Travel Information
Compare coach 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 prices starting from £1. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 19m. 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 £1, and a coach costs an average of £6.
Distance: 17 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
£6 Average Price | £3 Average Price Cheapest |
1h 5m Average total duration 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 49m Average total duration Fastest 19m 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.
Live departures
Bolton to Manchester bus times
The table below shows live departures for Bolton to Manchester coaches for today, Sunday 14 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX540 | 09:25 Bolton, Interchange | 0h30 | 09:55 Manchester, Coach Station | 0 changesdirect | |
NX540 | 11:45 Bolton, Interchange | 0h40 | 12:25 Manchester, Coach Station | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Bolton to Manchester by coach or train
Compare coach 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.
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Bolton to Manchester
Buses from Bolton to Manchester run on average 4 times per day, taking around 35m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £6 but you can travel from only £1 by train.
There are 4 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:17, the last at 23:55. The fastest coach covers the 17 km distance in 40m.
Distance 17 km |
Average bus duration 35m |
Cheapest ticket price £6 |
Buses per day 4 |
Direct buses 4 |
Fastest bus 40m |
First bus 00:17 |
Last bus 23:55 |
Bus providers: National Express, Bee Network from Bolton to ManchesterYou can travel by bus between Bolton to Manchester with National Express, Bee Network for as low as £1. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
National Express
Bee Network
Buses From Bolton To Manchester
Buses from Bolton to Manchester operate every day of the week. There are usually seven services per day. The earliest departure is at 8:00 a.m, while the last departure is at 11:05 p.m. This is a direct service, which takes from 30 minutes. This route is operated by National Express.
What are the departure and arrival stations for buses from Bolton to Manchester?
Departure Station: Buses from Bolton to Manchester depart from Central Bus Station, which is off Black Horse Street. It is situated in the heart of the city, and is easily accessible by local buses or the Metroshuttle. Local bus services provide links between main bus and rail stations in the town centre.
Arrival Station: Buses from Bolton to Manchester arrive at Manchester Coach Station, which is on Chorlton Street. It is a 5 minutes walk from the Arndale Centre at Market Street. For onward travel, the station is well-served by local buses. The nearest train station is Piccadilly Railway Station, which is a 7 minutes walk away. In addition, there are car parking facilities at the station.
FAQs: Bolton to Manchester coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bolton to Manchester by coach. 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 coach, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Manchester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Passengers board the coach most frequently from Bolton, Interchange, which is located around 1.1 miles (1.7 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Manchester, Coach Station, located 0.9 miles (1.5 km) away from the city centre.
To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Bolton to Manchester, follow these tips:
Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Bolton and Manchester
- 06:00-22:00
- Free Wi-Fi
- Café at the Station (in the station)
- Fast Food Express (in the station).
- Available outside the main entrance.
- Ramps, assistance
- Available in the station.
- Bus: 50, 192, 201, 203, 205, 219, 255, 256 Train: Manchester Piccadilly Metro: Piccadilly Gardens
- 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 Bolton
More options for your journey from Bolton to Manchester
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