Bournemouth to Ipswich bus with National Express

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2,000+ travel companies
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Journey information

Overview: Bus from Bournemouth to Ipswich

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Bournemouth to Ipswich run on average 9 times per day, taking around 5h 58m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £38 but you can travel from only £27 by train.

The earliest coach runs at 01:50, the last at 21:11. The fastest coach covers the 258 km distance in 4h 50m.

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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from £27
Distance
258 km
Average bus duration
5h 58m
Cheapest ticket price
£38
Buses per day
9
Fastest bus
4h 50m
First bus
1:50
Last bus
21:11
Cheapest Month
Jan
Cheapest Day
Thu
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Wed
Least Busy Day
Tue
Best time to book
7 days
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from £27

Frequently asked questions about your Bournemouth to Ipswich trip

Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Bournemouth to Ipswich.

Cheap coach tickets from Bournemouth to Ipswich can start from as little as £38 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Bournemouth to Ipswich is £67; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The earliest coach from Bournemouth to Ipswich leaves at 1:50. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Bournemouth to Ipswich leaves at 21:11.
There are 9 coaches a day from Bournemouth to Ipswich which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.

Why should you book Bournemouth to Ipswich coaches with Omio?

National Express operates all coaches services from Bournemouth to Ipswich.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Bournemouth to Ipswich.

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 Bournemouth to Ipswich.

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 Bournemouth to Ipswich.

Bus providers: National Express from Bournemouth to IpswichYou can travel by bus between Bournemouth to Ipswich with National Express for as low as £27. 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 National Express Duration
4h 50m
Cheapest National Express Price
£38
National Express frequency
9 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.

Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Bournemouth and Ipswich

Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.

When taking a coach from Bournemouth to Ipswich, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Ipswich. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Bournemouth and Ipswich and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Bournemouth to Ipswich:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Bournemouth to Ipswich for coach company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Bournemouth to Ipswich 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company {providersWithBike}.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the coach from Bournemouth to Ipswich.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Bournemouth to Ipswich:
  • 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 Bournemouth to Ipswich:
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Bournemouth to Ipswich.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Bournemouth to Ipswich with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Bournemouth to Ipswich with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Bournemouth to Ipswich with the following coach company: National Express.

Complete guide to Ipswich

Things to do in Ipswich

Discover the best of Ipswich — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Ipswich trip today.

  • Must visit

Ipswich Museum

Ipswich’s main museum with natural history, archaeology and local collections, including Egyptian objects and displays on Suffolk’s past.

  • Must visit

Christchurch Mansion

Gallery in Christchurch Mansion showing works by Constable and Gainsborough, plus changing exhibitions in a historic setting.

  • Recommended

The Hold: Ipswich Waterfront

Museum on the redeveloped docks telling the story of Ipswich’s maritime trade, industry and local life through interactive displays.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate by UK standards. Hotels and dining cost less than London, while buses and casual meals are fairly affordable for visitors.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or a basic lunch.
Mid-range
£18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£50+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£3-4.50 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Service is sometimes included in restaurants; otherwise tip about 10% for good service. Taxi fares can be rounded up. Tipping in cafés is optional.

Best day trips from Ipswich by bus

The most popular day trips by bus from Ipswich are London, Colchester, Norwich, Cambridge and Bury Saint Edmunds. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your bus from Ipswich on Omio.

A view of London

Day trip from Ipswich to London by bus

Why visit London for the day?

London blends royal history with modern city life, known for its museums, theatre and global food scene. Along the Thames, grand landmarks sit beside diverse neighbourhoods shaped by finance, fashion and contemporary culture.

How to get from Ipswich to London by bus?

The earliest coach runs at 00:05, the last at 23:48. The fastest coach covers the 107 km distance in 2h 50m.

A view of Colchester

Day trip from Ipswich to Colchester by bus

Why visit Colchester for the day?

Colchester is an Essex city known as Britain’s oldest recorded town, with Roman roots and a prominent castle. Its historic core, modern cultural venues and easy-going atmosphere make it well suited to a relaxed visit.

How to get from Ipswich to Colchester by bus?

There are 6 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 01:12, the last at 23:51. The fastest coach covers the 26 km distance in 35m.

A view of Norwich

Day trip from Ipswich to Norwich by bus

Why visit Norwich for the day?

Norwich is known for its Norman cathedral, medieval lanes and strong independent character. Its historic market, literary links and mix of old churches and creative spaces give it a lively but relaxed feel.

How to get from Ipswich to Norwich by bus?

The earliest coach runs at 00:45, the last at 23:45. The fastest coach covers the 64 km distance in 1h 15m.

A view of Cambridge

Day trip from Ipswich to Cambridge by bus

Why visit Cambridge for the day?

Cambridge is a historic university city on the River Cam, known for its colleges and punting. Its compact centre, museums and green spaces give it an academic yet lively feel.

How to get from Ipswich to Cambridge by bus?

The earliest coach runs at 03:50, the last at 22:50. The fastest coach covers the 73 km distance in 2h 5m.

A view of Bury Saint Edmunds

Day trip from Ipswich to Bury Saint Edmunds by bus

Why visit Bury Saint Edmunds for the day?

Bury Saint Edmunds is a historic Suffolk market town known for its abbey ruins, cathedral and Georgian centre. It has a compact feel, with Abbey Gardens, independent shops and a long brewing heritage giving it character.

How to get from Ipswich to Bury Saint Edmunds by bus?

The earliest coach runs at 00:10, the last at 23:35.

FAQs: Bournemouth to Ipswich coach

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bournemouth to Ipswich 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 Ipswich, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Bournemouth and Ipswich including taking a coach and train.
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.

popular bus stations

Important Stations and Airports in Bournemouth and Ipswich

Most Bournemouth to Ipswich buses use the Bournemouth, Coach Station to Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) station pair. Use this guide to compare Bournemouth and Ipswich bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.

Departure bus stations in Bournemouth
Arrival bus stations in Ipswich
Bournemouth, Coach Station
City-centre transport

Getting to Bournemouth, Coach Station from Bournemouth city centre

Bus13, 5, 6, 50, m1, 12, 13A, N5, N1, 11, 21 · 6m · £2 · every ~74 min
m1, 5, 6, 50, 13, 12, 13A, 21, 11, N5, N1 · 7m · £2 · every ~74 min

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