Birmingham to Bolton train with CrossCountry

Tue 15 Sept
+ Add return
CrossCountry
Avanti West Coast
Cross Country
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
CrossCountry
Avanti West Coast
Cross Country
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Birmingham to Bolton

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 15 Sept

Cheapest price on 15 Sept

£20

Average ticket price on 15 Sept

£36

Fastest journey on 15 Sept

2 h 20 m

Average journey duration on 15 Sept

2 h 31 m

Trains on 15 Sept

4

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 £36 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £20.

Fast trains

On Tue 15 Sept, we found 4 trains from Birmingham to Bolton, including 4 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 128 km distance in an average of 2 h 31 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 20 m .

The slowest trains will take 2 h 52 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
    7:012h52
    Birmingham
    9:53Bolton
    £201One-way
    0 changes
  • CrossCountry
    8:302h22
    Birmingham
    10:52Bolton
    £321One-way
    0 changes
  • CrossCountry
    8:012h30
    Birmingham
    10:31Bolton
    £321One-way
    0 changes
  • CrossCountry
    18:012h20
    Birmingham
    20:21Bolton
    £611One-way
    0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Birmingham to Bolton

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Birmingham to Bolton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £14 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 23m. 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 coach costs an average of £14, while a train costs an average of £28.

Distance: 128 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Driving

£28

Average Price

£14

Average Price

Cheapest

£34

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

2h 23m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 53m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 59m

Average total duration

2h 29m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 51m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

CrossCountry

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 Birmingham to Bolton is a coach with an average price of £14.

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

A coach is £14 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Birmingham to Bolton costing on average £28.

The fastest way to travel from Birmingham to Bolton is by train with an average journey time of 1h 53m.

Other travel options to Bolton take longer:

Coach takes on average 2h 29m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Birmingham and Bolton including taking a train and coach.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.

Tickets start at around £28 compared to roughly £34 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £6. The journey takes 1h 53m versus 1h 51m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.

Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.

Live departures

Birmingham to Bolton train times

The table below shows live departures for Birmingham to Bolton trains for tomorrow, Tuesday 15 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
CrossCountry7:01 Birmingham
2h52
9:53 Bolton0 changesdirect
CrossCountry8:01 Birmingham
2h30
10:31 Bolton0 changesdirect
CrossCountry8:30 Birmingham
2h22
10:52 Bolton0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Birmingham to Bolton by train or coach

Compare train and coach 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
15 Sept
Wed
16 Sept
Thu
17 Sept
Fri
18 Sept
Sat
19 Sept
Sun
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept

Why should you book Birmingham to Bolton trains with Omio?

CrossCountry as well as Avanti West Coast or Cross Country offer trains services from Birmingham to Bolton.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Birmingham to Bolton.

Why book with Omio vs CrossCountry?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for CrossCountry, but also compare tickets for the likes of Avanti West Coast or Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from Birmingham to Bolton.
  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare CrossCountry with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Birmingham to Bolton.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Avanti West Coast or Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from Birmingham to Bolton.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Birmingham to Bolton.

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 5 times per day, taking around 1h 53m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £16 but you can travel from only £11 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 05:30, the last at 23:00. 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 £11
Distance
128 km
Average train duration
1h 53m
Cheapest ticket price
£16
Trains per day
5
Fastest train
2h 7m
First train
5:30
Last train
23:00
Cheapest Month
Jun
Cheapest Day
Sun
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Thu
Least Busy Day
Fri
Best time to book
1 day
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 £11

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 £11. 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 CrossCountry Duration
2h 7m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£16
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 Avanti West Coast Duration
1h 59m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
£134
Avanti West Coast frequency
7 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 Cross Country Duration
1h 51m
Cheapest Cross Country Price
£98
Cross Country frequency
18 a day

Complete guide to Bolton

Things to do in Bolton

Discover the best of Bolton — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bolton trip today.

  • Must visit

Bolton Museum and Art Gallery

Bolton's main museum with local history, art, Egyptology and aquarium displays, all close to the town centre.

  • Recommended

Bolton Steam Museum

Independent museum telling the story of local steam, electricity and engineering through working exhibits and volunteer guides.

  • Recommended

Hall i' th' Wood Museum

Art gallery and museum in a former house, showing decorative arts, paintings and objects linked to local collecting history.

Pound sterling (£)

Bolton is usually cheaper than Manchester or London for hotels, meals and local travel, making it good value for most visitors.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
£15-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£50+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£2.50-4 for a coffee.

Tipping culture

Service is often included or optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is typical for good service. Round up taxi fares. Tipping in cafés is optional.

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
The cost of a train ticket from Birmingham to Bolton can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £16, while the average price tends to be around £28.
The train journey from Birmingham to Bolton covers a distance of 128 km and takes approximately 2h 7m. Trains run 5 per day.
The train distance from Birmingham to Bolton is 128 km.
The first train from Birmingham to Bolton leaves at 5:30.
The last train from Birmingham to Bolton departs at 23:00.
Trains from Birmingham to Bolton run approximately 5 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service 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 train and coach.
There is no night train service from Birmingham to Bolton.
The train station in Birmingham that goes to Bolton is Birmingham New Street (BHM), and it arrives at Bolton station (BON).
The cheapest way to get from Birmingham to Bolton is by coach, costing approximately £11.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes, you can take the train from Birmingham to Bolton.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Birmingham and Bolton

Most Birmingham to Bolton trains use the Birmingham New Street to Bolton station pair, with some services arriving at Lostock. Use this guide to compare Birmingham and Bolton train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Birmingham
Arrival train stations in Bolton
Birmingham New StreetStation Street, Birmingham, West Midlands, B2 4QA, United Kingdom+44 3457114141WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Birmingham New Street from Birmingham city centre

Bus16 · 7m · £2 · every ~27 min

Birmingham New Street train station facilities and services

Birmingham New Street has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food options include: All Bar One, Leon, Caffè Nero, Five Guys, Krispy Kreme, The Pasty Shop, Upper Crust, Wasabi, Starbucks, Hotel Chocolat

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available from Sky Wi-Fi The Cloud. ATMs are aTM machines are located on the paid concourse.

Tickets and information

The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 05:15 - 23:00, Sun: 07:30 - 23:00. Information desks are in the middle of the station.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is you can leave bags with Excess Baggage Co inside the entrance off Hill Street. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Birmingham New Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Birmingham New Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham New Street: Step-free access in the whole station and ramps available for train access. All platforms have elevators and escalators.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Holiday Inn Birmingham City Center, Premier Inn Birmingham City Center (New St Station), Radisson Blue Hotel, Birmingham.

Birmingham InternationalBirmingham International station, Stationlink Road, National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, West Midlands, B40 1PAWifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Birmingham International from Birmingham city centre

Birmingham International is 12 km from Birmingham city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRugeley Trent Valley - Birmingham International, Birmingham New Street - London Euston, Birmingham New Street - Birmingham International, Birmingham New Street - Coventry, Birmingham New Street - Northampton, Walsall - London Euston, Birmingham New Street - Milton Keynes Central, Birmingham New Street - Rugby, Liverpool Lime Street - Coventry, Wolverhampton - Birmingham International, Liverpool Lime Street - Birmingham International · 9m · £5 · every ~8 min
BusX1 · 39m · £4 · every ~23 min
X1 · 40m · £4 · every ~23 min
17A · 53m · £4 · every ~19 min

Birmingham International train station facilities and services

Birmingham International has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Birmingham International.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Birmingham International. ATMs are available at Birmingham International.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Birmingham International. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Birmingham International: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Birmingham International: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham International: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This station has step-free access to all platforms / the platform, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.

Selly OakSelly Oak station, Bristol Road, Selly Oak, West Midlands, B29 6DWShoppingParkingDiningAccessibilityWCTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Selly Oak from Birmingham city centre

Selly Oak is 4 km from Birmingham city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainBirmingham New Street - Redditch, Birmingham New Street - Bromsgrove, Lichfield Trent Valley High Level - Redditch, Lichfield Trent Valley High Level - Longbridge, Lichfield Trent Valley High Level - Bromsgrove, Four Oaks - Redditch · 9m · £0.90 · every ~8 min
Bus63, 61 · 16m · £2 · every ~52 min
63, 61 · 18m · £2 · every ~52 min

Selly Oak train station facilities and services

Selly Oak has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Selly Oak.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Selly Oak. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 0248998, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Selly Oak: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Selly Oak: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Selly Oak: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not accessible, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are not available, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: A Ticket Vending Machine is available in the Booking Hall and on Platform One, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.

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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