- 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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Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Macclesfield to Birmingham
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Macclesfield to Birmingham among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $16 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 39m. 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 $16, while a train costs an average of $48.
Distance: 54 miles (88 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$16 Average price Cheapest | $48 Average price | $35 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 26m Average total duration 1h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 39m Average total duration Fastest 1h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 34m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg 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 Macclesfield to Birmingham is a bus with an average price of $16 (€13).
This is compared to other travel options from Macclesfield to Birmingham:
A bus is $31 (€25) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Macclesfield to Birmingham costing on average $48 (€39).
The fastest way to travel from Macclesfield to Birmingham is by train with an average journey time of 1h 9m.
Other travel options to Birmingham take longer:
Bus takes on average 1h 56m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Macclesfield and Birmingham including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Macclesfield 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 $16 (€13) compared to roughly $35 (€28) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $19 (€15). The journey takes 1h 56m versus 1h 34m 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 Megabus.
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.
Macclesfield to Birmingham Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:45AM | Arrival Time 02:50AM | Duration 2h05 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:05AM | Arrival Time 10:15AM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $11 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:05AM | Arrival Time 11:15AM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $10 |
Operator Northern Rail | Departure Time 10:05AM | Arrival Time 12:56PM | Duration 2h51 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:50AM | Arrival Time 12:45PM | Duration 1h55 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $11 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:10PM | Arrival Time 04:00PM | Duration 1h50 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $12 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:10PM | Arrival Time 05:00PM | Duration 1h50 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $11 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:35PM | Arrival Time 09:20PM | Duration 1h45 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $13 |
Operator Northern Rail | Departure Time 08:05PM | Arrival Time 10:49PM | Duration 2h44 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:35PM | Arrival Time 10:20PM | Duration 1h45 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $11 |
Compare prices and tickets Macclesfield 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 Macclesfield to Birmingham buses with Omio?
Megabus operates all buses services from Macclesfield to Birmingham.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Macclesfield to Birmingham.
Why book with Omio vs Megabus?
- 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 train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Macclesfield 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 Macclesfield to Birmingham.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Macclesfield to Birmingham
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Macclesfield to Birmingham run on average 6 times per day, taking around 1h 56m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $13 (€10) if you book in advance.
There are 6 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:45, the last at 22:30. The fastest bus covers the 54 miles (88 km) distance in 1h 45m.
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 54 miles (88 km) |
Average bus duration 1h 56m |
Cheapest ticket price $13 (€10) |
Buses per day 6 |
Direct buses 6 |
Fastest bus 1h 45m |
First bus 12:45 AM |
Last bus 10:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 49 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: FlixBus from Macclesfield to BirminghamYou can travel by bus between Macclesfield to Birmingham with FlixBus for as low as $26 (€21). 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
1h 45m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
$13 (€10)
FlixBus frequency
5 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.
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 Macclesfield to Birmingham
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Macclesfield 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 Macclesfield to Birmingham can start from as little as $13 (€10) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Macclesfield to Birmingham is $16 (€13) ; 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 Macclesfield to Birmingham is 1h 45m to travel the 54 miles (88 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 Macclesfield to Birmingham leaves at 12:45 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Macclesfield to Birmingham leaves at 10:30 PM.
Yes, there are 6 direct buses a day from Macclesfield to Birmingham with Megabus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Macclesfield to Birmingham, you can count on Megabus for the best way to get you to Birmingham. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Macclesfield and Birmingham and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
When departing from Macclesfield , you have various bus station options to start your journey from including Manchester, Airport . When arriving in Birmingham , you can end your journey in bus stations like Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway, Birmingham .Passengers board the bus most frequently from Manchester, Airport, which is located around 1 miles (2 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway, located 0 away from the city centre.
A day trip to Birmingham from Macclesfield is worth doing with a journey time of 1h 45m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Macclesfield to Birmingham is October.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Macclesfield and Birmingham including taking a train and bus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Macclesfield 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.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Macclesfield to Birmingham for bus company Megabus.
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 Macclesfield 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.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the bus from Macclesfield to Birmingham.
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 Macclesfield to Birmingham.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Macclesfield 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).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Macclesfield 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.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Macclesfield to Birmingham.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Macclesfield to Birmingham with the following bus company: Megabus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Macclesfield to Birmingham with the following bus company: Megabus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Macclesfield to Birmingham with the following bus company: Megabus.
Since neither Macclesfield 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 Macclesfield 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 Macclesfield to Birmingham
Most Macclesfield to Birmingham buses use the Manchester, Airport to Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway station pair, with some services arriving at Birmingham. Use this guide to compare Macclesfield and Birmingham bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Macclesfield
Arrival bus stations in Birmingham
Which Birmingham station do buses from Macclesfield arrive at?
Buses from Macclesfield to Birmingham most often arrive at Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway. Some services arrive at {secondaryArrivalStation}, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Birmingham arrival station.
Birmingham, Great Charles Street QueenswayGreat Charles Street Queensway, Birmingham, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway from Birmingham city centre
Bus822, X8, 12, 24, 126, 13, 23, X10, 829, 9 · 2m · $2 · every ~153 min
Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway bus station facilities and services
Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway 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 Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway. ATMs are available at Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway: Bus stops are wheelchair accessible.
BirminghamUpper Crust Digbeth, Coach Station, 52-56 Spencer House, Birmingham B5 6DQ, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Birmingham from Birmingham city centre
TRUE
Birmingham bus station facilities and services
Birmingham has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Multiple fast food and cafes inside
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi available within the station. ATMs are multiple ATMs available inside the station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Birmingham.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Birmingham: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham: Wheelchair accessible entrances and facilities.
More options for your journey from Macclesfield to Birmingham
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Birmingham and Macclesfield
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