- Recommended
The Atkinson Museum
Compact local museum charting Southport's growth as a resort through photography, objects and social history displays.
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Bolton to Southport among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £14 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 25m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £14, while a train costs an average of £14.
Distance: 38 km
| Coach | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£14 Average Price Cheapest | £14 Average Price | £8 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 48m Average total duration 1h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 25m Average total duration Fastest 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 4m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Bolton to Southport:
A coach is £0.59 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bolton to Southport costing on average £14.
Other travel options to Southport take longer:
Coach takes on average 1h 18m.
Tickets start at around £14 compared to roughly £8 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-5.65. The journey takes 1h 18m versus 1h 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.
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.
Buses from Bolton to Southport run on average 2 times per day, taking around 1h 18m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £14 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 06:03, the last at 22:26. The fastest coach covers the 38 km distance in 2h 1m.
Distance 38 km |
Average bus duration 1h 18m |
Cheapest ticket price £14 |
Buses per day 2 |
Fastest bus 2h 1m |
First bus 6:03 |
Last bus 22:26 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 5 days |
Discover the best of Southport — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Southport trip today.
Compact local museum charting Southport's growth as a resort through photography, objects and social history displays.
Art gallery within The Atkinson showing historic and changing exhibitions, with a strong focus on regional artists and themes.
Volunteer-run heritage centre with transport, military and local history exhibits that offer a grassroots view of the town's past.
Southport's grand boulevard lined with shops, gardens and canopies, ideal for strolling and seeing the town's Victorian character.
Lakeside promenade beside the marine lake, popular for walking, views and easy access to the seafront attractions.
Historic public park with lakes, mature planting and a museum, offering a quieter green retreat away from the main seafront.
A warming Lancashire hotpot of lamb or mutton, onions and sliced potatoes, slow-cooked and closely associated with the county around Southport.
Crisp local potted shrimps from the Lancashire coast, preserved in spiced butter and traditionally served on toast. A classic north-west seaside delicacy.
A crumbly northern cheese from Lancashire, often eaten with pickles or bread. It is a long-standing regional staple across the county.
Stylish restaurant serving modern British cooking with seafood and seasonal dishes in a relaxed but polished setting on Lord Street.
Contemporary independent restaurant known for brunch, lunch and evening plates with good coffee and a relaxed town-centre feel.
Well-known seafood restaurant specialising in fresh fish, shellfish and classic British dishes in an elegant, established dining room.
Moderate for a UK seaside town. Hotels are often cheaper than major UK cities, while dining and local transport sit around typical regional UK tourist prices.
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up taxi fares. Cafes usually do not expect tips, but small change is appreciated.
Official public transport app
Southport, Eastbank Street -> Lord Street, Southport
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bolton to Southport 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 Southport, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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