- Must visit
Science and Industry Museum
Major museum exploring Manchester’s role in science, technology and industry, with historic machinery and railway heritage on the oldest surviving passenger railway station site.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Bolton to Manchester
Showing times and prices for Jun 21
Cheapest price
$4
Average price
$5
Fastest journey
40 m
Average duration
40 m
Buses per day
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 $5 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $4.
Fast buses
Of the 3 buses that leave Bolton for Manchester on Sun, Jun 21, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 21 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 Sun, Jun 21 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.
7:50 AM0h40Bolton8:30 AMManchester$41One-way0 transfers- 11:45 AM0h40Bolton12:25 PMManchester$51One-way0 transfers
- 11:25 AM0h40Bolton12:05 PMManchester$51One-way0 transfers
- 11:45 AM0h40Bolton12:25 PMManchester$51One-way0 transfers
- 11:25 AM0h40Bolton12:05 PMManchester$51One-way0 transfers
- 7:50 AM0h40Bolton8:30 AMManchester$41One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus and train for Bolton to Manchester
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Bolton to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $3. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 16m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.0kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $3, and a bus costs an average of $4.
Distance: 10 miles (17 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$5 Average price | $5 Average price Cheapest | $6 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 3m Average total duration 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 46m Average total duration Fastest 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 37m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.0kg 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.
The cheapest way to travel from Bolton to Manchester is a train with an average price of $5 (€4).
This is compared to other travel options from Bolton to Manchester:
A train is $0.40 (€0.33) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Bolton to Manchester costing on average $5 (€4).
The fastest way to travel from Bolton to Manchester is by train with an average journey time of 16m.
Other travel options to Manchester take longer:
Bus takes on average 33m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Bolton and Manchester including taking a bus and train.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Bolton to Manchester among Omio's users.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.
You'll arrive about 4m sooner (33m by bus vs 37m by car) and save roughly $0.33 (€0.27) compared to fuel and tolls ($5 (€4) vs $6 (€5)). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by National Express, Bee Network.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
Bolton to Manchester Bus Timetables
| 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 09:35AM | Arrival Time 10:15AM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Mon, Wed | Cheapest price $5 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:35AM | Arrival Time 11:15AM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Tue, Thu | Cheapest price $5 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:45AM | Arrival Time 11:25AM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $5 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:10AM | Arrival Time 11:50AM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $5 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:25AM | Arrival Time 12:05PM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $5 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:45AM | Arrival Time 12:25PM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $5 |
Live departures
Bolton to Manchester bus times
The table below shows live departures for Bolton to Manchester buses for tomorrow, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:50 AM Bolton | 0h40 | 8:30 AM Manchester | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 11:25 AM Bolton | 0h40 | 12:05 PM 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
Compare prices and tickets Bolton to Manchester by bus or train
Compare bus and train 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.
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Jun 21
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Jun 27
Why should you book Bolton to Manchester buses with Omio?
National Express as well as Bee Network offer 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?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for National Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of Bee Network to find the best option for your trip from Bolton to Manchester.
- 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.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Bolton to Manchester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Bolton to Manchester run on average 2 times per day, taking around 33m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $4 (€3) but you can travel from only $3 (€3) 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 40m.
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 $3 (€3)
Distance 10 miles (17 km) |
Average bus duration 33m |
Cheapest ticket price $4 (€3) |
Buses per day 2 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 40m |
First bus 12:08 AM |
Last bus 11:57 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 1 day |
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 $3 (€3)
Bus providers: National Express, Bee Network from Bolton to ManchesterYou can travel by bus between Bolton to Manchester with National Express, Bee Network for as low as $3 (€3). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
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 Duration
40m
Cheapest Price
$4 (€3)
National Express frequency
1 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.
Bee Network
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
50m
Bee Network frequency
48 a day
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
Manchester Museum
University museum with acclaimed natural history, archaeology and cultural collections, recently refreshed and especially popular for its dinosaur and ancient Egypt displays.
- Must visit
Manchester Art Gallery
Central city gallery with fine art, design and decorative arts collections, plus changing exhibitions in a landmark civic building.
- Must visit
Northern Quarter
Manchester’s best-known creative district, packed with street art, independent shops and photogenic corners that are highly popular online.
- Must visit
Castlefield
Canalside heritage area with Roman roots, warehouses, waterside walks and one of the city’s most atmospheric urban landscapes.
- Recommended
Albert Square
Historic civic square framed by major Victorian architecture and often used for events, making it a classic city-centre stop.
- Vegetarian
Manchester Tart
A classic Manchester dessert with shortcrust pastry, raspberry jam, custard, coconut, and a cherry. It is one of the city’s best-known traditional sweet dishes.
- Vegetarian
Eccles Cake
A flaky pastry filled with currants, sugar, and butter, originating from Eccles in Greater Manchester. It is a famous regional bake often eaten with tea.
- Gluten-free
Black Pudding
A traditional blood sausage strongly associated with nearby Bury and widely eaten in Manchester, especially as part of a full breakfast.
Dishoom Manchester
A stylish and widely loved restaurant inspired by Bombay cafés, known for rich curries, grilled dishes, and a distinctive heritage interior.
Bundobust Manchester
A popular casual venue pairing Indian street food with craft beer. It is lively, well-known, and especially good for vegetarian diners.
The French
A celebrated fine-dining restaurant in Manchester known for modern British cooking, polished service, and an elegant setting inside The Midland hotel.
Pound sterling
Moderate by UK standards. Budget eats are easy to find, but central hotels and nightlife can be pricey.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- GBP 8-15 for street food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- GBP 20-35 per person at a casual restaurant.
- Fine dining
- GBP 60+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- GBP 3-4.50 for a regular coffee.
Tipping culture
Service is often included in restaurants. If not, tip 10-12.5% for good service. Round up in taxis. Tipping is not expected for counter service, but small tips are appreciated.
Bee Network
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- GBP 2.00
- Day pass
- GBP 5.00
To the city center
Manchester Airport, Manchester -> Manchester Piccadilly, Manchester
- Distance
- 14 km
- Travel time
- 20 min
- Bee Network buses in Greater Manchester have a GBP 2.00 single fare cap and a GBP 5.00 daily cap for adult travel.
- On trams and many rail services, contactless card payment is accepted; on buses, buy in the Bee Network app or check operator payment options before boarding.
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.
Cheap bus tickets from Bolton to Manchester can start from as little as $4 (€3) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Bolton to Manchester is $5 (€4) ; 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 Manchester is 40m to travel the 10 miles (17 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 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, Bee Network. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Bolton to Manchester, you can count on National Express, Bee Network 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.
A day trip to Manchester from Bolton is worth doing with a journey time of 40m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Bolton to Manchester is December.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Bolton and Manchester including taking a bus and train.
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.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Manchester are:
- Manchester Art Gallery, a public art museum housing an extensive collection of fine art and decorative pieces
- Science and Industry Museum, an interactive museum exploring Manchester's industrial heritage and scientific achievements
- Manchester Cathedral, a historic Gothic-style cathedral known for its stunning architecture and serene atmosphere
- The John Rylands Library, a neo-Gothic library with an impressive collection of rare books and manuscripts
- Castlefield, a historic area with Roman ruins and picturesque canals, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
The best things to do in Manchester include:
- Old Trafford, the iconic football stadium and home to Manchester United, offering tours and a museum dedicated to the club's history
- The Northern Quarter, a vibrant district known for its independent shops, cafes, and street art
- Visit the Manchester Opera House for a captivating performance
- Explore the vibrant nightlife at Deansgate Locks, a popular area with bars and clubs
- Enjoy a relaxing day at Heaton Park, one of the largest municipal parks in Europe, offering beautiful landscapes and recreational activities.
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 National Express.
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 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.
Since neither Bolton nor Manchester 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 Manchester 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 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.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Bolton to Manchester
Bolton
Manchester
The major bus station for departures in Bolton is Bolton, Interchange. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Bolton, Interchange for your trip from Bolton to Manchester.
Bolton, Interchange
information
Bolton, Astley Bridge
information
The major bus station for arrivals in Manchester is Manchester, Coach Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Manchester, Coach Station for your trip to Manchester from Bolton.
Manchester, Coach Station
Amenities at bus station
WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 06:00-22:00
Car connection
Chorlton StreetWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Dining
- Café at the Station (in the station)
- Fast Food Express (in the station).
Taxis
- Available outside the main entrance
Accessibility
- Ramps, assistance
WC
- Available in the station
Public transit options for Manchester, Coach Station
- Bus: 50, 192, 201, 203, 205, 219, 255, 256 Train: Manchester Piccadilly Metro: Piccadilly Gardens
Manchester, Airport
Amenities at bus station
WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 00:00-23:59
Distance to city center
2 kmCar connection
Terminal Road NorthWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Dining
- Burger King (in the station)
- Giraffe (in the station).
Taxis
- Available outside the terminal, with several companies offering services
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps, assistance
WC
- Available in the station
Public transit options for Manchester, Airport
- Bus: 43, 103 Train: Manchester Airport
Most popular bus connections from Bolton
More options for your journey from Bolton to Manchester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Manchester and Bolton
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