Bolton to Birmingham train with CrossCountry

Mon 02 Nov
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CrossCountry
West Midlands Trains
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
CrossCountry
West Midlands Trains
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Bolton to Birmingham

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 02 Nov
Cheapest price on 02 Nov
£55
Average ticket price on 02 Nov
£55
Fastest journey on 02 Nov
2 h
Average journey duration on 02 Nov
2 h 7 m
Trains on 02 Nov
4
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 £55 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £55.

Fast trains

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

  • Northern RailG89834+CrossCountryW29939
    1 change
  • Northern RailG89845+CrossCountryG66602
    1 change
  • Northern RailG89841+CrossCountryG66598
    1 change
  • Northern RailG89832+CrossCountryG66582
    1 change

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 6 times per day, taking around 1h 54m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £14 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 1h 48m.

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
1h 54m
Cheapest ticket price
£14
Trains per day
6
Fastest train
1h 48m
First train
4:56
Last train
22:30
Cheapest Month
Jan
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Thu
Least Busy Day
Mon
Best time to book
4 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 £7

Frequently asked questions about your Bolton to Birmingham trip

Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Bolton to Birmingham.

The cost of a train ticket from Bolton to Birmingham can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £14, while the average price tends to be around £45.
The train journey from Bolton to Birmingham covers a distance of 128 km and takes approximately 1h 48m. Trains run 6 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 6 times per day.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Bolton to Birmingham.

Live departures

Bolton to Birmingham train times

The table below shows live departures for Bolton to Birmingham trains for today, Sunday 1 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
CrossCountryG01016+Northern RailL893159:19 Bolton station (BON)
2h39
11:58 Birmingham New Street (BHM)1 change
Transpennine ExpressG15951+CrossCountryG01020+Northern RailG8980110:32 Bolton station (BON)
2h24
12:56 Birmingham New Street (BHM)2 changes
Northern RailC32617+CrossCountryG0102311:19 Bolton station (BON)
2h37
13:56 Birmingham New Street (BHM)1 change
West Midlands TrainsC16941+Northern RailG89837+Transport for WalesG3891811:57 Bolton station (BON)
2h21
14:18 Birmingham New Street (BHM)2 changes
CrossCountryG01026+Northern RailG8988612:36 Bolton station (BON)
2h20
14:56 Birmingham New Street (BHM)1 change
CrossCountryG01029+Northern RailG8988813:36 Bolton station (BON)
2h20
15:56 Birmingham New Street (BHM)1 change

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Bolton to Birmingham trains with Omio?

CrossCountry as well as West Midlands Trains 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 West Midlands Trains 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?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of West Midlands Trains 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.

Train companies: CrossCountry, West Midlands Trains from Bolton to Birmingham trainsCrossCountry, West Midlands Trains 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 CrossCountry Duration
1h 48m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£14
CrossCountry frequency
6 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 West Midlands Trains Duration
2h 0m
Cheapest West Midlands Trains Price
£29
West Midlands Trains frequency
2 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

Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Bolton and Birmingham

Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.

Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Bolton to Birmingham.
There is no night train service from Bolton to Birmingham.

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.

Plan your visit to Birmingham

Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Birmingham.

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.

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
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.
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 Snow Hill. 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.

Train stations for Bolton to Birmingham

Check train stations information for Bolton and Birmingham, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.

The train station in Bolton that goes to Birmingham is Bolton, and it arrives at Birmingham New Street.

More options for your journey from Bolton to Birmingham

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

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