The cheapest and fastest buses from Manchester to Bolton
Cheapest price
$5
Average price
$5
Fastest journey
30 m
Average duration
36 m
Buses per day
4
Distance
17 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Manchester to Bolton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Bolton will cost around $5 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $5.
Of the 4 buses that leave Manchester for Bolton on Sat, May 02, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, May 02 the direct buses cover the 17 km distance in an average of 36 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 30 m .
On Sat, May 02 the slowest buses will take 45 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.
NX5409:40 PM0h35Manchester, Coach Station10:15 PMBolton, Astley Bridge$51One-way0 transfers
NX5406:20 PM0h45Manchester, Coach Station7:05 PMBolton, Astley Bridge$51One-way0 transfers
NX5409:40 PM0h30Manchester, Coach Station10:10 PMBolton, Interchange$61One-way0 transfers
NX5406:20 PM0h35Manchester, Coach Station6:55 PMBolton, Interchange$61One-way0 transfers
NX5409:40 PM0h30Manchester, Coach Station10:10 PMBolton, Interchange$61One-way0 transfers
NX5409:40 PM0h35Manchester, Coach Station10:15 PMBolton, Astley Bridge$51One-way0 transfers
NX5406:20 PM0h35Manchester, Coach Station6:55 PMBolton, Interchange$61One-way0 transfers
NX5406:20 PM0h45Manchester, Coach Station7:05 PMBolton, Astley Bridge$51One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus and train for Manchester to Bolton
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Bolton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $2. 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 $2, and a bus costs an average of $6.
Distance: 10 miles (17 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
$6 Average price | $4 Average price Cheapest |
1h 7m Average total duration 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 46m Average total duration Fastest 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Manchester to Bolton Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:20PM | Arrival Time 07:05PM | Duration 0h45 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $5 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:50PM | Arrival Time 07:35PM | Duration 0h45 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $4 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:40PM | Arrival Time 08:20PM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $5 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:40PM | Arrival Time 10:15PM | Duration 0h35 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $5 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:00PM | Arrival Time 10:35PM | Duration 0h35 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $4 |
Live departures
Manchester to Bolton bus times
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Bolton buses for today, Friday, May 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX540 | 6:50 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 0h35 | 7:25 PM Bolton, Interchange | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX540 | 6:50 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 0h45 | 7:35 PM Bolton, Astley Bridge | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX540 | 10:00 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 0h30 | 10:30 PM Bolton, Interchange | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX540 | 10:00 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 0h35 | 10:35 PM Bolton, Astley Bridge | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Manchester to Bolton 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.
May 02
May 03
May 04
May 05
May 06
May 07
May 08
Why should you book Manchester to Bolton buses with Omio?
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 Manchester 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 National Express with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Manchester to Bolton.
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 Manchester to Bolton.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Manchester to Bolton
Buses from Manchester to Bolton run on average 4 times per day, taking around 37m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $6 (€4) but you can travel from only $2 (€1) by train.
There are 4 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:01, the last at 23:57. The fastest bus covers the 10 miles (17 km) distance in 25m.
Distance 10 miles (17 km) |
Average bus duration 37m |
Cheapest ticket price $6 (€4) |
Buses per day 4 |
Direct buses 4 |
Fastest bus 25m |
First bus 12:01 AM |
Last bus 11:57 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 21 days |
Bus providers: National Express, Bee Network from Manchester to BoltonYou can travel by bus between Manchester to Bolton with National Express, Bee Network for as low as $2 (€1). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
National Express
Bee Network
FAQs: Bus from Manchester to Bolton
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester 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.

- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
- 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.
- National Express
- Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Manchester to Bolton
- 00:00-23:59
- Free Wi-Fi
- Burger King (in the station)
- Giraffe (in the station).
- Available outside the terminal, with several companies offering services.
- Elevators, ramps, assistance
- Available in the station.
- Bus: 43, 103 Train: Manchester Airport
Most popular bus connections from Manchester
More options for your journey from Manchester to Bolton
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

