- Recommended
Bolton Museum and Art Gallery
Bolton's main museum and gallery with local history, archaeology, art, and aquarium displays in a central civic building.
Cheapest price on Sep 14
$29
Average ticket price on Sep 14
$45
Fastest journey on Sep 14
5 h 40 m
Average journey duration on Sep 14
6 h 23 m
Buses on Sep 14
2
Distance
278 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from London to Bolton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from London to Bolton will cost around $45 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $29.
On Mon, Sep 14, we found 2 buses from London to Bolton, including 2 direct services.
On Mon, Sep 14 the direct buses cover the 278 km distance in an average of 6 h 23 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 40 m .
On Mon, Sep 14 the slowest buses will take 7 h 5 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.
NX540
NX424
NX540
NX424Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from London to Bolton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $49 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 57m. 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 $49, while a flight costs an average of $466.
Distance: 172 miles (278 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$49 Average price Cheapest | $151 Average price | $466 Average price | $109 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 41m Average total duration 6h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 57m Average total duration Fastest 2h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 52m Average total duration 1h 52m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 4h 35m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.8 - 1.7kg 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 London to Bolton:
A bus is $102 (€82) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from London to Bolton costing on average $151 (€122).
A bus is $417 (€338) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from London to Bolton costing on average $466 (€377).
Other travel options to Bolton take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 27m.
Bus takes on average 6h 11m.
Tickets start at around $49 (€40) compared to roughly $109 (€88) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $60 (€48). The journey takes 6h 11m versus 4h 35m 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 National Express, 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 National Express | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 06:55PM | Duration 5h55 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 08:10PM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $25 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 10:10PM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:30PM | Arrival Time 06:35AM | Duration 7h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $51 |
The table below shows live departures for London to Bolton buses for today, Sunday, September 13. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX540 | 4:30 PM London, Victoria Coach Station | 5h40 | 10:10 PM Bolton, Interchange | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX424 | 11:30 PM London, Victoria Coach Station | 7h05 | 6:35 AM Bolton, Interchange | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Monday, September 14 | |||||
NX540 | 2:30 PM London, Victoria Coach Station | 5h40 | 8:10 PM Bolton, Interchange | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 London to Bolton run on average 4 times per day, taking around 6h 11m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $21 (€17) if you book in advance.
There are 4 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 172 miles (278 km) distance in 4h 30m.
Distance 172 miles (278 km) |
Average bus duration 6h 11m |
Cheapest ticket price $21 (€17) |
Buses per day 4 |
Direct buses 4 |
Fastest bus 4h 30m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 5 days |
Discover the best of Bolton — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bolton trip today.
Bolton's main museum and gallery with local history, archaeology, art, and aquarium displays in a central civic building.
Independent heritage museum exploring workers' lives, social history, and the district's industrial communities.
Restored country house museum with period rooms, collections, and family-friendly interpretation of Bolton's past.
Historic landscaped hillside with paths, follies, and broad views; one of the area's most loved walking destinations.
Major country park around reservoirs and moorland, ideal for scenic walks, cycling, and panoramic viewpoints.
Popular upland walking area with sweeping views from Winter Hill and access to moorland trails above Bolton.
A hearty Lancashire hotpot of lamb or mutton, onions and potatoes, slow-cooked in one pot. It is a classic Greater Manchester and Lancashire comfort dish.
A flaky pastry pie filled with seasoned minced beef and onion. Strongly associated with nearby Wigan and widely loved across Bolton and Greater Manchester.
A suet pudding of beef and onion steamed in cloth or a basin. This old Lancashire staple is traditional in local pubs and family kitchens.
Well-regarded Indian restaurant known for polished service, stylish interiors and refined curries and grills. Suitable for a more upscale meal in Bolton.
Established casual restaurant serving Turkish and Mediterranean grills, meze and flatbreads in a lively modern setting.
Popular traditional pub and dining venue beside Moss Bank Park, known for cask ales, British classics and a relaxed local atmosphere.
Bolton is generally cheaper than London and many major UK cities, with lower hotel, dining, and local transport costs for most visitors.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up for taxis. Cafes usually do not expect tips, but small change is appreciated.
Official public transport app
Bolton Interchange -> Bolton Town Hall
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from London to Bolton 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 Bolton, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most London to Bolton buses use the London, Victoria Coach Station to Bolton, Interchange station pair, with some services arriving at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange. Use this guide to compare London and Bolton bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
London, Victoria Coach Station is 2 km from London city centre. Public transport options include:
London, Victoria Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Pret a Manger (in the station), Starbucks (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and inside the station.
Ticket office support is available at London, Victoria Coach Station.
Available at London, Victoria Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at London, Victoria Coach Station: Elevators, ramps.
London, Baker Street Station is 2 km from London city centre. Public transport options include:
London, Baker Street Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at London, Baker Street Station. ATMs are available at London, Baker Street Station.
Ticket office support is available at London, Baker Street Station.
Available at London, Baker Street Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at London, Baker Street Station: Ramps available for wheelchair access.
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