Bolton to Liverpool bus with National Express

Fri 18 Sept
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Bolton to Liverpool

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept

Cheapest price on 18 Sept

£9

Average ticket price on 18 Sept

£10

Fastest journey on 18 Sept

2 h 55 m

Average journey duration on 18 Sept

3 h 25 m

Buses on 18 Sept

6

Distance

41 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Bolton to Liverpool is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Bolton to Liverpool will cost around £10 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £9.

Fast coaches

To travel from Bolton to Liverpool you need to make at least one change.

  • National ExpressNX540 · NX170
    11:553h15
    Bolton, Astley Bridge
    15:10Liverpool, University
    £91One-way
    1 change
  • National ExpressNX540 · NX540
    12:102h55
    Bolton, Interchange
    15:05Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place
    £101One-way
    1 change
  • National ExpressNX540 · NX170
    12:103h00
    Bolton, Interchange
    15:10Liverpool, University
    £101One-way
    1 change
  • National ExpressNX540 · NX170
    8:304h05
    Bolton, Astley Bridge
    12:35Liverpool, University
    £101One-way
    1 change
  • National ExpressNX540 · NX170
    8:453h50
    Bolton, Interchange
    12:35Liverpool, University
    £111One-way
    1 change

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Bolton to Liverpool

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Bolton to Liverpool among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £9 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 34m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.0kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £9, while a train costs an average of £10.

Distance: 41 km

Compare bus with

Coach
Most popular
Train
Driving

£9

Average Price

Cheapest

£10

Average Price

£9

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

2h 25m

Average total duration

1h 55m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 34m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 4m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

57m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

0.0 - 0.0kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

-

CO2 emissions

National Express

Most popular bus company

Northern Rail

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.

The cheapest way to travel from Bolton to Liverpool is a coach with an average price of £9.

This is compared to other travel options from Bolton to Liverpool:

A coach is £0.48 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bolton to Liverpool costing on average £10.

The fastest way to travel from Bolton to Liverpool is by train with an average journey time of 1h 4m.

Other travel options to Liverpool take longer:

Coach takes on average 1h 55m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Bolton and Liverpool including taking a train and coach.
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 £9 compared to roughly £9 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-0.13. The journey takes 1h 55m versus 57m 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 Liverpool bus times

The table below shows live departures for Bolton to Liverpool coaches for today, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
National ExpressNX540 · NX17010:20 Bolton, Astley Bridge
4h25
14:45 Liverpool, University1 change
National ExpressNX540 · NX17010:35 Bolton, Interchange
4h25
15:00 Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place1 change
National ExpressNX540 · NX17010:35 Bolton, Interchange
4h10
14:45 Liverpool, University1 change

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Bolton to Liverpool 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.

Fri
18 Sept
Sat
19 Sept
Sun
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
Wed
23 Sept
Thu
24 Sept

Why should you book Bolton to Liverpool coaches with Omio?

National Express operates all coaches services from Bolton to Liverpool.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Bolton to Liverpool.

Why book with Omio vs National Express?

  • 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 Bolton to Liverpool.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Bolton to Liverpool.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Bolton to Liverpool

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Bolton to Liverpool run on average 4 times per day, taking around 1h 55m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £8 but you can travel from only £6 by train.

The earliest coach runs at 02:19, the last at 23:40. The fastest coach covers the 41 km distance in 2h 55m.

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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from £6
Distance
41 km
Average bus duration
1h 55m
Cheapest ticket price
£8
Buses per day
4
Fastest bus
2h 55m
First bus
2:19
Last bus
23:40
Cheapest Month
Dec
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Thu
Least Busy Day
Fri
Best time to book
49 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from £6

Bus providers: National Express from Bolton to LiverpoolYou can travel by bus between Bolton to Liverpool with National Express for as low as £6. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

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 National Express Duration
2h 55m
Cheapest National Express Price
£8
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.

What's included in each class

Compare National Express classes and the amenities included in each one.

Standard
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Power plugs

Complete guide to Liverpool

Things to do in Liverpool

Discover the best of Liverpool — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Liverpool trip today.

  • Must visit

Museum of Liverpool

A major museum covering Liverpool’s global links, city life and transport, with family-friendly displays and broad local history.

  • Must visit

World Museum

An extensive museum of archaeology, world cultures and natural history, known for varied displays and free family visits.

  • Recommended

Tate Liverpool

A waterfront gallery with British art, decorative works and changing exhibitions in a landmark dockside building.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while buses, trains and attractions can still add up in peak periods.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
£18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£60+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£3-4 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Service is sometimes included in restaurants; otherwise tip about 10%. Taxi fares are often rounded up. Tipping in cafés is optional, usually just small change.

FAQs: Bolton to Liverpool coach

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bolton to Liverpool 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 Liverpool, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap coach tickets from Bolton to Liverpool can start from as little as £8 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Bolton to Liverpool is £9; 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 Liverpool is 2h 55m to travel the 41 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 Liverpool leaves at 2:19. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Bolton to Liverpool leaves at 23:40.
There are 4 coaches a day from Bolton to Liverpool which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Bolton to Liverpool, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Liverpool. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Bolton and Liverpool 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 Bolton, Interchange, Bolton, Astley Bridge . When arriving in Liverpool , you can end your route in coach stations like Liverpool, University, Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place, Liverpool, Botanic Park, Liverpool, Edge Lane Drive, Liverpool, Kwik Fit Old Swan.Passengers board the coach most frequently from Bolton, Interchange, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Liverpool, University, located 1 away from the city centre.
A trip to Liverpool from Bolton is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2h 55m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Bolton to Liverpool is December.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Bolton and Liverpool including taking a train and coach.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Bolton to Liverpool:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Bolton to Liverpool for coach company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Bolton to Liverpool depends on the coach companies:
  • 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company National Express.
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 Liverpool.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Bolton to Liverpool:
  • National Express
    • Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from Bolton to Liverpool:
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Bolton to Liverpool.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Bolton to Liverpool with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Bolton to Liverpool with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Bolton to Liverpool with the following coach company: National Express.

popular bus stations

Important Stations and Airports in Bolton and Liverpool

Most Bolton to Liverpool buses use the Bolton, Interchange to Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place station pair, with some services arriving at Liverpool, University. Use this guide to compare Bolton and Liverpool 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 Liverpool

Which Bolton station do buses to Liverpool leave from?

Buses from Bolton to Liverpool leave from Bolton, Interchange. The station is 1 km from Bolton city centre at Bolton Market, Bolton BL1 1SX, UK.
Bolton, InterchangeBolton Market, Bolton BL1 1SX, UKWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
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, UKWifiParkingATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
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.

More options for your journey from Bolton to Liverpool

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