Sunderland to Birmingham bus with National Express

Fri, Jun 05
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Sunderland to Birmingham

Showing times and prices for Jun 05

Cheapest price

$34

Average price

$44

Fastest journey

5 h 20 m

Average duration

5 h 56 m

Buses per day

13

Distance

272 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Sunderland to Birmingham will cost around $44 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $34.

Fast buses

Of the 13 buses that leave Sunderland for Birmingham on Fri, Jun 05, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Fri, Jun 05 the direct buses cover the 272 km distance in an average of 5 h 56 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 20 m .

On Fri, Jun 05 the slowest buses will take 6 h 20 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.

  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
    2:25 PM7h10
    Sunderland, Interchange
    9:35 PMBirmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway
    $341One-way
    1 transfer
  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
    10:55 AM6h55
    Sunderland, Interchange
    5:50 PMBirmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway
    $341One-way
    1 transfer
  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
    6:05 PM8h45
    Sunderland, Interchange
    2:50 AMBirmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway
    $351One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNX133
    6:35 AM5h45
    Sunderland, Interchange
    12:20 PMBirmingham, Coach Station
    $401One-way
    0 transfers
  • National ExpressNX133
    9:45 AM6h00
    Sunderland, Interchange
    3:45 PMBirmingham, Coach Station
    $401One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus and train for Sunderland to Birmingham

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Sunderland to Birmingham among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $21. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 43m. 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 $21, and a train costs an average of $52.

Distance: 169 miles (272 km)

Compare bus with

Most popular
Bus
Train
Driving

$32

Average price

Cheapest

$126

Average price

$83

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

6h 59m

Average total duration

6h 29m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 13m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 43m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 36m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.3 - 0.7kg

CO2 emissions

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

-

CO2 emissions

National Express

Most popular bus company

CrossCountry

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 Sunderland to Birmingham is a bus with an average price of $32 (€26).

This is compared to other travel options from Sunderland to Birmingham:

A bus is $94 (€76) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Sunderland to Birmingham costing on average $126 (€102).

The fastest way to travel from Sunderland to Birmingham is by train with an average journey time of 3h 43m.

Other travel options to Birmingham take longer:

Bus takes on average 6h 29m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Sunderland and Birmingham including taking a bus and train.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Sunderland 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 $32 (€26) compared to roughly $83 (€67) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $51 (€41). The journey takes 6h 29m versus 3h 36m 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.

Sunderland to Birmingham Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
12:05AM
Arrival Time
07:05AM
Duration
7h00
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$51
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:30AM
Arrival Time
12:30PM
Duration
7h00
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
$32
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:35AM
Arrival Time
12:20PM
Duration
5h45
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$40
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:55AM
Arrival Time
01:00PM
Duration
6h05
Departure days
Thu
Cheapest price
$32
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:10AM
Arrival Time
01:00PM
Duration
5h50
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$34
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:25AM
Arrival Time
01:55PM
Duration
6h30
Departure days
Thu
Cheapest price
$33
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:20AM
Arrival Time
01:40PM
Duration
5h20
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$40
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:35AM
Arrival Time
02:55PM
Duration
6h20
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$46
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:45AM
Arrival Time
02:55PM
Duration
6h10
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$29
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:45AM
Arrival Time
03:45PM
Duration
6h00
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$40
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
09:55AM
Arrival Time
04:35PM
Duration
6h40
Departure days
Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$25
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
10:55AM
Arrival Time
05:50PM
Duration
6h55
Departure days
Thu, Fri
Cheapest price
$33
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:20AM
Arrival Time
06:30PM
Duration
7h10
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$32
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
11:30AM
Arrival Time
04:55PM
Duration
5h25
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$32
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
12:20PM
Arrival Time
07:30PM
Duration
7h10
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$52
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
01:25PM
Arrival Time
08:35PM
Duration
7h10
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$26
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
02:25PM
Arrival Time
09:35PM
Duration
7h10
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
$21
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:35PM
Arrival Time
09:00PM
Duration
6h25
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$26
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:20PM
Arrival Time
09:35PM
Duration
6h15
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$48
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
06:05PM
Arrival Time
02:50AM
Duration
8h45
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$35
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:05PM
Arrival Time
02:30AM
Duration
8h25
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$71
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
11:55PM
Arrival Time
09:10AM
Duration
9h15
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$41

Live departures

Sunderland to Birmingham bus times

The table below shows live departures for Sunderland to Birmingham buses for today, Thursday, June 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
National Express6:55 AM Sunderland
6h05
1:00 PM Birmingham0 transfersDirect
National Express7:25 AM Sunderland
6h30
1:55 PM Birmingham0 transfersDirect
FlixBus10:55 AM Sunderland
6h55
5:50 PM Birmingham0 transfersDirect
FlixBus2:25 PM Sunderland
7h10
9:35 PM Birmingham0 transfersDirect
Friday, June 5
National ExpressNX172 · NX54112:05 AM Sunderland, Interchange
7h00
7:05 AM Birmingham, Coach Station1 transfer

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Sunderland to Birmingham by bus or train

Compare bus and train 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.

Fri
Jun 05
Sat
Jun 06
Sun
Jun 07
Mon
Jun 08
Tue
Jun 09
Wed
Jun 10
Thu
Jun 11

Why should you book Sunderland to Birmingham buses with Omio?

National Express as well as Megabus or FlixBus offer buses services from Sunderland to Birmingham.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Sunderland to Birmingham.

Why book with Omio vs National Express?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for National Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of Megabus or FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Sunderland to Birmingham.
  • 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 bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Sunderland to Birmingham.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Megabus or FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Sunderland to Birmingham.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Sunderland to Birmingham.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Sunderland to Birmingham

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Sunderland to Birmingham run on average 12 times per day, taking around 6h 29m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $21 (€17) if you book in advance.

There are 3 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 169 miles (272 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
Distance
169 miles (272 km)
Average bus duration
6h 29m
Cheapest ticket price
$21 (€17)
Buses per day
12
Direct buses
3
Fastest bus
5h 25m
First bus
12:05 AM
Last bus
11:55 PM
Cheapest Month
Jan
Cheapest Day
Thu
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Fri
Least Busy Day
Mon
Best time to book
14 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: National Express, Megabus, FlixBus from Sunderland to BirminghamYou can travel by bus between Sunderland to Birmingham with National Express, Megabus, FlixBus for as low as $21 (€17). 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 Duration
5h 25m
Cheapest Price
$21 (€17)
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.

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 50m
Cheapest Price
$26 (€21)
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.

Megabus

About
Megabus is a low-cost intercity bus service operating across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Known for its affordable fares, including promotional $1 tickets, Megabus offers routes connecting over 500 cities and university campuses in North America. The company provides amenities such as air conditioning, power outlets, free Wi-Fi, and onboard restrooms, with many routes utilizing double-decker buses for scenic views. Megabus aims to provide safe, convenient, and affordable express bus travel.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
6h 5m
Cheapest Price
$32 (€26)
Megabus frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
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).
Additional luggage
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.
Cancellation Policy
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.
Refund
If Megabus fails to provide on-time reliable service for reasons wholly within their control, refunds or alternative travel arrangements may be offered.
Pregnant on board
Being pregnant on board is allowed, but no specific details or restrictions are provided.
Unaccompagned minor
Unaccompanied minors under the age of 17 are not permitted to travel on Megabus.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cold food and drinks, as well as hot drinks with a lid, are allowed on board, but hot food is not.
Seat reservation
Reserved seats can be purchased for an additional fee, starting from £2.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.

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 Pre-Raphaelite art, local history, and changing exhibitions in a landmark civic building.

  • Must visit

Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum

Interactive science museum with hands-on galleries, a historic collection, and family-friendly exhibits at Millennium Point.

  • Recommended

Ikon Gallery

Leading contemporary art gallery in Brindleyplace, known for ambitious exhibitions by international and British artists.

Pound Sterling

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

Average meal costs

Budget
GBP 8-15 for fast food or a simple lunch.
Mid-range
GBP 20-35 per person at a casual restaurant.
Fine dining
GBP 60+ per person at upscale restaurants.
Coffee
GBP 3-4 for a regular coffee.

Tipping culture

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.

FAQs: Bus from Sunderland to Birmingham

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Sunderland 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 Sunderland to Birmingham can start from as little as $21 (€17) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Sunderland to Birmingham is $32 (€26) ; 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 Sunderland to Birmingham is 5h 25m to travel the 169 miles (272 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 Sunderland to Birmingham leaves at 12:05 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Sunderland to Birmingham leaves at 11:55 PM.
Yes, there are 3 direct buses a day from Sunderland to Birmingham with Megabus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Sunderland to Birmingham, you can count on National Express, Megabus, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Birmingham. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Sunderland and Birmingham and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Birmingham from Sunderland 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 Sunderland to Birmingham is January.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Sunderland and Birmingham including taking a bus and train.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Sunderland to Birmingham for bus company National Express, Megabus, FlixBus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Sunderland 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.
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
  • FlixBus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
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 Sunderland 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.
  • 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.
  • FlixBus
    • 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company National Express, FlixBus.
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 Sunderland to Birmingham.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Sunderland 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).
  • National Express
    • Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
  • FlixBus
    • One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Sunderland 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.
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
  • FlixBus
    • Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Sunderland to Birmingham. The following conditions apply:
  • FlixBus
    • Small pets in carriers allowed
    • guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Sunderland to Birmingham with the following bus company: National Express, Megabus, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Sunderland to Birmingham with the following bus company: National Express, Megabus, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Sunderland to Birmingham with the following bus company: National Express, Megabus, FlixBus.
Since neither Sunderland 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 bus as it is the most popular way to get from Sunderland 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 Sunderland to Birmingham

Sunderland
Birmingham
The major bus station for departures in Sunderland is Sunderland, Interchange. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Sunderland, Interchange for your trip from Sunderland to Birmingham.
Sunderland, Interchange
information

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