- Must visit
Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery
Major city museum with Pre-Raphaelite art, local history, and changing exhibitions in a landmark civic building.
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 prices starting from $11. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 13m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $11, and a train costs an average of $17.
Distance: 54 miles (88 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$13 Average price Cheapest | $28 Average price | $35 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 10m Average total duration 1h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 43m Average total duration Fastest 1h 13m 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.
This is compared to other travel options from Macclesfield to Birmingham:
A bus is $15 (€12) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Macclesfield to Birmingham costing on average $28 (€22).
Other travel options to Birmingham take longer:
Bus takes on average 1h 40m.
Tickets start at around $13 (€10) compared to roughly $35 (€28) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $22 (€18). The journey takes 1h 40m 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.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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 | Cheapest price $11 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:50AM | Arrival Time 12:45PM | Duration 1h55 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $13 |
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 | Cheapest price $11 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:35PM | Arrival Time 09:20PM | Duration 1h45 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $13 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:35PM | Arrival Time 10:20PM | Duration 1h45 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $14 |
The table below shows live departures for Macclesfield to Birmingham buses for today, Monday, June 15. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:05 AM Macclesfield | 2h10 | 10:15 AM Birmingham | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:05 AM Macclesfield | 2h10 | 11:15 AM Birmingham | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 2:10 PM Macclesfield | 1h50 | 4:00 PM Birmingham | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 3:10 PM Macclesfield | 1h50 | 5:00 PM Birmingham | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Macclesfield to Birmingham run on average 4 times per day, taking around 1h 40m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $11 (€9) if you book in advance.
There are 3 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.
Distance 54 miles (88 km) |
Average bus duration 1h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price $11 (€9) |
Buses per day 4 |
Direct buses 3 |
Fastest bus 1h 45m |
First bus 12:45 AM |
Last bus 10:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Birmingham — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Birmingham trip today.
Major city museum with Pre-Raphaelite art, local history, and changing exhibitions in a landmark civic building.
Interactive science museum with hands-on galleries, a historic collection, and family-friendly exhibits at Millennium Point.
Leading contemporary art gallery in Brindleyplace, known for ambitious exhibitions by international and British artists.
Historic district of workshops, independent businesses, heritage buildings, and photogenic streets with strong local character.
Atmospheric canal junction popular for walking, photography, and experiencing Birmingham's industrial waterways heritage.
Creative neighborhood known for street art, warehouses, indie culture, and a strong social-media-friendly visual identity.
Birmingham’s signature curry, traditionally cooked and served in a thin pressed-steel bowl called a balti. The city’s Balti Triangle made this style famous across the United Kingdom.
A meat-free version of the city’s best-known dish, cooked quickly with spices, tomatoes, and mixed vegetables. It is a classic order in Birmingham curry houses.
A traditional Black Country dish closely associated with the Birmingham area, made from seasoned meatballs in rich gravy and often served with mushy peas.
A well-established fine dining restaurant in central Birmingham, known for modern British tasting menus, polished service, and an elegant atmosphere.
Acclaimed Indian fine dining restaurant by Aktar Islam, celebrated for refined modern dishes inspired by Indian flavors in a stylish setting.
Popular casual burger venue in Digbeth, known for high-quality patties, bold flavors, and a lively, urban atmosphere.
Moderate by UK standards. Budget eats are easy to find, while hotels and central dining cost more.
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.
Official public transport app
Birmingham Coach Station -> Birmingham New Street Station
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.

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