Bolton to Edinburgh bus with FlixBus

Sun, Sep 20
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Bolton to Edinburgh

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 20

Cheapest price on Sep 20

€63

Average ticket price on Sep 20

€64

Fastest journey on Sep 20

9 h 35 m

Average journey duration on Sep 20

9 h 40 m

Buses on Sep 20

2

Distance

268 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Bolton to Edinburgh will cost around €64 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €63.

Fast buses

It's difficult to get from Bolton to Edinburgh without transferring at least 2 times.

  • National ExpressNX540 · NX170 · NX591
    8:50 AM9h45
    Bolton, Astley Bridge
    6:35 PMEdinburgh, Bus Station
    631One-way
    2 transfers
  • National ExpressNX540 · NX170 · NX591
    9:00 AM9h35
    Bolton, Interchange
    6:35 PMEdinburgh, Bus Station
    641One-way
    2 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus, train, and flight for Bolton to Edinburgh

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Bolton to Edinburgh among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €38 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 29m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €38, while a flight costs an average of €290.

Distance: 166 miles (268 km)

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Train
Flight
Driving

€38

Average price

Cheapest

€66

Average price

€290

Average price

€95

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

6h 49m

Average total duration

6h 19m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 29m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 59m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 35m

Average total duration

2h 35m

Onboard

+

2h 0m

Additional time*

4h 4m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.3 - 0.7kg

CO2 emissions

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.8 - 1.6kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Transpennine Express

Most popular train company

British Airways

Most popular airline

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

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 Edinburgh is a bus with an average price of €38.

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

A bus is €28 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bolton to Edinburgh costing on average €66.

A bus is €252 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Bolton to Edinburgh costing on average €290.

The fastest way to travel from Bolton to Edinburgh is by flight with an average journey time of 2h 35m.

Other travel options to Edinburgh take longer:

Train takes on average 2h 59m.

Bus takes on average 6h 19m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Bolton and Edinburgh including taking a bus, train, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Bolton to Edinburgh 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 €38 compared to roughly €95 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €57. The journey takes 6h 19m versus 4h 4m 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.

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 Edinburgh Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
12:20AM
Arrival Time
05:35PM
Duration
17h15
Departure days
Mon, Wed, Fri
Cheapest price
40
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
02:10AM
Arrival Time
09:15AM
Duration
7h05
Departure days
Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri
Cheapest price
22
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
06:20AM
Arrival Time
08:50PM
Duration
14h30
Departure days
Mon, Wed, Fri
Cheapest price
22
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:50AM
Arrival Time
05:35PM
Duration
9h45
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
62
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:15AM
Arrival Time
05:35PM
Duration
9h20
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
66
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
08:40AM
Arrival Time
05:35PM
Duration
8h55
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
35
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:50AM
Arrival Time
06:35PM
Duration
9h45
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
63
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:00AM
Arrival Time
06:35PM
Duration
9h35
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
64
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:15AM
Arrival Time
06:35PM
Duration
9h20
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
68
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:20AM
Arrival Time
07:25PM
Duration
10h05
Departure days
Tue, Thu
Cheapest price
68
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
10:20AM
Arrival Time
05:35PM
Duration
7h15
Departure days
Mon, Wed, Fri
Cheapest price
22
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
12:05PM
Arrival Time
08:45PM
Duration
8h40
Departure days
Thu
Cheapest price
21
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
01:00PM
Arrival Time
09:45PM
Duration
8h45
Departure days
Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri
Cheapest price
22
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
01:55PM
Arrival Time
06:25AM
Duration
16h30
Departure days
Mon, Wed, Fri
Cheapest price
22
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
04:10PM
Arrival Time
11:33PM
Duration
7h23
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
Cheapest price
21
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
06:00PM
Arrival Time
07:15AM
Duration
13h15
Departure days
Mon, Wed
Cheapest price
22
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
06:05PM
Arrival Time
07:15AM
Duration
13h10
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
47
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
11:30PM
Arrival Time
07:45AM
Duration
8h15
Departure days
Mon, Wed, Fri
Cheapest price
27

Live departures

Bolton to Edinburgh bus times

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

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
National Express7:50 AM Bolton
9h45
5:35 PM Edinburgh0 transfersDirect
National Express8:15 AM Bolton
9h20
5:35 PM Edinburgh0 transfersDirect
National Express9:15 AM Bolton
9h20
6:35 PM Edinburgh0 transfersDirect

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Bolton to Edinburgh by bus, train, or flight

Compare bus, train, and flight 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
Sep 20
Mon
Sep 21
Tue
Sep 22
Wed
Sep 23
Thu
Sep 24
Fri
Sep 25
Sat
Sep 26

Why should you book Bolton to Edinburgh buses with Omio?

FlixBus operates all buses services from Bolton to Edinburgh.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Bolton to Edinburgh.

Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?

  • 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 FlixBus with all available travel options, which are bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Bolton to Edinburgh.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?

  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Bolton to Edinburgh.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Bolton to Edinburgh

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Bolton to Edinburgh run on average 11 times per day, taking around 6h 19m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €15 if you book in advance.

The earliest bus runs at 00:23, the last at 23:40. The fastest bus covers the 166 miles (268 km) distance in 5h 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
166 miles (268 km)
Average bus duration
6h 19m
Cheapest ticket price
€15
Buses per day
11
Fastest bus
5h 15m
First bus
12:23 AM
Last bus
11:40 PM
Cheapest Month
Jul
Cheapest Day
Mon
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Mon
Least Busy Day
Fri
Best time to book
42 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: FlixBus from Bolton to EdinburghYou can travel by bus between Bolton to Edinburgh with FlixBus for as low as €15. 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 FlixBus Duration
5h 15m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
€15
FlixBus frequency
11 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.

Complete guide to Edinburgh

Things to do in Edinburgh

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

  • Must visit

National Museum of Scotland

Scotland's flagship museum covers science, design, natural history, and world cultures in a landmark building with excellent family appeal.

  • Must visit

National Gallery of Scotland

Major art gallery with Scottish and international works from the Renaissance onward, set dramatically on The Mound in the city centre.

  • Recommended

Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art

Gallery of modern and contemporary art in a neoclassical building with sculpture park, strong changing exhibitions, and a peaceful setting.

British pound sterling (£)

Edinburgh is pricier than many UK cities. Hotels surge in festival season, dining is mid-to-high, and transit is reasonable but not especially cheap for visitors.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or casual takeaway.
Mid-range
£20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£70+ per person for upscale restaurants.
Coffee
£3-4.50 for coffee.

Tipping culture

Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if no service charge is added. Round up for taxis. Cafes usually do not expect tips.

FAQs: Bus from Bolton to Edinburgh

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

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Bolton to Edinburgh can start from as little as €15 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Bolton to Edinburgh is €38 ; 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 Edinburgh is 5h 15m to travel the 166 miles (268 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 Edinburgh leaves at 12:23 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Bolton to Edinburgh leaves at 11:40 PM.
There are 11 buses a day from Bolton to Edinburgh which require at least one change with FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Bolton to Edinburgh, you can count on FlixBus for the best way to get you to Edinburgh. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Bolton and Edinburgh 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, Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East, Bolton, Interchange, Bolton, Astley Bridge . When arriving in Edinburgh , you can end your journey in bus stations like Edinburgh, Bus Station, Edinburgh, Haymarket Station (Stop HB), Edinburgh, St Andrew's House, Edinburgh, Drum Brae South, Edinburgh, Princes Street West (Stop PF) .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 Edinburgh, Bus Station, located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Edinburgh from Bolton is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 5h 15m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Bolton to Edinburgh is July.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Bolton and Edinburgh including taking a bus, train, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Bolton to Edinburgh:
  • FlixBus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Bolton to Edinburgh for bus company FlixBus.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Edinburgh are:
  • Edinburgh Castle, a historic fortress offering panoramic views of the city and housing the Crown Jewels
  • Arthur's Seat, an ancient volcano providing hiking trails and a vantage point over Edinburgh
  • The Royal Mile, a historic street connecting Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace, lined with shops and landmarks
  • Holyrood Palace, the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland, featuring beautiful gardens and historic architecture
  • The National Museum of Scotland, a museum showcasing Scottish history, culture, and natural history through diverse exhibits.
The best things to do in Edinburgh include:
  • Explore the vibrant atmosphere of Grassmarket, a historic marketplace with pubs, shops, and street performances
  • Enjoy a ghost tour through the haunted streets and underground vaults of Edinburgh
  • Attend a performance at the Edinburgh Festival Theatre, known for its diverse range of shows
  • Visit the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, offering beautiful landscapes and plant collections
  • Discover the hidden gems and local art at the Stockbridge Market.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Bolton to Edinburgh depends on the bus companies:
  • 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 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 Edinburgh.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Bolton to Edinburgh:
  • 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 Edinburgh:
  • FlixBus
    • Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Bolton to Edinburgh. 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 Edinburgh with the following bus company: FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Bolton to Edinburgh with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Bolton to Edinburgh with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Since neither Bolton nor Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like the Royal Mile and public transport. Common scams include fake charity collectors and overcharging by taxi drivers who don’t use the meter. It’s advisable to use licensed taxis and keep belongings secure in busy spots. Avoid unlicensed ticket sellers near popular attractions to prevent fraud.
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 Edinburgh

Most Bolton to Edinburgh buses use the Manchester, Shudehill Interchange to Edinburgh, Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Edinburgh, St Andrew's House. Use this guide to compare Bolton and Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh

Which Bolton station do buses to Edinburgh leave from?

Buses from Bolton to Edinburgh 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 · €9 · 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.

More options for your journey from Bolton to Edinburgh

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

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