- Recommended
Ilfracombe Museum
The town museum covers Ilfracombe's maritime, railway and social history through local artefacts, archives and changing displays.
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Bristol to Ilfracombe
Showing times and prices for 18 Aug
Cheapest price
£26
Average price
£26
Fastest journey
3 h 20 m
Average duration
3 h 20 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
109 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Bristol to Ilfracombe is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bristol to Ilfracombe will cost around £26 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £26.
Fast coaches
Of the 2 buses that leave Bristol for Ilfracombe every day 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct buses cover the 109 km distance in an average of 3 h 20 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 20 m .
The slowest buses will take 3 h 20 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.
NX10516:003h20Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)19:20Barnstaple, Silver Street (Bus Station)£261One-way0 changes- NX50215:353h20Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)18:55Barnstaple, Silver Street (Bus Station)£261One-way0 changes
- NX10516:003h20Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)19:20Barnstaple, Silver Street (Bus Station)£261One-way0 changes
- NX50215:353h20Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)18:55Barnstaple, Silver Street (Bus Station)£261One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Bristol to Ilfracombe
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Bristol to Ilfracombe among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from £16. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 7m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £16, and a coach costs an average of £19.
Distance: 109 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
£27 Average Price | £23 Average Price Cheapest |
3h 42m Average total duration 3h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 37m Average total duration Fastest 2h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Bristol to Ilfracombe bus times
The table below shows live departures for Bristol to Ilfracombe coaches for today, Monday 17 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NX502 | 15:35 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 3h20 | 18:55 Barnstaple, Silver Street (Bus Station) | 0 changesdirect | |
| NX105 | 16:00 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 3h20 | 19:20 Barnstaple, Silver Street (Bus Station) | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Bristol to Ilfracombe 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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18 Aug
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Why should you book Bristol to Ilfracombe coaches with Omio?
National Express operates all coaches services from Bristol to Ilfracombe.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Bristol to Ilfracombe.
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 Bristol to Ilfracombe.
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 Bristol to Ilfracombe.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Bristol to Ilfracombe
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Bristol to Ilfracombe run on average 2 times per day, taking around 3h 12m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £19 but you can travel from only £16 by train.
There are 2 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 06:31, the last at 23:48. The fastest coach covers the 109 km distance in 2h 55m.
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 £16
Distance 109 km |
Average bus duration 3h 12m |
Cheapest ticket price £19 |
Buses per day 2 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 2h 55m |
First bus 6:31 |
Last bus 23:48 |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
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 £16
Bus providers: National Express from Bristol to IlfracombeYou can travel by bus between Bristol to Ilfracombe with National Express for as low as £16. 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
3h 5m
Cheapest Price
£20
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 Ilfracombe
Things to do in Ilfracombe
Discover the best of Ilfracombe — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Ilfracombe trip today.
- Recommended
The Quay Gallery
A harbour-side gallery showing Damien Hirst works and selected contemporary art in a compact but high-profile local venue.
Lee Art Gallery
An artist-led gallery with exhibitions, studios and workshops, making it a good stop for contemporary North Devon art.
- Must visit
Ilfracombe Harbour
Ilfracombe's working harbour is the town's social centre, with sea views, boats, coastal walks and easy access to key sights.
- Recommended
Tunnels Beaches
This hand-carved tunnel route leads to a sheltered beach and tidal pool, combining Victorian engineering with dramatic scenery.
- Recommended
Capstone Hill
A grassy cliff-top park with paths, sea views and picnic space, popular for relaxed walks above the beach and coast.
- Gluten-free
Devon Fish Stew
A rich fish stew from North Devon, made with mixed local fish and shellfish. A classic way to taste the area’s coastal catch.
- Gluten-free
North Devon Lobster
Fresh Atlantic lobster landed on the North Devon coast, usually simply grilled or dressed to highlight the quality of local seafood.
- Gluten-free
Dressed Crab
Sweet crab from nearby waters, often served dressed, in sandwiches or with salad. It is a staple of Devon’s seaside food culture.
The Quay Restaurant
Harbour-side seafood restaurant known for fresh local fish and shellfish in a relaxed brasserie setting.
S&P Fish Shop
Well-known harbour area fish and chip shop for classic takeaway suppers, including fresh local fish.
The Aquarius
Long-established restaurant and bar with sea views, offering seafood and British dishes in a smart but informal setting.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for a UK seaside town: stays and dining cost more in peak season, while local buses are manageable and budget eats are available.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple café meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £45+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual if service is not included. Round up taxi fares. Tipping in cafés is optional; small change is fine.
FAQs: Bristol to Ilfracombe coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bristol to Ilfracombe 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 Ilfracombe, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Bristol to Ilfracombe can start from as little as £19 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Bristol to Ilfracombe is £27; 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 Bristol to Ilfracombe is 2h 55m to travel the 109 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 Bristol to Ilfracombe leaves at 6:31. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Bristol to Ilfracombe leaves at 23:48.
Yes, there are 2 direct coaches a day from Bristol to Ilfracombe with . Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from Bristol to Ilfracombe, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Ilfracombe. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Bristol and Ilfracombe and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
When departing from Bristol , you have various coach station options to start your route from including Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St), Bristol, Airport (Public Transport Interchange) . When arriving in Ilfracombe , you can end your route in coach stations like Barnstaple, Silver Street (Bus Station), Bickington, Bickington Road / North Lane, Fremington, Church Hill / Old School Lane.Passengers board the coach most frequently from Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St), which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Barnstaple, Silver Street (Bus Station), located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Ilfracombe from Bristol is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2h 55m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Bristol to Ilfracombe is October.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Bristol and Ilfracombe including taking a coach and train.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Bristol to Ilfracombe:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Bristol to Ilfracombe for coach company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Bristol to Ilfracombe 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 National Express.
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 Bristol to Ilfracombe.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Bristol to Ilfracombe:
- 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 Bristol to Ilfracombe:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Bristol to Ilfracombe.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Bristol to Ilfracombe with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Bristol to Ilfracombe with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Bristol to Ilfracombe with the following coach company: National Express.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Bristol and Ilfracombe
Most Bristol to Ilfracombe buses use the Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) to Barnstaple, Silver Street (Bus Station) station pair. Use this guide to compare Bristol and Ilfracombe bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Bristol
Arrival bus stations in Ilfracombe
Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)Bristol Bus Station (Bay 19), Marlborough Street 15, BS1 3ES
City-centre transport
Getting to Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) from Bristol city centre
Bus76, X6, X1, 39, 75, X9, X4, 73, X39, 522, X6a, X1a · 4m · £2 · every ~156 min
Most popular bus connections from Bristol
More options for your journey from Bristol to Ilfracombe
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Ilfracombe and Bristol
Most popular bus connections
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