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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Manchester to Bolton
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£4
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£4
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
35 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
35 m
Buses on 18 Sept
1
Distance
17 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Manchester to Bolton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Bolton will cost around £4 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £4.
Fast coaches
On Fri 18 Sept, we found 1 buses from Manchester to Bolton, including 1 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 17 km distance in an average of 35 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 35 m .
The slowest buses will take 35 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.
17:500h35Manchester18:25Bolton£41One-way0 changes
- 17:500h35Manchester18:25Bolton£41One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Manchester to Bolton
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Bolton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £3 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 47m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.0kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £3, while a coach costs an average of £4.
Distance: 17 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£4 Average Price | £3 Average Price Cheapest | £4 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 6m Average total duration 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 47m Average total duration Fastest 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 34m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Manchester to Bolton is a train with an average price of £3.
This is compared to other travel options from Manchester to Bolton:
A train is £1 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Manchester to Bolton costing on average £4.
The fastest way to travel from Manchester to Bolton is by train with an average journey time of 17m.
Other travel options to Bolton take longer:
Coach takes on average 36m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Manchester and Bolton including taking a coach and train.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.
Tickets start at around £4 compared to roughly £4 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £0.16. The journey takes 36m versus 34m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by National Express, Bee Network.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
Live departures
Manchester to Bolton bus times
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Bolton coaches for today, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NX540 | 19:40 Manchester, Coach Station | 0h30 | 20:10 Bolton, Interchange | 0 changesdirect | |
| NX540 | 19:40 Manchester, Coach Station | 0h40 | 20:20 Bolton, Astley Bridge | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Manchester to Bolton by coach or train
Compare coach and train 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.
Fri
18 Sept
18 Sept
Sat
19 Sept
19 Sept
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20 Sept
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
22 Sept
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23 Sept
23 Sept
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24 Sept
24 Sept
Why should you book Manchester to Bolton coaches with Omio?
National Express as well as Bee Network offer coaches services from Manchester to Bolton.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Manchester to Bolton.
Why book with Omio vs National Express?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for National Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of Bee Network to find the best option for your trip from Manchester 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 National Express with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Manchester to Bolton.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Manchester to Bolton.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Manchester to Bolton
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Manchester to Bolton run on average 2 times per day, taking around 36m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £3 but you can travel from only £1 by train.
There are 2 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:01, the last at 23:57. The fastest coach covers the 17 km distance in 30m.
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from £1
Distance 17 km |
Average bus duration 36m |
Cheapest ticket price £3 |
Buses per day 2 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 30m |
First bus 0:01 |
Last bus 23:57 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Wed |
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from £1
Bus providers: National Express, Bee Network from Manchester to BoltonYou can travel by bus between Manchester to Bolton with National Express, Bee Network for as low as £1. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
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
30m
Cheapest National Express Price
£3
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.
What's included in each class
Compare National Express classes and the amenities included in each one.
Bee Network
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Bee Network Duration
42m
Bee Network frequency
25 a day
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.
- 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.
- 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: Manchester to Bolton coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester 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 Manchester to Bolton can start from as little as £3 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Manchester to Bolton is £4; 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 Manchester to Bolton is 30m to travel the 17 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 Manchester to Bolton leaves at 0:01. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Manchester to Bolton leaves at 23:57.
Yes, there are 2 direct coaches a day from Manchester to Bolton with National Express, Bee Network. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from Manchester to Bolton, you can count on National Express, Bee Network for the best way to get you to Bolton. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Manchester and Bolton and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
When departing from Manchester , you have various coach station options to start your route from including Manchester, Coach Station, Manchester, Airport, Manchester, Broadway / Trevor Dr (New Moston) . When arriving in Bolton , you can end your route in coach stations like Bolton, Interchange, Bolton, Astley Bridge.Passengers board the coach most frequently from Manchester, Coach Station, 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 day trip to Bolton from Manchester is worth doing with a journey time of 30m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Manchester to Bolton is June.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Manchester and Bolton including taking a coach and train.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Manchester to Bolton:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Manchester to Bolton for coach company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Manchester 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company 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 Manchester to Bolton.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Manchester to Bolton:
- National Express
- Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from Manchester to Bolton:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Manchester to Bolton.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Manchester to Bolton with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Manchester to Bolton with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Manchester to Bolton with the following coach company: National Express.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Manchester and Bolton
Most Manchester to Bolton buses use the Manchester, Coach Station to Bolton, Interchange station pair, with some services arriving at Bolton, Astley Bridge. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Bolton bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Manchester
Arrival bus stations in Bolton
Which Manchester station do buses to Bolton leave from?
Buses from Manchester to Bolton leave from Manchester, Coach Station. The station is from Manchester city centre at Chorlton St, Manchester M1 3JF, United Kingdom.
Manchester, Coach StationChorlton St, Manchester M1 3JF, United Kingdom
City-centre transport
Getting to Manchester, Coach Station from Manchester city centre
Bus42A, 43, 42, 101, 85, 85A, 111, 263, 142, 143, 87, 41, 18, 33, 86, 15, 250, 42B, 42C, 103, 102 · 1m · £2 · every ~231 min
Manchester, Coach Station bus station facilities and services
Manchester, Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Café at the Station (in the station), Fast Food Express (in the station).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located within the station for cash withdrawals.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Coach Station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Coach Station: Ramps, assistance.
Manchester, AirportManchester Airport, Manchester M90 3RR, United Kingdom
City-centre transport
Getting to Manchester, Airport from Manchester city centre
Manchester, Airport is 2 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainLiverpool Lime Street - Manchester Airport, Manchester Piccadilly - Crewe, Blackpool North - Manchester Airport, Barrow-in-Furness - Manchester Airport, Windermere - Manchester Airport, Manchester Piccadilly - Wilmslow, Manchester Piccadilly - Manchester Airport, Millom - Manchester Airport, Lancaster - Manchester Airport, Manchester Oxford Road - Manchester Airport, Corkickle - Manchester Airport, Preston - Manchester Airport · 17m · £4 · every ~9 min
BusUk980, Uk076, Uk074, Uk072, Ukn23 · 30m · £0.90 · every ~2 min
43, 103 · 1h 2m · £2 · every ~29 min
43, 103 · 1h 6m · £2 · every ~29 min
TramNavy Line · 51m · £4 · every ~16 min
Navy Line · 54m · £4 · every ~8 min
Manchester, Airport bus station facilities and services
Manchester, Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Burger King (in the station), Giraffe (in the station).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located throughout the airport, offering multiple currency options.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Airport.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester, Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Airport: Elevators, ramps, assistance.
Which Bolton station do buses from Manchester arrive at?
Buses from Manchester to Bolton most often arrive at Bolton, Interchange. Some services arrive at Bolton, Astley Bridge, 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 Manchester
More options for your journey from Manchester to Bolton
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Bolton and Manchester
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