- 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.
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Bristol to Bolton
Showing times and prices for 15 Aug
Cheapest price
£38
Average price
£38
Fastest journey
6 h 36 m
Average duration
6 h 36 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
237 km
Cheap tickets
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 £38 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £38.
Fast coaches
Of the 1 buses that leave Bristol for Bolton every day 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct buses cover the 237 km distance in an average of 6 h 36 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h 36 m .
The slowest buses will take 6 h 36 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.
23:596h36Bristol6:35Bolton£381One-way0 changes
- 23:596h36Bristol6:35Bolton£381One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Bristol to Bolton
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Bristol to Bolton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £15. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 20m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £15, and a train costs an average of £36.
Distance: 237 km
Compare bus with
Most popular Coach | Train |
|---|---|
£27 Average Price Cheapest | £56 Average Price |
5h 35m Average total duration 5h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 50m Average total duration Fastest 3h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
 Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Bristol to Bolton bus times
The table below shows live departures for Bristol to Bolton coaches for today, Friday 14 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21:20 Bristol | 9h15 | 6:35 Bolton | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Bristol to Bolton 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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15 Aug
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Why should you book Bristol to Bolton coaches with Omio?
FlixBus as well as National Express offer coaches services from Bristol to Bolton.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Bristol to Bolton.
Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for FlixBus, but also compare tickets for the likes of National Express to find the best option for your trip from Bristol to Bolton.
- 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 FlixBus with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Bristol to Bolton.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of National Express to find the best option for your trip from Bristol to Bolton.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Bristol to Bolton.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Bristol to Bolton
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Bristol to Bolton run on average 2 times per day, taking around 5h 5m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £15 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 6h 36m.
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
Distance 237 km |
Average bus duration 5h 5m |
Cheapest ticket price £15 |
Buses per day 2 |
Fastest bus 6h 36m |
First bus 5:55 |
Last bus 23:15 |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 14 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
Bus providers: FlixBus, National Express from Bristol to BoltonYou can travel by bus between Bristol to Bolton with FlixBus, National Express for as low as £15. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 43m
FlixBus frequency
7 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.
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 Duration
6h 36m
Cheapest Price
£15
National Express frequency
1 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.
Complete guide to Bolton
Things to do in Bolton
Discover the best of Bolton — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bolton trip today.
- Recommended
Bolton Steam Museum
Independent museum telling the story of local steam, electricity and engineering through working exhibits and volunteer guides.
- Recommended
Hall i' th' Wood Museum
Art gallery and museum in a former house, showing decorative arts, paintings and objects linked to local collecting history.
- Must visit
Smithills Estate
Large country park with moorland views, reservoirs, walking trails and access to one of Bolton's best-known hilltop panoramas.
- Recommended
Jumbles Country Park
Popular beauty spot with a reservoir, woodland paths and open moor walks, well suited to gentle strolls or longer hikes.
- Recommended
Barrow Bridge
Historic village area with cobbled character, old buildings and scenic access to museum grounds and woodland walks.
- Gluten-free
Bury Black Pudding
A hearty black pudding made in nearby Bury from pig’s blood, fat and oats. It is a defining Greater Manchester breakfast staple.
- Vegetarian
Chip Barm
Soft bread rolls split and filled with buttered chips, often with salt and vinegar. A classic North West cheap eat loved in Bolton.
Meat and Potato Pie
A savoury pie from nearby Wigan filled traditionally with potato, onion and meat. It reflects Lancashire’s working-class baking heritage.
Cezar's Kitchen
Popular Turkish restaurant serving charcoal-grilled meats, mezze and fresh bread in a smart but relaxed setting.
Achari
Well-known local Indian restaurant with curries, tandoori dishes and a comfortable neighbourhood dining room.
Rice 'N' Spice
Refined Indian dining with regional dishes and attentive service, suited to a more polished evening meal.
Pound sterling (£)
Bolton is usually cheaper than Manchester or London for hotels, meals and local travel, making it good value for most visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £15-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.50-4 for a coffee.
Tipping culture
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.
Bee Network
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2
- Day pass
- £5
To the city centre
Bolton Interchange -> Bolton Town Centre
- Distance
- 0.4 km
- Travel time
- 5 min
- Contactless tap and go works on Bee Network buses and trams; use the same card or device for every journey.
- Buy bus, tram and selected travelcards in the Bee Network app, or pay the driver by cash or card on Bee Network buses.
FAQs: Bristol to Bolton coach
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.
Cheap coach tickets from Bristol to Bolton can start from as little as £15 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Bristol to Bolton is £27; 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 Bristol to Bolton is 6h 36m to travel the 237 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 Bristol to Bolton leaves at 5:55. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Bristol to Bolton leaves at 23:15.
There are 2 coaches a day from Bristol to Bolton which require at least one change with FlixBus, National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Bristol to Bolton, you can count on FlixBus, National Express for the best way to get you to Bolton. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Bristol and Bolton and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
When departing from Bristol , you have various coach station options to start your route from including Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St), Bristol, Bond Street (Cabot Circus), Bristol, Airport (Public Transport Interchange) . When arriving in Bolton , you can end your route in coach stations like Bolton, Interchange, Manchester, Shudehill Interchange, Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East, Bolton, Astley Bridge, Warrington, Winwick Street (Bus Interchange).Passengers board the coach most frequently from Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St), which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Bolton, Interchange, located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Bolton from Bristol is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 6h 36m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Bristol to Bolton is January.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Bristol and Bolton including taking a train and coach.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Bristol to Bolton:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Bristol to Bolton for coach company FlixBus, National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Bristol to Bolton 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.
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company FlixBus, 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 Bristol to Bolton.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Bristol to Bolton:
- National Express
- Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from Bristol to Bolton:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the coach from Bristol to Bolton. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Bristol to Bolton with the following coach company: FlixBus, National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Bristol to Bolton with the following coach company: FlixBus, National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Bristol to Bolton with the following coach company: FlixBus, National Express.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Bristol and Bolton
Most Bristol to Bolton buses use the Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) to Bolton, Interchange station pair, with some services arriving at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange. 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.
Departure bus stations in Bristol
Arrival bus stations in Bolton
Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)Bristol Bus Station (Bay 19), Marlborough Street 15, BS1 3ES
City-centre transport
Getting to Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) from Bristol city centre
Bus76, X6, X1, 39, 75, X9, X4, 73, X39, 522, X6a, X1a · 4m · £2 · every ~156 min
Bristol, Bond Street (Cabot Circus)Bristol Bus Station, Bristol BS1 3LH, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Bristol, Bond Street (Cabot Circus) from Bristol city centre
BusFal · 8m · £2 · every ~4 min
9 · 18m · £2 · every ~22 min
Bristol, Bond Street (Cabot Circus) bus station facilities and services
Bristol, Bond Street (Cabot Circus) 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 Bristol, Bond Street (Cabot Circus). ATMs are available at Bristol, Bond Street (Cabot Circus).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Bristol, Bond Street (Cabot Circus).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Bristol, Bond Street (Cabot Circus): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Bristol, Bond Street (Cabot Circus): Station is accessible for disabled users.
Which Bolton station do buses from Bristol arrive at?
Buses from Bristol to Bolton most often arrive at Bolton, Interchange. Some services arrive at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Bolton arrival station.
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.
Most popular bus connections from Bristol
More options for your journey from Bristol to Bolton
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Bolton and Bristol
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