Cambridge to Birmingham bus with National Express

Mon, Aug 31
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Cambridge to Birmingham

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Aug 31

Cheapest price on Aug 31

$15

Average ticket price on Aug 31

$59

Fastest journey on Aug 31

2 h 40 m

Average journey duration on Aug 31

3 h 33 m

Buses on Aug 31

9

Distance

141 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Cambridge to Birmingham will cost around $59 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $15.

Fast buses

On Mon, Aug 31, we found 9 buses from Cambridge to Birmingham, including 4 direct services.

On Mon, Aug 31 the direct buses cover the 141 km distance in an average of 3 h 33 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 40 m .

On Mon, Aug 31 the slowest buses will take 5 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.

  • FlixBusFlixBus
    10:05 AM2h40
    Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece)
    12:45 PMBirmingham
    $151One-way
    0 transfers
  • FlixBusFlixBus
    4:25 PM2h40
    Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece)
    7:05 PMBirmingham
    $151One-way
    0 transfers
  • National ExpressNX777
    9:50 AM3h40
    Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece)
    1:30 PMBirmingham, Coach Station
    $291One-way
    0 transfers
  • National ExpressNX777
    1:50 AM3h15
    Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece)
    5:05 AMBirmingham, Coach Station
    $331One-way
    0 transfers
  • National ExpressNX786 · NX707
    7:10 PM5h45
    Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece)
    12:55 AMBirmingham, Coach Station
    $871One-way
    1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare bus and train for Cambridge to Birmingham

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cambridge to Birmingham among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $50 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 2m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $50, while a train costs an average of $74.

Distance: 87 miles (141 km)

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Train
Driving

$50

Average price

Cheapest

$74

Average price

$49

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

5h 10m

Average total duration

4h 40m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 2m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 32m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 59m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

-

CO2 emissions

National Express

Most popular bus company

Avanti West Coast

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 Cambridge to Birmingham is a bus with an average price of $50.

This is compared to other travel options from Cambridge to Birmingham:

A bus is $24 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cambridge to Birmingham costing on average $74.

The fastest way to travel from Cambridge to Birmingham is by train with an average journey time of 2h 32m.

Other travel options to Birmingham take longer:

Bus takes on average 4h 40m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cambridge and Birmingham including taking a bus and train.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Cambridge to Birmingham among Omio's users.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.

You'll arrive about -3h -41m sooner (4h 40m by bus vs 1h 59m by car) and save roughly $-1.69 compared to fuel and tolls ($50 vs $49). 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 Megabus, National Express, FlixBus.

Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.

Cambridge to Birmingham Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
01:50AM
Arrival Time
05:05AM
Duration
3h15
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun
Cheapest price
$33
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:00AM
Arrival Time
11:30AM
Duration
5h30
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun
Cheapest price
$64
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:50AM
Arrival Time
01:30PM
Duration
3h40
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun
Cheapest price
$29
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
10:05AM
Arrival Time
12:45PM
Duration
2h40
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun
Cheapest price
$10
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:40AM
Arrival Time
06:00PM
Duration
7h20
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun
Cheapest price
$64
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
12:30PM
Arrival Time
07:25PM
Duration
6h55
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$28
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
01:00PM
Arrival Time
07:20PM
Duration
6h20
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$34
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:15PM
Arrival Time
08:30PM
Duration
6h15
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun
Cheapest price
$64
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
02:25PM
Arrival Time
11:35PM
Duration
9h10
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$16
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
03:25PM
Arrival Time
06:05PM
Duration
2h40
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$14
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
04:25PM
Arrival Time
07:05PM
Duration
2h40
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun
Cheapest price
$10
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
04:30PM
Arrival Time
01:20AM
Duration
8h50
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$27
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:10PM
Arrival Time
12:55AM
Duration
5h45
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun
Cheapest price
$64
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:40PM
Arrival Time
04:55AM
Duration
6h15
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun
Cheapest price
$89

Live departures

Cambridge to Birmingham bus times

The table below shows live departures for Cambridge to Birmingham buses for today, Sunday, August 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
National ExpressNX786 · NX7077:10 PM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece)
5h45
12:55 AM Birmingham, Coach Station1 transfer
National ExpressNX786 · NX70710:40 PM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece)
6h15
4:55 AM Birmingham, Coach Station1 transfer
Monday, August 31
National ExpressNX7771:50 AM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece)
3h15
5:05 AM Birmingham, Coach Station0 transfersDirect
National ExpressNX786 · NX7076:00 AM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece)
5h30
11:30 AM Birmingham, Coach Station1 transfer
National ExpressNX7779:50 AM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece)
3h40
1:30 PM Birmingham, Coach Station0 transfersDirect
FlixBusFlixBus10:05 AM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece)
2h40
12:45 PM Birmingham0 transfersDirect
National ExpressNX786 · NX70710:40 AM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece)
7h20
6:00 PM Birmingham, Coach Station1 transfer
National ExpressNX786 · NX7072:15 PM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece)
6h00
8:15 PM Birmingham, Coach Station1 transfer
FlixBusFlixBus4:25 PM Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece)
2h40
7:05 PM Birmingham0 transfersDirect

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Cambridge to Birmingham 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.

Mon
Aug 31
Tue
Sep 01
Wed
Sep 02
Thu
Sep 03
Fri
Sep 04
Sat
Sep 05
Sun
Sep 06

Why should you book Cambridge to Birmingham buses with Omio?

Megabus as well as National Express or FlixBus offer buses services from Cambridge to Birmingham.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cambridge to Birmingham.

Why book with Omio vs Megabus?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Megabus, but also compare tickets for the likes of National Express or FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Cambridge to Birmingham.
  • 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 Megabus with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cambridge to Birmingham.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of National Express or FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Cambridge to Birmingham.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Cambridge to Birmingham.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Cambridge to Birmingham

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Cambridge to Birmingham run on average 11 times per day, taking around 4h 40m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $9 if you book in advance.

There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 87 miles (141 km) distance in 2h 40m.

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
87 miles (141 km)
Average bus duration
4h 40m
Cheapest ticket price
$9
Buses per day
11
Direct buses
2
Fastest bus
2h 40m
First bus
12:05 AM
Last bus
11:50 PM
Cheapest Month
Dec
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Wed
Least Busy Day
Mon
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, FlixBus from Cambridge to BirminghamYou can travel by bus between Cambridge to Birmingham with National Express, FlixBus for as low as $9. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

FlixBus

About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average FlixBus Duration
2h 40m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
$9
FlixBus frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.

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
3h 15m
Cheapest National Express Price
$27
National Express frequency
7 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 Birmingham

Things to do in Birmingham

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

  • Must visit

Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery

Major city museum and gallery with fine art, Birmingham history and global collections in a landmark building.

  • Must visit

Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum

Science museum with interactive galleries, engines and family-friendly exhibits in Millennium Point.

  • Recommended

The Barber Institute of Fine Arts

Historic home of the Pre-Raphaelite artists, showing furnished rooms, artworks and craft details.

British pound sterling (£)

Moderate for UK city breaks: hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local transit and casual meals are fairly manageable for tourists.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or casual takeaway.
Mid-range
£20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£60+ per person for upscale restaurants.
Coffee
£3-4.50 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Service may be included in restaurants; otherwise tip 10-12.5% for good service. Taxis are often rounded up or tipped about 10%. Tipping in cafes is optional.

FAQs: Bus from Cambridge to Birmingham

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

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Cambridge to Birmingham can start from as little as $9 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Cambridge to Birmingham is $50 ; 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 Cambridge to Birmingham is 2h 40m to travel the 87 miles (141 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 Cambridge to Birmingham leaves at 12:05 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Cambridge to Birmingham leaves at 11:50 PM.
Yes, there are 2 direct buses a day from Cambridge to Birmingham with Megabus, National Express, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Cambridge to Birmingham, you can count on Megabus, National Express, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Birmingham. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Cambridge and Birmingham and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Birmingham from Cambridge is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2h 40m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Cambridge to Birmingham is December.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cambridge and Birmingham including taking a bus and train.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Cambridge to Birmingham for bus company Megabus, National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Cambridge to Birmingham:
  • 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.
  • FlixBus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Birmingham are:
  • Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, a cultural institution housing a vast collection of art and historical artifacts
  • Cadbury World, an interactive chocolate-themed attraction offering tours and exhibits
  • Birmingham Botanical Gardens, a serene 15-acre garden featuring exotic plants and glasshouses
  • Symphony Hall, a renowned concert venue known for its exceptional acoustics and diverse performances
  • The Bullring, a major shopping center with a wide range of retail outlets and dining options.
The best things to do in Birmingham include:
  • Explore the historic Jewellery Quarter, known for its unique shops and vibrant atmosphere
  • Take a canal boat tour to see the city from a different perspective
  • Visit the National SEA LIFE Centre, home to a variety of marine life and interactive exhibits
  • Enjoy a performance at the Birmingham Hippodrome, one of the busiest theatres in the UK
  • Discover the rich history of the city at the Birmingham Back to Backs, a preserved 19th-century courtyard of working people's houses.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Cambridge to Birmingham 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.
  • FlixBus
    • You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company National Express, FlixBus.
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 Cambridge to Birmingham.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Cambridge to Birmingham:
  • 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.
  • FlixBus
    • One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Cambridge to Birmingham:
  • 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.
  • FlixBus
    • Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Cambridge to Birmingham. The following conditions apply:
  • FlixBus
    • Small pets in carriers allowed
    • guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Cambridge to Birmingham with the following bus company: Megabus, National Express, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Cambridge to Birmingham with the following bus company: Megabus, National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Cambridge to Birmingham with the following bus company: Megabus, National Express, FlixBus.
Since neither Cambridge nor Birmingham 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 Cambridge to Birmingham 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 Birmingham, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in busy areas like shopping districts and public transport hubs. Common scams include overcharging by taxi drivers and fake charity collectors. It's advisable to use licensed taxis, keep valuables secure, and remain alert in crowded places to avoid these risks.
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 Cambridge to Birmingham

Most Cambridge to Birmingham buses use the Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) to Birmingham, Coach Station station pair, with some services arriving at Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway. Use this guide to compare Cambridge and Birmingham bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.

Departure bus stations in Cambridge
Arrival bus stations in Birmingham
Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece)
City-centre transport

Getting to Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) from Cambridge city centre

BusTour · 31m · $2 · every ~6 min

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