- Must visit
Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery
Major city museum and gallery with fine art, Birmingham history and global collections in a landmark building.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Ipswich to Birmingham
Showing times and prices for Jul 19
Cheapest price
$42
Average price
$59
Fastest journey
5 h 25 m
Average duration
6 h 53 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 $59 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $42.
Fast buses
It's difficult to get from Ipswich to Birmingham without transferring at least once.
NX717 · NXA8 · NX4218:50 PM8h10Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)5:00 AMBirmingham, Coach Station$421One-way2 transfers- NX717 · NXA8 · NX4218:50 PM8h10Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)5:00 AMBirmingham, Coach Station$421One-way2 transfers
- NX717 · NX727 · NX2102:00 AM8h10Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)10:10 AMBirmingham, Coach Station$511One-way2 transfers
- NX717 · NX737 · NX5905:00 AM7h10Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)12:10 PMBirmingham, Coach Station$641One-way2 transfers
- NX717 · NX7771:30 PM8h10Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)9:40 PMBirmingham, Coach Station$661One-way1 transfer
- NX717 · NX77711:15 AM5h25Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)4:40 PMBirmingham, Coach Station$671One-way1 transfer
- NX717 · NX727 · NX2108:15 AM7h05Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)3:20 PMBirmingham, Coach Station$671One-way2 transfers
- NX717 · NX737 · NX5905:00 AM7h10Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)12:10 PMBirmingham, Coach Station$641One-way2 transfers
- NX717 · NX7776:05 PM7h15Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)1:20 AMBirmingham, Coach Station$661One-way1 transfer
- NX717 · NX7774:05 PM7h30Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)11:35 PMBirmingham, Coach Station$671One-way1 transfer
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 $40.
Distance: 132 miles (213 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$77 Average price Cheapest | $83 Average price | $66 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 |
Most popular bus company |  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 $77 (€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 $83 (€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
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:00AM | Arrival Time 10:15AM | Duration 8h15 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:00AM | Arrival Time 12:10PM | Duration 7h10 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:30AM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 7h30 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $82 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 7h20 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:15AM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 7h05 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:15AM | Arrival Time 03:40PM | Duration 5h25 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $74 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:15AM | Arrival Time 07:15PM | Duration 8h00 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $61 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 08:30PM | Duration 8h00 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 09:40PM | Duration 8h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 11:35PM | Duration 7h35 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $93 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:05PM | Arrival Time 12:10AM | Duration 8h05 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:05PM | Arrival Time 12:20AM | Duration 7h15 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:05PM | Arrival Time 02:30AM | Duration 8h25 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:50PM | Arrival Time 01:20AM | Duration 6h30 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:50PM | Arrival Time 05:00AM | Duration 8h10 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:00PM | Arrival Time 05:00AM | Duration 8h00 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $115 |
Live departures
Ipswich to Birmingham bus times
The table below shows live departures for Ipswich to Birmingham buses for today, Saturday, July 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1:30 PM Ipswich | 8h00 | 9:30 PM Birmingham | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 4:00 PM Ipswich | 7h35 | 11:35 PM Birmingham | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Sunday, July 19 | |||||
| NX717 · NX727 · NX210 | 2:00 AM Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) | 8h10 | 10:10 AM Birmingham, Coach Station | 2 transfers | |
| NX717 · NX737 · NX590 | 5:00 AM Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) | 7h10 | 12:10 PM Birmingham, Coach Station | 2 transfers | |
| NX717 · NX727 · NX210 | 8:15 AM Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) | 7h05 | 3:20 PM Birmingham, Coach Station | 2 transfers | |
| NX717 · NX777 | 11:15 AM Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) | 5h25 | 4:40 PM Birmingham, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
| NX717 · NX777 | 1:30 PM Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) | 8h10 | 9:40 PM Birmingham, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
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.
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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
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 $40 (€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 $40 (€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 $40 (€33)
Bus providers: National Express from Ipswich to BirminghamYou can travel by bus between Ipswich to Birmingham with National Express for as low as $40 (€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
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.
- Must visit
Brindleyplace
Restored canal-side quarter with waterside walks, bars, heritage buildings and easy access to major venues.
- Must visit
Gas Street Basin
Lively canal junction area with historic warehouses, footbridges and one of Birmingham's best urban walks.
- Must visit
Digbeth
Creative district known for street art, independent culture, music heritage and alternative city energy.
- Gluten-free
Balti
A rich curry style developed by Birmingham's South Asian community, often cooked with green chillies, coriander and onions. It is the city's signature dish.
- Vegetarian
Chaat
A spicy Indian snack of potato, chickpeas, noodles, chutneys and crisp pastry pieces. Popular in Birmingham's Pakistani and Indian food culture.
- Vegetarian
Paratha
A flaky layered flatbread, often served with curry at breakfast or late-night eateries in the city. A staple in Birmingham's South Asian dining scene.
Opheem
Michelin-starred fine dining by Aktar Islam, known for modern Indian tasting menus in an elegant canal-side setting.
Adam's
Refined modern British restaurant with inventive tasting menus and polished service in a smart city-centre dining room.
Jyoti's Restaurant
Celebrated Indian vegetarian restaurant in Sparkbrook, loved for dosas, chaats and sweets in a busy casual setting.
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.
TfWM
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.00
- Day pass
- £4.80
To the city center
Birmingham Coach Station -> Birmingham New Street, Birmingham
- Distance
- 1.2 km
- Travel time
- 15 min
- Contactless payment is widely accepted on National Express West Midlands buses and West Midlands Metro trams.
- Use Swift or contactless daily capping where available to avoid paying more than the best value adult fare.
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.
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 $77 (€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.
Most popular bus connections from Ipswich
More options for your journey from Ipswich to Birmingham
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Most popular buses to and from Birmingham and Ipswich
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