- Must visit
Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery
Major city museum with Pre-Raphaelite art, local history, and changing exhibitions in a landmark civic building.
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
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.
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.
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
NX133
NX133
NX133
NX133
NX133
NX426 · NX131
NX426 · NX131Omio 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)
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 |
![]() 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 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).
Other travel options to Birmingham take longer:
Bus takes on average 6h 29m.
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.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest 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 |
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.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:55 AM Sunderland | 6h05 | 1:00 PM Birmingham | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:25 AM Sunderland | 6h30 | 1:55 PM Birmingham | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:55 AM Sunderland | 6h55 | 5:50 PM Birmingham | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 2:25 PM Sunderland | 7h10 | 9:35 PM Birmingham | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Friday, June 5 | |||||
NX172 · NX541 | 12:05 AM Sunderland, Interchange | 7h00 | 7:05 AM Birmingham, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
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.
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 |
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 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.

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