- 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 Cardiff to Bolton
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 13 Nov
- Cheapest price on 13 Nov
- £55
- Average ticket price on 13 Nov
- £57
- Fastest journey on 13 Nov
- 10 h 25 m
- Average journey duration on 13 Nov
- 11 h 4 m
- Buses on 13 Nov
- 2
- Distance
- 239 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Cardiff to Bolton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Bolton will cost around £57 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £55.
Fast coaches
On Fri 13 Nov, we found 2 buses from Cardiff to Bolton, including 2 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 239 km distance in an average of 11 h 4 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 10 h 25 m .
The slowest buses will take 11 h 42 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.
12:15 10h25 Cardiff 22:40 Bolton £55 1 One-way 0 changes18:53 11h42 Cardiff 6:35 Bolton £59 1 One-way 0 changes
12:15 10h25 Cardiff 22:40 Bolton £55 1 One-way 0 changes18:53 11h42 Cardiff 6:35 Bolton £59 1 One-way 0 changes
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Cardiff to Bolton
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Cardiff to Bolton run on average 6 times per day, taking around 6h 15m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £17 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 04:40, the last at 23:15. The fastest coach covers the 239 km distance in 4h 45m.
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 239 km |
Average bus duration 6h 15m |
Cheapest ticket price £17 |
Buses per day 6 |
Fastest bus 4h 45m |
First bus 4:40 |
Last bus 23:15 |
Cheapest Month Sept |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
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
Frequently asked questions about your Cardiff to Bolton trip
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Cardiff to Bolton.
Cheap coach tickets from Cardiff to Bolton can start from as little as £17 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Cardiff to Bolton is £31; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The earliest coach from Cardiff to Bolton leaves at 4:40. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Cardiff to Bolton leaves at 23:15.
There are 6 coaches a day from Cardiff to Bolton which require at least one change with FlixBus, National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
Live departures
Cardiff to Bolton bus times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Bolton coaches for tomorrow, Friday 13 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12:15 Cardiff | 10h25 | 22:40 Bolton | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Cardiff to Bolton coaches with Omio?
FlixBus as well as National Express offer coaches services from Cardiff to Bolton.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff 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 Cardiff 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 Cardiff 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 Cardiff to Bolton.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Bolton.
Bus providers: FlixBus, National Express from Cardiff to BoltonYou can travel by bus between Cardiff to Bolton with FlixBus, National Express for as low as £17. 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 FlixBus Duration
4h 45m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
£17
FlixBus frequency
11 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 National Express Duration
5h 30m
Cheapest National Express Price
£43
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.
Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Cardiff and Bolton
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
When taking a coach from Cardiff 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 Cardiff and Bolton and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Cardiff 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 Cardiff to Bolton for coach company FlixBus, National Express.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company {providersWithBike}.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Cardiff 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.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the coach from Cardiff to Bolton.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Cardiff 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 Cardiff 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 Cardiff 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 Cardiff to Bolton with the following coach company: FlixBus, National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Cardiff to Bolton with the following coach company: FlixBus, National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Cardiff to Bolton with the following coach company: FlixBus, National Express.
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: Cardiff to Bolton coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff 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.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Bolton including taking a train and coach.
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.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Bolton
Most Cardiff to Bolton buses use the Cardiff, Sophia Gardens to Bolton, Interchange station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Bolton bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Cardiff
Arrival bus stations in Bolton
Which Cardiff station do buses to Bolton leave from?
Buses from Cardiff to Bolton leave from Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens). The station is from Cardiff city centre at Cardiff North Road (Friary Gardens), Cardiff CF10 3AF, UK.
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)Cardiff North Road (Friary Gardens), Cardiff CF10 3AF, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) from Cardiff city centre
TRUE
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) bus station facilities and services
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) 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 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens). ATMs are available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens): Accessible for passengers with reduced mobility.
Cardiff, Sophia GardensCardiff Coach Station, Sophia Gardens, 2 Sophia Cl, Pontcanna, Cardiff CF11 9HW, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Cardiff, Sophia Gardens from Cardiff city centre
Bus25, 62, 63, 25A, 64 · 3m · £2 · every ~14 min
C1 · 16m · every ~8 min
Cardiff, Sophia Gardens bus station facilities and services
Cardiff, Sophia Gardens 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 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens. ATMs are available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens: Basic accessibility features available.
Cardiff, University
City-centre transport
Getting to Cardiff, University from Cardiff city centre
TrainCardiff Central - Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff Central - Treherbert, Cardiff Central - Pontypridd, Aberdare - Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff Central - Radyr, Radyr - Radyr · 6m · £1 · every ~8 min
BusC1 · 18m · every ~8 min
Which Bolton station do buses from Cardiff arrive at?
Buses from Cardiff to Bolton arrive at Bolton, Interchange. Bolton, Interchange is 1 km from Bolton city centre.
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.
Bus stations for Cardiff to Bolton
Check bus stations information for Cardiff and Bolton, including where buses depart and arrive on this route.
When departing from Cardiff , you have various coach station options to start your route from including Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens), Cardiff, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, University . When arriving in Bolton , you can end your route in coach stations like Bolton, Interchange.Passengers board the coach most frequently from Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens), which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Bolton, Interchange, located 1 away from the city centre.
Most popular bus connections from Cardiff
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Bolton
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Bolton and Cardiff
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