- 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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The cheapest and fastest buses from Sunderland to Birmingham
Showing times and prices for Jul 21
Cheapest price
$32
Average price
$34
Fastest journey
7 h
Average duration
7 h 5 m
Buses per day
2
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 $34 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $32.
Fast buses
Of the 2 buses that leave Sunderland for Birmingham on Tue, Jul 21, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Jul 21 the direct buses cover the 272 km distance in an average of 7 h 5 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h .
On Tue, Jul 21 the slowest buses will take 7 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.
5:30 AM7h00Sunderland12:30 PMBirmingham$321One-way0 transfers
2:25 PM7h10Sunderland9:35 PMBirmingham$371One-way0 transfers
- 5:30 AM7h00Sunderland12:30 PMBirmingham$321One-way0 transfers
- 2:25 PM7h10Sunderland9:35 PMBirmingham$371One-way0 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 $20. 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 $20, and a train costs an average of $51.
Distance: 169 miles (272 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$32 Average price Cheapest | $124 Average price | $82 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.
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 $93 (€76) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Sunderland to Birmingham costing on average $124 (€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 $82 (€67) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $50 (€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
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:30AM | Arrival Time 12:30PM | Duration 7h00 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:55AM | Arrival Time 12:00PM | Duration 6h05 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:55AM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 6h05 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:10AM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:25AM | Arrival Time 01:55PM | Duration 6h30 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:35AM | Arrival Time 02:55PM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:45AM | Arrival Time 02:55PM | Duration 6h10 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:55AM | Arrival Time 04:35PM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 04:00PM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:55AM | Arrival Time 05:50PM | Duration 6h55 | Departure days Thu | 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 $31 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:25PM | Arrival Time 08:35PM | Duration 7h10 | Departure days Wed, Fri | 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 $20 |
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 $29 |
Live departures
Sunderland to Birmingham bus times
The table below shows live departures for Sunderland to Birmingham buses for today, Monday, July 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11:20 AM Sunderland | 7h10 | 6:30 PM Birmingham | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 2:25 PM Sunderland | 7h10 | 9:35 PM Birmingham | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
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.
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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
Buses from Sunderland to Birmingham run on average 12 times per day, taking around 6h 29m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $20 (€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 $20 (€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 $20 (€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
$20 (€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
$31 (€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
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 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.
Cheap bus tickets from Sunderland to Birmingham can start from as little as $20 (€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, 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.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Sunderland to Birmingham for bus company National Express, Megabus, FlixBus.
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.
Most popular bus connections from Sunderland
More options for your journey from Sunderland to Birmingham
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Birmingham and Sunderland
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