How to travel from Bolton to Manchester

Tue, Sep 15
+ Add return
Travel by bus, train with
Northern Rail
National Express
Transpennine Express
TransPennine Express
Northern Trains Limited
1,000+ more
Northern Rail
National Express
Transpennine Express
TransPennine Express
Northern Trains Limited
1,000+ more
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Travel Information

Compare bus and train for Bolton to Manchester

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Bolton to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of €4 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 46m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.0kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €4, while a bus costs an average of €4.

Distance: 10 miles (17 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Driving

€4

Average price

Cheapest

€4

Average price

€5

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

46m

Average total duration

Fastest

16m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 5m

Average total duration

35m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

37m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.0 - 0.0kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.0 - 0.0kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

Northern Rail

Most popular train company

National Express

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.

The cheapest way to travel from Bolton to Manchester is a train with an average price of €4.

This is compared to other travel options from Bolton to Manchester:

A train is €0.22 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Bolton to Manchester costing on average €4.

The fastest way to travel from Bolton to Manchester is by train with an average journey time of 46m.

Other travel options to Manchester take longer:

Bus takes on average 1h 5m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Bolton and Manchester including taking a bus and train.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Bolton to Manchester among Omio's users.
Take the train. On this route, it beats driving on both time and money.

The journey is about 21m faster (16m by train vs 37m by car) and roughly €0.83 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls (€4 vs €5). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.

Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.

Travel options
from Bolton to Manchester

How to get from Bolton to Manchester by train, bus or flight.

Our recommendation

bus

The best way to travel from Bolton to Manchester is by taking a bus because it’s the best combination of price and speed.

  • National ExpressNX540
    10:20 AM0h55
    Bolton, Astley Bridge
    11:15 AMManchester, Coach Station
    31One-way
    0 transfers

Cheapest

  • National ExpressNX540
    10:20 AM0h55
    Bolton, Astley Bridge
    11:15 AMManchester, Coach Station
    31One-way
    0 transfers

Fastest

  • Northern RailG89881
    8:37 AM0h14
    Bolton station (BON)
    8:51 AMDeansgate (DGT)
    51One-way
    0 transfers

Other options

  • Northern RailC32646
    10:18 AM0h21
    Bolton station (BON)
    10:39 AMManchester Victoria (MCV)
    41One-way
    0 transfers
  • Northern RailP28787
    9:25 AM0h24
    Bolton station (BON)
    9:49 AMManchester Victoria (MCV)
    41One-way
    0 transfers
  • Northern RailP28790
    10:25 AM0h24
    Bolton station (BON)
    10:49 AMManchester Victoria (MCV)
    41One-way
    0 transfers
  • National ExpressNX540
    10:35 AM0h40
    Bolton, Interchange
    11:15 AMManchester, Coach Station
    41One-way
    0 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 Manchester

Travel to Manchester 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 Manchester.

FAQs
There are 2 options to travel between Bolton and Manchester including taking a bus and train.
The cheapest way to travel from Bolton to Manchester is a train with an average price of €4.

This is compared to other travel options from Bolton to Manchester:

A train is €0.22 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Bolton to Manchester costing on average €4.

The fastest way to travel from Bolton to Manchester is by train with an average journey time of 46m.

Other travel options to Manchester take longer:

Bus takes on average 1h 5m.

The distance from Bolton to Manchester is approximately 10 miles (17 km).
The average frequency per day from Bolton to Manchester is:
  • Around 8 trains per day.
  • Around 2 buses per day.

However, we recommend checking specific travel dates for your route between Bolton and Manchester as scheduled services by bus and train can vary by season or day of the week.

These are the most popular departure and arrival points from Bolton to Manchester:
  • Trains mostly depart from Bolton station (BON) and arrive in Manchester Piccadilly (MAN).
  • Buses mostly depart from Bolton, Interchange and arrive in Manchester, Coach Station.
If finding a good deal is your main consideration for your trip from Bolton to Manchester, then we'll help you find the best value travel companies for you:
  • Travel with National Express, Bee Network to go to Manchester by bus.
  • Travel with Northern Rail, Transpennine Express, TransPennine Express, Northern Trains Limited to go to Manchester by train.
Yes, there are direct services available from Bolton to Manchester with the following travel companies:
  • 2 direct buses per day with National Express, Bee Network.
  • 8 direct trains per day with Northern Rail, Transpennine Express, TransPennine Express, Northern Trains Limited.
Omio customers who travel from Bolton to Manchester often also extend their vacation to go to London, Liverpool, Paris, Edinburgh, Glasgow. Omio can help you plan your trip by finding the best connections between Manchester and these popular destinations at a great price.
Most travelers need at least three days in Manchester to see the main sights at a comfortable pace. If you want day trips or a slower itinerary, consider adding extra time.
In Manchester, you can explore Old Trafford, the home of Manchester United, with its tours and museum. Discover the Northern Quarter, known for its independent shops and street art, or enjoy a captivating performance at the Manchester Opera House. For nightlife, check out Deansgate Locks' bars and clubs. Spend a relaxing day at Heaton Park, one of Europe's largest municipal parks. Visit the Manchester Art Gallery, Science and Industry Museum, and see the stunning architecture of Manchester Cathedral. The John Rylands Library offers a look at rare manuscripts, while Castlefield invites leisurely strolls through its historic ruins and canals.
To fully experience Manchester, including its cultural landmarks, museums, and vibrant nightlife, spending 2 to 3 days is typically sufficient.

Travelling from Bolton to Manchester: related information

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

HomeTravelTravel to United KingdomTravel to ManchesterHow to travel from Bolton to Manchester

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