- 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
£57
Average price
£57
Fastest journey
10 h 25 m
Average duration
10 h 28 m
Buses per day
4
Distance
268 km
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Edinburgh to Bolton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Edinburgh to Bolton will cost around £57 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £57.
To travel from Edinburgh to Bolton you need to make at least 2 changes.
NX183 · NX170 · NX540
NX183 · NX170 · NX540
NX183 · NX170 · NX540
NX183 · NX170 · NX540
NX183 · NX170 · NX540
NX183 · NX170 · NX540
NX183 · NX170 · NX540
NX183 · NX170 · NX540Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Edinburgh to Bolton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £13. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 20m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £13, and a flight costs an average of £96.
Distance: 268 km
| Coach | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£28 Average Price Cheapest | £64 Average Price | £219 Average Price |
6h 42m Average total duration 6h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 50m Average total duration Fastest 3h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 43m Average total duration 4h 43m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.8 - 1.6kg CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Bolton coaches for today, Friday 14 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX183 · NX170 · NX540 | 11:45 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 10h45 | 22:30 Bolton, Interchange | 2 changes | |
NX183 · NX170 · NX540 | 11:45 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 10h50 | 22:35 Bolton, Astley Bridge | 2 changes | |
NX183 · NX170 · NX540 | 11:45 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 10h45 | 22:30 Bolton, Interchange | 2 changes | |
NX183 · NX170 · NX540 | 11:45 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 10h50 | 22:35 Bolton, Astley Bridge | 2 changes | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, coach and flight 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 Edinburgh to Bolton run on average 7 times per day, taking around 6h 12m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £13 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 00:23, the last at 23:30. The fastest coach covers the 268 km distance in 6h 9m.
Distance 268 km |
Average bus duration 6h 12m |
Cheapest ticket price £13 |
Buses per day 7 |
Fastest bus 6h 9m |
First bus 0:23 |
Last bus 23:30 |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 14 days |
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 Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh to Bolton buses use the Edinburgh, Bus Station to Manchester, Shudehill Interchange station pair, with some services arriving at Bolton, Astley Bridge. Use this guide to compare Edinburgh and Bolton bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Edinburgh, Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Café at the Station (in the station), Sandwich Shop (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Edinburgh, Bus Station.
Available at Edinburgh, Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh, Bus Station: Elevators, ramps.
Edinburgh, St Andrew's House has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh, St Andrew's House: The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible.
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