- 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 and prices for 15 Aug
Cheapest price
£31
Average price
£41
Fastest journey
10 h 10 m
Average duration
11 h
Buses per day
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 £41 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £31.
Fast coaches
Of the 2 buses that leave Cardiff for Bolton every day 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct buses cover the 239 km distance in an average of 11 h but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 10 h 10 m .
The slowest buses will take 11 h 50 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.
12:1510h10Cardiff22:25Bolton£311One-way0 changes- 18:4511h50Cardiff6:35Bolton£511One-way0 changes
- 12:1510h10Cardiff22:25Bolton£311One-way0 changes
- 18:4511h50Cardiff6:35Bolton£511One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Cardiff to Bolton
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Bolton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £31. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 43m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £31, and a train costs an average of £42.
Distance: 239 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
£44 Average Price Cheapest | £60 Average Price |
11h 6m Average total duration 10h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 13m Average total duration Fastest 3h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Cardiff to Bolton bus times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12:15 Cardiff | 10h25 | 22:40 Bolton | 0 changesdirect | |
| 18:53 Cardiff | 11h42 | 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 Cardiff 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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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Cardiff to Bolton
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Cardiff to Bolton run on average 3 times per day, taking around 10h 36m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £31 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 8h 50m.
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 10h 36m |
Cheapest ticket price £31 |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 8h 50m |
First bus 4:40 |
Last bus 23:15 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
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
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.
Cheap coach tickets from Cardiff to Bolton can start from as little as £31 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Cardiff to Bolton is £44; 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 Cardiff to Bolton is 8h 50m to travel the 239 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 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.
When departing from Cardiff , you have various coach station options to start your route from including Cardiff, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens), Cardiff, University, Cardiff, North Road (St Josephs Convent) . When arriving in Bolton , you can end your route in coach stations like Bolton, Interchange, Manchester, Shudehill Interchange, Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East, Warrington, Winwick Street (Bus Interchange), Bolton, Astley Bridge.Passengers board the coach most frequently from Cardiff, Sophia Gardens, 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 Cardiff is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 8h 50m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Cardiff to Bolton is August.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Bolton including taking a train and coach.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the coach from Cardiff to Bolton.
No, the coach from Cardiff to Bolton has no accessibility options.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the coach from Cardiff to Bolton.
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.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the coach from Cardiff to Bolton.
No, luggage for the coach from Cardiff to Bolton needs to be booked in addition.
No, there are no additional luggage options for the coach from Cardiff to Bolton.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Cardiff to Bolton.
No, there are no USB plugs on board the coach from Cardiff to Bolton.
No, there is no WiFi on board the coach from Cardiff to Bolton.
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, with some services arriving at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange. 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, Sophia Gardens. The station is 1 km from Cardiff city centre at Cardiff Coach Station, Sophia Gardens, 2 Sophia Cl, Pontcanna, Cardiff CF11 9HW, UK.
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, 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
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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, 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 · £0.90 · every ~8 min
BusC1 · 18m · every ~8 min
Which Bolton station do buses from Cardiff arrive at?
Buses from Cardiff 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 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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