- Must visit
Science and Industry Museum
Leading museum of science, industry, transport, and computing on a historic railway site. Essential for understanding Manchester's global impact.
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Bolton to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bolton to Manchester will cost around $6 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $6.
On Wed, Nov 04, we found 3 buses from Bolton to Manchester, including 3 direct services.
On Wed, Nov 04 the direct buses cover the 17 km distance in an average of 40 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 40 m .
On Wed, Nov 04 the slowest buses will take 40 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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Buses from Bolton to Manchester run on average 2 times per day, taking around 42m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $4 but you can travel from only $4 by train.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:08, the last at 23:57. The fastest bus covers the 10 miles (17 km) distance in 30m.
Plan this route
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Bolton to Manchester.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:50AM | Arrival Time 08:30AM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $4 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:20AM | Arrival Time 10:15AM | Duration 0h55 | Departure days Tue, Thu | Cheapest price $4 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:35AM | Arrival Time 10:15AM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $6 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:45AM | Arrival Time 11:25AM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $5 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:10AM | Arrival Time 11:50AM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $6 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:25AM | Arrival Time 12:05PM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $6 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:45AM | Arrival Time 12:25PM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $6 |
The table below shows live departures for Bolton to Manchester buses for today, Tuesday, November 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 9:20 AM Bolton | 0h55 | 10:15 AM Manchester | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:35 AM Bolton | 0h40 | 10:15 AM Manchester | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:45 AM Bolton | 0h40 | 11:25 AM Manchester | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:45 AM Bolton | 0h40 | 12:25 PM Manchester | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Buses from Bolton to Manchester with National Express. Overnight buses available on this route with National Express. Use the details below to compare onboard facilities.
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Discover the best of Manchester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Manchester trip today.
Leading museum of science, industry, transport, and computing on a historic railway site. Essential for understanding Manchester's global impact.
Major art museum with Pre-Raphaelite works, design, and changing exhibitions. A central cultural stop with broad appeal.
The University of Manchester museum spans dinosaurs, Egypt, nature, and anthropology. Recently renewed and excellent for varied interests.
Historic canal-side district with Roman remains, warehouses, and walkable towpaths. One of Manchester's most atmospheric urban areas.
Central square framed by grand civic buildings, museums, and monuments. A classic starting point for exploring the city centre.
Creative quarter of street art, music history, indie shops, and nightlife. It is one of Manchester's most characterful neighborhoods.
A flaky pastry pie filled with spiced potatoes, onion and often chickpeas. Created by Manchester’s South Asian community and now a city staple.
A comforting Northern pudding of suet pastry filled with beef and onion, traditionally steamed and served with gravy. Common in Greater Manchester pubs.
Manchester’s classic order of battered fish with chips, often served with mushy peas and curry sauce. A long-standing local takeaway favourite.
Iconic market bakery and café known for Manchester tarts, Eccles cakes and hearty lunches. Casual, busy and deeply rooted in local food culture.
Refined modern British fine dining in a restored townhouse. Known for tasting menus, polished service and one of Manchester’s top culinary reputations.
Lively Indian restaurant famous for bold curries, grills and chaat. A long-established Rusholme favourite with a casual, energetic atmosphere.
Moderate for the UK: hotels often cost less than London, while dining and transit are manageable for tourists with many mid-range options.
Service may be included. If not, 10-12.5% in restaurants is common for good service. Round up or add a little for taxis. Cafe tipping is optional.
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Manchester.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bolton to Manchester 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 Manchester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Bolton to Manchester buses use the Bolton, Interchange to Manchester, Coach Station station pair, with some services arriving at Manchester, Airport. Use this guide to compare Bolton and Manchester 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.
Manchester, Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Café at the Station (in the station), Fast Food Express (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located within the station for cash withdrawals.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Coach Station.
Available at Manchester, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Coach Station: Ramps, assistance.
Manchester, Airport is 2 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
Manchester, Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Burger King (in the station), Giraffe (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located throughout the airport, offering multiple currency options.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Airport.
Available at Manchester, Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Airport: Elevators, ramps, assistance.
Check bus stations information for Bolton and Manchester, including where buses depart and arrive on this route.