Bolton to Birmingham bus with National Express

Sat, Sep 19
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Bolton to Birmingham

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 19

Cheapest price on Sep 19

$16

Average ticket price on Sep 19

$20

Fastest journey on Sep 19

4 h 10 m

Average journey duration on Sep 19

4 h 18 m

Buses on Sep 19

2

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 $20 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $16.

Fast buses

On Sat, Sep 19, we found 2 buses from Bolton to Birmingham, including 2 direct services.

On Sat, Sep 19 the direct buses cover the 128 km distance in an average of 4 h 18 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h 10 m .

On Sat, Sep 19 the slowest buses will take 4 h 25 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.

  • National Express
    11:30 AM4h25
    Bolton
    3:55 PMBirmingham
    $161One-way
    0 transfers
  • National Express
    10:45 AM4h10
    Bolton
    2:55 PMBirmingham
    $241One-way
    0 transfers

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 an average ticket price of $30 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 24m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $30, while a train costs an average of $67.

Distance: 79 miles (128 km)

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Train
Driving

$30

Average price

Cheapest

$67

Average price

$46

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

3h 40m

Average total duration

3h 10m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 24m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 54m

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 $30.

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

A bus is $37 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bolton to Birmingham costing on average $67.

The fastest way to travel from Bolton to Birmingham is by train with an average journey time of 1h 54m.

Other travel options to Birmingham take longer:

Bus takes on average 3h 10m.

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 $30 compared to roughly $46 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $16. The journey takes 3h 10m 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, Megabus, FlixBus.

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
07:50AM
Arrival Time
12:10PM
Duration
4h20
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$22
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:30AM
Arrival Time
01:10PM
Duration
4h40
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$22
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:45AM
Arrival Time
01:10PM
Duration
4h25
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$24
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:15AM
Arrival Time
01:55PM
Duration
4h40
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$22
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, Tue
Cheapest price
$13
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:35AM
Arrival Time
02:40PM
Duration
4h05
Departure days
Mon, Tue
Cheapest price
$15
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:45AM
Arrival Time
02:55PM
Duration
4h10
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$24
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:30AM
Arrival Time
03:55PM
Duration
4h25
Departure days
Wed, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$14
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:55AM
Arrival Time
04:10PM
Duration
4h15
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$21
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
12:10PM
Arrival Time
04:10PM
Duration
4h00
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$23
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
$20

Live departures

Bolton to Birmingham bus times

The table below shows live departures for Bolton to Birmingham buses for tomorrow, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
National Express10:45 AM Bolton
4h10
2:55 PM Birmingham0 transfersDirect
National Express11:30 AM Bolton
4h25
3:55 PM Birmingham0 transfersDirect

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.

Sat
Sep 19
Sun
Sep 20
Mon
Sep 21
Tue
Sep 22
Wed
Sep 23
Thu
Sep 24
Fri
Sep 25

Why should you book Bolton to Birmingham buses with Omio?

National Express as well as Megabus, FlixBus, 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 Megabus, FlixBus 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 Megabus, FlixBus 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 3h 10m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $13 if you book in advance.

There are 1 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 50m.

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
3h 10m
Cheapest ticket price
$13
Buses per day
3
Direct buses
1
Fastest bus
2h 50m
First bus
12:05 AM
Last bus
11:55 PM
Cheapest Month
May
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Thu
Least Busy Day
Mon
Best time to book
4 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 from Bolton to BirminghamYou can travel by bus between Bolton to Birmingham with National Express for as low as $13. 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
2h 50m
Cheapest National Express Price
$13
National Express frequency
3 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 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 and gallery with fine art, Birmingham history and global collections in a landmark building.

  • Must visit

Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum

Science museum with interactive galleries, engines and family-friendly exhibits in Millennium Point.

  • Recommended

The Barber Institute of Fine Arts

Historic home of the Pre-Raphaelite artists, showing furnished rooms, artworks and craft details.

British pound sterling (£)

Moderate for UK city breaks: hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local transit and casual meals are fairly manageable for tourists.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or casual takeaway.
Mid-range
£20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£60+ per person for upscale restaurants.
Coffee
£3-4.50 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Service may be included in restaurants; otherwise tip 10-12.5% for good service. Taxis are often rounded up or tipped about 10%. Tipping in 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 $13 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Bolton to Birmingham is $30 ; 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 50m 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 1 direct buses a day from Bolton to Birmingham with National Express, Megabus, FlixBus. 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, Megabus, FlixBus, 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.
When departing from Bolton , you have various bus station options to start your journey from including Manchester, Shudehill Interchange, Bolton, Interchange, Bolton, Astley Bridge, Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East, Warrington, Winwick Street (Bus Interchange) . When arriving in Birmingham , you can end your journey in bus stations like Birmingham, Coach Station, Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway, Birmingham, Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport) .Passengers board the bus most frequently from Manchester, Shudehill Interchange, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Birmingham, Coach Station, located 1 away from the city centre.
A trip to Birmingham from Bolton is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2h 50m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Bolton to Birmingham is May.
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, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Bolton to Birmingham for bus company National Express, Megabus, FlixBus.
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.
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, Megabus, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Bolton to Birmingham with the following bus company: National Express, Megabus, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Bolton to Birmingham with the following bus company: National Express, Megabus, FlixBus.
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, Great Charles Street Queensway. 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

Which Bolton station do buses to Birmingham leave from?

Buses from Bolton to Birmingham leave from Manchester, Shudehill Interchange. The station is from Bolton city centre at Shudehill Interchange, Manchester M4 2AF, United Kingdom.
Bolton, InterchangeBolton Market, Bolton BL1 1SX, UKWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
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, 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.

Bolton, Astley BridgeAstley Bridge, Bolton, UKWifiParkingATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
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.

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