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. 

Bus travel from Manchester to Birmingham: everything you need to know

• Bus ticket price: you can travel between Manchester and Birmingham starting from £6.49.
• Average duration: the bus journey from Manchester to Birmingham lasts approximately 1 hour 55 minutes.
• Distance covered: the distance between Manchester and Birmingham is 89 miles, with some variation depending on the bus route and intermediate stops.
• Bus schedules Manchester-Birmingham: to check departure times of coaches between Manchester and Birmingham, select your travel date: you’ll then see all available trip options with their schedules and prices. You can do this using the selector at the top of this page or by using our interactive map.
• Bus departure frequency: about 11 departures per day.
• Bus departure and drop off points: in Manchester, there are 2 coach stops. As for Birmingham, it has 2 stops.. You can locate the FlixBus stops on the map above on this page.
• Weekend trips: with FlixBus, you can depart Manchester on Friday and return on Sunday for a perfect weekend getaway in Birmingham.