Standard
- Free Wi-Fi
- Power plugs
Cheapest price on 15 Sept
£12
Average ticket price on 15 Sept
£14
Fastest journey on 15 Sept
2 h 30 m
Average journey duration on 15 Sept
3 h 33 m
Buses on 15 Sept
3
Distance
128 km
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Birmingham to Bolton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Birmingham to Bolton will cost around £14 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £12.
On Tue 15 Sept, we found 3 buses from Birmingham to Bolton, including 3 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 128 km distance in an average of 3 h 33 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 30 m .
The slowest buses will take 5 h 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 train as it is the most popular option from Birmingham to Bolton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £14 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 23m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £14, while a train costs an average of £28.
Distance: 128 km
| Coach | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£14 Average Price Cheapest | £28 Average Price | £34 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 59m Average total duration 2h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 23m Average total duration Fastest 1h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 51m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Birmingham to Bolton:
A coach is £14 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Birmingham to Bolton costing on average £28.
Other travel options to Bolton take longer:
Coach takes on average 2h 29m.
Tickets start at around £14 compared to roughly £34 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £20. The journey takes 2h 29m versus 1h 51m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by National Express, Megabus.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
The table below shows live departures for Birmingham to Bolton coaches for tomorrow, Tuesday 15 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 3:25 Birmingham | 3h10 | 6:35 Bolton | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 14:20 Birmingham | 5h00 | 19:20 Bolton | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and coach 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 Birmingham to Bolton run on average 3 times per day, taking around 2h 29m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £11 if you book in advance.
There are 2 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:05, the last at 23:40. The fastest coach covers the 128 km distance in 3h 10m.
Distance 128 km |
Average bus duration 2h 29m |
Cheapest ticket price £11 |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 3h 10m |
First bus 0:05 |
Last bus 23:40 |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 1 day |
Compare National Express classes and the amenities included in each one.
Compare Megabus classes and the amenities included in each one.
Discover the best of Bolton — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bolton trip today.
Bolton's main museum with local history, art, Egyptology and aquarium displays, all close to the town centre.
Independent museum telling the story of local steam, electricity and engineering through working exhibits and volunteer guides.
Art gallery and museum in a former house, showing decorative arts, paintings and objects linked to local collecting history.
Large country park with moorland views, reservoirs, walking trails and access to one of Bolton's best-known hilltop panoramas.
Popular beauty spot with a reservoir, woodland paths and open moor walks, well suited to gentle strolls or longer hikes.
Historic village area with cobbled character, old buildings and scenic access to museum grounds and woodland walks.
A hearty black pudding made in nearby Bury from pig’s blood, fat and oats. It is a defining Greater Manchester breakfast staple.
Soft bread rolls split and filled with buttered chips, often with salt and vinegar. A classic North West cheap eat loved in Bolton.
A savoury pie from nearby Wigan filled traditionally with potato, onion and meat. It reflects Lancashire’s working-class baking heritage.
Popular Turkish restaurant serving charcoal-grilled meats, mezze and fresh bread in a smart but relaxed setting.
Well-known local Indian restaurant with curries, tandoori dishes and a comfortable neighbourhood dining room.
Refined Indian dining with regional dishes and attentive service, suited to a more polished evening meal.
Bolton is usually cheaper than Manchester or London for hotels, meals and local travel, making it good value for most visitors.
Service is often included or optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is typical for good service. Round up taxi fares. Tipping in cafés is optional.
Official public transport app
Bolton Interchange -> Bolton Town Centre
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Birmingham to Bolton 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 Bolton, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Birmingham to Bolton buses use the Birmingham, Coach Station to Bolton, Interchange station pair, with some services arriving at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange. Use this guide to compare Birmingham and Bolton bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Birmingham, Coach Station is 1 km from Birmingham city centre. Public transport options include:
Birmingham, Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria and fast-food options inside the station
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Birmingham, Coach Station.
Available at Birmingham, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham, Coach Station: Elevators, ramps.
Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway. ATMs are available at Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway.
Ticket office support is available at Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway.
Available at Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway: Bus stops are wheelchair accessible.
Birmingham has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Multiple fast food and cafes inside
Free Wi-Fi available within the station. ATMs are multiple ATMs available inside the station.
Ticket office support is available at Birmingham.
Available at Birmingham: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham: Wheelchair accessible entrances and facilities.
Bolton, Interchange has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafes and fast food available inside.
Wi-Fi is available at Bolton, Interchange. ATMs are aTM available near the ticket office.
Ticket office support is available at Bolton, Interchange.
Available at Bolton, Interchange: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bolton, Interchange: Facility is wheelchair accessible.
Bolton, Astley Bridge is 1 km from Bolton city centre. Public transport options include:
Bolton, Astley Bridge has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Bolton, Astley Bridge. ATMs are available at Bolton, Astley Bridge.
Ticket office support is available at Bolton, Astley Bridge.
Available at Bolton, Astley Bridge: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bolton, Astley Bridge: Basic accessibility options like ramps are available.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need