- 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 Sunderland to Bolton
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 15 Oct
Cheapest price on 15 Oct
£9
Average ticket price on 15 Oct
£9
Fastest journey on 15 Oct
3 h 15 m
Average journey duration on 15 Oct
3 h 15 m
Buses on 15 Oct
3
Distance
162 km
Cheap tickets
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.
The average ticket from Sunderland to Bolton will cost around £9 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £9.
Fast coaches
On Thu 15 Oct, we found 3 buses from Sunderland to Bolton, including 3 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 162 km distance in an average of 3 h 15 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 15 m .
The slowest buses will take 3 h 15 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.
FlixBus14:253h15Sunderland, Interchange17:40Manchester, Shudehill Interchange£91One-way0 changes- FlixBus18:053h15Sunderland, Interchange21:20Manchester, Shudehill Interchange£91One-way0 changes
- FlixBus10:553h15Sunderland, Interchange14:10Manchester, Shudehill Interchange£91One-way0 changes
- FlixBus14:253h15Sunderland, Interchange17:40Manchester, Shudehill Interchange£91One-way0 changes
- FlixBus18:053h15Sunderland, Interchange21:20Manchester, Shudehill Interchange£91One-way0 changes
- FlixBus10:553h15Sunderland, Interchange14:10Manchester, Shudehill Interchange£91One-way0 changes
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Sunderland to Bolton
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Sunderland to Bolton run on average 2 times per day, taking around 4h 20m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £21 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 05:23, the last at 18:15. The fastest coach covers the 162 km distance in 4h 15m.
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 162 km |
Average bus duration 4h 20m |
Cheapest ticket price £21 |
Buses per day 2 |
Fastest bus 4h 15m |
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 |
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
Live departures
Sunderland to Bolton bus times
The table below shows live departures for Sunderland to Bolton coaches for today, Wednesday 14 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 23:45 Sunderland | 6h51 | 6:36 Bolton | 2 changes | |
| Thursday 15 October | |||||
| FlixBus | 10:55 Sunderland, Interchange | 3h15 | 14:10 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 0 changesdirect | |
| FlixBus | 14:25 Sunderland, Interchange | 3h15 | 17:40 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 0 changesdirect | |
| FlixBus | 18:05 Sunderland, Interchange | 3h15 | 21:20 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Sunderland to Bolton coaches with Omio?
National Express operates all coaches services from Sunderland to Bolton.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Sunderland to Bolton.
Why book with Omio vs National Express?
- 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, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Sunderland to Bolton.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Sunderland to Bolton.
Bus providers: National Express from Sunderland to BoltonYou can travel by bus between Sunderland to Bolton with National Express for as low as £21. 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
4h 15m
Cheapest National Express Price
£21
National Express frequency
2 a day
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.
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.
Best day trips from Bolton by bus
The most popular day trips by bus from Bolton are Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Chester and Preston. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your bus from Bolton on Omio.
Day trip from Bolton to Manchester by bus
Why visit Manchester for the day?
Manchester is known for its industrial heritage, influential music and deep football culture. Red-brick canalside areas, major museums and lively nightlife give it an energetic northern character.
How to get from Bolton to Manchester by bus?
There are 1 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:08, the last at 23:57. The fastest coach covers the 17 km distance in 30m.
Day trip from Bolton to Liverpool by bus
Why visit Liverpool for the day?
Liverpool is known for The Beatles, football and a waterfront shaped by its maritime past. Its grand docks, museums and lively city centre give it a proud, creative character.
How to get from Bolton to Liverpool by bus?
The earliest coach runs at 02:19, the last at 23:40. The fastest coach covers the 41 km distance in 1h 45m.
Day trip from Bolton to Leeds by bus
Why visit Leeds for the day?
Leeds is a major West Yorkshire city known for Victorian arcades, shopping and a lively music scene. Its industrial heritage, regenerated waterfront and large student population give it an energetic but down-to-earth character.
How to get from Bolton to Leeds by bus?
The earliest coach runs at 02:11, the last at 23:36. The fastest coach covers the 63 km distance in 1h 45m.
Day trip from Bolton to Chester by bus
Why visit Chester for the day?
Chester is known for its Roman walls, medieval streets and the distinctive black-and-white Rows. Compact and walkable, it blends deep history with a relaxed riverside setting and a lively city centre.
How to get from Bolton to Chester by bus?
The earliest coach runs at 03:51, the last at 21:59.
Day trip from Bolton to Preston by bus
Why visit Preston for the day?
Preston is a Lancashire city known for its industrial heritage, lively student population and the Harris Museum. Its centre blends Victorian character with modern shops and cafés, while riverside parks soften the urban feel.
How to get from Bolton to Preston by bus?
There are 1 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:03, the last at 23:54. The fastest coach covers the 28 km distance in 35m.
FAQs: Sunderland to Bolton coach
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.
Cheap coach tickets from Sunderland to Bolton can start from as little as £21 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Sunderland to Bolton is £22; 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 Sunderland to Bolton is 4h 15m to travel the 162 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 Sunderland to Bolton leaves at 5:23. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Sunderland to Bolton leaves at 18:15.
There are 2 coaches a day from Sunderland to Bolton which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Sunderland to Bolton, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Bolton. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Sunderland and Bolton and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
When departing from Sunderland , you have various coach station options to start your route from including Sunderland, Interchange . When arriving in Bolton , you can end your route in coach stations like Manchester, Shudehill Interchange, Bolton, Astley Bridge, Bolton, Interchange.Passengers board the coach most frequently from Sunderland, Interchange, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange, located 0 away from the city centre.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Sunderland and Bolton including taking a coach, train and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Sunderland to Bolton:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Sunderland to Bolton for coach company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Sunderland 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 Sunderland to Bolton.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Sunderland 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 Sunderland to Bolton:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Sunderland to Bolton.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Sunderland to Bolton with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Sunderland to Bolton with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Sunderland to Bolton with the following coach company: National Express.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Sunderland and Bolton
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.
Departure bus stations in Sunderland
Arrival bus stations in Bolton
Which Sunderland station do buses to Bolton leave from?
Buses from Sunderland to Bolton leave from Sunderland, Interchange. The station is from Sunderland city centre at Sunderland Interchange, Sunderland SR1 3NX, UK.
Sunderland, InterchangeSunderland Interchange, Sunderland SR1 3NX, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Sunderland, Interchange from Sunderland city centre
Bus35, 24, 61, 32, 36, 62, 63, 700N · 4m · every ~30 min
SubwayGrn · 1m · £4 · every ~19 min
Sunderland, Interchange 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 and drink
Food options include: Fast food outlets available.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free WiFi available in waiting areas. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Sunderland, Interchange.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Sunderland, Interchange: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Sunderland, Interchange: Step-free access throughout.
Which Bolton station do buses from Sunderland arrive at?
Buses from Sunderland to Bolton most often arrive at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange. Some services arrive at Bolton, Astley Bridge, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Bolton arrival station.
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.
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.
Most popular bus connections from Sunderland
More options for your journey from Sunderland to Bolton
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Bolton and Sunderland
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