- Must visit
Bolton Museum and Art Gallery
Bolton's main museum with local history, art, Egyptology and aquarium displays, all close to the town centre.
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Birmingham to Bolton
Showing times and prices for 01 Aug
Cheapest price
£13
Average price
£15
Fastest journey
3 h 10 m
Average duration
3 h 55 m
Buses per day
5
Distance
128 km
Cheap tickets
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 £15 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £13.
Fast coaches
Of the 5 buses that leave Birmingham for Bolton 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 128 km distance in an average of 3 h 55 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 10 m .
The slowest buses will take 4 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.
NX541 · NX54018:104h05Birmingham, Coach Station22:15Bolton, Astley Bridge£131One-way1 change- NX541 · NX54014:504h15Birmingham, Coach Station19:05Bolton, Astley Bridge£141One-way1 change
- NX541 · NX54018:104h00Birmingham, Coach Station22:10Bolton, Interchange£141One-way1 change
- NX541 · NX54014:504h05Birmingham, Coach Station18:55Bolton, Interchange£161One-way1 change
- NX4243:253h10Birmingham, Coach Station6:35Bolton, Interchange£181One-way0 changes
- NX4243:253h10Birmingham, Coach Station6:35Bolton, Interchange£181One-way0 changes
- NX541 · NX54018:104h00Birmingham, Coach Station22:10Bolton, Interchange£141One-way1 change
- NX541 · NX54014:504h05Birmingham, Coach Station18:55Bolton, Interchange£161One-way1 change
- NX541 · NX54018:104h05Birmingham, Coach Station22:15Bolton, Astley Bridge£131One-way1 change
- NX541 · NX54014:504h15Birmingham, Coach Station19:05Bolton, Astley Bridge£141One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Birmingham to Bolton
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 prices starting from £9. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 53m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £9, and a train costs an average of £14.
Distance: 128 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
£16 Average Price Cheapest | £38 Average Price |
2h 59m Average total duration 2h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 23m Average total duration Fastest 1h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Birmingham to Bolton bus times
The table below shows live departures for Birmingham to Bolton coaches for today, Friday 31 July. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NX541 · NX540 | 15:05 Birmingham, Coach Station | 4h30 | 19:35 Bolton, Astley Bridge | 1 change | |
| NX541 · NX540 | 15:05 Birmingham, Coach Station | 4h20 | 19:25 Bolton, Interchange | 1 change | |
| NX120 · NX540 | 19:00 Birmingham, Coach Station | 3h35 | 22:35 Bolton, Astley Bridge | 1 change | |
| NX120 · NX540 | 19:00 Birmingham, Coach Station | 3h30 | 22:30 Bolton, Interchange | 1 change | |
| Saturday 1 August | |||||
| NX424 | 3:25 Birmingham, Coach Station | 3h10 | 6:35 Bolton, Interchange | 0 changesdirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Birmingham to Bolton by train or coach
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.
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01 Aug
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Why should you book Birmingham to Bolton coaches with Omio?
National Express as well as FlixBus or Megabus offer coaches services from Birmingham to Bolton.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Birmingham to Bolton.
Why book with Omio vs National Express?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for National Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus or Megabus to find the best option for your trip from Birmingham to Bolton.
- 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 train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Birmingham to Bolton.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus or Megabus to find the best option for your trip from Birmingham to Bolton.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Birmingham to Bolton.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Birmingham to Bolton
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Birmingham to Bolton run on average 3 times per day, taking around 2h 29m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £9 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 2h 30m.
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
Distance 128 km |
Average bus duration 2h 29m |
Cheapest ticket price £9 |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 2h 30m |
First bus 0:05 |
Last bus 23:40 |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 1 day |
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
Bus providers: National Express, FlixBus, Megabus from Birmingham to BoltonYou can travel by bus between Birmingham to Bolton with National Express, FlixBus, Megabus for as low as £9. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 30m
Cheapest Price
£12
FlixBus frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.
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 10m
Cheapest Price
£9
National Express frequency
14 a day
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.
Megabus
About
Megabus is a low-cost intercity bus service operating across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Known for its affordable fares, including promotional $1 tickets, Megabus offers routes connecting over 500 cities and university campuses in North America. The company provides amenities such as air conditioning, power outlets, free Wi-Fi, and onboard restrooms, with many routes utilizing double-decker buses for scenic views. Megabus aims to provide safe, convenient, and affordable express bus travel.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 0m
Cheapest Price
£12
Megabus frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
One piece of luggage is included per passenger reservation. For guidance, a piece of luggage must not exceed 62 inches (length + width + height) and should not weigh more than 50 pounds (23kg).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased by buying an additional travel ticket in advance or by adding up to two additional pieces when booking for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
Megabus reservations cannot be canceled or refunded, but they can be traded in for another journey up to 3 hours before your original scheduled departure for a fee.
Refund
If Megabus fails to provide on-time reliable service for reasons wholly within their control, refunds or alternative travel arrangements may be offered.
Pregnant on board
Being pregnant on board is allowed, but no specific details or restrictions are provided.
Unaccompagned minor
Unaccompanied minors under the age of 17 are not permitted to travel on Megabus.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cold food and drinks, as well as hot drinks with a lid, are allowed on board, but hot food is not.
Seat reservation
Reserved seats can be purchased for an additional fee, starting from £2.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.
Complete guide to Bolton
Things to do in Bolton
Discover the best of Bolton — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bolton trip today.
- Recommended
Bolton Steam Museum
Independent museum telling the story of local steam, electricity and engineering through working exhibits and volunteer guides.
- Recommended
Hall i' th' Wood Museum
Art gallery and museum in a former house, showing decorative arts, paintings and objects linked to local collecting history.
- Must visit
Smithills Estate
Large country park with moorland views, reservoirs, walking trails and access to one of Bolton's best-known hilltop panoramas.
- Recommended
Jumbles Country Park
Popular beauty spot with a reservoir, woodland paths and open moor walks, well suited to gentle strolls or longer hikes.
- Recommended
Barrow Bridge
Historic village area with cobbled character, old buildings and scenic access to museum grounds and woodland walks.
- Gluten-free
Bury Black Pudding
A hearty black pudding made in nearby Bury from pig’s blood, fat and oats. It is a defining Greater Manchester breakfast staple.
- Vegetarian
Chip Barm
Soft bread rolls split and filled with buttered chips, often with salt and vinegar. A classic North West cheap eat loved in Bolton.
Meat and Potato Pie
A savoury pie from nearby Wigan filled traditionally with potato, onion and meat. It reflects Lancashire’s working-class baking heritage.
Cezar's Kitchen
Popular Turkish restaurant serving charcoal-grilled meats, mezze and fresh bread in a smart but relaxed setting.
Achari
Well-known local Indian restaurant with curries, tandoori dishes and a comfortable neighbourhood dining room.
Rice 'N' Spice
Refined Indian dining with regional dishes and attentive service, suited to a more polished evening meal.
Pound sterling (£)
Bolton is usually cheaper than Manchester or London for hotels, meals and local travel, making it good value for most visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £15-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.50-4 for a coffee.
Tipping culture
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.
Bee Network
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2
- Day pass
- £5
To the city centre
Bolton Interchange -> Bolton Town Centre
- Distance
- 0.4 km
- Travel time
- 5 min
- Contactless tap and go works on Bee Network buses and trams; use the same card or device for every journey.
- Buy bus, tram and selected travelcards in the Bee Network app, or pay the driver by cash or card on Bee Network buses.
FAQs: Birmingham to Bolton coach
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.
Cheap coach tickets from Birmingham to Bolton can start from as little as £9 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Birmingham to Bolton is £16; 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 Birmingham to Bolton is 2h 30m to travel the 128 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 Birmingham to Bolton leaves at 0:05. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Birmingham to Bolton leaves at 23:40.
Yes, there are 2 direct coaches a day from Birmingham to Bolton with National Express, Megabus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from Birmingham to Bolton, you can count on National Express, FlixBus, Megabus for the best way to get you to Bolton. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Birmingham and Bolton and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
When departing from Birmingham , you have various coach station options to start your route from including Birmingham, Coach Station, Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway, Birmingham, Brunel Street, Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport), Birmingham . When arriving in Bolton , you can end your route in coach stations like Bolton, Interchange, Manchester, Shudehill Interchange, Bolton, Astley Bridge, Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East, Warrington, Winwick Street (Bus Interchange).Passengers board the coach most frequently from Birmingham, Coach Station, which is located around 1 km away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange, located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Bolton from Birmingham is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2h 30m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Birmingham to Bolton is October.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Birmingham and Bolton including taking a train and coach.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Birmingham to Bolton:
- Megabus
- Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Birmingham to Bolton for coach company National Express, FlixBus, Megabus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Birmingham to Bolton depends on the coach companies:
- Megabus
- Megabus reservations cannot be canceled or refunded, but they can be traded in for another journey up to 3 hours before your original scheduled departure for a fee.
- 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.
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company National Express, FlixBus.
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 Birmingham to Bolton.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Birmingham to Bolton:
- Megabus
- One piece of luggage is included per passenger reservation. For guidance, a piece of luggage must not exceed 62 inches (length + width + height) and should not weigh more than 50 pounds (23kg).
- National Express
- Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from Birmingham to Bolton:
- Megabus
- Additional luggage can be purchased by buying an additional travel ticket in advance or by adding up to two additional pieces when booking for a fee.
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the coach from Birmingham to Bolton. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Birmingham to Bolton with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus, Megabus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Birmingham to Bolton with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus, Megabus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Birmingham to Bolton with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus, Megabus.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Birmingham and Bolton
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.
Departure bus stations in Birmingham
Arrival bus stations in Bolton
Which Birmingham station do buses to Bolton leave from?
Buses from Birmingham to Bolton leave from Birmingham, Coach Station. The station is 1 km from Birmingham city centre at Mill Lane, Digbeth, Birmingham, B5 6DD, United Kingdom.
Birmingham, Coach StationMill Lane, Digbeth, Birmingham, B5 6DD, United Kingdom
City-centre transport
Getting to Birmingham, Coach Station from Birmingham city centre
Birmingham, Coach Station is 1 km from Birmingham city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus4, 97, 6, X2, 3, 97A, 2, 4A, 5, X1 · 4m · £2 · every ~191 min
X2, 4A, X1, 2, 3, 6, 4, 5 · 13m · £2 · every ~149 min
Birmingham, Coach Station bus station facilities and services
Birmingham, Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Cafeteria and fast-food options inside the station
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Birmingham, Coach Station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Birmingham, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham, Coach Station: Elevators, ramps.
Birmingham, Great Charles Street QueenswayBirmingham Great Charles Street Queensway, Great Charles Street Queensway 145, B3 3LT
City-centre transport
Getting to Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway from Birmingham city centre
Bus822, X8, 12, 24, 126, 13, 23, X10, 829, 9 · 2m · £2 · every ~153 min
Birmingham, Brunel StreetBirmingham Brunel Street, Brunel Street, B5 4AF
Bolton, Interchange
City-centre transport
Getting to Bolton, Interchange from Bolton city centre
Bus576, 535, 525, 526, 507, 561, 562, 575, 527, 534, 537, 541, 533, 480 · 6m · £2 · every ~79 min
576, 575 · 7m · £2 · every ~20 min
125 · 8m · £8 · every ~16 min
Bolton, Astley Bridge
City-centre transport
Getting to Bolton, Astley Bridge from Bolton city centre
Bus1 · 4m · £2 · every ~17 min
1 · 4m · £2 · every ~17 min
Most popular bus connections from Birmingham
More options for your journey from Birmingham to Bolton
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Bolton and Birmingham
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