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The cheapest and fastest trains from Bolton to Birmingham
Showing times and prices for 17 Dec
Cheapest price
£22
Average price
£36
Fastest journey
2 h 2 m
Average duration
2 h 10 m
Trains per day
5
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 £36 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 Bolton for Birmingham 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 10 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 2 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 22 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.
04:542h39
Bolton07:33Birmingham
£221One-way
0 changes
04:552h38
Bolton07:33Birmingham
£281One-way
0 changes
08:212h12
Bolton10:33Birmingham
£341One-way
0 changes
16:212h12
Bolton18:33Birmingham
£411One-way
0 changes
15:253h08
Bolton18:33Birmingham
£561One-way
0 changes
13:542h02
Bolton15:56Birmingham
£631One-way
0 changes
08:542h02
Bolton10:56Birmingham
£621One-way
0 changes
16:212h12
Bolton18:33Birmingham
£411One-way
0 changes
08:212h12
Bolton10:33Birmingham
£341One-way
0 changes
16:542h22
Bolton19:16Birmingham
£561One-way
0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Bolton to Birmingham
Omio recommends booking the coach 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 £7. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 4m. 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 £7, and a train costs an average of £12.
Distance: 128 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Coach |
|---|---|
£46 Average Price | £16 Average Price Cheapest |
2h 34m Average total duration Fastest 2h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 7m Average total duration 2h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  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, Wednesday 17 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 23:21
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04:55 Bolton | 2h38 | 07:33 Birmingham | 0 changesdirect | |
| 08:21 Bolton | 2h12 | 10:33 Birmingham | 0 changesdirect | |
| 15:25 Bolton | 3h08 | 18:33 Birmingham | 0 changesdirect | |
| 16:21 Bolton | 2h12 | 18:33 Birmingham | 0 changesdirect | |
| 16:54 Bolton | 2h22 | 19:16 Birmingham | 0 changesdirect |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Bolton to Birmingham 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.
Wed
17 Dec
17 Dec
Thu
18 Dec
18 Dec
Fri
19 Dec
19 Dec
Sat
20 Dec
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Bolton to Birmingham
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Bolton to Birmingham run on average 4 times per day, taking around 2h 4m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £12 but you can travel from only £7 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 £7
Distance 128 km |
Average train duration 2h 4m |
Cheapest ticket price £12 |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 2h 2m |
First train 04:56 |
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 £7
Train companies: CrossCountry, West Midlands Trains, Avanti West Coast, Northern Rail (3) from Bolton to Birmingham trainsCrossCountry, West Midlands Trains, Avanti West Coast, Northern Rail (3) trains will get you between Bolton and Birmingham from £7. 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
£12
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
West Midlands Trains
About
West Midlands Trains is a train operator based in the United Kingdom, providing services across the West Midlands region. It operates a variety of train types, including the Class 350 Desiro, Class 323 Electrostar, Class 170 Turbostar, and Class 172 Turbostar. These trains offer a range of onboard facilities, such as free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and air conditioning. Passengers can purchase a range of tickets, including single, return, and season tickets. The most popular routes operated by West Midlands Trains include Birmingham to London Euston, Birmingham to Wolverhampton, and Birmingham to Coventry.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 26m
Cheapest Price
£35
West Midlands Trains frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for an additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs require a ticket at 50% of adult fare. Guide dogs travel free
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 12m
Cheapest Price
£67
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
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
1h 55m
Cheapest Price
£98
Northern Rail (3) frequency
1 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
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.
To explore Birmingham's key attractions like the Bullring, Cadbury World, and the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, 2-3 days is typically sufficient.
The cheapest way to get from Bolton to Birmingham is by coach, costing approximately £7.
The train distance from Bolton to Birmingham is 128 km.
The last train from Bolton to Birmingham departs at 22:30.
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.
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.
There is no night train service from Bolton to Birmingham.
The train journey from Bolton to Birmingham covers a distance of 128 km and takes approximately 2h 2m. Trains run 4 per day.
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.
The cost of a train ticket from Bolton to Birmingham can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £12, while the average price tends to be around £46.
The train station in Bolton that goes to Birmingham is Bolton station (BON), and it arrives at Birmingham New Street (BHM).
The first train from Bolton to Birmingham leaves at 4:56.
Trains from Bolton to Birmingham run approximately 4 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Bolton to Birmingham.
Yes, you can take the train 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 train and coach.
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.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Bolton and Birmingham
Bolton
Birmingham
The major train station for departures in Bolton is Bolton. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Bolton for your trip from Bolton to Birmingham.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Shopping
Parking
Dining
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parkinginformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 06:00 - 21:00 Sunday 08:15 - 19:30
Distance to city center
1 kmShopping
- Type of shops available: Newsagent
Parking
- Car Park: Parking is not available.
Accessibility
- 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
WC
- Toilets Location: A key is available from the Station Supervisor and at the News Stand upon request.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: No
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: platforms 3 & 4
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Bolton
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Newport Street stop, at stand AA
- Metro: GMPTE 0161 228 7811
Amenities at train station
ParkingAccessibilityLost and Found OfficeBike Parkinginformation
Distance to city center
2 kmParking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- Staff help available: No
- Step free access coverage: No
- Step free access note: Category C Station, Platforms are both accessed via a long set of step from street level, there is no step free route to the platforms.
- Accessible public telephones: The highest operating part of the telephone is 1140 mm above floor level.
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Public transport options for Hall I' Th' Wood
- Onward travel information: On Crompton Way for buses to Bolton or Halliwell. Busline 0871 200 2233
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pick Up / Drop Off at bus stops on Crompton Way, under railway bridge (Nearside for Blackburn, Farside for Bolton)
- Metro: GMPTE 0161 228 7811
Amenities at train station
ParkingAccessibilityLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parkinginformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday 06:25 - 19:35 Saturday,Sunday Closed
Distance to city center
4 kmParking
- Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
- 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
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Lostock
- Onward travel information: There are no bus stops at or nearby this station. Busline 0871 200 2233
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Buses pick up at the top of the station car park.
- Metro: GMPTE 0161 228 7811
The major train station for arrivals in Birmingham is Birmingham New Street. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Birmingham New Street for your journey to Birmingham from Bolton.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
LockersShoppingParkingDining
ATMTaxisAccessibilityWC
Hotel
LoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rental
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Sat: 05:15 - 23:00
- Sun: 07:30 - 23:00
Wifi
- Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available from Sky Wi-Fi The Cloud.
Lockers
- You can leave bags with Excess Baggage Co inside the entrance off Hill Street.
Shopping
- Type of shops available: Boots located on the main concourse, before the ticket barrier Camden Food located beyond the ticket barrier Costa located beyond the ticket barrier next to Platform 5b escalator Funky Pigeon located beyond the ticket barrier between Platform escalators 9-10 M&S Food located on the main concourse Mi Casa Burritos located beyond the ticket barrier next to Platform 9 escalator The Pasty Shop located beyond the ticket barrier next to Platform 7 escalator W H Smith located on the main concourse, before the ticket barrier
Parking
- Car Park: Short Stay Car Park
Dining
- All Bar One
- Leon
- Caffè Nero
- Five Guys
- Krispy Kreme
- The Pasty Shop
- Upper Crust
- Wasabi
- Starbucks
- Hotel Chocolat
Taxis
- Taxi: Taxis drop off with the 'drop & go' in the Hill Street entrance. The taxi rank is on Navigation Street (Stephenson Street / Victoria Square exit). For more information visit Traintaxi
- Accessible taxis: Taxis drop off within the 'drop & go' off the Hill Street entrance. The taxi rank is on Navigation Street (Stephenson Street / Victoria Square exit). All taxis are accessible with manual wheelchairs, most are accessible with electric wheelchairs. For more information visit Traintaxi
Accessibility
- Step-free access in the whole station and ramps available for train access. All platforms have elevators and escalators.
WC
- Toilets Location: Male, Female, Accessible and Baby Change facilities are available in all parts of the station. These are located between: Platforms 2 - 3a (Blue Lounge) Platforms 10 - 11a (Yellow Lounge) Platforms 10 - 11b (Red Lounge)
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: Close to Platforms 1A and 12A and Platforms 10 and 11B
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Baby changing facilities location: Female toilets,Male toilets
Hotel
- Holiday Inn Birmingham City Center
- Premier Inn Birmingham City Center (New St Station)
- Radisson Blue Hotel, Birmingham
Lounge
- Waiting rooms location: There are two large seating areas beyond the ticket barrier between the escalators to platforms 5b and 8b. All platforms have waiting areas with seating
Ticket Office
- Mon - Sat: 05:15 - 23:00
- Sun: 07:30 - 23:00
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
- In the middle of the station.
Public transport options for Birmingham New Street
- Bus lines: N5, N6, N8, 4, 9, 23, 45, 50, 61, X51, X70
- Train lines: West Midlands, CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, Transport for Wales
- Onward travel information: There are nearby bus stops on Smallbrook Queensway and Hill Street Most buses are wheelchair accessible. ********************************************************************************************************** For information go to the local travel information office by the Stephenson Street entrance. Alternatively, visit Transport for West Midlands, or call 0121 214 7214.
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningAccessibilityLoungeTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 06:15 - 18:00 Friday 06:00 - 19:00 Saturday 07:00 - 19:00 Sunday 10:00 - 13:00
Distance to city center
7 kmParking
- Car Park: Station Car Park
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 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
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Outside Main Station Entrance
- Storage CCTV: Yes
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 Lea Hall
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: In the event of engineering the bus/coach will collect from: Lea Hall Road - at the public service bus stops near to the station entrance.
Amenities at train station
ShoppingParkingDiningAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 06:00 - 21:00 Friday 06:00 - 23:00 Saturday 07:00 - 23:00 Sunday 08:00 - 20:00 None
Parking
- Car Park: Birmingham Snow Hill (Council Managed)
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 accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: A Ticket Vending Machine is available on the station concourse, by the Ticket Office.
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: Yes
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes
WC
- Toilets Location: The Ladies toilets are located in the Waiting Room on Platform 3 and also on Platform 2. The Gents toilets are located on Platform 2 and Platform 3. The National key toilets are located on Platform 1 and 3; these toilets are operated by a RADAR key. The RADAR key is available from station staff upon request. The toilet facilities are only available from the first to last service.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
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 Birmingham Snow Hill
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: In the event of engineering the bus/coach will collect from: Bus Stop SH4, at the front of the station on Colmore Row.
Most popular train connections from Bolton
More options for your journey from Bolton to Birmingham
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Birmingham and Bolton
Most popular train connections to Birmingham
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