- Must visit
Turner Contemporary
Contemporary gallery on the seafront showing modern and historic art linked to J M W Turner and the changing light of the Kent coast.
Cheapest price
£15
Average price
£15
Fastest journey
7 h 15 m
Average duration
7 h 15 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
276 km
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Bristol to Margate is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bristol to Margate will cost around £15 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £15.
Of the 1 buses that leave Bristol for Margate every day 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct buses cover the 276 km distance in an average of 7 h 15 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h 15 m .
The slowest buses will take 7 h 15 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.


Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Bristol to Margate among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £26. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 27m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £26, and a train costs an average of £54.
Distance: 276 km
Most popular Coach | Train |
|---|---|
£31 Average Price Cheapest | £66 Average Price |
6h 39m Average total duration 6h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 57m Average total duration Fastest 3h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
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.
Buses from Bristol to Margate run on average 7 times per day, taking around 6h 9m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £26 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 03:45, the last at 19:15. The fastest coach covers the 276 km distance in 7h 0m.
Distance 276 km |
Average bus duration 6h 9m |
Cheapest ticket price £26 |
Buses per day 7 |
Fastest bus 7h 0m |
First bus 3:45 |
Last bus 19:15 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Margate — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Margate trip today.
Contemporary gallery on the seafront showing modern and historic art linked to J M W Turner and the changing light of the Kent coast.
Museum exploring the history of crab museum collections through natural science, art and humour. A quirky recent favourite in the Old Town.
Artist Tracey Emin’s gallery and studio space in Margate, presenting rotating exhibitions of contemporary art in a carefully restored bathhouse.
Sandy Blue Flag beach beside the harbour and old town. Ideal for sea views, paddling and classic seaside atmosphere close to major attractions.
Historic harbour arm and quayside with sea views, galleries, events and access to the lighthouse. A lively place for a walk in all seasons.
Characterful quarter of narrow streets with independent shops, antiques, small galleries and historic buildings just behind the seafront.
Fresh native oysters from the Kent coast, long linked to nearby Whitstable and Thanet. Briny, mineral and traditionally eaten simply with lemon.
A classic seaside supper of battered white fish and chips, deeply rooted in Margate’s harbour and beach culture.
Fresh herring, traditionally cured or smoked in Kent. It reflects the historic fishing trade along the Thanet coast.
Established bistro and wine bar in Margate Old Town, serving seasonal small plates and European-leaning cooking.
Popular seafront seafood restaurant by the harbour, known for fresh fish, shellfish and relaxed coastal views.
Stylish casual spot near the seafront serving brunch, coffee and modern British plates in a bright, friendly setting.
Moderate for a UK seaside town. Dining and accommodation are often cheaper than London, but summer weekends and seafront stays can raise prices.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual if service is good and not already added. Round up small taxi fares. Cafés do not expect tips, but spare change is welcome.
Official public transport app
Margate, Marine Terrace -> Margate Town Centre, Cecil Square
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bristol to Margate 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 Margate, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Bristol to Margate buses use the Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) to Margate, Marine Terrace station pair, with some services arriving at Margate, Cliftonville Darwin Court. Use this guide to compare Bristol and Margate bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Bristol, University Queens Road has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafes and eateries in vicinity.
Wi-Fi is available at Bristol, University Queens Road. ATMs are aTMs available at nearby locations.
Ticket office support is available at Bristol, University Queens Road.
Available at Bristol, University Queens Road: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bristol, University Queens Road: Wheelchair accessible via ramps.
Bristol, Clifton Down is 1 km from Bristol city centre. Public transport options include:
Bristol, Clifton Down has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Bristol, Clifton Down. ATMs are available at Bristol, Clifton Down.
Ticket office support is available at Bristol, Clifton Down.
Available at Bristol, Clifton Down: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bristol, Clifton Down: Accessible by ramps or lifts.
Margate, Marine Terrace has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Margate, Marine Terrace. ATMs are available at Margate, Marine Terrace.
Ticket office support is available at Margate, Marine Terrace.
Available at Margate, Marine Terrace: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Margate, Marine Terrace: The station is accessible for wheelchair users.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need