71 Bus Service – Sutton Coldfield-Solihull

As one of the few people I know who can’t drive, I have to spend a lot of time on public transport. You’d be hard pushed to spend any longer on public transport than if you ever travel the full-​length of the 71 route from Sutton to Solihull.
Having done this journey many many times, I can tell you that it’s a comprehensive guide to every part of North-​East Birmingham in between the two points: Castle Vale, Smiths Wood, Kingshurst, Chelmsley Wood, you name it. Once you’ve twisted and turned around numerous housing estates, the whole experience has lasted around 75 minutes; so make sure you go to the loo before you get on. Despite passing through some of Brum’s less-​salubrious areas the bus is, in my experience, safe.
If you want to travel more quickly between the two points, then you’d be better off either going through the city centre, or changing at Erdington (using the 966). That said, the late night service is looked after by Pete’s Travel and, because of the lack of traffic, this service flies between the two places.

Using public transport is a way of life for me at the moment. I’ve been using public transport for quite a while now so most bus routes I’ve been on. The 71 is a pleasant bus service, I’d have to let you know though; if you are travelling from Solihull to Sutton Coldfield, you’ll be on the bus for quite a while.
You just about see every part of the north east part of Birmingham and trust me it’s a fantastic site seeing journey. Especially, if you’re like me and you want to get some great idyllic views of the city.
The 71 is also usually one of those bus services where you won’t get unpleasant people playing loud music ans generally making your journey uncomfortable and well… boring really.
All in all, you’ll be on the bus from Solihull to Sutton for about an hour and 15 minutes; so you’ll need to be prepared for this. Especially if you are travelling to work from one part of the city to another; you’ll need to give yourself about 2 hours just in case there is traffic.