Find Leicester to Birmingham bus tickets
Why Choose Bus from Leicester to Birmingham
Traveling from Leicester to Birmingham presents various transportation options, each offering unique benefits and drawbacks. Understanding these can help you choose the mode that best suits your needs for this 72.5 km route.
💰 Cost-Effective Travel
pros
- Bus tickets from Leicester to Birmingham are generally more affordable compared to train and flight tickets, making it a budget-friendly option.
- Many local services, such as National Express and Megabus, offer competitive fares and frequent promotions.
cons
- Though cheaper, buses may require booking in advance for the best deals, limiting flexibility.
🛎️ Convenient Drop-off Locations
pros
- Buses arrive at central locations like Birmingham Coach Station, providing easy access to the city's amenities.
- Busses operate frequently throughout the day, offering various departure times that cater to different schedules.
cons
- Bus stops might be less convenient compared to train stations, requiring additional travel to reach final destinations.
⭐ Scenic Views and Comfort
pros
- Traveling by bus offers picturesque views of the English countryside along the route from Leicester to Birmingham.
- Many long-distance buses come equipped with comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, and power outlets for a more enjoyable journey.
cons
- The longer travel time compared to trains (approximately 1 hour 10 minutes for buses vs. 70 minutes for trains) can be a downside for those in a hurry.
highlights:
While buses are great for savings, travel time can be longer compared to train options.
Buses provide a cost-effective and reliable option for traveling from Leicester to Birmingham.
Convenient drop-off locations enhance ease of access upon arrival.
The journey offers scenic views, making it a pleasant travel experience.
Bus Options from Leicester to Birmingham
| Type | company | departure station | arrival station | departure time | arrival time | Frequency | Duration | Price Range | layover city |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Direct | National Express | St Margaret's, Leicester | Birmingham Coach Station, Birmingham | 09:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00 | 10:10, 11:10, 12:10, 13:10, 14:10 | Every hour | 1h 10m | £ 10-15 | |
| Direct | megabus | Leicester Fosse Park, Leicester | Birmingham Brunel Street, Birmingham | 08:00, 09:30, 10:30, 11:30, 12:30 | 09:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00 | Every 1.5 hours | 1h | £ 5-10 | |
| Connecting | arriva Midlands | St Margaret's, Leicester | Birmingham Airport, Birmingham | 08:15, 09:15, 10:15, 11:15 | 10:33, 11:33, 12:33, 13:33 | Every 1 hour | 2h 18m | £ 12-18 | Coventry |
| Connecting | arriva Midlands | St Margaret's, Leicester | Birmingham Airport, Birmingham | 08:00, 09:00, 10:00, 11:00 | 10:45, 11:45, 12:45, 13:45 | Every 2 hours | 2h 45m | £ 15-20 | Coventry |
Comparison of Bus Operators from Leicester to Birmingham
When traveling between Leicester and Birmingham, it's essential to compare various bus operators to ensure a comfortable, cost-effective journey. Key criteria to consider include pricing, amenities, baggage allowances, and accessibility to find the best option that meets your travel needs.
| Criteria | National Express | Megabus | Arriva Midlands |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price Range | £ 10 - £ 15 | £ 5 - £ 12 | £ 4 - £ 8 |
| pricing policies | |||
| refund policy | Full refund if canceled 24 hours before departure. | No refunds allowed after booking. | No refunds after ticket purchase. |
| Ticket Changes | Free changes up to 1 hour before departure. | Changes allowed for a fee of £2. | Changes allowed with a £1 fee. |
| discounts | 10% discount for students and seniors. | 5% discount for groups of 10 or more. | Discounts available for weekly pass holders. |
| amenities | Free Wi-Fi, Onboard refreshments, Comfortable seating | Power outlets at each seat, Toilet facilities, Air conditioning | Comfortable seating, Real-time travel updates, Air conditioning |
| baggage allowance | |||
| free allowance | 1 piece of luggage up to 20kg and 1 small bag. | 1 large bag and 1 small bag. | 1 suitcase and 1 small carry-on. |
| Additional Fees | £5 for each additional bag. | £3 for each extra large bag. | No additional fees for extra luggage. |
| accessibility | Wheelchair accessible with designated seating areas. | Limited wheelchair access available. | Fully accessible buses with ramps and priority seating. |
In summary, National Express offers a premium experience with comprehensive amenities and flexible pricing policies, while Megabus is ideal for budget travelers. Arriva Midlands provides a solid, value-for-money option with good accessibility. Consider your priorities — whether it's cost, comfort, or convenience — to choose the most suitable bus operator for your journey from Leicester to Birmingham.
Bus Stops and Stations from Leicester to Birmingham
Knowing the bus stops and stations along the route from Leicester to Birmingham is essential for ensuring a smooth and convenient journey.
Main Bus Stations in Leicester
Leicester Bus Station
facilities
- Restrooms
- Waiting areas with seating
- Ticket counters and self-service kiosks
- Luggage storage lockers
- Free Wi-Fi
- Food and beverage options (cafés, vending machines)
- ATMs and currency exchange services
- Accessibility features (ramps, elevators)
Transportation Links
- Public transportation options: local buses and trains
- Taxi and rideshare services availability
- Parking facilities for private vehicles
- Arrive at least 15 minutes before your departure time
- Be mindful of peak travel hours when buses can be crowded
- Explore nearby shops and restaurants for a meal or refreshment if you have spare time
Main Bus Stations in Birmingham
Birmingham Coach Station
facilities
- Restrooms
- Waiting areas with seating
- Ticket counters and information desks
- Luggage storage service
- Free Wi-Fi
- Food and beverage options (cafés, snack bars)
- ATMs and currency exchange services
- Accessibility features (ramps, elevators)
Transportation Links
- Public transport options: local buses, metro lines, and trains
- Taxi and rideshare services available
- Limited parking available for private vehicles
- Plan to arrive at least 10-15 minutes before your arrival time
- Familiarize yourself with security procedures for boarding and alighting
- Utilize the nearby amenities if you wish to explore the area after arrival
En Route Stops
Coventry
facilities
- Restrooms
- Waiting area
- Café
Royal Leamington Spa
facilities
- Restrooms
- Small shop
- ATM
Familiarizing yourself with the departure and arrival stations, as well as any significant stops along the way, will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey from Leicester to Birmingham.
Travel Tips
⛰ Plan for Scenic Views
Enjoy the picturesque landscapes along the A5 route as you travel from Leicester to Birmingham. Look out for the rolling hills of the countryside and the historic towns you pass through. Bring your camera to capture the beautiful views!
📍 Check Events in Birmingham
Before your trip, research local events or festivals happening in Birmingham. The city hosts numerous events such as the Frankfurt Christmas Market or the Birmingham International Dance Festival, and knowing about these can enhance your visit and potentially require booking your bus in advance.
🚍 Comfort is Key
Choose a bus service that offers extra amenities such as Wi-Fi and power outlets. The longer bus journey means having access to entertainment and charging devices can make your travel more comfortable—essential for long rides!
🎭 Local Cuisine Break
Consider stopping at a local eatery during your journey, especially in towns like Nuneaton or Tamworth. Sampling local cuisine can be a delightful way to experience the regions and break up the journey.
🏛 Use Public Transport in Birmingham
Upon arrival in Birmingham, make use of the efficient public transport system. The city offers trams and buses that can help you explore attractions like the Bullring Shopping Centre and the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery without hassle.