Birmingham to Bolton train with CrossCountry

Sat 13 Dec
+ Add return
CrossCountry
Avanti West Coast
Cross Country
Great Western Rail
Deutsche Bahn
1,000+ travel companies
CrossCountry
Avanti West Coast
Cross Country
Great Western Rail
Deutsche Bahn
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Birmingham to Bolton

Showing times and prices for 15 Dec

Cheapest price

£22

Average price

£31

Fastest journey

2 h 22 m

Average duration

2 h 34 m

Trains per day

5

Distance

128 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Birmingham to Bolton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Birmingham to Bolton will cost around £31 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £22.

Fast trains

Of the 5 trains that leave Birmingham for Bolton every day 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct trains cover the 128 km distance in an average of 2 h 34 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 22 m .

The slowest trains will take 2 h 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.

CrossCountry
07:412h50
Birmingham
10:31Bolton
£221One-way
0 changes
CrossCountry
04:492h42
Birmingham
07:31Bolton
£221One-way
0 changes
CrossCountry
04:574h37
Birmingham
09:34Bolton
£331One-way
0 changes
Avanti West Coast
05:052h47
Birmingham
07:52Bolton
£381One-way
0 changes
Avanti West Coast
07:072h45
Birmingham
09:52Bolton
£381One-way
0 changes

Travel Information

Compare coach and train for Birmingham to Bolton

Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Birmingham to Bolton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £8. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 52m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £8, and a train costs an average of £12.

Distance: 128 km

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Coach

£35

Average Price

£16

Average Price

Cheapest

2h 22m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 52m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 2m

Average total duration

2h 32m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

CrossCountry

Most popular train company

Megabus

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

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

Live departures

Birmingham to Bolton train times

The table below shows live departures for Birmingham to Bolton trains for today, Sunday 14 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 15:06
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
cross_country20:01 Birmingham
2h19
22:20 Bolton0 changesdirect
Monday 15 December
cross_country04:57 Birmingham
4h37
09:34 Bolton0 changesdirect
avanti_west_coast05:05 Birmingham
2h47
07:52 Bolton0 changesdirect
cross_country07:01 Birmingham
2h30
09:31 Bolton0 changesdirect
cross_country11:30 Birmingham
2h22
13:52 Bolton0 changesdirect

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Birmingham to Bolton 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.

Mon
15 Dec
Tue
16 Dec
Wed
17 Dec
Thu
18 Dec
Fri
19 Dec
Sat
20 Dec
Sun
21 Dec

Journey information

Overview: Train from Birmingham to Bolton

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Birmingham to Bolton run on average 4 times per day, taking around 1h 52m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £12 but you can travel from only £8 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 05:30, the last at 22:30. The fastest train covers the 128 km distance in 2h 7m.

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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £8
Distance
128 km
Average train duration
1h 52m
Cheapest ticket price
£12
Trains per day
4
Fastest train
2h 7m
First train
05:30
Last train
22:30
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £8

Train companies: CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, Cross Country from Birmingham to Bolton trainsCrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, Cross Country trains will get you between Birmingham and Bolton from £8. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

CrossCountry

About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 7m
Cheapest Price
£22
CrossCountry frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone

Avanti West Coast

About
Avanti West Coast is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates high-speed trains between London and major cities in the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, First Class and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drinks. The most popular routes for Avanti West Coast are London to Birmingham, London to Manchester and London to Glasgow. The company operates a fleet of Pendolino and Super Voyager trains, which offer a smooth and comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 14m
Cheapest Price
£21
Avanti West Coast frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
First Class: Complimentary meals and drinks. Standard Class: Onboard shop with drinks and snacks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Standard Class: Optional reservation for £8-12
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/alighting available
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs £30 per single journey. Guide dogs free
Quiet zone

Cross Country

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 50m
Cheapest Price
£98
Cross Country frequency
12 a day

FAQs: Birmingham to Bolton train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Birmingham 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
To fully enjoy Bolton's attractions, a stay of 2 to 3 days is recommended, allowing time to explore local highlights such as the Bolton Museum, Smithills Hall, and nearby nature spots.
A day trip from Birmingham to Bolton is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 7m each way. However, trains run 4 times per day.
The cheapest way to get from Birmingham to Bolton is by coach, costing approximately £8.
The cost of a train ticket from Birmingham to Bolton can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £12, while the average price tends to be around £35.
The train distance from Birmingham to Bolton is 128 km.
The train journey from Birmingham to Bolton is not typically considered scenic, as it primarily passes through urban and industrial areas. However, there are occasional stretches of countryside and greenery that might offer some pleasant views.
The last train from Birmingham to Bolton departs at 22:30.
Booking trains from Birmingham to Bolton in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
There is no night train service from Birmingham to Bolton.
The train journey from Birmingham to Bolton covers a distance of 128 km and takes approximately 2h 7m. Trains run 4 per day.
The train station in Birmingham that goes to Bolton is Birmingham New Street (BHM), and it arrives at Bolton station (BON).
The first train from Birmingham to Bolton leaves at 5:30.
Trains from Birmingham to Bolton run approximately 4 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Birmingham to Bolton.
Yes, you can take the train from Birmingham to Bolton.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Birmingham to Bolton.
To get from Birmingham to Bolton, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Birmingham and Bolton

Birmingham
Bolton
The major train station for departures in Birmingham is Acocks Green. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Acocks Green for your trip from Birmingham to Bolton.
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 07:00 - 16:00 Friday 07:00 - 18:00 Saturday 08:00 - 16:00 Sunday Closed None
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
6 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: Yes
  • Step free access coverage: Yes
  • Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station
  • Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are not available
  • Accessible ticket machines: There are no accessible ticket machines at this station
  • Ramp for train access: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available: No
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: No
  • Storage location: On platform
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
  • Helpline Contact: 0800 0248998
  • Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements
Public transport options for Acocks Green
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: In the event of engineering the bus/coach will collect from: The public service bus stop outside station entrance.
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
LoungeLounge
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday 07:00 - 10:3012:00 - 18:00 Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 07:00 - 11:0012:00 - 18:00 Friday 07:00 - 11:0015:00 - 18:00 Saturday 11:00 - 15:00 Sunday Closed None
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
3 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: Yes
  • Step free access coverage: Yes
  • Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not accessible
  • Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are not available
  • Accessible ticket machines: There are no accessible ticket machines at this station
  • Ramp for train access: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available: No
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office
  • Helpline Contact: 0800 0248998
  • Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements
Public transport options for Aston
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: In the event of engineering the bus/coach will collect from: Lichfield Road - under railway bridge at public service bus stop near to bottom of stairs for Platform 1 Walsall bound platform
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
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 - Friday 05:40 - 00:10 Saturday 05:55 - 23:55 Sunday 08:40 - 00:10
Shopping
Shopping
  • Type of shops available: Newsagent, Flower stall
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: Yes
  • Step free access coverage: Yes
  • Step free access note: Step Free Access Category A. Step free access to all platforms.
  • Accessible taxis: If you would like us to assist you in booking an accessible taxi for your onward journey please contact 03456 005 165.
  • Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
  • Ramp for train access: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available: Yes
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes
WC
WC
  • National key toilets: Yes
  • Baby changing facilities: Yes
  • Baby changing facilities location: Female toilets
Lounge
Lounge
  • Waiting rooms location: Waiting rooms are located on Platform 1 and between platforms 3 & 4.
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: Between Platforms 2 and 3 at the south end of the station.
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Birmingham Moor Street
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: This station is not usually served by rail replacement buses, due to difficult road access. Replacement buses stop at Birmingham Snow Hill station.

More options for your journey from Birmingham to Bolton

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

HomeTrainsTrain Times to Bolton Birmingham to Bolton train

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