express.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Bristol to Margate:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
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 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 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.
Since neither Bristol nor Margate 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 Margate 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 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.
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. 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 · $2 · 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.
Bristol, Clifton DownBristol Bus Station, Bristol BS1 3LH, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Bristol, Clifton Down from Bristol city centre
Bristol, Clifton Down is 1 km from Bristol city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainBristol Temple Meads - Severn Beach, Bristol Temple Meads - Avonmouth, Weston-super-Mare - Severn Beach, Weston-super-Mare - Avonmouth, Taunton - Severn Beach, Weston-super-Mare - Clifton Down · 14m · $2 · every ~4 min
Bus2a, 5, 3, 4, 1, 2 · 7m · $5 · every ~91 min
T7 · 10m · every ~2 min
4, 5, 1, 3, 2, 2a · 10m · $5 · every ~91 min
Bristol, Clifton Down bus station facilities and services
Bristol, Clifton Down 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 Bristol, Clifton Down. ATMs are available at Bristol, Clifton Down.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Bristol, Clifton Down.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Bristol, Clifton Down: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Bristol, Clifton Down: Accessible by ramps or lifts.
Which Margate station do buses from Bristol arrive at?
Buses from Bristol to Margate arrive at Margate, Marine Terrace. Margate, Marine Terrace is 0 miles (1 km) from Margate city centre.
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.
Most popular bus connections from Bristol
More options for your journey from Bristol to Margate
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Margate and Bristol
Most popular bus connections to Margate
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