London Stansted Airport to Birmingham bus with National Express

Sun, May 31
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The cheapest and fastest buses from London Stansted Airport to Birmingham

Showing times and prices for May 31

Cheapest price

$31

Average price

$44

Fastest journey

4 h

Average duration

5 h 29 m

Buses per day

6

Distance

161 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from London Stansted Airport to Birmingham will cost around $44 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $31.

Fast buses

Of the 6 buses that leave London Stansted Airport for Birmingham on Sun, May 31, 6 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Sun, May 31 the direct buses cover the 161 km distance in an average of 5 h 29 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h .

On Sun, May 31 the slowest buses will take 9 h 5 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.

  • National Express
    5:15 AM4h15
    London Stansted Airport
    9:30 AMBirmingham
    $311One-way
    0 transfers
  • National Express
    4:40 PM5h50
    London Stansted Airport
    10:30 PMBirmingham
    $331One-way
    0 transfers
  • National Express
    1:05 AM4h00
    London Stansted Airport
    5:05 AMBirmingham
    $461One-way
    0 transfers
  • National Express
    6:15 AM4h15
    London Stansted Airport
    10:30 AMBirmingham
    $481One-way
    0 transfers
  • National Express
    11:50 PM9h20
    London Stansted Airport
    9:10 AMBirmingham
    $501One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for London Stansted Airport to Birmingham

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from London Stansted Airport to Birmingham among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $28. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 17m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $28, and a train costs an average of $20.

Distance: 100 miles (161 km)

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Train
Driving

$45

Average price

Cheapest

$55

Average price

$55

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

3h 58m

Average total duration

3h 28m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 47m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 17m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 22m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

National Express

Most popular bus company

CrossCountry

Most popular train company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from London Stansted Airport to Birmingham is a bus with an average price of $45 (€36).

This is compared to other travel options from London Stansted Airport to Birmingham:

A bus is $10 (€8) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from London Stansted Airport to Birmingham costing on average $55 (€44).

The fastest way to travel from London Stansted Airport to Birmingham is by train with an average journey time of 3h 17m.

Other travel options to Birmingham take longer:

Bus takes on average 3h 28m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between London Stansted Airport and Birmingham including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from London Stansted Airport to Birmingham among Omio's users.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.

Tickets start at around $45 (€36) compared to roughly $55 (€45) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $10 (€8). The journey takes 3h 28m versus 2h 22m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.

Direct services are operated by National Express.

Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.

London Stansted Airport to Birmingham Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
01:05AM
Arrival Time
05:05AM
Duration
4h00
Departure days
Everyday
Cheapest price
$46
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:45AM
Arrival Time
09:10AM
Duration
6h25
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
$42
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:45AM
Arrival Time
10:15AM
Duration
5h30
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
$68
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:00AM
Arrival Time
10:25AM
Duration
5h25
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
$45
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:15AM
Arrival Time
09:30AM
Duration
4h15
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$31
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:05AM
Arrival Time
10:40AM
Duration
4h35
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$33
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:15AM
Arrival Time
10:30AM
Duration
4h15
Departure days
Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$48
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:20AM
Arrival Time
12:10PM
Duration
4h50
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
Cheapest price
$59
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:40AM
Arrival Time
12:10PM
Duration
4h30
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$64
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:30AM
Arrival Time
01:05PM
Duration
4h35
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
$36
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:00AM
Arrival Time
01:30PM
Duration
4h30
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
$39
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:05AM
Arrival Time
03:10PM
Duration
6h05
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
$39
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:15AM
Arrival Time
03:30PM
Duration
5h15
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
$79
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:30AM
Arrival Time
04:10PM
Duration
4h40
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
$39
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:40AM
Arrival Time
04:15PM
Duration
4h35
Departure days
Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
$33
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
01:30PM
Arrival Time
04:55PM
Duration
3h25
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
$39
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:00PM
Arrival Time
07:25PM
Duration
5h25
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
$46
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:55PM
Arrival Time
07:30PM
Duration
4h35
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$97
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:10PM
Arrival Time
07:55PM
Duration
4h45
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
$36
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:30PM
Arrival Time
08:00PM
Duration
4h30
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
$39
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:40PM
Arrival Time
10:30PM
Duration
5h50
Departure days
Everyday
Cheapest price
$33
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:00PM
Arrival Time
09:30PM
Duration
4h30
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$59
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:30PM
Arrival Time
09:40PM
Duration
4h10
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
$39
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:40PM
Arrival Time
11:30PM
Duration
5h50
Departure days
Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
$33
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:50PM
Arrival Time
10:15PM
Duration
4h25
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
$39
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:30PM
Arrival Time
11:35PM
Duration
4h05
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
$39
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:25PM
Arrival Time
12:25AM
Duration
4h00
Departure days
Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
$33
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:30PM
Arrival Time
01:20AM
Duration
3h50
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
$52
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:00PM
Arrival Time
02:30AM
Duration
4h30
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
$75
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:50PM
Arrival Time
07:55AM
Duration
9h05
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$53
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:30PM
Arrival Time
05:00AM
Duration
5h30
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
$59
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:50PM
Arrival Time
09:10AM
Duration
9h20
Departure days
Everyday
Cheapest price
$33

Live departures

London Stansted Airport to Birmingham bus times

The table below shows live departures for London Stansted Airport to Birmingham buses for today, Saturday, May 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
National ExpressNX737 · NX5412:00 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
5h05
7:05 PM Birmingham, Coach Station1 transfer
National ExpressNX737 · NX5415:00 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
4h30
9:30 PM Birmingham, Coach Station1 transfer
National ExpressNXA8 · NX541
On time
5:40 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
5h50
11:30 PM Birmingham, Coach Station
1 transfer
National ExpressNX737 · NX42210:00 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
4h30
2:30 AM Birmingham, Coach Station1 transfer
National ExpressNXA8 · NX421
On time
11:30 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
5h30
5:00 AM Birmingham, Coach Station
1 transfer
National ExpressNXA8 · NX400
On time
11:50 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
9h05
8:55 AM Birmingham, Coach Station
1 transfer
Sunday, May 31
National Express1:05 AM London Stansted Airport
4h00
5:05 AM Birmingham0 transfersDirect
National Express5:15 AM London Stansted Airport
4h15
9:30 AM Birmingham0 transfersDirect

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets London Stansted Airport 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.

Sat
May 30
Sun
May 31
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Jun 19

Why should you book London Stansted Airport to Birmingham buses with Omio?

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

Journey information

Overview: Bus from London Stansted Airport to Birmingham

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from London Stansted Airport to Birmingham run on average 21 times per day, taking around 3h 28m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $28 (€22) but you can travel from only $20 (€16) by train.

There are 8 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 01:05, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 100 miles (161 km) distance in 4h 0m.

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 $20 (€16)
Distance
100 miles (161 km)
Average bus duration
3h 28m
Cheapest ticket price
$28 (€22)
Buses per day
21
Direct buses
8
Fastest bus
4h 0m
First bus
1:05 AM
Last bus
11:50 PM
Cheapest Month
Sep
Cheapest Day
Mon
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Fri
Least Busy Day
Wed
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 $20 (€16)

Bus providers: National Express from London Stansted Airport to BirminghamYou can travel by bus between London Stansted Airport to Birmingham with National Express for as low as $20 (€16). 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
4h 0m
Cheapest Price
$28 (€22)
National Express frequency
21 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 fine art, the Staffordshire Hoard, and important local history collections in a landmark civic building.

  • Must visit

Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum

Interactive science museum at Millennium Point with hands-on galleries, historic engines, and family-focused exhibits.

  • Recommended

Ikon Gallery

Leading contemporary art gallery in Brindleyplace, known for ambitious exhibitions in a striking former school building.

Pound Sterling

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

Average meal costs

Budget
GBP 8-15 for fast food or casual takeaway.
Mid-range
GBP 20-35 per person at a mid-range restaurant.
Fine dining
GBP 60+ per person at upscale restaurants.
Coffee
GBP 3-4.50 for a regular coffee.

Tipping culture

About 10-12.5% in restaurants if service is not included. Round up taxis. Small tips are optional in cafes, pubs, and for hotel staff.

FAQs: Bus from London Stansted Airport to Birmingham

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from London Stansted Airport 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 London Stansted Airport to Birmingham can start from as little as $28 (€22) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for London Stansted Airport to Birmingham is $45 (€36) ; 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 London Stansted Airport to Birmingham is 4h 0m to travel the 100 miles (161 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 London Stansted Airport to Birmingham leaves at 1:05 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from London Stansted Airport to Birmingham leaves at 11:50 PM.
Yes, there are 8 direct buses a day from London Stansted Airport to Birmingham with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from London Stansted Airport 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 London Stansted Airport and Birmingham and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Birmingham from London Stansted Airport is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 4h 0m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from London Stansted Airport to Birmingham is September.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between London Stansted Airport and Birmingham including taking a train and bus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from London Stansted Airport to Birmingham:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from London Stansted Airport 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 London Stansted Airport 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 London Stansted Airport to Birmingham.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from London Stansted Airport 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 London Stansted Airport to Birmingham:
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from London Stansted Airport to Birmingham.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from London Stansted Airport to Birmingham with the following bus company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from London Stansted Airport to Birmingham with the following bus company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from London Stansted Airport to Birmingham with the following bus company: National Express.
Since neither London Stansted Airport 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 London Stansted Airport 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 London Stansted Airport to Birmingham

London
Birmingham
Birmingham, Coach StationWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
Amenities at bus station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 06:00-23:00
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
carConnection
Car connection
Mill Lane
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi
Dining
Dining
  • Cafeteria and fast-food options inside the station
Taxis
Taxis
  • Available outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps
WC
WC
  • Available in the station.
Public transit options for Birmingham, Coach Station
  • Bus: 97, 97A, X1, X2 Train: Birmingham New Street
Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway
Birmingham, Brunel Street

Most popular buses to and from Birmingham and London Stansted Airport

HomeBusesBuses in United KingdomBus tickets to BirminghamLondon Stansted Airport to Birmingham bus

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