- Recommended
Ely Museum
Ely’s main museum tells the city’s story from archaeology to local life. Expect well-presented displays in a former gaol near the cathedral.
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Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Birmingham to Ely
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Birmingham to Ely among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from £17. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 28m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £17, and a coach costs an average of £8.
Distance: 147 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
£19 Average Price | £18 Average Price Cheapest |
6h 35m Average total duration 6h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 58m Average total duration Fastest 2h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
 Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Compare prices and tickets Birmingham to Ely by train or coach
Compare train and coach 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 Birmingham to Ely coaches with Omio?
National Express operates all coaches services from Birmingham to Ely.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Birmingham to Ely.
Why book with Omio vs National Express?
- 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 train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Birmingham to Ely.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Birmingham to Ely.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Birmingham to Ely
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Birmingham to Ely run on average 20 times per day, taking around 6h 5m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £8 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 00:59, the last at 23:45. The fastest coach covers the 147 km distance in 2h 40m.
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 147 km |
Average bus duration 6h 5m |
Cheapest ticket price £8 |
Buses per day 20 |
Fastest bus 2h 40m |
First bus 0:59 |
Last bus 23:45 |
Cheapest Month Sept |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 1 day |
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 from Birmingham to ElyYou can travel by bus between Birmingham to Ely with National Express for as low as £8. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
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
6h 0m
Cheapest Price
£38
National Express frequency
15 a day
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.
Complete guide to Ely
Things to do in Ely
Discover the best of Ely — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Ely trip today.
- Recommended
The Stained Glass Museum
Displays historic stained glass from Britain and Europe inside Ely Cathedral. It is an unusual collection that adds depth to a cathedral visit.
- Recommended
Oliver Cromwell's House
A focused museum on Oliver Cromwell’s life in Ely, set in his former family home. Good for Civil War context and period interiors.
- Recommended
Ely Riverside
A pleasant riverfront area with boats, open views and paths. It is ideal for a relaxed walk, photography and watching life on the Great Ouse.
- Recommended
Cathedral Green
The green around the cathedral offers classic views of Ely’s skyline. It is a peaceful place to walk, rest and appreciate the setting of the church.
- Recommended
Market Square
The central square hosts the regular market and many civic events. It is a useful starting point for exploring the compact historic centre.
- Gluten-free
Eel Stew
Eel stew is tied to the Fens and Ely’s marsh history. Freshwater eel was long a staple food here, slowly cooked into a rich, traditional dish.
- Gluten-free
Jellied Eels
Jellied eels are a classic East Anglian and London-area eel dish. They reflect the region’s historic eel trade and wetland fishing culture.
- Gluten-free
Smoked Eel
Smoked eel is a prized Fenland speciality. Oily local eel is cured and smoked, giving a rich flavour linked to Ely’s waterside heritage.
Poets House
Established city-centre restaurant serving modern British cooking and seasonal menus in a smart but welcoming setting.
The Fountain
Popular traditional pub known for hearty British food, cask ales and a friendly atmosphere close to Ely Cathedral.
Riverside Bar and Kitchen
Well-known waterside venue for British pub meals, drinks and outdoor seating overlooking the river and marina.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for a small UK city. Accommodation and dining cost more than many towns, but local transport needs are low and day-to-day spending is manageable for most visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for a budget meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a mid-range meal.
- Fine dining
- £45+ per person for fine dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4 for a coffee.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual for good service if not already added. Round up for taxis; cafés usually just small change.
FAQs: Birmingham to Ely coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Birmingham to Ely by coach. 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 coach, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Ely, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Birmingham to Ely can start from as little as £8 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Birmingham to Ely is £19; 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 coach from Birmingham to Ely is 2h 40m to travel the 147 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest coach from Birmingham to Ely leaves at 0:59. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Birmingham to Ely leaves at 23:45.
There are 20 coaches a day from Birmingham to Ely which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Birmingham to Ely, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Ely. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Birmingham and Ely and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
When departing from Birmingham , you have various coach station options to start your route from including Birmingham, Coach Station, Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway, Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport), Birmingham, Hagley Road West, Birmingham . When arriving in Ely , you can end your route in coach stations like Newmarket, High Street, Mildenhall, King Street, Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece), Cambridge, Trumpington Park and Ride.Passengers board the coach most frequently from Birmingham, Coach Station, which is located around 1 km away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Newmarket, High Street, located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Ely from Birmingham is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2h 40m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Birmingham to Ely is September.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Birmingham and Ely including taking a train and coach.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Birmingham to Ely:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Birmingham to Ely for coach company National Express.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Birmingham to Ely depends on the coach companies:
- 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.
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.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the coach from Birmingham to Ely.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Birmingham to Ely:
- National Express
- Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from Birmingham to Ely:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Birmingham to Ely.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Birmingham to Ely with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Birmingham to Ely with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Birmingham to Ely with the following coach company: National Express.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Birmingham and Ely
Most Birmingham to Ely buses use the Birmingham, Coach Station to Newmarket, High Street station pair. Use this guide to compare Birmingham and Ely bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Birmingham
Arrival bus stations in Ely
Which Birmingham station do buses to Ely leave from?
Buses from Birmingham to Ely leave from Birmingham, Coach Station. The station is 1 km from Birmingham city centre at Mill Lane, Digbeth, Birmingham, B5 6DD, United Kingdom.
Birmingham, Coach StationMill Lane, Digbeth, Birmingham, B5 6DD, United Kingdom
City-centre transport
Getting to Birmingham, Coach Station from Birmingham city centre
Birmingham, Coach Station is 1 km from Birmingham city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus4, 97, 6, X2, 3, 97A, 2, 4A, 5, X1 · 4m · £2 · every ~191 min
X2, 4A, X1, 2, 3, 6, 4, 5 · 13m · £2 · every ~149 min
Birmingham, Coach Station bus station facilities and services
Birmingham, Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Cafeteria and fast-food options inside the station
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Birmingham, Coach Station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Birmingham, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham, Coach Station: Elevators, ramps.
Birmingham, Great Charles Street QueenswayGreat Charles Street Queensway, Birmingham, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway from Birmingham city centre
Bus822, X8, 12, 24, 126, 13, 23, X10, 829, 9 · 2m · £2 · every ~153 min
Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway bus station facilities and services
Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway. ATMs are available at Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway: Bus stops are wheelchair accessible.
Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport)Comet Rd, Birmingham B26, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport) from Birmingham city centre
Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport) is 1 km from Birmingham city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainRugeley Trent Valley - Birmingham International, Birmingham New Street - London Euston, Birmingham New Street - Birmingham International, Birmingham New Street - Coventry, Birmingham New Street - Northampton, Walsall - London Euston, Birmingham New Street - Milton Keynes Central, Birmingham New Street - Rugby, Liverpool Lime Street - Coventry, Wolverhampton - Birmingham International, Liverpool Lime Street - Birmingham International · 14m · £4 · every ~8 min
BusUk920, Uk025 · 25m · £0.90
X1 · 27m · £4 · every ~5 min
X1 · 29m · £4 · every ~5 min
X12 · 1h 10m · £4 · every ~8 min
Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport) bus station facilities and services
Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Restaurants available in the airport terminal.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free WiFi available. ATMs are aTMs available inside the airport terminal.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport): Facilities accessible for disabled persons.
Most popular bus connections from Birmingham
More options for your journey from Birmingham to Ely
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Ely and Birmingham
Most popular bus connections
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