Ipswich to Birmingham bus with National Express

Thu, Jun 04
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Ipswich to Birmingham

Showing times and prices for Jun 04

Cheapest price

$76

Average price

$86

Fastest journey

5 h 40 m

Average duration

6 h 59 m

Buses per day

9

Distance

213 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Ipswich to Birmingham will cost around $86 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $76.

Fast buses

It's difficult to get from Ipswich to Birmingham without transferring at least once.

  • National ExpressNX717 · NX777
    11:15 AM5h40
    Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)
    4:55 PMBirmingham, Coach Station
    $761One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNX717 · NX777
    1:30 PM8h10
    Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)
    9:40 PMBirmingham, Coach Station
    $761One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNX717 · NX777
    4:05 PM7h30
    Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)
    11:35 PMBirmingham, Coach Station
    $761One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNX717 · NX737 · NX590
    5:00 AM7h10
    Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)
    12:10 PMBirmingham, Coach Station
    $791One-way
    2 transfers
  • National ExpressNX717 · NXA8 · NX421
    8:50 PM8h10
    Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)
    5:00 AMBirmingham, Coach Station
    $861One-way
    2 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Ipswich to Birmingham

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Ipswich to Birmingham among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $46. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 16m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $46, and a train costs an average of $41.

Distance: 132 miles (213 km)

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Train
Driving

$78

Average price

Cheapest

$84

Average price

$67

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

7h 13m

Average total duration

6h 43m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 46m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 16m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 53m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.2 - 0.5kg

CO2 emissions

0.1 - 0.2kg

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 Ipswich to Birmingham is a bus with an average price of $78 (€63).

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

A bus is $6 (€5) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Ipswich to Birmingham costing on average $84 (€68).

The fastest way to travel from Ipswich to Birmingham is by train with an average journey time of 3h 16m.

Other travel options to Birmingham take longer:

Bus takes on average 6h 43m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Ipswich and Birmingham including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Ipswich to Birmingham 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.

Ipswich to Birmingham Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:00AM
Arrival Time
10:15AM
Duration
8h15
Departure days
Wed, Thu, Fri
Cheapest price
$91
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:30AM
Arrival Time
10:30AM
Duration
8h00
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$79
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:00AM
Arrival Time
11:10AM
Duration
7h10
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$61
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:00AM
Arrival Time
12:10PM
Duration
7h10
Departure days
Wed, Thu, Fri
Cheapest price
$79
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:30AM
Arrival Time
01:00PM
Duration
7h30
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$83
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:00AM
Arrival Time
03:30PM
Duration
7h30
Departure days
Wed, Thu, Fri
Cheapest price
$98
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:15AM
Arrival Time
04:55PM
Duration
5h40
Departure days
Wed, Thu, Fri
Cheapest price
$76
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
12:30PM
Arrival Time
08:30PM
Duration
8h00
Departure days
Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$63
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
01:30PM
Arrival Time
09:40PM
Duration
8h10
Departure days
Everyday
Cheapest price
$57
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:05PM
Arrival Time
10:35PM
Duration
7h30
Departure days
Mon, Sun
Cheapest price
$80
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:00PM
Arrival Time
11:35PM
Duration
7h35
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$95
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:05PM
Arrival Time
11:35PM
Duration
7h30
Departure days
Wed, Thu, Fri
Cheapest price
$76
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:05PM
Arrival Time
12:20AM
Duration
7h15
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
$60
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:05PM
Arrival Time
01:20AM
Duration
7h15
Departure days
Wed, Thu, Fri
Cheapest price
$79
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:50PM
Arrival Time
01:20AM
Duration
6h30
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
$69
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:50PM
Arrival Time
04:00AM
Duration
8h10
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$77
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:50PM
Arrival Time
05:00AM
Duration
8h10
Departure days
Wed, Thu, Fri
Cheapest price
$79

Live departures

Ipswich to Birmingham bus times

The table below shows live departures for Ipswich to Birmingham buses for today, Wednesday, June 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
National ExpressNX717 · NX727 · NX210
Delayed
10:15 AM 2:00 AMIpswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)
8h15
10:15 AM Birmingham, Coach Station
2 transfers
National ExpressNX717 · NX737 · NX590
Delayed
10:15 AM 5:00 AMIpswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)
7h10
12:10 PM Birmingham, Coach Station
2 transfers
National ExpressNX717 · NX727 · NX210
Delayed
10:15 AM 8:00 AMIpswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)
7h20
3:20 PM Birmingham, Coach Station
2 transfers
National ExpressNX717 · NX777
On time
11:15 AM Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)
5h40
4:55 PM Birmingham, Coach Station
1 transfer
National ExpressNX717 · NX777
On time
1:30 PM Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)
8h10
9:40 PM Birmingham, Coach Station
1 transfer
National ExpressNX717 · NX777
On time
4:05 PM Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)
7h30
11:35 PM Birmingham, Coach Station
1 transfer
National ExpressNX717 · NX777
On time
6:05 PM Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)
7h15
1:20 AM Birmingham, Coach Station
1 transfer
National ExpressNX717 · NXA8 · NX421
On time
8:50 PM Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)
8h10
5:00 AM Birmingham, Coach Station
2 transfers
National ExpressNX717 · NXA8 · NX421
On time
8:50 PM Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)
8h10
5:00 AM Birmingham, Coach Station
2 transfers
Thursday, June 4
National ExpressNX717 · NX727 · NX210
On time
2:00 AM Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)
8h15
10:15 AM Birmingham, Coach Station
2 transfers
National ExpressNX717 · NX737 · NX590
On time
5:00 AM Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)
7h10
12:10 PM Birmingham, Coach Station
2 transfers
National ExpressNX717 · NX727 · NX210
On time
8:00 AM Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)
7h20
3:20 PM Birmingham, Coach Station
2 transfers
National ExpressNX717 · NX777
On time
11:15 AM Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)
5h40
4:55 PM Birmingham, Coach Station
1 transfer
National ExpressNX717 · NX777
On time
1:30 PM Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)
8h10
9:40 PM Birmingham, Coach Station
1 transfer
National ExpressNX717 · NX777
On time
4:05 PM Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)
7h30
11:35 PM Birmingham, Coach Station
1 transfer
National ExpressNX717 · NX777
On time
6:05 PM Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)
7h15
1:20 AM Birmingham, Coach Station
1 transfer
National ExpressNX717 · NXA8 · NX421
On time
8:50 PM Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)
8h10
5:00 AM Birmingham, Coach Station
2 transfers
National ExpressNX717 · NXA8 · NX421
On time
8:50 PM Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)
8h10
5:00 AM Birmingham, Coach Station
2 transfers

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Ipswich to Birmingham 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.

Thu
Jun 04
Fri
Jun 05
Sat
Jun 06
Sun
Jun 07
Mon
Jun 08
Tue
Jun 09
Wed
Jun 10

Why should you book Ipswich to Birmingham buses with Omio?

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

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 Ipswich to Birmingham.

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 Ipswich to Birmingham.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Ipswich to Birmingham

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Ipswich to Birmingham run on average 9 times per day, taking around 6h 43m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $46 (€37) but you can travel from only $41 (€33) by train.

The earliest bus runs at 01:00, the last at 23:45. The fastest bus covers the 132 miles (213 km) distance in 5h 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from $41 (€33)
Distance
132 miles (213 km)
Average bus duration
6h 43m
Cheapest ticket price
$46 (€37)
Buses per day
9
Fastest bus
5h 25m
First bus
1:00 AM
Last bus
11:45 PM
Cheapest Month
Jan
Cheapest Day
Mon
High Season
Jan - Mar
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Thu
Least Busy Day
Tue
Best time to book
6 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 $41 (€33)

Bus providers: National Express from Ipswich to BirminghamYou can travel by bus between Ipswich to Birmingham with National Express for as low as $41 (€33). 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
5h 25m
Cheapest Price
$46 (€37)
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 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 with Pre-Raphaelite art, local history, and changing exhibitions in a landmark civic building.

  • Must visit

Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum

Interactive science museum with hands-on galleries, a historic collection, and family-friendly exhibits at Millennium Point.

  • Recommended

Ikon Gallery

Leading contemporary art gallery in Brindleyplace, known for ambitious exhibitions by international and British artists.

Pound Sterling

Moderate by UK standards. Budget eats are easy to find, while hotels and central dining cost more.

Average meal costs

Budget
GBP 8-15 for fast food or a simple lunch.
Mid-range
GBP 20-35 per person at a casual restaurant.
Fine dining
GBP 60+ per person at upscale restaurants.
Coffee
GBP 3-4 for a regular coffee.

Tipping culture

Service is sometimes included. If not, tip 10-12.5% in restaurants for good service. Round up taxi fares. Tipping is not expected for pubs or takeaway.

FAQs: Bus from Ipswich to Birmingham

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Ipswich 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 Ipswich to Birmingham can start from as little as $46 (€37) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Ipswich to Birmingham is $78 (€63) ; 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 Ipswich to Birmingham is 5h 25m to travel the 132 miles (213 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 Ipswich to Birmingham leaves at 1:00 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Ipswich to Birmingham leaves at 11:45 PM.
There are 9 buses a day from Ipswich to Birmingham which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Ipswich to Birmingham, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Birmingham. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Ipswich and Birmingham and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Birmingham from Ipswich is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 5h 25m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Ipswich to Birmingham is January.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Ipswich and Birmingham including taking a train and bus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Ipswich to Birmingham:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Ipswich to Birmingham for bus company National Express.
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 Ipswich to Birmingham 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 Ipswich to Birmingham.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Ipswich to Birmingham:
  • 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 Ipswich to Birmingham:
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Ipswich to Birmingham.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Ipswich to Birmingham with the following bus company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Ipswich to Birmingham with the following bus company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Ipswich to Birmingham with the following bus company: National Express.
Since neither Ipswich 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 Ipswich 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 Ipswich to Birmingham

Ipswich
Birmingham
The major bus station for departures in Ipswich is Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) for your trip from Ipswich to Birmingham.
Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)
information

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