- 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.
Cheapest price
$19
Average price
$26
Fastest journey
1 h 50 m
Average duration
2 h 1 m
Buses per day
34
Distance
113 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Manchester to Birmingham is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Birmingham will cost around $26 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $19.
Of the 34 buses that leave Manchester for Birmingham on Sat, May 23, 34 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, May 23 the direct buses cover the 113 km distance in an average of 2 h 1 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 h 50 m .
On Sat, May 23 the slowest buses will take 2 h 10 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.
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
NX421
FlixBus
NX541
NX541
NX181Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Birmingham among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $9. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 56m. 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 $9, and a train costs an average of $12.
Distance: 70 miles (113 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$17 Average price Cheapest | $35 Average price | $43 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 33m Average total duration 2h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 26m Average total duration Fastest 1h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 53m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg 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 Manchester to Birmingham:
A bus is $18 (€15) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Manchester to Birmingham costing on average $35 (€28).
Other travel options to Birmingham take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 3m.
Tickets start at around $17 (€13) compared to roughly $43 (€35) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $26 (€21). The journey takes 2h 3m versus 1h 53m 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, Megabus, FlixBus.
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 12:20AM | Arrival Time 02:50AM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $12 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:45AM | Arrival Time 04:35AM | Duration 1h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:50AM | Arrival Time 04:45AM | Duration 1h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $12 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:15AM | Arrival Time 06:25AM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:15AM | Arrival Time 07:20AM | Duration 2h05 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:45AM | Arrival Time 08:15AM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:10AM | Arrival Time 08:15AM | Duration 2h05 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 09:30AM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:10AM | Arrival Time 09:40AM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $10 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:15AM | Arrival Time 09:30AM | Duration 2h15 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:25AM | Arrival Time 09:45AM | Duration 2h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:20AM | Arrival Time 11:15AM | Duration 2h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $10 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:25AM | Arrival Time 10:45AM | Duration 2h20 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:40AM | Arrival Time 11:15AM | Duration 2h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $10 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:55AM | Arrival Time 11:10AM | Duration 2h15 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:20AM | Arrival Time 11:45AM | Duration 2h25 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 3h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $10 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 12:20PM | Duration 2h20 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:10AM | Arrival Time 12:45PM | Duration 2h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:20AM | Arrival Time 12:45PM | Duration 2h25 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:45AM | Arrival Time 01:10PM | Duration 2h25 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:10AM | Arrival Time 01:35PM | Duration 2h25 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:15AM | Arrival Time 01:40PM | Duration 2h25 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:10PM | Arrival Time 02:40PM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $10 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:25PM | Arrival Time 02:40PM | Duration 2h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:20PM | Arrival Time 03:45PM | Duration 2h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 04:10PM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:15PM | Arrival Time 04:50PM | Duration 2h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 05:00PM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:50PM | Arrival Time 05:25PM | Duration 2h35 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:05PM | Arrival Time 05:30PM | Duration 2h25 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 05:50PM | Duration 2h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 05:55PM | Duration 2h25 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:40PM | Arrival Time 06:15PM | Duration 2h35 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 06:30PM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:15PM | Arrival Time 06:30PM | Duration 2h15 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:15PM | Arrival Time 07:45PM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 08:00PM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $10 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 08:00PM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:35PM | Arrival Time 07:55PM | Duration 2h20 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 09:15PM | Duration 2h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:00PM | Arrival Time 10:20PM | Duration 2h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:30PM | Arrival Time 11:40PM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:40PM | Arrival Time 02:30AM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:55PM | Arrival Time 02:45AM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:59PM | Arrival Time 02:50AM | Duration 2h51 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $12 |
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Birmingham buses for today, Friday, May 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 5:30 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 2h30 | 8:00 PM Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 8:00 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 2h20 | 10:20 PM Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX422 | 11:40 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 2h50 | 2:30 AM Birmingham, Coach Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 11:59 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 2h51 | 2:50 AM Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, May 23 | |||||
FlixBus | 12:20 AM Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East | 2h30 | 2:50 AM Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX421 | 2:45 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 1h50 | 4:35 AM Birmingham, Coach Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 2:50 AM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1h55 | 4:45 AM Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX181 | 4:15 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 2h10 | 6:25 AM Birmingham, Coach Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX541 | Delayed 5:15 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 2h05 | 10:10 AM 10:10 AMBirmingham, Coach Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX541 | Delayed 6:10 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 2h05 | 10:10 AM 10:10 AMBirmingham, Coach Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 7:10 AM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 2h30 | 9:40 AM Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX120 | Delayed 7:25 AM 7:15 AMManchester, Coach Station | 2h15 | 9:45 AM 9:45 AMBirmingham, Coach Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX541 | Delayed 7:25 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 2h15 | 10:10 AM 10:10 AMBirmingham, Coach Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 8:20 AM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 2h55 | 11:15 AM Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX120 | On time 8:25 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 2h20 | 10:45 AM Birmingham, Coach Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 8:40 AM Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East | 2h35 | 11:15 AM Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX541 | On time 8:55 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 2h15 | 11:10 AM Birmingham, Coach Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 9:30 AM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 3h30 | 1:00 PM Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX541 | On time 10:00 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 2h20 | 12:20 PM Birmingham, Coach Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 10:10 AM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 2h35 | 12:45 PM Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX121 | Delayed 10:45 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 2h25 | 1:15 PM 1:15 PMBirmingham, Coach Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX541 | On time 11:15 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 2h25 | 1:40 PM Birmingham, Coach Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 12:10 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 2h30 | 2:40 PM Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX541 | On time 12:25 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 2h15 | 2:40 PM Birmingham, Coach Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX541 | On time 1:20 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 2h25 | 3:45 PM Birmingham, Coach Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX590 | On time 2:00 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 2h10 | 4:10 PM Birmingham, Coach Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX121 | On time 2:15 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 2h25 | 4:40 PM Birmingham, Coach Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 2:30 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 2h30 | 5:00 PM Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX541 | On time 3:05 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 2h25 | 5:30 PM Birmingham, Coach Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 3:30 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 2h20 | 5:50 PM Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX120 | On time 3:30 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 2h25 | 5:55 PM Birmingham, Coach Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX541 | On time 4:15 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 2h15 | 6:30 PM Birmingham, Coach Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX121 | On time 5:35 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 2h20 | 7:55 PM Birmingham, Coach Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX120 | On time 7:00 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 2h15 | 9:15 PM Birmingham, Coach Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX120 | On time 9:30 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 2h10 | 11:40 PM Birmingham, Coach Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Manchester to Birmingham run on average 27 times per day, taking around 2h 3m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $9 (€7) if you book in advance.
There are 26 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 70 miles (113 km) distance in 2h 10m.
Distance 70 miles (113 km) |
Average bus duration 2h 3m |
Cheapest ticket price $9 (€7) |
Buses per day 27 |
Direct buses 26 |
Fastest bus 2h 10m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 77 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 fine art, the Staffordshire Hoard, and important local history collections in a landmark civic building.
Interactive science museum at Millennium Point with hands-on galleries, historic engines, and family-focused exhibits.
Leading contemporary art gallery in Brindleyplace, known for ambitious exhibitions in a striking former school building.
One of Birmingham's most popular walking areas, with restored canals, modern architecture, and especially lively evening views.
Historic district of workshops, heritage buildings, independent shops, and creative businesses; excellent for wandering.
The city's best-known central area, famous for modern architecture, shopping, and the nearby Selfridges facade.
Birmingham’s signature curry, traditionally cooked and served in a thin pressed-steel balti bowl. Developed by the city’s Pakistani and Kashmiri communities, it is one of the dishes most associated by
A meat-free version of the city’s famous balti, made with vegetables, spices, tomatoes and onions. It reflects Birmingham’s South Asian food culture and is widely eaten across the Balti Triangle.
A traditional Black Country dish popular in the Birmingham area, made from seasoned meatballs usually served with peas, gravy and often mashed potatoes. It is a classic working-class West Midlands com
A well-known Michelin-starred restaurant serving modern British tasting menus in an elegant city-centre setting.
Popular casual spot known for quality burgers, loaded fries and craft beer in a lively, modern setting.
Acclaimed contemporary restaurant known for creative tasting menus and a dramatic, fashionable dining room.
Moderate by UK standards. Budget eats are reasonable, while hotels and central dining cost more.
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.
Official public transport app
Birmingham Coach Station -> Birmingham New Street
This route is very often offered daily by the buses National Express. The journey starts in the heart of Manchester and leads directly south out of the city. It passes Manchester Airport immediately. The route continues past the towns of Stoke-on-Trent, Stafford and Cannock. At the destination you reach the city of Birmingham and land directly in the center in the central bus station. This is excellently equipped and you will find everything you need on arrival.
The Manchester - Birmingham bus route is operated exclusively by National Express. However, this offers a sufficient number of departure times so that everyone can find a suitable trip.
The direct driving time is between 2 and 3.5 hours. It is therefore not a particularly long journey. Nevertheless, the route is quite interesting. Especially shortly after Manchester when driving past the airport there is always something to see.
The National Express takes the Manchester - Birmingham bus about 14 times a day on this route. These are just under a hundred journeys a week from which passengers can choose. During the day there is usually a Buses every one to two hours.
At which bus station does the bus start in Manchester? Manchester Coach Station is located in the centre of Manchester. There the buses Manchester - Birmingham starts. In the large waiting area there is not only a popular drinks machine. Ticket machines are also available. And there are plenty of parking spaces. The airport is only 15 km away. There are facilities for food and public toilets. There's even a coffee shop there. Passengers can also recharge their mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets or laptops. And at the kiosk you can get reading material for the waiting time and for the trip. There is also an ATM right next to the station.
At which bus station does the bus arrive in Birmingham? At the Birmingham Coach Station the buses of National Express arrives. There, one finds a real waiting hall and parking places in case one wants to be picked up. There are several ways to buy food and even a subway restaurant across the street. There are also ticket vending machines and an ATM. There are also public toilets and a kiosk. Inside and outside there are small coffee houses. There are also charging facilities with free WIFI and even coin-operated phones.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester 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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