- 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 on 31 Aug
£64
Average ticket price on 31 Aug
£68
Fastest journey on 31 Aug
9 h 29 m
Average journey duration on 31 Aug
9 h 32 m
Buses on 31 Aug
2
Distance
256 km
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Reading to Bolton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Reading to Bolton will cost around £68 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £64.
On Mon 31 Aug, we found 2 buses from Reading to Bolton, including 2 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 256 km distance in an average of 9 h 32 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 9 h 29 m .
The slowest buses will take 9 h 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.




The table below shows live departures for Reading to Bolton coaches for today, Sunday 30 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
RRRA1 · NX210 · NX424 | 21:03 Reading, Blagrave Street | 9h32 | 6:35 Bolton, Interchange | 2 changes | |
| Monday 31 August | |||||
![]() | 11:56 Reading | 9h29 | 21:25 Bolton | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 13:05 Reading | 9h35 | 22:40 Bolton | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare 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.
Take a bus from Reading to Bolton and enjoy the approximately 256 km long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest coach runs at 00:20, the last at 23:40.
Distance 256 km |
Buses per day 3 |
First bus 0:20 |
Last bus 23:40 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Best time to book 7 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 Reading 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 Reading to Bolton buses use the Reading, Blagrave Street to Bolton, Interchange station pair, with some services arriving at Bolton, Astley Bridge. Use this guide to compare Reading and Bolton bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Reading, Blagrave Street has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Reading, Blagrave Street: 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