Bolton to Chester train with Northern Rail

Tue 13 Oct
+ Add return
Northern Rail
Transport for Wales
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
Northern Rail
Transport for Wales
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Bolton to Chester

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 13 Oct

Cheapest price on 13 Oct

£22

Average ticket price on 13 Oct

£25

Fastest journey on 13 Oct

1 h 24 m

Average journey duration on 13 Oct

1 h 33 m

Trains on 13 Oct

6

Distance

53 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Bolton to Chester will cost around £25 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £22.

Fast trains

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

  • Northern RailG89881 · G85900
    8:372h00
    Bolton station (BON)
    10:37Chester station (CTR)
    £221One-way
    1 change
  • Northern RailG89881 · G86165 · G89080
    8:371h24
    Bolton station (BON)
    10:01Chester station (CTR)
    £221One-way
    2 changes
  • Northern RailP28784 · G89080
    8:261h35
    Bolton station (BON)
    10:01Chester station (CTR)
    £221One-way
    1 change
  • Northern RailG89828+Transport for WalesG38873 · G38625
    8:541h50
    Bolton station (BON)
    10:44Chester station (CTR)
    £281One-way
    2 changes
  • Northern RailG89831+Transport for WalesG38403
    9:211h28
    Bolton station (BON)
    10:49Chester station (CTR)
    £281One-way
    1 change

Journey information

Overview: Train from Bolton to Chester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Bolton to Chester run on average 13 times per day, taking around 1h 18m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £11 if you book in advance.

The earliest train runs at 03:51, the last at 23:21. The fastest train covers the 53 km distance in 49m.

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
Distance
53 km
Average train duration
1h 18m
Cheapest ticket price
£11
Trains per day
13
Fastest train
49m
First train
3:51
Last train
23:21
Cheapest Month
May
Cheapest Day
Thu
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Fri
Least Busy Day
Wed
Best time to book
35 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

Live departures

Bolton to Chester train times

The table below shows live departures for Bolton to Chester trains for tomorrow, Tuesday 13 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Northern RailG89826+Transport for WalesG383998:22 Bolton station (BON)
1h27
9:49 Chester station (CTR)1 change
Northern RailP28784 · G890808:26 Bolton station (BON)
1h35
10:01 Chester station (CTR)1 change
Northern RailG89881 · G859008:37 Bolton station (BON)
2h00
10:37 Chester station (CTR)1 change
Northern RailG89881 · G86165 · G890808:37 Bolton station (BON)
1h24
10:01 Chester station (CTR)2 changes
Northern RailG89828+Transport for WalesG38873 · G386258:54 Bolton station (BON)
1h50
10:44 Chester station (CTR)2 changes
Northern RailG89831+Transport for WalesG384039:21 Bolton station (BON)
1h28
10:49 Chester station (CTR)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 Chester trains with Omio?

Northern Rail as well as Transport for Wales or Avanti West Coast offer trains services from Bolton to Chester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Bolton to Chester.

Why book with Omio vs Northern Rail?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Northern Rail, but also compare tickets for the likes of Transport for Wales or Avanti West Coast to find the best option for your trip from Bolton to Chester.
  • 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.

Why book with Omio over Trip, Wanderu or Raileurope?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Transport for Wales or Avanti West Coast to find the best option for your trip from Bolton to Chester.

Train companies: Northern Rail, Transport for Wales, Avanti West Coast from Bolton to Chester trainsNorthern Rail, Transport for Wales, Avanti West Coast trains will get you between Bolton and Chester from £11. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Northern Rail

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 Northern Rail Duration
49m
Cheapest Northern Rail Price
£11
Northern Rail frequency
3 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

Transport for Wales

About
Transport for Wales is a public transport provider in Wales, UK. It operates a comprehensive network of trains, buses and ferries across the country. The trains are modern and comfortable, with a range of different types including InterCity Express Trains, Regional Trains, and Metro Trains. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. There are a variety of ticket types available, including single and return tickets, season tickets, and group tickets. The most popular routes include Cardiff to Swansea, Cardiff to Newport, and Cardiff to Manchester.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Transport for Wales Duration
57m
Cheapest Transport for Wales Price
£17
Transport for Wales frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policy depends on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most routes with snacks and drinks. Some stations have cafes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations recommended but not mandatory. Free of charge when booking tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs allowed with ticket (£5 per day). Guide dogs 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 Avanti West Coast Duration
1h 14m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
£26
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

Complete guide to Chester

Things to do in Chester

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

  • Recommended

Deva Roman Experience

Interactive museum exploring Roman Chester with artefacts, reconstructions and family-friendly displays that bring Deva’s military past to life.

  • Recommended

Cheshire Military Museum

Museum in a former mill on the River Dee, covering Chester’s social history, period rooms and local stories from Roman times onward.

  • Recommended

Dewa Roman Experience

Museum inside Chester Castle tracing regional regiments through uniforms, medals and campaigns in a compact but informative setting.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for the UK: hotels and dining are cheaper than London, but tourist areas can feel pricey. Buses are reasonable, while central stays cost more in peak season.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or a simple lunch.
Mid-range
£18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£60+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£3-4 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Restaurants: 10-12.5% if service is not included. Taxis: round up or tip about 10%. Cafés and pubs: tipping is optional, though small change is appreciated for table service.

FAQs: Bolton to Chester train

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

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Bolton to Chester can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £11, while the average price tends to be around £19.
The train journey from Bolton to Chester covers a distance of 53 km and takes approximately 49m. Trains run 13 per day.
The train distance from Bolton to Chester is 53 km.
The first train from Bolton to Chester leaves at 3:51.
The last train from Bolton to Chester departs at 23:21.
Trains from Bolton to Chester run approximately 13 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Bolton to Chester.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Bolton to Chester.
There is no night train service from Bolton to Chester.
The train station in Bolton that goes to Chester is Bolton station (BON), and it arrives at Chester station (CTR).
Booking trains from Bolton to Chester 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 Chester offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, passing through the industrial landscapes of Greater Manchester and the picturesque countryside of Cheshire, providing a pleasant view for travellers.
Yes, you can take the train from Bolton to Chester.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Bolton and Chester

Most Bolton to Chester trains use the Bolton to Chester station pair. Use this guide to compare Bolton and Chester 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 Chester

Which Bolton station do trains to Chester leave from?

Trains from Bolton to Chester 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.

More options for your journey from Bolton to Chester

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

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