Bolton to Birmingham train with CrossCountry

Mon 03 Aug
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CrossCountry
Avanti West Coast
TransPennine Express
Northern Trains Limited
Great Western Railway
2,000+ travel companies
CrossCountry
Avanti West Coast
TransPennine Express
Northern Trains Limited
Great Western Railway
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Bolton to Birmingham

Showing times and prices for 03 Aug

Cheapest price

£66

Average price

£72

Fastest journey

2 h 3 m

Average duration

2 h 5 m

Trains per day

11

Distance

128 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Bolton to Birmingham will cost around £72 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £66.

Fast trains

To travel from Bolton to Birmingham you need to make at least one change.

  • CrossCountryW29871+Northern RailG89836
    10:212h12
    Bolton station (BON)
    12:33Birmingham New Street (BHM)
    £661One-way
    1 change
  • CrossCountryG01013+Northern RailG89833
    9:542h03
    Bolton station (BON)
    11:57Birmingham New Street (BHM)
    £661One-way
    1 change
  • CrossCountryG01018+Northern RailG89839
    10:542h03
    Bolton station (BON)
    12:57Birmingham New Street (BHM)
    £661One-way
    1 change
  • CrossCountryW29866+Northern RailG89831
    9:212h12
    Bolton station (BON)
    11:33Birmingham New Street (BHM)
    £741One-way
    1 change
  • CrossCountryW29851+Northern RailG89818
    6:212h12
    Bolton station (BON)
    8:33Birmingham New Street (BHM)
    £741One-way
    1 change

Travel Information

Compare coach and train for Bolton to Birmingham

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Bolton to Birmingham among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £9. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 6m. 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 £9, and a train costs an average of £10.

Distance: 128 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach

£40

Average Price

£18

Average Price

Cheapest

2h 36m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 6m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 3m

Average total duration

2h 33m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

CrossCountry

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

Bolton to Birmingham train times

The table below shows live departures for Bolton to Birmingham trains for tomorrow, Monday 3 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Northern RailG89815+Transport for WalesG38866+West Midlands TrainsC16915 · W880845:54 Bolton station (BON)
2h37
8:31 Birmingham Snow Hill (BSW)3 changes
Northern RailG89815+Transport for WalesG38866+West Midlands TrainsC169155:54 Bolton station (BON)
2h26
8:20 Birmingham New Street (BHM)2 changes
Northern RailG89818+CrossCountryW298516:21 Bolton station (BON)
2h12
8:33 Birmingham New Street (BHM)1 change
Northern RailG89820+CrossCountryG01003+West Midlands TrainsC16883 · Y811006:54 Bolton station (BON)
2h22
9:16 Birmingham Snow Hill (BSW)3 changes
Northern RailG89820+CrossCountryG010036:54 Bolton station (BON)
2h03
8:57 Birmingham New Street (BHM)1 change
Northern RailG89826+CrossCountryG011448:22 Bolton station (BON)
2h11
10:33 Birmingham New Street (BHM)1 change
Northern RailG89828+CrossCountryG010098:54 Bolton station (BON)
2h03
10:57 Birmingham New Street (BHM)1 change
Northern RailG89831+CrossCountryW298669:21 Bolton station (BON)
2h12
11:33 Birmingham New Street (BHM)1 change
Northern RailG89833+CrossCountryG010139:54 Bolton station (BON)
2h03
11:57 Birmingham New Street (BHM)1 change
Northern RailG89836+CrossCountryW2987110:21 Bolton station (BON)
2h12
12:33 Birmingham New Street (BHM)1 change
Northern RailG89839+CrossCountryG0101810:54 Bolton station (BON)
2h03
12:57 Birmingham New Street (BHM)1 change

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Bolton to Birmingham 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
03 Aug
Tue
04 Aug
Wed
05 Aug
Thu
06 Aug
Fri
07 Aug
Sat
08 Aug
Sun
09 Aug

Why should you book Bolton to Birmingham trains with Omio?

CrossCountry as well as Avanti West Coast, TransPennine Express, Northern Trains Limited and more offer trains services from Bolton to Birmingham.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Bolton to Birmingham.

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, TransPennine Express or Northern Trains Limited to find the best option for your trip from Bolton to Birmingham.
  • 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 bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Bolton to Birmingham.

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, TransPennine Express or Northern Trains Limited to find the best option for your trip from Bolton to Birmingham.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Bolton to Birmingham.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Bolton to Birmingham

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Bolton to Birmingham run on average 5 times per day, taking around 2h 6m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £10 but you can travel from only £9 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 04:56, the last at 22:30. The fastest train covers the 128 km distance in 2h 2m.

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 £9
Distance
128 km
Average train duration
2h 6m
Cheapest ticket price
£10
Trains per day
5
Fastest train
2h 2m
First train
4:56
Last train
22:30
Cheapest Month
Jan
Cheapest Day
Thu
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Thu
Least Busy Day
Mon
Best time to book
28 days
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 £9

Train companies: CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, TransPennine Express, Northern Trains Limited from Bolton to Birmingham trainsCrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, TransPennine Express, Northern Trains Limited trains will get you between Bolton and Birmingham from £9. 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 2m
Cheapest Price
£10
CrossCountry frequency
5 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 43m
Cheapest Price
£28
Avanti West Coast frequency
1 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

TransPennine Express

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 26m
Cheapest Price
£110
TransPennine Express frequency
1 a day

Northern Trains Limited

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 55m
Cheapest Price
£95
Northern Trains Limited frequency
16 a day

Complete guide to Birmingham

Things to do in Birmingham

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

  • Must visit

Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery

Major museum and gallery with fine art, local history, decorative arts and changing exhibitions in the city centre.

  • Must visit

Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum

Science museum with interactive galleries on industry, transport and invention, making it a strong family-friendly visit.

  • Recommended

Pen Museum

Independent museum in a converted factory, exploring Birmingham's pen trade with demonstrations and hands-on exhibits.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for UK city breaks: hotels and dining sit below London, while local transport and casual meals are fairly manageable for most tourists.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or casual eats.
Mid-range
£20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£60+ per person at upscale restaurants.
Coffee
£3-4.50 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Service may be included in restaurants; otherwise tip around 10%. Taxis are often rounded up or tipped 10%. Tipping in cafés is optional, usually just small change.

FAQs: Bolton to Birmingham train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bolton to Birmingham 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 Birmingham, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Bolton to Birmingham can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £10, while the average price tends to be around £40.
The train journey from Bolton to Birmingham covers a distance of 128 km and takes approximately 2h 2m. Trains run 5 per day.
The train distance from Bolton to Birmingham is 128 km.
The first train from Bolton to Birmingham leaves at 4:56.
The last train from Bolton to Birmingham departs at 22:30.
Trains from Bolton to Birmingham run approximately 5 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Bolton to Birmingham.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Bolton to Birmingham.
To get from Bolton to Birmingham, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Bolton to Birmingham.
The train station in Bolton that goes to Birmingham is Bolton station (BON), and it arrives at Birmingham New Street (BHM).
The cheapest way to get from Bolton to Birmingham is by coach, costing approximately £9.
Booking trains from Bolton to Birmingham in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Bolton to Birmingham offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes, with views of the Pennines and various towns, though it is not particularly renowned for being especially scenic compared to other routes.
A day trip from Bolton to Birmingham is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 2m. Trains run 4 times per day. The distance is 128 km.
In Birmingham, you can explore the historic Jewellery Quarter, take a canal boat tour, visit the National SEA LIFE Centre, and enjoy a performance at the Birmingham Hippodrome. Discover the city's history at the Birmingham Back to Backs. Don't miss the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Cadbury World, the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Symphony Hall, and The Bullring for shopping and dining.
To explore Birmingham's key attractions like the Bullring, Cadbury World, and the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, 2-3 days is typically sufficient.
Yes, you can take the train from Bolton to Birmingham.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Bolton and Birmingham

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

Departure train stations in Bolton
Arrival train stations in Birmingham

Which Bolton station do trains to Birmingham leave from?

Trains from Bolton to Birmingham leave from Bolton. The station is 1 km from Bolton city centre at Bolton station, Trinity Street, Bolton, Lancashire, BL2 1BE.
BoltonBolton station, Trinity Street, Bolton, Lancashire, BL2 1BEWifiShoppingParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parking
City-centre transport

Getting to Bolton from Bolton city centre

Bolton is 1 km from Bolton city centre. Public transport options include:

Bus576, 535, 525, 526, 507, 561, 562, 575, 527, 534, 537, 541, 533, 480 · 10m · £2 · every ~79 min
125 · 15m · £8 · every ~16 min

Bolton train station facilities and services

Bolton has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Bolton.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Bolton.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Bolton.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Bolton: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Bolton: Bike Parking.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Bolton: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A Station, this station is scooter friendly, a scooter permit is required for travel, Level access through the ticket barriers to an overpass and via lifts to all platforms. Lifts available from first to last trains, 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: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: As per ticket office opening hours, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.

LostockLostock station, Rumworth Road, Lostock, Greater Manchester, BL6 4JP+44 8002006060ParkingAccessibilityLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parking
City-centre transport

Getting to Lostock from Bolton city centre

Lostock is 4 km from Bolton city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainManchester Airport - Blackpool North, Manchester Oxford Road - Blackpool North, Manchester Airport - Preston, Bolton - Corkickle, Bolton - Blackpool North, Bolton - Barrow-in-Furness, Bolton - Millom, Bolton - Windermere, Stockport - Blackpool North · 4m · £2 · every ~4 min
Bus905, 930, 520 · 19m · £2 · every ~6 min
576, 575 · 21m · £2 · every ~20 min

Lostock train station facilities and services

Lostock has practical services for this route, including Parking, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Lostock.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Lostock: Parking.

Bike and car services

Available at Lostock: Bike Parking.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Lostock: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category B station, Level access from car park (22 paces, 1:12 slope) and Booking office to Bolton/Manchester platform. For services to Preston, separate ramped access (96 paces, 1:10 slope) from Rumworth Road overbridge onto the platform, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.

Bromley CrossBromley Cross station, Chapeltown Road, Bromley Cross, Lancashire, BL7 9AG+44 8002006060ParkingAccessibilityLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parking
City-centre transport

Getting to Bromley Cross from Bolton city centre

Bromley Cross is 3 km from Bolton city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRochdale - Clitheroe, Rochdale - Blackburn, Bolton - Clitheroe, Bolton - Blackburn, Manchester Victoria - Blackburn, Manchester Victoria - Clitheroe, Rochdale - Ribblehead, Bolton - Ribblehead · 8m · £2 · every ~4 min
Bus541, 533 · 16m · £2 · every ~10 min
541 · 26m · £2 · every ~6 min

Bromley Cross train station facilities and services

Bromley Cross has practical services for this route, including Parking, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Bromley Cross.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Bromley Cross: Parking.

Bike and car services

Available at Bromley Cross: Bike Parking.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Bromley Cross: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category B station, To Manchester : Level access from the car park over level crossing and up ramp onto platform. To Blackburn : Level access from the car park, through a 4ft wide gate, up a short ramp (1:9 slope) onto the platform, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible public telephones: The highest operating part of the telephone is 1140 mm above floor level, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.

More options for your journey from Bolton to Birmingham

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

HomeTrainsTrain Times to Birmingham Bolton to Birmingham train

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