Travel Information
Compare bus and train for Bolton to Birmingham
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Bolton to Birmingham among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $30 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 24m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $30, while a train costs an average of $67.
Distance: 79 miles (128 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$67 Average price | $30 Average price Cheapest | $46 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 24m Average total duration Fastest 1h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 40m Average total duration 3h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 56m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus 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.
This is compared to other travel options from Bolton to Birmingham:
A bus is $37 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bolton to Birmingham costing on average $67.
Other travel options to Birmingham take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 40m.
You'll arrive about 2m sooner (1h 54m by train vs 1h 56m by car). Tickets start at around $67 compared to roughly $46 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
Travel optionsfrom Bolton to Birmingham
How to get from Bolton to Birmingham by train, bus or flight.
Our recommendation
The best way to travel from Bolton to Birmingham is by taking a bus because it’s the best combination of price and speed.
9:15 AM4h40Bolton1:55 PMBirmingham$221One-way0 transfers
Cheapest
9:15 AM4h40Bolton1:55 PMBirmingham$221One-way0 transfers
Fastest
7:50 AM4h20Bolton12:10 PMBirmingham$221One-way0 transfers
Other options
11:30 AM4h25Bolton3:55 PMBirmingham$231One-way0 transfers
Find all the dates and times for this journey by train, bus, flight, and ferry .
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FAQs: Travel from Bolton to Birmingham
Travel to Birmingham easily. Whether you want fast, cheap or something entirely different, our travel experts have collected everything you need to know so you can find the best option from Bolton to Birmingham.

This is compared to other travel options from Bolton to Birmingham:
A bus is $37 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bolton to Birmingham costing on average $67.
Other travel options to Birmingham take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 40m.
- Around 6 trains per day.
- Around 3 buses per day.
However, we recommend checking specific travel dates for your route between Bolton and Birmingham as scheduled services by bus and train can vary by season or day of the week.
- Buses mostly depart from Manchester, Shudehill Interchange and arrive in Birmingham, Coach Station.
- Trains mostly depart from Bolton station (BON) and arrive in Birmingham New Street (BHM).
- Travel with National Express to go to Birmingham by bus.
- Travel with CrossCountry, West Midlands Trains to go to Birmingham by train.
- 1 direct buses per day with National Express.
Travelling from Bolton to Birmingham: related information
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