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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Bolton to Manchester
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 08 Sept
Cheapest price on 08 Sept
£3
Average ticket price on 08 Sept
£3
Fastest journey on 08 Sept
40 m
Average journey duration on 08 Sept
48 m
Buses on 08 Sept
2
Distance
17 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Bolton to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bolton to Manchester will cost around £3 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £3.
Fast coaches
On Tue 08 Sept, we found 2 buses from Bolton to Manchester, including 2 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 17 km distance in an average of 48 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 40 m .
The slowest buses will take 55 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.
NX54010:200h55Bolton, Astley Bridge11:15Manchester, Coach Station£31One-way0 changes- NX54010:350h40Bolton, Interchange11:15Manchester, Coach Station£41One-way0 changes
- NX54010:350h40Bolton, Interchange11:15Manchester, Coach Station£41One-way0 changes
- NX54010:200h55Bolton, Astley Bridge11:15Manchester, Coach Station£31One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Bolton to Manchester
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Bolton to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £3 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 46m. 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 train costs an average of £3, while a coach costs an average of £4.
Distance: 17 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£4 Average Price | £3 Average Price Cheapest | £4 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 5m Average total duration 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 46m Average total duration Fastest 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 37m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.0kg 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.
The cheapest way to travel from Bolton to Manchester is a train with an average price of £3.
This is compared to other travel options from Bolton to Manchester:
A train is £0.20 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Bolton to Manchester costing on average £4.
The fastest way to travel from Bolton to Manchester is by train with an average journey time of 16m.
Other travel options to Manchester take longer:
Coach takes on average 35m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Bolton and Manchester including taking a coach and train.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.
You'll arrive about 2m sooner (35m by bus vs 37m by car) and save roughly £0.55 compared to fuel and tolls (£4 vs £4). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by National Express, Bee Network.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
Live departures
Bolton to Manchester bus times
The table below shows live departures for Bolton to Manchester coaches for tomorrow, Tuesday 8 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NX540 | 10:20 Bolton, Astley Bridge | 0h55 | 11:15 Manchester, Coach Station | 0 changesdirect | |
| NX540 | 10:35 Bolton, Interchange | 0h40 | 11:15 Manchester, Coach Station | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Bolton to Manchester by coach or train
Compare coach and train 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.
Tue
08 Sept
08 Sept
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09 Sept
09 Sept
Thu
10 Sept
10 Sept
Fri
11 Sept
11 Sept
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12 Sept
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14 Sept
Why should you book Bolton to Manchester coaches with Omio?
National Express as well as Bee Network offer coaches services from Bolton to Manchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Bolton to Manchester.
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 Bee Network to find the best option for your trip from Bolton to Manchester.
- 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 bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Bolton to Manchester.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Bolton to Manchester.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Bolton to Manchester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Bolton to Manchester run on average 2 times per day, taking around 35m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £3 but you can travel from only £2 by train.
There are 2 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:08, the last at 23:57. The fastest coach covers the 17 km distance in 40m.
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 £2
Distance 17 km |
Average bus duration 35m |
Cheapest ticket price £3 |
Buses per day 2 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 40m |
First bus 0:08 |
Last bus 23:57 |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sun |
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from £2
Bus providers: National Express, Bee Network from Bolton to ManchesterYou can travel by bus between Bolton to Manchester with National Express, Bee Network for as low as £2. 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
40m
Cheapest National Express Price
£3
National Express frequency
2 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.
What's included in each class
Compare National Express classes and the amenities included in each one.
Bee Network
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Bee Network Duration
50m
Bee Network frequency
48 a day
Complete guide to Manchester
Things to do in Manchester
Discover the best of Manchester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Manchester trip today.
- Must visit
Science and Industry Museum
Major science and industry museum on historic railway land, with galleries on textiles, transport and Manchester’s role in modern innovation.
- Must visit
Manchester Museum
Large university museum with natural history, archaeology and cultural collections, plus changing exhibitions in a prominent Oxford Road building.
- Must visit
Manchester Art Gallery
Leading art museum with British and European paintings, design, costume and craft collections in a landmark city-centre building.
- Must visit
Castlefield
Historic canal-side warehouse district with restored brick buildings, waterside walks, bars, galleries and one of the city’s most atmospheric settings.
- Recommended
Albert Square
Lively central square framed by major civic buildings and event space, ideal for architecture, seasonal markets and city-centre orientation.
- Recommended
Oldham Street
Characterful Northern Quarter street known for independent shops, record stores, creative spaces and eye-catching street art.
Rag Pudding
A flaky shortcrust pie filled with spiced minced beef, potato and onion. It is closely associated with Oldham and Greater Manchester chip shops.
- Gluten-free
Lancashire Hotpot
A hearty hotpot of slow-cooked lamb or mutton with onions and sliced potatoes. A long-standing North West comfort dish served across Manchester pubs.
- Gluten-free
Manchester Tripe
A rich tripe stew cooked with onions, milk and stock. It was a classic working-class Manchester meal linked to the city’s historic tripe trade.
mana
Refined modern British tasting menus in an intimate city-centre setting. Best for a special meal with seasonal ingredients and polished service.
The Winston Churchill
Historic Victorian dining room known for oysters, seafood and classic British dishes. Traditional atmosphere with one of Manchester’s best-known interiors.
The Black Friar
Casual northern favourite serving Bury black pudding, pies and hearty breakfasts. Good for trying regional staples in a relaxed market setting.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for a UK city. Hotels can be pricey at peak times, but dining, pubs and local transport are usually cheaper than London.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-35 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 good and not already added. Round up taxi fares; cafés usually do not require tips.
Bee Network
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £1.40
- Day pass
- £7.10
To the city centre
Manchester Airport Train Station -> Manchester Piccadilly
- Distance
- 14 km
- Travel time
- 20 min
- Contactless Tap and Go works on Bee Network trams and buses. Remember to tap in and tap out on trams, and tap in on buses.
- Train tickets to MANCHESTER CTLZ are valid on Metrolink in Zone 1, which can help if you are connecting into the city centre.
Buses From Bolton To Manchester
Buses from Bolton to Manchester operate every day of the week. There are usually seven services per day. The earliest departure is at 8:00 a.m, while the last departure is at 11:05 p.m. This is a direct service, which takes from 30 minutes. This route is operated by National Express.
What are the departure and arrival stations for buses from Bolton to Manchester?
Departure Station: Buses from Bolton to Manchester depart from Central Bus Station, which is off Black Horse Street. It is situated in the heart of the city, and is easily accessible by local buses or the Metroshuttle. Local bus services provide links between main bus and rail stations in the town centre.
Arrival Station: Buses from Bolton to Manchester arrive at Manchester Coach Station, which is on Chorlton Street. It is a 5 minutes walk from the Arndale Centre at Market Street. For onward travel, the station is well-served by local buses. The nearest train station is Piccadilly Railway Station, which is a 7 minutes walk away. In addition, there are car parking facilities at the station.
FAQs: Bolton to Manchester coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bolton to Manchester 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 Manchester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Bolton to Manchester can start from as little as £3 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Bolton to Manchester is £4; 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 Manchester is 40m to travel the 17 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 Manchester leaves at 0:08. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Bolton to Manchester leaves at 23:57.
Yes, there are 2 direct coaches a day from Bolton to Manchester with National Express, Bee Network. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from Bolton to Manchester, you can count on National Express, Bee Network for the best way to get you to Manchester. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Bolton and Manchester 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 Manchester , you can end your route in coach stations like Manchester, Coach Station, Manchester, Airport, Failsworth, Oldham Road.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 Manchester, Coach Station, located 0 away from the city centre.
A day trip to Manchester from Bolton is worth doing with a journey time of 40m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Bolton to Manchester is December.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Bolton and Manchester including taking a coach and train.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Bolton to Manchester:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Bolton to Manchester for coach company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Bolton to Manchester 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 Manchester.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Bolton to Manchester:
- 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 Manchester:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Bolton to Manchester.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Bolton to Manchester with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Bolton to Manchester with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Bolton to Manchester with the following coach company: National Express.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Bolton and Manchester
Most Bolton to Manchester buses use the Bolton, Interchange to Manchester, Coach Station station pair, with some services arriving at Manchester, Airport. Use this guide to compare Bolton and Manchester 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 Manchester
Which Bolton station do buses to Manchester leave from?
Buses from Bolton to Manchester 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, 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 Manchester station do buses from Bolton arrive at?
Buses from Bolton to Manchester most often arrive at Manchester, Coach Station. Some services arrive at Manchester, Airport, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Manchester arrival station.
Manchester, Coach StationChorlton St, Manchester M1 3JF, United Kingdom
City-centre transport
Getting to Manchester, Coach Station from Manchester city centre
Bus42A, 43, 42, 101, 85, 85A, 111, 263, 142, 143, 87, 41, 18, 33, 86, 15, 250, 42B, 42C, 103, 102 · 1m · £2 · every ~231 min
Manchester, Coach Station bus station facilities and services
Manchester, 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: Café at the Station (in the station), Fast Food Express (in the station).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located within the station for cash withdrawals.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Coach Station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Coach Station: Ramps, assistance.
Manchester, AirportManchester Airport, Manchester M90 3RR, United Kingdom
City-centre transport
Getting to Manchester, Airport from Manchester city centre
Manchester, Airport is 2 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainLiverpool Lime Street - Manchester Airport, Manchester Piccadilly - Crewe, Blackpool North - Manchester Airport, Barrow-in-Furness - Manchester Airport, Windermere - Manchester Airport, Manchester Piccadilly - Wilmslow, Manchester Piccadilly - Manchester Airport, Millom - Manchester Airport, Lancaster - Manchester Airport, Manchester Oxford Road - Manchester Airport, Corkickle - Manchester Airport, Preston - Manchester Airport · 17m · £5 · every ~9 min
BusUk980, Uk076, Uk074, Uk072, Ukn23 · 30m · £0.90 · every ~2 min
43, 103 · 1h 2m · £2 · every ~29 min
43, 103 · 1h 6m · £2 · every ~29 min
TramNavy Line · 51m · £4 · every ~16 min
Navy Line · 54m · £4 · every ~8 min
Manchester, Airport bus station facilities and services
Manchester, Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Burger King (in the station), Giraffe (in the station).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located throughout the airport, offering multiple currency options.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Airport.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester, Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Airport: Elevators, ramps, assistance.
Most popular bus connections from Bolton
More options for your journey from Bolton to Manchester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Manchester and Bolton
Most popular bus connections
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