Manchester to Bolton train with Northern Rail (3)

Sun, Dec 21
+ Add return
Northern Rail (3)
first_transpennine_express
Deutsche Bahn
Regionale
Regiojet
1,000+ travel companies
Northern Rail (3)
first_transpennine_express
Deutsche Bahn
Regionale
Regiojet
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Manchester to Bolton

Showing times and prices for Dec 30

Cheapest price

€3

Average price

€4

Fastest journey

13 m

Average duration

14 m

Trains per day

12

Distance

17 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train 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 €4 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €3.

Fast trains

Of the 12 trains that leave Manchester for Bolton on Tue, Dec 30, 12 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Tue, Dec 30 the direct trains cover the 17 km distance in an average of 14 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 13 m .

On Tue, Dec 30 the slowest trains will take 16 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.

Northern Rail (3)L09631
02:43PM0h19
Manchester Victoria (MCV)
03:02PMBolton station (BON)
31One-way
0 transfers
Northern Rail (3)L05441
02:09PM0h23
Manchester Victoria (MCV)
02:32PMBolton station (BON)
31One-way
0 transfers
Northern Rail (3)L06548
02:33PM0h16
Deansgate (DGT)
02:49PMBolton station (BON)
31One-way
0 transfers
Northern Rail (3)L06529
08:33AM0h16
Deansgate (DGT)
08:49AMBolton station (BON)
41One-way
0 transfers
Northern Rail (3)L09546
02:15PM0h20
Manchester Victoria (MCV)
02:35PMBolton station (BON)
41One-way
0 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 18m. 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 €5.

Distance: 17 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus

€4

Average price

Cheapest

€6

Average price

48m

Average total duration

Fastest

18m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 7m

Average total duration

37m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.0 - 0.0kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.0 - 0.0kg

CO2 emissions

Northern Rail (3)

Most popular train company

National Express

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Manchester to Bolton train times

The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Bolton trains for today, Monday, December 29. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 7:23 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
northern_railL08262
On time
8:08 AM Deansgate (DGT)
0h13
8:21 AM Bolton station (BON)
0 transfersDirect
northern_railL05435
On time
8:09 AM Manchester Victoria (MCV)
0h22
8:31 AM Bolton station (BON)
0 transfersDirect
northern_railL09567
On time
8:15 AM Manchester Victoria (MCV)
0h19
8:34 AM Bolton station (BON)
0 transfersDirect
northern_railL06529
On time
8:33 AM Deansgate (DGT)
0h16
8:49 AM Bolton station (BON)
0 transfersDirect
northern_railL08638
On time
8:38 AM Deansgate (DGT)
0h14
8:52 AM Bolton station (BON)
0 transfersDirect
northern_railL09669
On time
8:45 AM Manchester Victoria (MCV)
0h18
9:03 AM Bolton station (BON)
0 transfersDirect
Tuesday, December 30
northern_rail5:06 AM Manchester
0h14
5:20 AM Bolton0 transfersDirect

This is the last train 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.

Tue
Dec 30
Wed
Dec 31
Thu
Jan 01
Fri
Jan 02
Sat
Jan 03
Sun
Jan 04
Mon
Jan 05

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Manchester to Bolton?

The best time to book your train from Manchester to Bolton is 5 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Manchester to Bolton route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Manchester to Bolton per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Manchester to Bolton.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Manchester to Bolton

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Manchester to Bolton run on average 8 times per day, taking around 18m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €2 if you book in advance.

There are 8 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 17 km distance in 12m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance
17 km
Average train duration
18m
Cheapest ticket price
€2
Trains per day
8
Direct trains
8
Fastest train
12m
First train
00:02
Last train
23:55
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information

Train companies: Northern Rail (3), first_transpennine_express from Manchester to Bolton trainsNorthern Rail (3), first_transpennine_express trains will get you between Manchester and Bolton from €2. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Northern Rail (3)

About
Northern Trains is a publicly owned train operating company in the United Kingdom, headquartered in York. It runs local and commuter services across the north of England, connecting regions including the North East, North West, East Midlands, Staffordshire, Yorkshire, and the Humber coastline. As part of the National Rail network, Northern operates under a coordinated fare and ticketing system alongside other UK train companies.Ticket types include Advance, Off-Peak, Anytime Day, single, return, and season tickets, with only one class option available: Standard. Onboard amenities may include comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and refreshments on select services. Popular routes include connections between major northern cities such as Manchester, Liverpool, and Leeds.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
12m
Cheapest Price
€2
Northern Rail (3) frequency
8 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
See refund policy for ticket types
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most services with drinks and snacks. Some stations have cafes and shops
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available but not mandatory. Free of charge when booking advance tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, passenger assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone

first_transpennine_express

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
12m
Cheapest Price
€22
first_transpennine_express frequency
7 a day

FAQs: Trains from Manchester to Bolton

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Bolton by train. 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 train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Bolton, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap train tickets from Manchester to Bolton can start from as little as €2 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Manchester to Bolton is €4; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
On average the Manchester to Bolton train travel time is 11 min   for the 17 km long route, but the duration can vary if you travel on weekends and holidays.
The first train from Manchester to Bolton leaves at 00: 08. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last train from Manchester to Bolton leaves at 23: 58.
Yes, there are 9 direct trains a day from Manchester to Bolton with Northern Rail (3) or first_transpennine_express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct trains.
When taking a train from Manchester to Bolton, you can count on Northern Rail (3) or first_transpennine_express for the best way to get you to Bolton. You can also check all possible train providers who offer a service from Manchester to Bolton and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.
No, there are no night trains, the latest train for this route is 23: 58.

Passengers board the train most frequently from Manchester Piccadilly, which is located around 0.5 miles (767 m) away from the city centre, and they get off the train at Bolton, located 1.1 miles (1.7 km) away from the city centre.

A day trip to Bolton from Manchester is worth doing with a journey time of 11 min each way. Check with Omio app   the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a train from Manchester to Bolton is June.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel from Manchester to Bolton including taking a train or coach.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Manchester to Bolton

Manchester
Bolton
The major train station for departures in Manchester is Manchester Oxford Road. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Manchester Oxford Road for your trip from Manchester to Bolton.
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 06:30 - 22:40 Sunday 07:30 - 22:00
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: Yes
  • Step free access coverage: No
  • Step free access note: Category B Station, please note there are no tactile pavings at this station - There are two lifts at the Piccadilly end of platform 4 and 2/3 which connect the concourse area platform 4 and 5 with 2/3. Note: there is no lift access to platform 1 at all
  • Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
  • Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards
  • Accessible toilets: Yes
  • Ramp for train access: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available: No
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: There will be no toilet provision at Manchester Oxford Road from 15th July to 25th July to allow for existing toilets to be refurbished
  • Baby changing facilities: No
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: on Platform 4/5
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transit options for Manchester Oxford Road
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pick Up / Drop Off at the bus stops on Whitworth St West (200 yards from station) (station side for Liverpool, opposite side for Piccadilly)
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 06:30 - 22:00 Sunday 08:00 - 22:15
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: Yes
  • Step free access coverage: Yes
  • Step free access note: Category A station, Scooter Friendly Station - Step free access around the whole station via use of lifts between platforms 3-6, connection with Manchester Metrolink using ramps
  • Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
  • Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards Located near the ticket office.
  • Accessible toilets: Yes
  • Ramp for train access: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available open hours: As per ticket office opening hours
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: A key is available in the Duty's Manager's office.
  • Baby changing facilities: No
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: No
  • Storage location: on platform and approach
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transit options for Manchester Victoria
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pick up point is on Station Approach (M3 1WY) directly outside the station main entrance, outside the M & S shop.​​​​​​​
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
  • Sun: 07:00 - 22:30
Wifi
Wifi
  • Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available through BT Wi-Fi.
Lockers
Lockers
  • Operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
Dining
Dining
  • Burger King
  • Caffè Nero
  • Carluccio’s
  • Hotel Chocolat
  • Starbucks
  • The Pasty Shop
  • Costa Coffee
  • Pret a Manger
  • Upper Crust
  • McDonald's
  • & more
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
Hotel
Hotel
  • DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly
  • Premier Inn Manchester City
  • Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly
Ticket Office
Ticket Office
  • Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
  • Sun: 07:00 - 22:30
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located near the Fairfield Street entrance on the mezzanine level.
Public transit options for Manchester Piccadilly
  • Bus lines: 1, 2, 3, 147
  • Train lines: Northern, TransPennine Express, Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, East Midlands Trains, Transport for Wales

More options for your journey from Manchester to Bolton

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

HomeTrainsManchester to Bolton train

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