- 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
$29
Average price
$61
Fastest journey
6 h
Average duration
7 h 15 m
Buses per day
5
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 $61 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $29.
Of the 5 buses that leave London for Bolton on Fri, Jul 31, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jul 31 the direct buses cover the 278 km distance in an average of 7 h 15 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h .
On Fri, Jul 31 the slowest buses will take 8 h 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.
NX540
NX540
NX424
NX032 · NX230 · NX540
NX032 · NX230 · NX540
NX540
NX540
NX424
NX032 · NX230 · NX540
NX032 · NX230 · NX540Omio 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 prices starting from $14. 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 $14, and a flight costs an average of $74.
Distance: 172 miles (278 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$31 Average price Cheapest | $107 Average price | $226 Average price | $106 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 1m Average total duration 5h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 58m Average total duration 2h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 3m Average total duration Fastest 1h 3m Onboard + 3h 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 $77 (€63) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from London to Bolton costing on average $107 (€88).
A bus is $195 (€160) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from London to Bolton costing on average $226 (€185).
Other travel options to Bolton take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 28m.
Bus takes on average 5h 31m.
Tickets start at around $31 (€25) compared to roughly $106 (€87) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $76 (€62). The journey takes 5h 31m 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, FlixBus.
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 11:20AM | Arrival Time 07:25PM | Duration 8h05 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $90 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:50AM | Arrival Time 08:10PM | Duration 8h20 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $89 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:20PM | Arrival Time 08:10PM | Duration 7h50 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $82 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 06:50PM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $25 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 07:10PM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:50PM | Arrival Time 10:30PM | Duration 8h40 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $85 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 08:10PM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $25 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 10:30PM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $25 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 10:40PM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:30PM | Arrival Time 05:35AM | Duration 7h05 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $14 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:30PM | Arrival Time 06:35AM | Duration 7h05 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $50 |
The table below shows live departures for London to Bolton buses for today, Thursday, July 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX032 · NX230 · NX540 | 11:50 AM London, Hammersmith Bridge Road | 8h20 | 8:10 PM Bolton, Interchange | 2 transfers | |
NX540 | 2:30 PM London, Victoria Coach Station | 5h40 | 8:10 PM Bolton, Interchange | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX424 | 11:30 PM London, Victoria Coach Station | 7h05 | 6:35 AM 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 6 times per day, taking around 5h 31m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $14 (€12) if you book in advance.
There are 6 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 5h 25m.
Distance 172 miles (278 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 31m |
Cheapest ticket price $14 (€12) |
Buses per day 6 |
Direct buses 6 |
Fastest bus 5h 25m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 14 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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need