The cheapest and fastest buses from Birmingham to Bolton
Cheapest price
$18
Average price
$26
Fastest journey
3 h 10 m
Average duration
3 h 42 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
128 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Birmingham to Bolton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Birmingham to Bolton will cost around $26 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $18.
Of the 3 buses that leave Birmingham for Bolton on Sun, Jun 21, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 21 the direct buses cover the 128 km distance in an average of 3 h 42 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 10 m .
On Sun, Jun 21 the slowest buses will take 4 h 5 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.
3:25 AM3h10Birmingham6:35 AMBolton$181One-way0 transfers
5:10 PM4h05Birmingham9:15 PMBolton$251One-way0 transfers
3:00 PM3h50Birmingham6:50 PMBolton$341One-way0 transfers
3:25 AM3h10Birmingham6:35 AMBolton$181One-way0 transfers
3:00 PM3h50Birmingham6:50 PMBolton$341One-way0 transfers
5:10 PM4h05Birmingham9:15 PMBolton$251One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Birmingham to Bolton
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Birmingham to Bolton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $13. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 53m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $13, and a train costs an average of $19.
Distance: 79 miles (128 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$22 Average price Cheapest | $52 Average price | $46 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 59m Average total duration 2h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 23m Average total duration Fastest 1h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 51m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg 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.
This is compared to other travel options from Birmingham to Bolton:
A bus is $30 (€25) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Birmingham to Bolton costing on average $52 (€43).
Other travel options to Bolton take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 29m.
Tickets start at around $22 (€18) compared to roughly $46 (€37) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $24 (€20). The journey takes 2h 29m versus 1h 51m 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, Megabus.
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.
Birmingham to Bolton Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:25AM | Arrival Time 06:35AM | Duration 3h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:50PM | Arrival Time 06:55PM | Duration 4h05 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 06:50PM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:05PM | Arrival Time 07:35PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:20PM | Arrival Time 08:20PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:10PM | Arrival Time 09:15PM | Duration 4h05 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $25 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:10PM | Arrival Time 10:15PM | Duration 4h05 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 10:35PM | Duration 3h35 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $20 |
Live departures
Birmingham to Bolton bus times
The table below shows live departures for Birmingham to Bolton buses for tomorrow, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 3:25 AM Birmingham | 3h10 | 6:35 AM Bolton | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 3:00 PM Birmingham | 3h50 | 6:50 PM Bolton | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:10 PM Birmingham | 4h05 | 9:15 PM Bolton | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Birmingham to Bolton by train or bus
Compare train and bus 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.
Jun 21
Jun 22
Jun 23
Jun 24
Jun 25
Jun 26
Jun 27
Why should you book Birmingham to Bolton buses with Omio?
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 FlixBus or Megabus to find the best option for your trip from Birmingham 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 train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Birmingham to Bolton.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus or Megabus to find the best option for your trip from Birmingham to Bolton.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Birmingham to Bolton.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Birmingham to Bolton
Buses from Birmingham to Bolton run on average 3 times per day, taking around 2h 29m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $13 (€10) if you book in advance.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:40. The fastest bus covers the 79 miles (128 km) distance in 2h 30m.
Distance 79 miles (128 km) |
Average bus duration 2h 29m |
Cheapest ticket price $13 (€10) |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 2h 30m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:40 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 1 day |
Bus providers: National Express, FlixBus, Megabus from Birmingham to BoltonYou can travel by bus between Birmingham to Bolton with National Express, FlixBus, Megabus for as low as $13 (€10). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
National Express
Megabus
FAQs: Bus from Birmingham to Bolton
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Birmingham to Bolton by bus. 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 bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Bolton, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

- Megabus
- Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- Megabus
- Megabus reservations cannot be canceled or refunded, but they can be traded in for another journey up to 3 hours before your original scheduled departure for a fee.
- 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.
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
- Megabus
- One piece of luggage is included per passenger reservation. For guidance, a piece of luggage must not exceed 62 inches (length + width + height) and should not weigh more than 50 pounds (23kg).
- National Express
- Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
- Megabus
- Additional luggage can be purchased by buying an additional travel ticket in advance or by adding up to two additional pieces when booking for a fee.
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Birmingham to Bolton
Most Birmingham to Bolton buses use the Birmingham, Coach Station to Bolton, Interchange station pair, with some services arriving at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange. Use this guide to compare Birmingham and Bolton bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Which Birmingham station do buses to Bolton leave from?
Getting to Birmingham, Coach Station from Birmingham city centre
Birmingham, Coach Station is 1 km from Birmingham city centre. Public transport options include:
Birmingham, Coach Station bus station facilities and services
Birmingham, 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: Cafeteria and fast-food options inside the station
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Birmingham, Coach Station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Birmingham, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham, Coach Station: Elevators, ramps.
Getting to Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway from Birmingham city centre
Getting to Bolton, Interchange from Bolton city centre
Getting to Bolton, Astley Bridge from Bolton city centre
More options for your journey from Birmingham to Bolton
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

