Bolton to Manchester bus with National Express

Wed, Nov 04
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Bolton to Manchester

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Nov 04
Cheapest price on Nov 04
$6
Average ticket price on Nov 04
$6
Fastest journey on Nov 04
40 m
Average journey duration on Nov 04
40 m
Buses on Nov 04
3
Distance
17 km
Cheap tickets

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.

Fast buses

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.

  • National Express
    0 transfers
  • National Express
    0 transfers
  • National Express
    0 transfers

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Bolton to Manchester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

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.

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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from $4

Plan this route

Journey facts

  • Distance10 miles (17 km)
  • Average bus duration42m
  • Cheapest ticket price$4
  • Buses per day2
  • Direct buses2
  • Fastest bus30m
  • First bus12:08 AM
  • Last bus11:57 PM
  • Cheapest MonthDec
  • Cheapest DaySun
  • High SeasonJul - Sep
  • Low SeasonJan - Mar
  • Busiest DayThu
  • Least Busy DaySun
  • Best time to book1 day

Understand & plan this route

Explore this journey

Book with confidence

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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from $4

Frequently asked questions about your Bolton to Manchester trip

Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Bolton to Manchester.

Cheap bus tickets from Bolton to Manchester can start from as little as $4 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Bolton to Manchester is $5 ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The earliest bus from Bolton to Manchester leaves at 12:08 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Bolton to Manchester leaves at 11:57 PM.
Yes, there are 2 direct buses a day from Bolton to Manchester with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.

Bolton to Manchester Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest 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

Live departures

Bolton to Manchester bus times

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.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
National Express9:20 AM Bolton
0h55
10:15 AM Manchester0 transfersDirect
National Express9:35 AM Bolton
0h40
10:15 AM Manchester0 transfersDirect
National Express10:45 AM Bolton
0h40
11:25 AM Manchester0 transfersDirect
National Express11:45 AM Bolton
0h40
12:25 PM Manchester0 transfersDirect

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Bolton to Manchester buses with Omio?

National Express operates all buses services from Bolton to Manchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Bolton to Manchester.

Why book with Omio vs National Express?

  • 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 Manchester.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

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

Bus companies

Bus companies from Bolton to Manchester

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.

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
30m
Cheapest National Express Price
$4
National Express frequency
2 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.

Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Bolton and Manchester

Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.

When taking a bus from Bolton to Manchester, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Manchester. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Bolton and Manchester and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Bolton to Manchester:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Bolton to Manchester for bus company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Bolton to Manchester depends on the bus companies:
  • 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company {providersWithBike}.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Bolton to Manchester.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Bolton to Manchester:
  • National Express
    • Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Bolton to Manchester:
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Bolton to Manchester.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Bolton to Manchester with the following bus company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Bolton to Manchester with the following bus company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Bolton to Manchester with the following bus company: National Express.

Complete guide to Manchester

Things to do in Manchester

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

  • 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.

  • Must visit

Manchester Art Gallery

Major art museum with Pre-Raphaelite works, design, and changing exhibitions. A central cultural stop with broad appeal.

  • Must visit

Manchester Museum

The University of Manchester museum spans dinosaurs, Egypt, nature, and anthropology. Recently renewed and excellent for varied interests.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for the UK: hotels often cost less than London, while dining and transit are manageable for tourists with many mid-range options.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or casual eats.
Mid-range
£18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£60+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£3-4.50 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

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.

Plan your visit to Manchester

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.

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 Manchester, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like markets, public transport, and popular tourist spots. Common scams include fake charity collectors and overcharging by unofficial taxi drivers. It is advisable to use licensed taxis and keep personal belongings secure to avoid theft. Staying aware of surroundings, particularly at night, helps reduce safety 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.

FAQs: Bus from Bolton to 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.

FAQs
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Bolton and Manchester including taking a bus and train.
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.

popular bus stations

Popular bus stations from Bolton to Manchester

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.

Departure bus stations in Bolton
Arrival bus stations in Manchester

Which Bolton station do buses to Manchester leave from?

Buses from Bolton to Manchester leave from Bolton, Interchange. The station is 0 miles (1 km) from Bolton city centre at Bolton Market, Bolton BL1 1SX, UK.
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 · $3 · every ~79 min
576, 575 · 7m · $3 · 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 · $3 · every ~17 min
1 · 4m · $3 · 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.

Bus stations for Bolton to Manchester

Check bus stations information for Bolton and Manchester, including where buses depart and arrive on this route.

When departing from Bolton , you have various bus station options to start your journey from including Bolton, Interchange, Bolton, Astley Bridge . When arriving in Manchester , you can end your journey in bus stations like Manchester, Coach Station, Manchester, Airport .Passengers board the bus most frequently from Bolton, Interchange, which is located around 0 miles (1 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Manchester, Coach Station, located 0 away from the city centre.

Most popular bus connections from Bolton

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