- Must visit
Riverside Museum
Major riverside transport museum with striking architecture, historic vehicles, and interactive displays that explain Glasgow's industrial story.
Cheapest price on Sep 20
$43
Average ticket price on Sep 20
$87
Fastest journey on Sep 20
4 h 5 m
Average journey duration on Sep 20
10 h 49 m
Buses on Sep 20
6
Distance
279 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Bolton to Glasgow is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bolton to Glasgow will cost around $87 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $43.
On Sun, Sep 20, we found 6 buses from Bolton to Glasgow, including 2 direct services.
On Sun, Sep 20 the direct buses cover the 279 km distance in an average of 10 h 49 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h 5 m .
On Sun, Sep 20 the slowest buses will take 16 h 20 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.
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FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Bolton to Glasgow among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $69 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 22m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.3kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $69, while a flight costs an average of $454.
Distance: 173 miles (279 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$69 Average price Cheapest | $78 Average price | $454 Average price | $116 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 7m Average total duration 6h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 22m Average total duration Fastest 2h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 35m Average total duration 2h 35m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 3h 31m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() 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.
This is compared to other travel options from Bolton to Glasgow:
A bus is $9 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bolton to Glasgow costing on average $78.
A bus is $385 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Bolton to Glasgow costing on average $454.
Other travel options to Glasgow take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 52m.
Bus takes on average 6h 37m.
Tickets start at around $69 compared to roughly $116 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $48. The journey takes 6h 37m versus 3h 31m 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 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 FlixBus | Departure Time 12:20AM | Arrival Time 07:00PM | Duration 18h40 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $80 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:10AM | Arrival Time 06:15AM | Duration 4h05 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:20AM | Arrival Time 09:10PM | Duration 14h50 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $63 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:20AM | Arrival Time 08:15PM | Duration 9h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $70 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:35AM | Arrival Time 08:15PM | Duration 9h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $72 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:55AM | Arrival Time 08:45PM | Duration 8h50 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $70 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:10PM | Arrival Time 08:15PM | Duration 8h05 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $70 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:25PM | Arrival Time 08:15PM | Duration 7h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $72 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:55PM | Arrival Time 06:15AM | Duration 16h20 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:10PM | Arrival Time 09:10PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:05PM | Arrival Time 07:55AM | Duration 13h50 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $60 |
The table below shows live departures for Bolton to Glasgow buses for today, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX540 · NX590 | 12:10 PM Bolton, Astley Bridge | 8h05 | 8:15 PM Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX540 · NX590 | 12:25 PM Bolton, Interchange | 7h50 | 8:15 PM Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
| Sunday, September 20 | |||||
FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:20 AM Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East | 18h40 | 7:00 PM Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, 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.
Buses from Bolton to Glasgow run on average 2 times per day, taking around 6h 37m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $39 but you can travel from only $29 by train.
The earliest bus runs at 01:10, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 173 miles (279 km) distance in 5h 0m.
Distance 173 miles (279 km) |
Average bus duration 6h 37m |
Cheapest ticket price $39 |
Buses per day 2 |
Fastest bus 5h 0m |
First bus 1:10 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 7 days |
Discover the best of Glasgow — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Glasgow trip today.
Major riverside transport museum with striking architecture, historic vehicles, and interactive displays that explain Glasgow's industrial story.
Leading European civic art museum with superb collections, grand galleries, and regular exhibitions in the heart of George Square.
Elegant mansion with French paintings, decorative arts, and period rooms, set within Pollok Country Park near Highland cattle.
Lively green space beside the university, popular for museums, picnics, and riverside walks through one of Glasgow's prettiest parks.
Historic civic square framed by monuments and grand buildings, ideal for orientation, events, and classic views of central Glasgow.
Bustling shopping street mixing Victorian facades with modern retail, useful for people-watching and understanding the city's commercial core.
A savory pudding of oats, onions, suet, and spices, traditionally served with mince or fried breakfast. It is one of Scotland’s most iconic regional specialties.
Minced beef in rich gravy topped with mashed potatoes and baked until golden. A staple in Glasgow homes and pubs, especially comforting in cold weather.
A hearty soup of smoked haddock, potatoes, and onions, often enriched with milk or cream. It is a classic west coast Scottish dish with deep local roots.
Elegant fine dining by chef Cail Bruich, known for modern Scottish tasting menus and polished service in a calm, refined setting.
A long-established Glasgow institution serving fresh Scottish seafood and shellfish in a lively, classic city brasserie atmosphere.
Traditional pub dining with a strong whisky focus, offering haggis, fish, and Scottish comfort food in a historic central Glasgow setting.
Moderate for the UK: hotels and dining are cheaper than London, while transit and attractions are fairly priced for most tourists.
Restaurants: 10-12.5% if not already added. Taxis: round up or add about 10%. Cafes: tipping is optional, usually small change.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bolton to Glasgow 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 Glasgow, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Bolton to Glasgow buses use the Manchester, Shudehill Interchange to Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Bolton and Glasgow bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like 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 options include: Cafes and fast food available inside.
Wi-Fi is available at Bolton, Interchange. ATMs are aTM available near the ticket office.
Ticket office support is available at Bolton, Interchange.
Available at Bolton, Interchange: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bolton, Interchange: Facility is wheelchair accessible.
Bolton, Astley Bridge is 1 km from Bolton city centre. Public transport options include:
Bolton, Astley Bridge has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Bolton, Astley Bridge. ATMs are available at Bolton, Astley Bridge.
Ticket office support is available at Bolton, Astley Bridge.
Available at Bolton, Astley Bridge: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bolton, Astley Bridge: Basic accessibility options like ramps are available.
Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria Buchanan (in the station), Coffee Express (in the station), Fast Bites (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station.
Available at Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station: Elevators, ramps.
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