Travel Guide: Manchester to Birmingham via FlixBus 

Travelling from Manchester to Birmingham with FlixBus is an easy and affordable way to connect two of the UK's most dynamic cities. With regular departures, comfortable coaches, and convenient arrival locations, FlixBus offers a smooth travel experience that allows you to explore the best of both destinations. Whether you're heading to Birmingham for business, leisure, or a city break, FlixBus ensures a hassle-free journey. 

Departing from Manchester 

FlixBus departs from central locations in Manchester, making it easy to access the service from various parts of the city.  It is advisable to arrive at the departure point at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time to ensure a smooth boarding process. 

Here are some ways to reach your FlixBus departure point in Manchester: 

• Metrolink: Manchester's Metrolink tram network is a quick and convenient way to get around the city. It connects directly to key FlixBus departure points, making it easy to reach your coach. 
• Buses: Manchester’s extensive bus network covers the entire city and its surrounding areas. Many bus routes pass through the city center, providing a reliable option for reaching the departure point. 
• Taxis and Rideshares: If you prefer a direct route, taxis and rideshare services like Uber are available throughout Manchester. They offer door-to-door convenience, particularly useful if you’re traveling with heavy luggage. 
• Walking and Cycling: For those staying near the city center, walking or cycling to the FlixBus departure point is a great way to start your journey. Manchester is a bike-friendly city, with plenty of cycling routes and bike rental options available. 

Arriving in Birmingham 

Once you arrive at your FlixBus stop in Birmingham, you’ll find a variety of public transport options to help you reach your final destination. Birmingham is a well-connected city with an efficient network of buses, trams, and trains, making it easy to navigate. 

Here are some transport options to consider once you arrive in Birmingham: 

• West Midlands Metro: The tram network covers key areas of Birmingham, including the city center and Wolverhampton. The Metro provides a quick and convenient way to get around the city, with trams running frequently from early morning to late at night. 
• Buses: Birmingham’s bus network is extensive, with services covering all areas of the city and surrounding towns. The city center is well-served by frequent bus routes, providing easy access to major attractions, hotels, and shopping areas. 
• Taxis and Rideshares: Taxis and rideshare services like Uber are widely available in Birmingham, offering a convenient choice for direct travel to your accommodation or other destinations. 
• Walking and Cycling: Birmingham is a walkable city, especially in the central areas. The city also has dedicated cycling routes, and bike rentals are available for those who prefer to explore on two wheels. 

Top Things to See in Birmingham 

Birmingham is a city known for its industrial heritage, vibrant culture, and diverse attractions. Here are some of the top places to visit: 

• Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery: This renowned museum is home to an impressive collection of art, including the largest collection of Pre-Raphaelite works in the world. It also features exhibits on local history and culture. 
• Cadbury World: Located just outside the city center, Cadbury World is a must-visit for chocolate lovers. Learn about the history of Cadbury, enjoy interactive exhibits, and sample some delicious treats. 
• Victoria Square: Situated in the heart of Birmingham, Victoria Square is surrounded by notable landmarks, including the Town Hall and Council House. It’s a great place to start exploring the city. 
• The Jewellery Quarter: This historic district is famous for its jewellery shops and workshops. It’s also home to several museums and galleries, where you can learn about Birmingham’s industrial past. 
• Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum: A family-friendly attraction featuring interactive exhibits on science and technology. The museum also houses a planetarium and a range of hands-on activities for visitors of all ages. 

Exploring Birmingham: Tips and Recommendations 

Beyond its main attractions, Birmingham offers plenty of unique experiences and hidden gems to explore: 

• Digbeth: Known for its creative vibe, Digbeth is a hub for street art, independent cafes, and trendy bars. The area hosts events such as the Digbeth Dining Club, where you can sample a variety of street foods. 
• Explore the Canals: Birmingham has more canals than Venice, offering picturesque walks and the chance to see the city from a different perspective. Take a canal boat tour or simply stroll along the towpaths. 
• The Custard Factory: Located in Digbeth, The Custard Factory is a creative and digital business workspace filled with independent shops, galleries, and entertainment venues. 
• Sample Balti Cuisine: Birmingham is famous for its Balti Triangle, an area known for its authentic Indian and Pakistani cuisine. Make sure to try a traditional Balti dish at one of the many restaurants in this area. 

Find the cheapest coach tickets from Manchester to Birmingham

Getting from Manchester to Birmingham is cheap and easy when you travel with FlixBus, with cheap coach tickets available on several routes. The two cities are 89 miles apart and travelling between the two takes approximately 1 hour 55 minutes.

FlixBus coach tickets are always good value, but you can save even more money by booking online in advance. Find a coach and book your cheap bus tickets on our website or the FlixBus App in minutes, then simply use your phone as your ticket to board the bus.

Bus tickets between Manchester and Birmingham cost £5.99 on average, but you can buy cheap coach travel tickets for as low as £5.49 if you book in advance and/or outside of busy travel times, like weekends and bank holidays. We have a large network, so you can trust us to take you from your desired departure city to your destination in comfort and style - all for a low fare.

Travelling from Manchester to Birmingham

It’s easy to get from Manchester to Birmingham when you travel by coach with FlixBus, with , with 9 direct buses per day. The first coach is at 02:50 and the last coach leaves at 00:20, with plenty of options in between to ensure you make the most of your coach trips.

The journey from Manchester to Birmingham has only one stop in between and can take a minimum time of 1 hour 55 minutes.

Taking the bus from Manchester

Manchester is a transport hub with 5 coach stations, namely: Manchester (Moss Lane East), Manchester (Shudehill Interchange), Manchester Oxford Road Train station, Manchester Piccadilly Train Station, Manchester Victoria Train Station; 20 coach connections depart from Manchester every day, taking travellers on coach trips both within the local area and further afield.

Arriving in Birmingham

Birmingham is very well connected to other destinations on the FlixBus network, with 28 connections arriving in one of the 2 stations of the city every day, giving you easy access to all corners of the country on your chosen bus route.

What to expect onboard the FlixBus bus from Manchester to Birmingham

Getting from Manchester to Birmingham aboard a FlixBus bus means travelling in comfort and style, with all the coach services and onboard hospitality you need to keep you occupied. Most of our coach trips include free coach Wi-Fi onboard, toilets and power sockets to keep you connected.

You can bring one carry-on and one check-in piece of luggage per passenger, so even if you’re taking a long trip, you don’t need to worry about travelling light.

All ticket holders are guaranteed a seat on our buses but if you want to reserve a seat, you can do so at the time of booking your coach tickets. Choose from a classic seat, table seat, panorama seat or extra seat.

Just book coach tickets online or on the FlixBus App and purchase your bus tickets using any of our available payment methods.