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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Bolton to Preston
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 03 Sept
Cheapest price on 03 Sept
£8
Average ticket price on 03 Sept
£9
Fastest journey on 03 Sept
35 m
Average journey duration on 03 Sept
1 h 13 m
Buses on 03 Sept
3
Distance
28 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Bolton to Preston is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bolton to Preston will cost around £9 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £8.
Fast coaches
On Thu 03 Sept, we found 3 buses from Bolton to Preston, including 3 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 28 km distance in an average of 1 h 13 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 35 m .
The slowest buses will take 2 h 30 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.
19:202h30Bolton21:50Preston£81One-way0 changes- 5:350h35Bolton6:10Preston£101One-way0 changes
- 6:350h35Bolton7:10Preston£101One-way0 changes
- 6:350h35Bolton7:10Preston£101One-way0 changes
- 5:350h35Bolton6:10Preston£101One-way0 changes
- 19:202h30Bolton21:50Preston£81One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Bolton to Preston
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Bolton to Preston among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £5 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 57m. 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 £5, while a coach costs an average of £9.
Distance: 28 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£9 Average Price | £5 Average Price Cheapest | £6 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 24m Average total duration 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 57m Average total duration Fastest 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 42m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg 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 Preston is a train with an average price of £5.
This is compared to other travel options from Bolton to Preston:
A train is £4 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Bolton to Preston costing on average £9.
The fastest way to travel from Bolton to Preston is by train with an average journey time of 27m.
Other travel options to Preston take longer:
Coach takes on average 54m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Bolton and Preston 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 £6 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-3.52. The journey takes 54m versus 42m 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 Preston bus times
The table below shows live departures for Bolton to Preston coaches for today, Wednesday 2 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NX540 · RL152 | 20:20 Bolton, Astley Bridge | 2h30 | 22:50 Preston, Bus Station | 1 change | |
| Thursday 3 September | |||||
| 5:35 Bolton | 0h35 | 6:10 Preston | 0 changesdirect | |
| 6:35 Bolton | 0h35 | 7:10 Preston | 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 Preston 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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03 Sept
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Why should you book Bolton to Preston coaches with Omio?
National Express as well as Stagecoach Cumbria & North Lancashire or Stagecoach Merseyside & South Lancashire offer coaches services from Bolton to Preston.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Bolton to Preston.
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 Stagecoach Cumbria & North Lancashire or Stagecoach Merseyside & South Lancashire to find the best option for your trip from Bolton to Preston.
- 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 Preston.
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 Preston.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Bolton to Preston
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Bolton to Preston run on average 1 times per day, taking around 54m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £8 but you can travel from only £3 by train.
There are 1 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:03, the last at 23:54. The fastest coach covers the 28 km distance in 35m.
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 £3
Distance 28 km |
Average bus duration 54m |
Cheapest ticket price £8 |
Buses per day 1 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 35m |
First bus 0:03 |
Last bus 23:54 |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 3 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 £3
Bus providers: National Express, Stagecoach Cumbria & North Lancashire, Stagecoach Merseyside & South Lancashire from Bolton to PrestonYou can travel by bus between Bolton to Preston with National Express, Stagecoach Cumbria & North Lancashire, Stagecoach Merseyside & South Lancashire for as low as £3. 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
35m
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.
Stagecoach Cumbria & North Lancashire
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Stagecoach Cumbria & North Lancashire Duration
1h 18m
Cheapest Stagecoach Cumbria & North Lancashire Price
£7
Stagecoach Cumbria & North Lancashire frequency
24 a day
Stagecoach Merseyside & South Lancashire
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Stagecoach Merseyside & South Lancashire Duration
8h 5m
Cheapest Stagecoach Merseyside & South Lancashire Price
£10
Stagecoach Merseyside & South Lancashire frequency
1 a day
Complete guide to Preston
Things to do in Preston
Discover the best of Preston — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Preston trip today.
- Must visit
The Harris
Major city museum and library in a landmark building, known for art, history and regular exhibitions in the Harris Quarter.
- Recommended
The Egypt Centre
Museum on the University of Central Lancashire campus with Egyptology, archaeology and world cultures collections in a compact gallery.
- Recommended
Ribble Steam Railway and Museum
Volunteer-run transport museum at Ribble Steam Railway, featuring Preston’s industrial and rail heritage with locomotives and exhibits.
- Must visit
Avenham Park
Historic city park with terraces, paths and river views. A favourite for walks, photography and access to nearby Miller Park.
- Recommended
Miller Park
Landscaped Victorian park beside the River Ribble, appreciated for open lawns, flower displays and peaceful links to city-centre walks.
- Recommended
Preston Docklands
Regenerated docklands area with marina views, public art and waterside paths, popular for an easy modern contrast to the historic centre.
- Vegetarian
Butter Pie
A buttery shortcrust pie filled with potatoes and onions. It is Preston and Lancashire’s best-known savoury bake, tied to local mill and farming traditions.
- Vegetarian
Simnel Cake
A rich fruit cake packed with currants and topped with almond paste. It is a classic Lancashire celebration cake still eaten across Preston.
- Gluten-free
Lancashire Cheese
A crumbly, mild white cheese from Lancashire often made in creamy, tasty and crumbly layers. It reflects the county’s long dairy heritage.
263 Restaurant
Stylish modern restaurant serving British and European plates with cocktails. Good for a polished dinner in central Preston.
Angelo's
Established local spot for Neapolitan-style pizza and Italian comfort food in a friendly, informal setting.
The Continental
Traditional city-centre pub known for cask ales and hearty British dishes in a historic, relaxed setting.
Pound sterling (£)
Preston is moderate by UK standards, with cheaper stays and dining than Manchester or London, while local buses, rail and casual meals remain manageable for most visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.80-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual if service is not included. Round up taxi fares. Cafes do not expect tips, but small change is appreciated.
Preston Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.50
- Day pass
- £4.20
To the city centre
Preston Bus Station -> Preston Railway Station
- Distance
- 0.8 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Contactless Tap & Go works on Preston Bus services; daily charging is capped at the day ticket price when all taps are recorded. ([lancashire.gov.uk](https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/roads-parking-and-travel/public-transport/paying-for-your-journey/tap-and-go/?utm_source=openai))
- Fares in Preston vary by operator, so use the operator's own fare page before travelling. Preston Bus publishes its current tickets and fares online. ([lancashire.gov.uk](https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/roads-parking-and-travel/public-transport/paying-for-your-journey/daily-and-weekly-tickets/?utm_source=openai))
FAQs: Bolton to Preston coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bolton to Preston 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 Preston, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Bolton to Preston can start from as little as £8 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Bolton to Preston 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 Preston is 35m to travel the 28 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 Preston leaves at 0:03. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Bolton to Preston leaves at 23:54.
Yes, there are 1 direct coaches a day from Bolton to Preston with National Express, Stagecoach Cumbria & North Lancashire. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from Bolton to Preston, you can count on National Express, Stagecoach Cumbria & North Lancashire, Stagecoach Merseyside & South Lancashire for the best way to get you to Preston. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Bolton and Preston 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 Preston , you can end your route in coach stations like Preston, Bus Station.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 Preston, Bus Station, located 1 away from the city centre.
A day trip to Preston from Bolton is worth doing with a journey time of 35m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Bolton to Preston is April.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Bolton and Preston including taking a train and coach.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Bolton to Preston:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Bolton to Preston for coach company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Bolton to Preston 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 Preston.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Bolton to Preston:
- 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 Preston:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Bolton to Preston.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Bolton to Preston with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Bolton to Preston with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Bolton to Preston with the following coach company: National Express.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Bolton and Preston
Most Bolton to Preston buses use the Bolton, Interchange to Preston, Bus Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Bolton and Preston 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 Preston
Which Bolton station do buses to Preston leave from?
Buses from Bolton to Preston 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 Preston station do buses from Bolton arrive at?
Buses from Bolton to Preston arrive at Preston, Bus Station. Preston, Bus Station is 2 km from Preston city centre.
Preston, Bus StationPreston Bus Station, Tithebarn St, Preston PR1 1YT, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Preston, Bus Station from Preston city centre
Preston, Bus Station is 1 km from Preston city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus23 · 6m · £8 · every ~8 min
Preston, Bus Station bus station facilities and services
Preston, Bus Station 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 are available within the station.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi is available in the station concourse. ATMs are multiple ATMs are located in the main concourse.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Preston, Bus Station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Preston, Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Preston, Bus Station: Full accessibility for wheelchairs and mobility aids.
More options for your journey from Bolton to Preston
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Preston and Bolton
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