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London to Bolton bus with National Express

Sat, Jan 31
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The cheapest and fastest buses from London to Bolton

Showing times and prices for Jan 31

Cheapest price

$26

Average price

$36

Fastest journey

5 h 25 m

Average duration

5 h 58 m

Buses per day

5

Distance

278 km

Cheap tickets

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 $36 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $26.

Fast buses

Of the 5 buses that leave London for Bolton on Sat, Jan 31, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Sat, Jan 31 the direct buses cover the 278 km distance in an average of 5 h 58 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 25 m .

On Sat, Jan 31 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.

National ExpressNX540
05:00PM5h25
London, Victoria Coach Station
10:25PMBolton, Interchange
$261One-way
0 transfers
National ExpressNX540
01:00PM5h50
London, Victoria Coach Station
06:50PMBolton, Interchange
$301One-way
0 transfers
National ExpressNX540
05:00PM5h30
London, Victoria Coach Station
10:30PMBolton, Astley Bridge
$321One-way
0 transfers
National ExpressNX540
01:00PM6h00
London, Victoria Coach Station
07:00PMBolton, Astley Bridge
$381One-way
0 transfers
National ExpressNX424
11:30PM7h05
London, Victoria Coach Station
06:35AMBolton, Interchange
$551One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for London to Bolton

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from London to Bolton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €7. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 3m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €7, and a flight costs an average of €60.

Distance: 172 miles (278 km)

Compare bus with

Most popular
Bus
Train
Flight

€33

Average price

Cheapest

€101

Average price

€185

Average price

6h 0m

Average total duration

5h 30m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 15m

Average total duration

2h 45m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 3m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 3m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.3 - 0.7kg

CO2 emissions

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.8 - 1.7kg

CO2 emissions

National Express

Most popular bus company

Avanti West Coast

Most popular train company

British Airways

Most popular airline

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

London to Bolton Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
01:00PM
Arrival Time
06:50PM
Duration
5h50
Departure days
Tue, Wed, Sat
Cheapest price
$22
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:00PM
Arrival Time
10:25PM
Duration
5h25
Departure days
Tue, Wed, Sat
Cheapest price
$22
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:30PM
Arrival Time
06:35AM
Duration
7h05
Departure days
Tue, Wed, Sat
Cheapest price
$54

Live departures

London to Bolton bus times

The table below shows live departures for London to Bolton buses for today, Friday, January 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at 6:14 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
meinfernbus_flixbus8:30 PM London
4h30
1:00 AM Bolton0 transfersDirect
national_express10:30 PM London
7h05
5:35 AM Bolton0 transfersDirect
Saturday, January 31
national_expressNX5401:00 PM London, Victoria Coach Station
6h00
7:00 PM Bolton, Astley Bridge0 transfersDirect
national_expressNX5401:00 PM London, Victoria Coach Station
5h50
6:50 PM Bolton, Interchange0 transfersDirect
national_expressNX5405:00 PM London, Victoria Coach Station
5h25
10:25 PM Bolton, Interchange0 transfersDirect
national_expressNX5405:00 PM London, Victoria Coach Station
5h30
10:30 PM Bolton, Astley Bridge0 transfersDirect

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets London to Bolton by train, bus, or flight

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.

Sat
Jan 31
Sun
Feb 01
Mon
Feb 02
Tue
Feb 03
Wed
Feb 04
Thu
Feb 05
Fri
Feb 06

Why should you book London to Bolton buses with Omio?

FlixBus as well as National Express or Megabus offer buses services from London to Bolton.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from London to Bolton.

Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for FlixBus, but also compare tickets for the likes of National Express or Megabus to find the best option for your trip from London to Bolton.
  • 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 FlixBus with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from London to Bolton.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of National Express or Megabus to find the best option for your trip from London to Bolton.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from London to Bolton.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from London to Bolton

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from London to Bolton run on average 6 times per day, taking around 5h 30m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $9 (€7) if you book in advance.

There are 6 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:45. The fastest bus covers the 172 miles (278 km) distance in 4h 10m.

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
Distance
172 miles (278 km)
Average bus duration
5h 30m
Cheapest ticket price
$9 (€7)
Buses per day
6
Direct buses
6
Fastest bus
4h 10m
First bus
00:05
Last bus
23:45
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

Bus providers: National Express, Megabus, FlixBus from London to BoltonYou can travel by bus between London to Bolton with National Express, Megabus, FlixBus for as low as $9 (€7). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

FlixBus

About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 10m
Cheapest Price
$25 (€19)
FlixBus frequency
13 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.

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
5h 25m
Cheapest Price
$26 (€20)
National Express frequency
5 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.

Megabus

About
Megabus is a low-cost intercity bus service operating across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Known for its affordable fares, including promotional $1 tickets, Megabus offers routes connecting over 500 cities and university campuses in North America. The company provides amenities such as air conditioning, power outlets, free Wi-Fi, and onboard restrooms, with many routes utilizing double-decker buses for scenic views. Megabus aims to provide safe, convenient, and affordable express bus travel.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 40m
Cheapest Price
$14 (€11)
Megabus frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
One piece of luggage is included per passenger reservation. For guidance, a piece of luggage must not exceed 62 inches (length + width + height) and should not weigh more than 50 pounds (23kg).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased by buying an additional travel ticket in advance or by adding up to two additional pieces when booking for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
Megabus reservations cannot be canceled or refunded, but they can be traded in for another journey up to 3 hours before your original scheduled departure for a fee.
Refund
If Megabus fails to provide on-time reliable service for reasons wholly within their control, refunds or alternative travel arrangements may be offered.
Pregnant on board
Being pregnant on board is allowed, but no specific details or restrictions are provided.
Unaccompagned minor
Unaccompanied minors under the age of 17 are not permitted to travel on Megabus.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cold food and drinks, as well as hot drinks with a lid, are allowed on board, but hot food is not.
Seat reservation
Reserved seats can be purchased for an additional fee, starting from £2.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.

FAQs: Bus from London to Bolton

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.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from London to Bolton can start from as little as $9 (€7) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for London to Bolton is $42 (€33) ; 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 London to Bolton is 4h 10m to travel the 172 miles (278 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 London to Bolton leaves at 12:05 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from London to Bolton leaves at 11:45 PM.
Yes, there are 6 direct buses a day from London to Bolton with National Express, Megabus, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from London to Bolton, you can count on National Express, Megabus, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Bolton. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between London and Bolton and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
When departing from London , you have various bus station options to start your journey from including London, Victoria Coach Station, London, Finchley Road ("Subway" restaurant), London, Baker Street Station, London, Heathrow Airport Terminal 4, London, Heathrow Airport Terminals 2 & 3, London, Heathrow Airport Terminal 5, London, Baker Street Station, Gloucester Place, London, Golders Green Station, London, York Road (London Eye), London, Lithos Road, London, Southwark Street / Blackfriars Road, London, Stratford City Bus Station, London, Victoria Green Line Coach Station, London, Elephant and Castle, London, Tottenham Hale Bus Station, London, Bishopsgate (Liverpool Street Station - Stop G), London, Eastbourne Terrace (Paddington Station), London, Whitechapel Station Royal London Hospital (Stop B), London, Shoreditch High St / Bethnal Green Road (Stop L), London, Greenford Roundabout, London, Lewisham . When arriving in Bolton , you can end your journey in bus stations like Manchester, Shudehill Interchange, Bolton, Interchange, Bolton, Astley Bridge, Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East, Warrington, Winwick Street (Bus Interchange), Preston, Bus Station .Passengers board the bus most frequently from London, Victoria Coach Station, which is located around 2 away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange, located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Bolton from London is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 4h 10m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from London to Bolton is February.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between London and Bolton including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from London to Bolton:
  • Megabus
    • Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
  • FlixBus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from London to Bolton for bus company National Express, Megabus, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from London to Bolton depends on the bus companies:
  • Megabus
    • Megabus reservations cannot be canceled or refunded, but they can be traded in for another journey up to 3 hours before your original scheduled departure for a fee.
  • 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.
  • FlixBus
    • You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company National Express, FlixBus.
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 London to Bolton.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from London to Bolton:
  • Megabus
    • One piece of luggage is included per passenger reservation. For guidance, a piece of luggage must not exceed 62 inches (length + width + height) and should not weigh more than 50 pounds (23kg).
  • National Express
    • Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
  • FlixBus
    • One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from London to Bolton:
  • Megabus
    • Additional luggage can be purchased by buying an additional travel ticket in advance or by adding up to two additional pieces when booking for a fee.
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
  • FlixBus
    • Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from London to Bolton. The following conditions apply:
  • FlixBus
    • Small pets in carriers allowed
    • guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from London to Bolton with the following bus company: National Express, Megabus, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from London to Bolton with the following bus company: National Express, Megabus, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from London to Bolton with the following bus company: National Express, Megabus, FlixBus.

popular bus stations

Popular bus stations from London to Bolton

London
Bolton
The major bus station for departures in London is London, Victoria Coach Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at London, Victoria Coach Station for your trip from London to Bolton.
London, Victoria Coach StationWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
Amenities at bus station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 06:00-23:00
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
2 km
carConnection
Car connection
Buckingham Palace Road
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi
Dining
Dining
  • Pret a Manger (in the station)
  • Starbucks (in the station).
Taxis
Taxis
  • Available outside the station on Buckingham Palace Road.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps
WC
WC
  • Available in the station.
Public transit options for London, Victoria Coach Station
  • Bus: 11, 44, 170, 211, C1, C10 Metro: Victoria Train: Southern, Gatwick Express
London, Finchley Road ("Subway" restaurant)
information
London, Heathrow Airport Terminal 4WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
Amenities at bus station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 06:00-22:00
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
22 km
carConnection
Car connection
Great South West Road
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi
Dining
Dining
  • Pret A Manger (in the station)
  • Caffè Nero (in the station)
Taxis
Taxis
  • Available outside the arrivals area.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps, assistance
WC
WC
  • Available in the station.
Public transit options for London, Heathrow Airport Terminal 4
  • Bus: 285, 490 Train: Heathrow Express Metro: Piccadilly

Most popular bus connections to Bolton

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