Taking a coach from Bristol to London is the cheapest way to make this trip, with the fares starting at around the £5 when you travel at a quiet time. The distance is about 112 miles, and the journey usually takes between 2 hours 20 minutes and 3 hours, depending on traffic and where in London you get off. This guide gives you the times, fares, stations and small details that many other pages leave out, so you can book with confidence.

Quick answer

• Operators: National Express and FlixBus
• Journey time: about 2 hours 20 minutes on the quicker services, and up to 3 hours or more on slower ones
• Fares: from about £5 to £6 at quiet times, and often around £12 to £13 for busier daytime and early morning coaches
• Leaves from: Bristol Bus and Coach Station, Marlborough Street
• Arrives at: London Victoria Coach Station or Hammersmith, depending on the service
• First and last National Express coach: the early coach leaves at around 3.45am, and the last one leaves at 9.15pm and reaches Victoria at about 11.50pm

Times and fares you can expect

The table below shows real examples taken from booking sites. Your date may show different times and prices, so always check before you pay.

A few things stand out from these examples. Evening FlixBus coaches were cheaper than daytime ones, with £6 against £13. Services that finish at Hammersmith were often a little quicker than those that go on to Victoria. Some very early services stop at extra places in London, and one early coach to Golders Green showed a journey time of more than 4 hours. Always check the journey time on the booking page, not just the departure time.

What you will really pay

The ticket price is only part of the cost. Think about the following before you book.

1. Getting to the station in Bristol: the coach station is about an 8 minute walk from the city centre.
2. Getting around London: add the cost of a Tube or bus ride from your drop off point.
3. Extra bags: check your ticket for the luggage rules, as extra bags can cost more.
4. Late arrivals: if you arrive after midnight, plan and price your way home in advance.

Prices usually rise as the travel date gets closer and on busy days, so booking early gives you the best chance of a low fare.

Where to catch the coach in Bristol

Coaches leave from Bristol Bus and Coach Station on Marlborough Street, close to the Broadmead shopping area. National Express coaches normally use bays 1 to 7, and FlixBus normally uses bay 8. Bays can change, so check the screens when you arrive.

The station has a ticket desk, ticket machines, a cafe, toilets, an accessible toilet and 24 hour security. National Express asks you to arrive at least 10 minutes before departure. The ticket machines only work during station opening hours, so it is easier to book online before you go. If you are driving, the St James Barton car park (postcode BS1 3LJ) is nearby.

Where you will arrive in London

Victoria Coach Station: is at 164 Buckingham Palace Road, SW1W 9RH. It is the best choice if you want central London. Victoria railway station is about 300 metres away, there is a bus stop outside, and a taxi rank sits on Eccleston Place. Arrivals use a separate building opposite the departures area, so do not wait in the wrong place.

Hammersmith: is a good choice for west London. National Express uses stops on Hammersmith Bridge Road, while FlixBus uses Hammersmith Broadway near the Irish Cultural Centre. The Piccadilly and Hammersmith & City lines run from here.

Earl's Court: is used by some of the quicker National Express services, so read your ticket carefully before travelling.

Before booking, ask yourself where you are going in London. A coach that saves ten minutes but drops you far from your hotel can cost you more time and money in the end.

National Express or FlixBus?

The cheapest option changes by day and time, so compare both on the date you want to travel.

Luggage and travelling with children

Most coaches allow two bags of up to 20kg each plus one small bag to carry on, but rules can differ, so check your own ticket. Label every bag.

On National Express, one infant aged 0 to 2 travels free with an adult who has a valid ticket. Children under 14 must travel with someone aged 16 or over. Children aged 14 and 15 may travel alone between 5am and 10pm, and they will need proof of age or a signed letter from a parent or guardian.

Simple tips to avoid common mistakes

1. Check which London stop is on your ticket before you pay.
2. Arrive at least 10 minutes early and listen for your bay.
3. Allow extra time on Friday evenings, Sundays and bank holiday weekends, because traffic on the way into London can be heavy.
4. Charge your phone before you leave so you can show your ticket and track your coach.
5. If you take the last coach home, make sure you know how you will get from the station when you arrive.

A simple day trip plan

If you want a day in London, take a morning coach from Bristol and check the last coach home before you book. Return times are different from the times above, so look at the London to Bristol timetable for your date. Book both journeys together so your fares and times are clear from the start, and leave a buffer in case traffic delays you.

Read more about: Minibus to Blackpool for a Family Seaside Adventure.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the journey take?

Most journeys take between 2 hours 20 minutes and 3 hours. Early and late services can take longer.

How much does a ticket cost?

Fares start from about £5 to £6, and busier times often cost around £12 to £13.

Where do the coaches leave from?

They leave from Bristol Bus and Coach Station on Marlborough Street.

Is there wifi on board?

Booking sites list wifi and USB plugs on National Express coaches. Check your booking for details.

Can I go straight to Heathrow?

Yes. FlixBus lists the direct services from the Bristol to Heathrow Terminals 2 and 3, taking about 2 hours.