Bolton to Birmingham bus with National Express

Sun, Jun 21
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Bolton to Birmingham

Showing times and prices for Jun 21

Cheapest price

$26

Average price

$37

Fastest journey

3 h 45 m

Average duration

4 h 4 m

Buses per day

4

Distance

128 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Bolton to Birmingham is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Bolton to Birmingham will cost around $37 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $26.

Fast buses

It's difficult to get from Bolton to Birmingham without transferring at least once.

  • National ExpressNX540 · NX121
    8:50 AM4h20
    Bolton, Astley Bridge
    1:10 PMBirmingham, Coach Station
    $261One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNX540 · NX121
    9:00 AM4h10
    Bolton, Interchange
    1:10 PMBirmingham, Coach Station
    $271One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNX540 · NX590
    12:10 PM4h00
    Bolton, Astley Bridge
    4:10 PMBirmingham, Coach Station
    $471One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNX540 · NX590
    12:25 PM3h45
    Bolton, Interchange
    4:10 PMBirmingham, Coach Station
    $481One-way
    1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare bus and train for Bolton to Birmingham

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Bolton to Birmingham among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $12. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 6m. 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 $12, and a train costs an average of $14.

Distance: 79 miles (128 km)

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Train
Driving

$24

Average price

Cheapest

$55

Average price

$46

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

3h 3m

Average total duration

2h 33m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 36m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 6m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 56m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

-

CO2 emissions

National Express

Most popular bus company

CrossCountry

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 Bolton to Birmingham is a bus with an average price of $24 (€20).

This is compared to other travel options from Bolton to Birmingham:

A bus is $31 (€25) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bolton to Birmingham costing on average $55 (€45).

The fastest way to travel from Bolton to Birmingham is by train with an average journey time of 2h 6m.

Other travel options to Birmingham take longer:

Bus takes on average 2h 33m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Bolton and Birmingham including taking a bus and train.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Bolton to Birmingham among Omio's users.
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 $24 (€20) compared to roughly $46 (€37) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $22 (€18). The journey takes 2h 33m versus 1h 56m 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, FlixBus, 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.

Bolton to Birmingham Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:30AM
Arrival Time
01:10PM
Duration
4h40
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$16
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:45AM
Arrival Time
01:10PM
Duration
4h25
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$18
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:50AM
Arrival Time
01:10PM
Duration
4h20
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$26
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:00AM
Arrival Time
01:10PM
Duration
4h10
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$27
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:20AM
Arrival Time
01:40PM
Duration
4h20
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$19
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:20AM
Arrival Time
02:40PM
Duration
4h20
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$23
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:35AM
Arrival Time
02:40PM
Duration
4h05
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$24
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:30AM
Arrival Time
04:10PM
Duration
4h40
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$14
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:55AM
Arrival Time
04:10PM
Duration
4h15
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$46
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
12:10PM
Arrival Time
04:10PM
Duration
4h00
Departure days
Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$47
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
12:25PM
Arrival Time
04:10PM
Duration
3h45
Departure days
Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$48
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
03:30PM
Arrival Time
05:50PM
Duration
2h20
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$12
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:15PM
Arrival Time
01:45AM
Duration
3h30
Departure days
Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
$41
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:15PM
Arrival Time
02:45AM
Duration
3h30
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
Cheapest price
$15

Live departures

Bolton to Birmingham bus times

The table below shows live departures for Bolton to Birmingham buses for tomorrow, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
National ExpressNX540 · NX1218:50 AM Bolton, Astley Bridge
4h20
1:10 PM Birmingham, Coach Station1 transfer
National ExpressNX540 · NX1219:00 AM Bolton, Interchange
4h10
1:10 PM Birmingham, Coach Station1 transfer
National ExpressNX540 · NX59012:10 PM Bolton, Astley Bridge
4h00
4:10 PM Birmingham, Coach Station1 transfer
National ExpressNX540 · NX59012:25 PM Bolton, Interchange
3h45
4:10 PM Birmingham, Coach Station1 transfer

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Bolton to Birmingham by bus or train

Compare bus 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.

Sun
Jun 21
Mon
Jun 22
Tue
Jun 23
Wed
Jun 24
Thu
Jun 25
Fri
Jun 26
Sat
Jun 27

Why should you book Bolton to Birmingham buses with Omio?

National Express as well as FlixBus, Megabus, Bee Network and more offer buses services from Bolton to Birmingham.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Bolton to Birmingham.

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, Megabus or Bee Network to find the best option for your trip from Bolton to Birmingham.
  • 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 Bolton to Birmingham.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus, Megabus or Bee Network to find the best option for your trip from Bolton to Birmingham.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Bolton to Birmingham.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Bolton to Birmingham

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Bolton to Birmingham run on average 3 times per day, taking around 2h 33m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $12 (€10) if you book in advance.

There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 79 miles (128 km) distance in 2h 20m.

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
79 miles (128 km)
Average bus duration
2h 33m
Cheapest ticket price
$12 (€10)
Buses per day
3
Direct buses
2
Fastest bus
2h 20m
First bus
12:05 AM
Last bus
11:55 PM
Cheapest Month
Nov
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Thu
Least Busy Day
Mon
Best time to book
56 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

Bus providers: National Express, FlixBus, Megabus, Bee Network from Bolton to BirminghamYou can travel by bus between Bolton to Birmingham with National Express, FlixBus, Megabus, Bee Network for as low as $12 (€10). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

FlixBus

About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 20m
Cheapest Price
$12 (€10)
FlixBus frequency
7 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
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.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.

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 Duration
3h 30m
Cheapest Price
$14 (€11)
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.

Megabus

About
Megabus is a low-cost intercity bus service operating across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Known for its affordable fares, including promotional $1 tickets, Megabus offers routes connecting over 500 cities and university campuses in North America. The company provides amenities such as air conditioning, power outlets, free Wi-Fi, and onboard restrooms, with many routes utilizing double-decker buses for scenic views. Megabus aims to provide safe, convenient, and affordable express bus travel.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 10m
Cheapest Price
$15 (€12)
Megabus frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
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).
Additional luggage
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.
Cancellation Policy
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.
Refund
If Megabus fails to provide on-time reliable service for reasons wholly within their control, refunds or alternative travel arrangements may be offered.
Pregnant on board
Being pregnant on board is allowed, but no specific details or restrictions are provided.
Unaccompagned minor
Unaccompanied minors under the age of 17 are not permitted to travel on Megabus.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cold food and drinks, as well as hot drinks with a lid, are allowed on board, but hot food is not.
Seat reservation
Reserved seats can be purchased for an additional fee, starting from £2.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.

Bee Network

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 16m
Bee Network frequency
16 a day

Complete guide to Birmingham

Things to do in Birmingham

Discover the best of Birmingham — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Birmingham trip today.

  • Must visit

Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery

Major city museum with Pre-Raphaelite art, local history, and rotating exhibitions in a landmark civic building.

  • Recommended

Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum

Family-friendly science museum with interactive galleries, a planetarium, and displays on industry and innovation.

  • Recommended

Ikon Gallery

Leading contemporary art gallery in Brindleyplace, known for ambitious exhibitions in a restored Victorian school building.

Pound sterling

Moderate by UK standards. Chain cafes and pubs are affordable, while central hotels and upscale dining cost more.

Average meal costs

Budget
GBP 8-15 for fast food or a simple lunch.
Mid-range
GBP 18-35 per person at a casual restaurant.
Fine dining
GBP 60+ per person at upscale restaurants.
Coffee
GBP 3-4.50 for a cappuccino or latte.

Tipping culture

Service charge may be added in restaurants. If not, tip 10-12.5% for good service. Round up taxis. Tipping in pubs and cafes is optional.

FAQs: Bus from Bolton to Birmingham

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bolton to Birmingham 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 Birmingham, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Bolton to Birmingham can start from as little as $12 (€10) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Bolton to Birmingham is $24 (€20) ; 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 bus from Bolton to Birmingham is 2h 20m to travel the 79 miles (128 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Bolton to Birmingham leaves at 12:05 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Bolton to Birmingham leaves at 11:55 PM.
Yes, there are 2 direct buses a day from Bolton to Birmingham with National Express, FlixBus, Megabus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Bolton to Birmingham, you can count on National Express, FlixBus, Megabus, Bee Network for the best way to get you to Birmingham. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Bolton and Birmingham and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Birmingham from Bolton is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2h 20m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Bolton to Birmingham is November.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Bolton and Birmingham including taking a bus and train.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Bolton to Birmingham:
  • 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.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Bolton to Birmingham for bus company National Express, FlixBus, Megabus.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Birmingham are:
  • Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, a cultural institution housing a vast collection of art and historical artifacts
  • Cadbury World, an interactive chocolate-themed attraction offering tours and exhibits
  • Birmingham Botanical Gardens, a serene 15-acre garden featuring exotic plants and glasshouses
  • Symphony Hall, a renowned concert venue known for its exceptional acoustics and diverse performances
  • The Bullring, a major shopping center with a wide range of retail outlets and dining options.
The best things to do in Birmingham include:
  • Explore the historic Jewellery Quarter, known for its unique shops and vibrant atmosphere
  • Take a canal boat tour to see the city from a different perspective
  • Visit the National SEA LIFE Centre, home to a variety of marine life and interactive exhibits
  • Enjoy a performance at the Birmingham Hippodrome, one of the busiest theatres in the UK
  • Discover the rich history of the city at the Birmingham Back to Backs, a preserved 19th-century courtyard of working people's houses.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Bolton to Birmingham depends on the bus companies:
  • 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company National Express, FlixBus.
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.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Bolton to Birmingham.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Bolton to Birmingham:
  • 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).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Bolton to Birmingham:
  • 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.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Bolton to Birmingham. The following conditions apply:
  • FlixBus
    • Small pets in carriers allowed
    • guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Bolton to Birmingham with the following bus company: National Express, FlixBus, Megabus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Bolton to Birmingham with the following bus company: National Express, FlixBus, Megabus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Bolton to Birmingham with the following bus company: National Express, FlixBus, Megabus.
Since neither Bolton nor Birmingham are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United Kingdom and United Kingdom. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Bolton to Birmingham among Omio's users.
The currency used in the United Kingdom is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). For travelers, using a card is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially in cities and for transportation tickets, though carrying some cash can be useful for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Birmingham, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in busy areas like shopping districts and public transport hubs. Common scams include overcharging by taxi drivers and fake charity collectors. It's advisable to use licensed taxis, keep valuables secure, and remain alert in crowded places to avoid these risks.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

popular bus stations

Popular bus stations from Bolton to Birmingham

Most Bolton to Birmingham buses use the Bolton, Interchange to Birmingham, Coach Station station pair, with some services arriving at Birmingham, Brunel Street. Use this guide to compare Bolton and Birmingham bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.

Departure bus stations in Bolton
Arrival bus stations in Birmingham
Bolton, Interchange
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 · $11 · every ~16 min
Bolton, Astley Bridge
City-centre transport

Getting to Bolton, Astley Bridge from Bolton city centre

Bus1 · 4m · $2 · every ~17 min
1 · 4m · $2 · every ~17 min

Most popular bus connections from Bolton

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