- Must visit
Leicester Museum & Art Gallery
Leicester's flagship museum and gallery, known for dinosaurs, German Expressionism and broad collections for first-time visitors.
Cheapest price on Aug 31
$24
Average ticket price on Aug 31
$31
Fastest journey on Aug 31
5 h 50 m
Average journey duration on Aug 31
6 h 52 m
Buses on Aug 31
9
Distance
136 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Bolton to Leicester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bolton to Leicester will cost around $31 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $24.
It's difficult to get from Bolton to Leicester without transferring at least once.
NX540 · NX541 · NX151
NX540 · NX541 · NX151
NX540 · NX590 · NX150
NX540 · NX121 · NX150
NX540 · NX121 · NX151
NX424 · NX777
NX540 · NX121 · NX150
NX540 · NX590 · NX150
NX540 · NX590 · NX150
NX540 · NX121 · NX151Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Bolton to Leicester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $31 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 38m. 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 $31, while a train costs an average of $63.
Distance: 84 miles (136 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$31 Average price Cheapest | $63 Average price | $38 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 26m Average total duration 3h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 38m Average total duration Fastest 2h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 22m 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 Leicester:
A bus is $32 (€26) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bolton to Leicester costing on average $63 (€51).
Other travel options to Leicester take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 56m.
Tickets start at around $31 (€25) compared to roughly $38 (€31) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $8 (€6). The journey takes 3h 56m versus 2h 22m 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 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.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:25AM | Arrival Time 03:15PM | Duration 6h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:50AM | Arrival Time 04:15PM | Duration 7h25 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 04:15PM | Duration 7h15 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:20AM | Arrival Time 06:25PM | Duration 9h05 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:20AM | Arrival Time 07:25PM | Duration 9h05 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:30AM | Arrival Time 06:25PM | Duration 7h55 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:35AM | Arrival Time 07:25PM | Duration 8h50 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 07:25PM | Duration 7h55 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:10PM | Arrival Time 07:25PM | Duration 7h15 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:25PM | Arrival Time 07:25PM | Duration 7h00 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:25PM | Arrival Time 11:15PM | Duration 7h50 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:50PM | Arrival Time 07:25PM | Duration 3h35 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:05PM | Arrival Time 01:15AM | Duration 7h10 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:30PM | Arrival Time 01:05AM | Duration 3h35 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:15PM | Arrival Time 04:05AM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:15PM | Arrival Time 05:05AM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri | Cheapest price $34 |
The table below shows live departures for Bolton to Leicester buses for today, Sunday, August 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 9:30 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 3h35 | 1:05 AM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:30 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 5h10 | 2:40 AM Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda) | 1 transfer | |
| Monday, August 31 | |||||
NX540 · NX121 · NX151 | 8:50 AM Bolton, Astley Bridge | 7h25 | 4:15 PM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
NX540 · NX541 · NX151 | 8:50 AM Bolton, Astley Bridge | 7h25 | 4:15 PM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
NX540 · NX541 · NX151 | 9:00 AM Bolton, Interchange | 7h15 | 4:15 PM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
NX540 · NX121 · NX151 | 9:00 AM Bolton, Interchange | 7h15 | 4:15 PM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
NX540 · NX590 · NX150 | 12:10 PM Bolton, Astley Bridge | 7h15 | 7:25 PM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
NX540 · NX121 · NX150 | 12:10 PM Bolton, Astley Bridge | 7h15 | 7:25 PM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
NX540 · NX590 · NX150 | 12:25 PM Bolton, Interchange | 7h00 | 7:25 PM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
NX540 · NX121 · NX150 | 12:25 PM Bolton, Interchange | 7h00 | 7:25 PM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus 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 Leicester run on average 4 times per day, taking around 3h 56m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $27 (€22) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 05:10, the last at 23:45. The fastest bus covers the 84 miles (136 km) distance in 7h 15m.
Distance 84 miles (136 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 56m |
Cheapest ticket price $27 (€22) |
Buses per day 4 |
Fastest bus 7h 15m |
First bus 5:10 AM |
Last bus 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Leicester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Leicester trip today.
Leicester's flagship museum and gallery, known for dinosaurs, German Expressionism and broad collections for first-time visitors.
Dedicated to the 2012 discovery of Richard III, this award-winning museum uses immersive displays to tell a remarkable royal story.
A grand Victorian pumping station with working steam heritage displays, making industrial history surprisingly engaging for all ages.
Revived historic quarter around Leicester Cathedral and the Richard III story, packed with lanes, heritage sites and independent venues.
Leicester's best-known green space, offering formal gardens, boating, sports facilities and a lively urban park atmosphere.
Main civic square framed by key institutions and events, useful as a central meeting point and starting place for exploring.
A flaky pastry pie from nearby Melton Mowbray, traditionally made with uncured pork. It is one of Leicestershire’s best-known foods and widely eaten in Leicester.
A hard, crumbly red cheese from Leicestershire with a nutty, mellow flavour. It is one of England’s oldest named cheeses and a proud regional staple.
A blue-veined Stilton-style cheese made in Leicestershire. Rich and creamy, it is strongly linked to the county’s cheesemaking tradition.
Modern British fine dining with tasting menus in an intimate setting. One of Leicester’s most acclaimed restaurants for special occasions.
Well-known modern Indian restaurant serving refined regional dishes and grills in a smart, contemporary dining room.
Long-established vegetarian Indian restaurant on the Golden Mile, known for Gujarati snacks, thalis and a lively casual atmosphere.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while buses and casual meals stay fairly affordable for most visitors.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up for taxis. Cafe tipping is not expected, but small change is appreciated.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bolton to Leicester 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 Leicester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Bolton to Leicester buses use the Bolton, Interchange to Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda). Use this guide to compare Bolton and Leicester 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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need