- Must visit
Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery
Major city museum with Pre-Raphaelite art, local history, and rotating exhibitions in a landmark civic building.
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
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.
It's difficult to get from Bolton to Birmingham without transferring at least once.
NX540 · NX121
NX540 · NX121
NX540 · NX590
NX540 · NX590
NX540 · NX590
NX540 · NX590
NX540 · NX121
NX540 · NX121Omio 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)
| 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 |
![]() 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 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).
Other travel options to Birmingham take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 33m.
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.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest 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 |
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.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX540 · NX121 | 8:50 AM Bolton, Astley Bridge | 4h20 | 1:10 PM Birmingham, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX540 · NX121 | 9:00 AM Bolton, Interchange | 4h10 | 1:10 PM Birmingham, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX540 · NX590 | 12:10 PM Bolton, Astley Bridge | 4h00 | 4:10 PM Birmingham, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX540 · NX590 | 12:25 PM Bolton, Interchange | 3h45 | 4:10 PM Birmingham, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
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.
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 |
Discover the best of Birmingham — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Birmingham trip today.
Major city museum with Pre-Raphaelite art, local history, and rotating exhibitions in a landmark civic building.
Family-friendly science museum with interactive galleries, a planetarium, and displays on industry and innovation.
Leading contemporary art gallery in Brindleyplace, known for ambitious exhibitions in a restored Victorian school building.
One of Birmingham's most photogenic canal hubs, popular for strolling, waterside views, and industrial heritage atmosphere.
Historic district known for independent workshops, heritage streetscapes, and a strong local creative identity.
Creative neighborhood famous for street art, warehouses, and a trendy atmosphere that is highly popular on social media.
Birmingham’s signature curry, cooked and served in a thin pressed-steel balti bowl. Developed by the city’s South Asian communities, it is one of the most iconic local dishes to try.
A traditional Black Country dish of seasoned meatballs, usually served with peas and gravy. It is a classic working-class meal closely associated with the Birmingham area.
Crunchy roasted pork rind snack long linked with pubs across the Black Country and Birmingham. Salty and rich, it is a very local bar snack.
Well-known casual spot celebrated for quality burgers, loaded fries, and craft beer in a lively, modern atmosphere.
Modern fine-dining restaurant known for creative tasting menus and theatrical presentation in a stylish city-centre setting.
Established upscale Indian restaurant serving refined North Indian dishes in elegant surroundings, popular for special occasions.
Moderate by UK standards. Chain cafes and pubs are affordable, while central hotels and upscale dining cost more.
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.
Official public transport app
Birmingham Coach Station, Birmingham -> Birmingham New Street Station, 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.

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.
Birmingham, Coach Station is 1 km from Birmingham city centre. Public transport options include:
Birmingham, Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria and fast-food options inside the station
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Birmingham, Coach Station.
Available at Birmingham, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham, Coach Station: Elevators, ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need