- Must visit
National Museum of Scotland
National museum covering science, design, world cultures and Scottish history. Excellent for varied collections and a dramatic central hall.
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Bolton to Edinburgh
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£30
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£37
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
6 h 24 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
6 h 44 m
Buses on 18 Sept
14
Distance
268 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Bolton to Edinburgh is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bolton to Edinburgh will cost around £37 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £30.
Fast coaches
To travel from Bolton to Edinburgh you need to make at least one change.
FlixBus · FlixBus2:106h52Manchester, Shudehill Interchange9:02Edinburgh, St Andrew's House£301One-way1 change- FlixBus · FlixBus13:007h50Manchester, Shudehill Interchange20:50Edinburgh, Bus Station£301One-way1 change
- FlixBus · FlixBus2:106h36Manchester, Shudehill Interchange8:46Edinburgh, Haymarket Station (Stop HB)£311One-way1 change
- FlixBus · FlixBus16:107h43Manchester, Shudehill Interchange23:53Edinburgh, Bus Station£311One-way1 change
- FlixBus · FlixBus16:107h31Manchester, Shudehill Interchange23:41Edinburgh, Haymarket Station (Stop HB)£311One-way1 change
- FlixBus · FlixBus2:106h24Manchester, Shudehill Interchange8:34Edinburgh, Drum Brae South£311One-way1 change
- FlixBus · FlixBus2:106h35Manchester, Shudehill Interchange8:45Edinburgh, Bus Station£311One-way1 change
- FlixBus · FlixBus2:106h36Manchester, Shudehill Interchange8:46Edinburgh, Haymarket Station (Stop HB)£311One-way1 change
- FlixBus · FlixBus2:106h52Manchester, Shudehill Interchange9:02Edinburgh, St Andrew's House£301One-way1 change
- FlixBus · FlixBus10:207h15Manchester, Shudehill Interchange17:35Edinburgh, Bus Station£341One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare coach, train and flight for Bolton to Edinburgh
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Bolton to Edinburgh among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £39 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 53m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £39, while a flight costs an average of £142.
Distance: 268 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£42 Average Price | £39 Average Price Cheapest | £142 Average Price | £85 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 11m Average total duration 5h 41m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 53m Average total duration Fastest 3h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 5m Average total duration 5h 5m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 4h 4m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.8 - 1.6kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Bolton to Edinburgh is a train with an average price of £39.
This is compared to other travel options from Bolton to Edinburgh:
A train is £3 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Bolton to Edinburgh costing on average £42.
A train is £103 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Bolton to Edinburgh costing on average £142.
The fastest way to travel from Bolton to Edinburgh is by train with an average journey time of 3h 23m.
Other travel options to Edinburgh take longer:
Flight takes on average 5h 5m.
Coach takes on average 5h 41m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Bolton and Edinburgh including taking a coach, train and flight.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.
Tickets start at around £42 compared to roughly £85 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £43. The journey takes 5h 41m versus 4h 4m 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.
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.
Live departures
Bolton to Edinburgh bus times
The table below shows live departures for Bolton to Edinburgh coaches for today, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:20 Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East | 14h30 | 20:50 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 change | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:20 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 7h15 | 17:35 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 change | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 13:00 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 7h50 | 20:50 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 change | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 13:55 Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East | 16h30 | 6:25 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 change | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 16:10 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 7h31 | 23:41 Edinburgh, Haymarket Station (Stop HB) | 1 change | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 16:10 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 7h23 | 23:33 Edinburgh, Drum Brae South | 1 change | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 16:10 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 7h43 | 23:53 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 change | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 18:00 Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East | 13h15 | 7:15 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 change | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 23:30 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 8h15 | 7:45 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 change | |
| Friday 18 September | |||||
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 0:20 Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East | 17h15 | 17:35 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 change | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 2:10 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 6h36 | 8:46 Edinburgh, Haymarket Station (Stop HB) | 1 change | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 2:10 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 6h24 | 8:34 Edinburgh, Drum Brae South | 1 change | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 2:10 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 6h35 | 8:45 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 change | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 2:10 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 6h52 | 9:02 Edinburgh, St Andrew's House | 1 change | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Bolton to Edinburgh by coach, train or flight
Compare coach, train and flight 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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18 Sept
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19 Sept
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24 Sept
24 Sept
Why should you book Bolton to Edinburgh coaches with Omio?
FlixBus operates all coaches services from Bolton to Edinburgh.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Bolton to Edinburgh.
Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?
- 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 FlixBus with all available travel options, which are bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Bolton to Edinburgh.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Bolton to Edinburgh.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Bolton to Edinburgh
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Bolton to Edinburgh run on average 6 times per day, taking around 5h 41m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £16 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 00:23, the last at 23:40. The fastest coach covers the 268 km distance in 6h 24m.
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 268 km |
Average bus duration 5h 41m |
Cheapest ticket price £16 |
Buses per day 6 |
Fastest bus 6h 24m |
First bus 0:23 |
Last bus 23:40 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 42 days |
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: FlixBus from Bolton to EdinburghYou can travel by bus between Bolton to Edinburgh with FlixBus for as low as £16. 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 FlixBus Duration
6h 24m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
£16
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.
Complete guide to Edinburgh
Things to do in Edinburgh
Discover the best of Edinburgh — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Edinburgh trip today.
- Must visit
Scottish National Gallery
Major art gallery with Scottish and international works from the Renaissance to the late nineteenth century, beside Princes Street Gardens.
- Recommended
Fruitmarket
Contemporary art gallery in a converted schoolhouse, known for thoughtful exhibitions by Scottish and international artists near the Royal Mile.
- Must visit
Royal Mile
Historic street linking the castle and Holyroodhouse, lined with closes, shops and public buildings. Ideal for first-time visitors on foot.
- Must visit
Arthur's Seat
Extinct volcano with popular walking routes and broad views over the city and coast. A rewarding outdoor escape close to the centre.
- Recommended
Princes Street Gardens
Large public gardens below the castle, good for a break between Old and New Town sights, with monuments, lawns and seasonal planting.
- Gluten-free
Cullen skink
A rich Scottish soup of smoked haddock, potatoes and onions, closely associated with east coast cooking and widely enjoyed in Edinburgh.
Haggis
Scotland’s iconic savoury pudding of sheep’s offal, oats and spices, traditionally served with neeps and tatties at Burns suppers.
- Vegetarian
Cranachan
A classic Scottish dessert of raspberries, whipped cream, honey and toasted oats, often linked with soft fruit from eastern Scotland.
The Kitchin
Elegant dining room serving refined Scottish tasting menus focused on seasonal produce in a calm central setting.
Whiski Rooms
Popular traditional restaurant near the Castle, specialising in haggis, game and hearty Scottish comfort food.
The Cafe Royal
Stylish brasserie and oyster bar with Scottish seafood, shellfish and classic dishes in a grand city-centre space.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK. Rooms and dining are pricier in peak season, but buses are affordable and budget eats are easy to find.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £70+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up taxi fares. Cafés and pubs usually do not expect tips.
Bus & Tram
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.40
- Day pass
- £5.00
To the city centre
Edinburgh Bus Station -> Princes Street, Edinburgh
- Distance
- 0.6 km
- Travel time
- 5 min
- Contactless payment works on Lothian Buses and for adult single tram tickets. Tram contactless capping is available, but Lothian bus TapTapCap does not apply on trams.
- City Day tickets are valid on Lothian Buses and on Edinburgh Trams within the city zone only. Travel to or from Edinburgh Airport needs the appropriate airport or network fare.
FAQs: Bolton to Edinburgh coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bolton to Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Bolton to Edinburgh can start from as little as £16 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Bolton to Edinburgh is £42; 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 Bolton to Edinburgh is 6h 24m to travel the 268 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 Bolton to Edinburgh leaves at 0:23. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Bolton to Edinburgh leaves at 23:40.
There are 6 coaches a day from Bolton to Edinburgh which require at least one change with FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Bolton to Edinburgh, you can count on FlixBus for the best way to get you to Edinburgh. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Bolton and Edinburgh and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
When departing from Bolton , you have various coach station options to start your route from including Manchester, Shudehill Interchange, Bolton, Interchange, Bolton, Astley Bridge, Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East . When arriving in Edinburgh , you can end your route in coach stations like Edinburgh, Bus Station, Edinburgh, Haymarket Station (Stop HB), Edinburgh, St Andrew's House, Edinburgh, Drum Brae South, Edinburgh, Princes Street West (Stop PF), Edinburgh, North St David Street / St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, Zoo North (Stop 1).Passengers board the coach most frequently from Manchester, Shudehill Interchange, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Edinburgh, Bus Station, located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Edinburgh from Bolton is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 6h 24m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Bolton to Edinburgh is July.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Bolton and Edinburgh including taking a coach, train and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Bolton to Edinburgh:
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Bolton to Edinburgh for coach company FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Bolton to Edinburgh depends on the coach companies:
- 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 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 Bolton to Edinburgh.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Bolton to Edinburgh:
- 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 Bolton to Edinburgh:
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the coach from Bolton to Edinburgh. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Bolton to Edinburgh with the following coach company: FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Bolton to Edinburgh with the following coach company: FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Bolton to Edinburgh with the following coach company: FlixBus.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Bolton and Edinburgh
Most Bolton to Edinburgh buses use the Manchester, Shudehill Interchange to Edinburgh, Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Edinburgh, St Andrew's House. Use this guide to compare Bolton and Edinburgh bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Bolton
Arrival bus stations in Edinburgh
Which Bolton station do buses to Edinburgh leave from?
Buses from Bolton to Edinburgh leave from Manchester, Shudehill Interchange. The station is from Bolton city centre at Shudehill Interchange, Manchester M4 2AF, United Kingdom.
Bolton, InterchangeBolton Market, Bolton BL1 1SX, UK
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, Interchange bus station facilities and services
Bolton, Interchange has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Cafes and fast food available inside.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Bolton, Interchange. ATMs are aTM available near the ticket office.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Bolton, Interchange.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Bolton, Interchange: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Bolton, Interchange: Facility is wheelchair accessible.
Bolton, Astley BridgeAstley Bridge, Bolton, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Bolton, Astley Bridge from Bolton city centre
Bolton, Astley Bridge is 1 km from Bolton city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus1 · 4m · £2 · every ~17 min
1 · 4m · £2 · every ~17 min
Bolton, Astley Bridge bus station facilities and services
Bolton, Astley Bridge has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Bolton, Astley Bridge. ATMs are available at Bolton, Astley Bridge.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Bolton, Astley Bridge.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Bolton, Astley Bridge: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Bolton, Astley Bridge: Basic accessibility options like ramps are available.
Which Edinburgh station do buses from Bolton arrive at?
Buses from Bolton to Edinburgh most often arrive at Edinburgh, Bus Station. Some services arrive at {secondaryArrivalStation}, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Edinburgh arrival station.
Edinburgh, Bus StationElder Street, Edinburgh EH1 3DX, United Kingdom
City-centre transport
Getting to Edinburgh, Bus Station from Edinburgh city centre
Bus10, 11 · 2m · £2 · every ~30 min
Uk090 · 5m · £0.90 · every ~32 min
TramEdinburgh York Place - Edinburgh Airport, T50 · 3m · £4 · every ~38 min
Edinburgh, Bus Station bus station facilities and services
Edinburgh, Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Café at the Station (in the station), Sandwich Shop (in the station).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Edinburgh, Bus Station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Edinburgh, Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh, Bus Station: Elevators, ramps.
Edinburgh, St Andrew's HouseEdinburgh EH7 5BN, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Edinburgh, St Andrew's House from Edinburgh city centre
BusX19, 43, X18, X27, X28 · 6m · £2 · every ~36 min
15, 26, 44, X26 · 7m · £0.90 · every ~40 min
Uk090 · 8m · £0.90 · every ~1 min
Uk090 · 8m · £0.90 · every ~15 min
Edinburgh, St Andrew's House bus station facilities and services
Edinburgh, St Andrew's House has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh, St Andrew's House: The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible.
More options for your journey from Bolton to Edinburgh
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Edinburgh and Bolton
Most popular bus connections
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