- Must visit
St Fagans National Museum of History
Open-air museum and historic house in St Fagans showcasing Welsh buildings, crafts and galleries; a longer day trip but one of South Wales’ best museum visits.
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Birmingham to Porthcawl
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 20 Sept
Cheapest price on 20 Sept
£15
Average ticket price on 20 Sept
£15
Fastest journey on 20 Sept
3 h 30 m
Average journey duration on 20 Sept
3 h 30 m
Buses on 20 Sept
1
Distance
166 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Birmingham to Porthcawl is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Birmingham to Porthcawl will cost around £15 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £15.
Fast coaches
On Sun 20 Sept, we found 1 buses from Birmingham to Porthcawl, including 1 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 166 km distance in an average of 3 h 30 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 30 m .
The slowest buses will take 3 h 30 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.
9:153h30Birmingham12:45Porthcawl£151One-way0 changes
- 9:153h30Birmingham12:45Porthcawl£151One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Birmingham to Porthcawl
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Birmingham to Porthcawl among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £23 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 52m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £23, while a train costs an average of £47.
Distance: 166 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£23 Average Price Cheapest | £47 Average Price | £35 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 59m Average total duration 4h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 52m Average total duration Fastest 2h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 30m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Birmingham to Porthcawl is a coach with an average price of £23.
This is compared to other travel options from Birmingham to Porthcawl:
A coach is £24 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Birmingham to Porthcawl costing on average £47.
The fastest way to travel from Birmingham to Porthcawl is by train with an average journey time of 2h 22m.
Other travel options to Porthcawl take longer:
Coach takes on average 4h 29m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Birmingham and Porthcawl including taking a coach and train.
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 £23 compared to roughly £35 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £12. The journey takes 4h 29m versus 2h 30m 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 National Express, FlixBus.
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.
Live departures
Birmingham to Porthcawl bus times
The table below shows live departures for Birmingham to Porthcawl coaches for tomorrow, Sunday 20 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9:15 Birmingham | 3h30 | 12:45 Porthcawl | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Birmingham to Porthcawl by coach or train
Compare coach 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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20 Sept
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Why should you book Birmingham to Porthcawl coaches with Omio?
National Express operates all coaches services from Birmingham to Porthcawl.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Birmingham to Porthcawl.
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 bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Birmingham to Porthcawl.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Birmingham to Porthcawl.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Birmingham to Porthcawl
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Birmingham to Porthcawl run on average 25 times per day, taking around 4h 29m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £12 if you book in advance.
There are 4 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 01:30, the last at 21:40. The fastest coach covers the 166 km distance in 3h 10m.
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 166 km |
Average bus duration 4h 29m |
Cheapest ticket price £12 |
Buses per day 25 |
Direct buses 4 |
Fastest bus 3h 10m |
First bus 1:30 |
Last bus 21:40 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
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, FlixBus from Birmingham to PorthcawlYou can travel by bus between Birmingham to Porthcawl with National Express, FlixBus for as low as £12. 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 FlixBus Duration
3h 30m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
£12
FlixBus frequency
7 a day
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 National Express Duration
3h 10m
Cheapest National Express Price
£16
National Express frequency
18 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 Porthcawl
Things to do in Porthcawl
Discover the best of Porthcawl — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Porthcawl trip today.
- Recommended
Porthcawl Museum
Compact local museum on the seafront with displays on Porthcawl’s maritime past, seaside holidays and community life, useful for understanding the town.
- Recommended
Bridgend Museum and Art Gallery
Regional museum and art gallery in Bridgend with local history, archaeology and changing art displays, suitable as an easy cultural trip from Porthcawl.
- Must visit
Rest Bay
Wide sandy beach and promenade popular for walks, paddling and sea views, with easy access to the harbour, pavilion and central seafront.
- Must visit
Porthcawl Promenade
Dramatic seafront walk from the town centre to the lighthouse, ideal for coastal views, storm watching and an easy introduction to Porthcawl.
- Recommended
Porthcawl Harbour
Harbour area with fishing heritage, sea air and views across the Bristol Channel, best visited with the adjoining breakwater and lighthouse.
- Vegetarian
Welsh Cakes
Traditional Welsh cakes griddled with currants and spice. A beloved teatime staple across South Wales, often eaten warm with butter or sugar.
- Gluten-free
Laverbread
Laverbread is seaweed cooked to a soft paste, often served at Welsh breakfast with cockles or bacon. It reflects the local coastal food tradition.
- Gluten-free
Cockles
Fresh cockles from the South Wales coast, commonly eaten plain with vinegar or as part of breakfast. They are a classic local seaside shellfish.
Beale's Fish and Chips
Popular waterfront fish and chip shop and restaurant known for fresh seafood and relaxed seaside dining near the harbour.
Watersports Bar & Grill
Stylish café-bar by Rest Bay serving brunch, coffee and modern casual plates. A popular stop before or after the beach.
The Waterfront
Established pub and restaurant overlooking the sea, serving British favourites, grills and drinks in a comfortable traditional setting.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for a UK seaside town. Accommodation can rise in summer, but dining and local transport are usually manageable for most visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £15-25 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £35-60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.50-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is polite if service is not included. Round up taxi fares. Cafés do not require tips, but small change is appreciated.
FAQs: Birmingham to Porthcawl coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Birmingham to Porthcawl 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 Porthcawl, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Birmingham to Porthcawl can start from as little as £12 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Birmingham to Porthcawl is £23; 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 Porthcawl is 3h 10m to travel the 166 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 Porthcawl leaves at 1:30. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Birmingham to Porthcawl leaves at 21:40.
Yes, there are 4 direct coaches a day from Birmingham to Porthcawl with . Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from Birmingham to Porthcawl, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Porthcawl. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Birmingham and Porthcawl 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, Hagley Road West . When arriving in Porthcawl , you can end your route in coach stations like Bridgend, Sarn Odeon, Port Talbot, Heilbronn Way.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 Bridgend, Sarn Odeon, located 2 away from the city centre.
A trip to Porthcawl from Birmingham is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3h 10m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Birmingham to Porthcawl is August.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Birmingham and Porthcawl including taking a coach and train.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Birmingham to Porthcawl:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Birmingham to Porthcawl 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 Porthcawl 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 Porthcawl.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Birmingham to Porthcawl:
- 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 Porthcawl:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Birmingham to Porthcawl.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Birmingham to Porthcawl with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Birmingham to Porthcawl with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Birmingham to Porthcawl with the following coach company: National Express.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Birmingham and Porthcawl
Most Birmingham to Porthcawl buses use the Birmingham, Coach Station to Bridgend, Sarn Odeon station pair. Use this guide to compare Birmingham and Porthcawl 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 Porthcawl
Which Birmingham station do buses to Porthcawl leave from?
Buses from Birmingham to Porthcawl 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.
Most popular bus connections from Birmingham
More options for your journey from Birmingham to Porthcawl
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Porthcawl and Birmingham
Most popular bus connections
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