- Must visit
Bolton Museum and Art Gallery
Bolton's main museum with local history, art, Egyptology and aquarium displays, all close to the town centre.
Cheapest price on 29 Sept
£28
Average ticket price on 29 Sept
£30
Fastest journey on 29 Sept
9 h 15 m
Average journey duration on 29 Sept
9 h 15 m
Buses on 29 Sept
2
Distance
237 km
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Bristol to Bolton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bristol to Bolton will cost around £30 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £28.
On Tue 29 Sept, we found 2 buses from Bristol to Bolton, including 2 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 237 km distance in an average of 9 h 15 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 9 h 15 m .
The slowest buses will take 9 h 15 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.




The table below shows live departures for Bristol to Bolton coaches for today, Monday 28 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 14:05 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 3h55 | 18:00 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 14:05 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 3h30 | 17:35 Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 17:20 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 3h50 | 21:10 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 17:20 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 3h25 | 20:45 Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 19:30 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 3h40 | 23:10 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 19:30 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) | 3h20 | 22:50 Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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 Bristol to Bolton run on average 3 times per day, taking around 5h 18m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £17 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 05:55, the last at 23:15. The fastest coach covers the 237 km distance in 4h 55m.
Distance 237 km |
Average bus duration 5h 18m |
Cheapest ticket price £17 |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 4h 55m |
First bus 5:55 |
Last bus 23:15 |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Bolton — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bolton trip today.
Bolton's main museum with local history, art, Egyptology and aquarium displays, all close to the town centre.
Independent museum telling the story of local steam, electricity and engineering through working exhibits and volunteer guides.
Art gallery and museum in a former house, showing decorative arts, paintings and objects linked to local collecting history.
Large country park with moorland views, reservoirs, walking trails and access to one of Bolton's best-known hilltop panoramas.
Popular beauty spot with a reservoir, woodland paths and open moor walks, well suited to gentle strolls or longer hikes.
Historic village area with cobbled character, old buildings and scenic access to museum grounds and woodland walks.
A hearty black pudding made in nearby Bury from pig’s blood, fat and oats. It is a defining Greater Manchester breakfast staple.
Soft bread rolls split and filled with buttered chips, often with salt and vinegar. A classic North West cheap eat loved in Bolton.
A savoury pie from nearby Wigan filled traditionally with potato, onion and meat. It reflects Lancashire’s working-class baking heritage.
Popular Turkish restaurant serving charcoal-grilled meats, mezze and fresh bread in a smart but relaxed setting.
Well-known local Indian restaurant with curries, tandoori dishes and a comfortable neighbourhood dining room.
Refined Indian dining with regional dishes and attentive service, suited to a more polished evening meal.
Bolton is usually cheaper than Manchester or London for hotels, meals and local travel, making it good value for most visitors.
Service is often included or optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is typical for good service. Round up taxi fares. Tipping in cafés is optional.
Official public transport app
Bolton Interchange -> Bolton Town Centre
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bristol to Bolton 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 Bolton, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Bristol to Bolton buses use the Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) to Manchester, Shudehill Interchange station pair, with some services arriving at Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East. Use this guide to compare Bristol and Bolton bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like 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 options include: Cafes and fast food available inside.
Wi-Fi is available at Bolton, Interchange. ATMs are aTM available near the ticket office.
Ticket office support is available at Bolton, Interchange.
Available at Bolton, Interchange: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bolton, Interchange: Facility is wheelchair accessible.
Bolton, Astley Bridge is 1 km from Bolton city centre. Public transport options include:
Bolton, Astley Bridge has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Bolton, Astley Bridge. ATMs are available at Bolton, Astley Bridge.
Ticket office support is available at Bolton, Astley Bridge.
Available at Bolton, Astley Bridge: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bolton, Astley Bridge: Basic accessibility options like ramps are available.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need