- 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
£0.00
Average ticket price on 31 Aug
£-0.01
Fastest journey on 31 Aug
4 h 45 m
Average journey duration on 31 Aug
5 h 16 m
Buses on 31 Aug
5
Distance
162 km
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Sunderland to Bolton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
To travel from Sunderland to Bolton you need to make at least 2 changes.










Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Sunderland to Bolton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £19 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 53m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £19, while a flight costs an average of £252.
Distance: 162 km
| Coach | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£19 Average Price Cheapest | £37 Average Price | £252 Average Price |
4h 5m Average total duration 3h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 53m Average total duration Fastest 3h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 40m Average total duration 3h 40m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The table below shows live departures for Sunderland 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 18:05 Sunderland | 4h40 | 22:45 Bolton | 2 changes | |
| Monday 31 August | |||||
![]() | 5:45 Sunderland | 5h03 | 10:48 Bolton | 2 changes | |
![]() | 9:00 Sunderland | 4h46 | 13:46 Bolton | 2 changes | |
![]() | 14:35 Sunderland | 4h57 | 19:32 Bolton | 2 changes | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare coach, train 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 Sunderland to Bolton run on average 3 times per day, taking around 3h 35m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £19 if you book in advance.
There are 2 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 05:23, the last at 18:15. The fastest coach covers the 162 km distance in 6h 50m.
Distance 162 km |
Average bus duration 3h 35m |
Cheapest ticket price £19 |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 6h 50m |
First bus 5:23 |
Last bus 18:15 |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
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 Sunderland 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 Sunderland to Bolton buses use the Sunderland, Interchange to Manchester, Shudehill Interchange station pair, with some services arriving at Bolton, Interchange. Use this guide to compare Sunderland and Bolton bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Sunderland, Interchange has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Fast food outlets available.
Free WiFi available in waiting areas. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Sunderland, Interchange.
Available at Sunderland, Interchange: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Sunderland, Interchange: Step-free access throughout.
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.
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.
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