Bolton to Chester train with Northern Rail

Sat 29 Aug
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Northern Rail
Transport for Wales
TransPennine Express
Northern Trains Limited
Avanti West Coast
2,000+ travel companies
Northern Rail
Transport for Wales
TransPennine Express
Northern Trains Limited
Avanti West Coast
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Bolton to Chester

Showing times and prices for 29 Aug

Cheapest price

£13

Average price

£20

Fastest journey

1 h 24 m

Average duration

1 h 38 m

Trains per day

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 £20 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £13.

Fast trains

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

  • Northern RailP28784 · G89080
    8:261h35
    Bolton station (BON)
    10:01Chester station (CTR)
    £131One-way
    1 change
  • Northern RailC32622 · G89080
    8:161h45
    Bolton station (BON)
    10:01Chester station (CTR)
    £131One-way
    1 change
  • Northern RailG89881 · G85900
    8:372h00
    Bolton station (BON)
    10:37Chester station (CTR)
    £191One-way
    1 change
  • Northern RailG89881 · G86165 · G89080
    8:371h24
    Bolton station (BON)
    10:01Chester station (CTR)
    £191One-way
    2 changes
  • Northern RailG89826+Transport for WalesG38400
    8:221h27
    Bolton station (BON)
    9:49Chester station (CTR)
    £281One-way
    1 change

Live departures

Bolton to Chester train times

The table below shows live departures for Bolton to Chester trains for today, Friday 28 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Northern RailP28633+Transport for WalesG38403+Avanti West CoastW34265
Delayed
7:52 8:49Bolton station (BON)
2h00
10:49 Chester station (CTR)
2 changes
Northern RailG89828+Transport for WalesG38403
Delayed
8:02 8:54Bolton station (BON)
1h55
10:49 Chester station (CTR)
1 change
Northern RailP24162+Transport for WalesG38403
Delayed
8:14 8:58Bolton station (BON)
1h51
10:49 Chester station (CTR)
1 change
Northern RailC32636 · G89084
On time
9:18 Bolton station (BON)
1h43
11:01 Chester station (CTR)
1 change
Northern RailG89831+Transport for WalesG38403
Delayed
8:30 9:21Bolton station (BON)
1h28
10:49 Chester station (CTR)
1 change
Northern RailP28787 · G890849:25 Bolton station (BON)
1h36
11:01 Chester station (CTR)1 change
Northern RailG89882 · G85902
On time
9:36 Bolton station (BON)
2h03
11:39 Chester station (CTR)
1 change
Northern RailG89882 · G86170 · G890849:36 Bolton station (BON)
1h25
11:01 Chester station (CTR)2 changes
Northern RailL89354+Transpennine ExpressG16013+Transport for WalesG38405
On time
9:48 Bolton station (BON)
2h03
11:51 Chester station (CTR)
2 changes
Northern RailL89354 · G89086
On time
9:48 Bolton station (BON)
2h13
12:01 Chester station (CTR)
1 change
Northern RailP28643+Transport for WalesG38405+Avanti West CoastW33903
On time
9:49 Bolton station (BON)
2h02
11:51 Chester station (CTR)
2 changes
Northern RailG89833+Transport for WalesG38405
On time
9:54 Bolton station (BON)
1h57
11:51 Chester station (CTR)
1 change
Northern RailP24167+Transport for WalesG38405
Delayed
9:16 9:58Bolton station (BON)
1h53
11:51 Chester station (CTR)
1 change
Northern RailC32646 · G89086
On time
10:18 Bolton station (BON)
1h43
12:01 Chester station (CTR)
1 change
Northern RailG89836+Transport for WalesG38405
On time
10:21 Bolton station (BON)
1h30
11:51 Chester station (CTR)
1 change
Northern RailP28790 · G8908610:25 Bolton station (BON)
1h36
12:01 Chester station (CTR)1 change
Northern RailG89883 · G85906
On time
10:36 Bolton station (BON)
2h01
12:37 Chester station (CTR)
1 change
Northern RailG89883 · G86176 · G8908610:36 Bolton station (BON)
1h25
12:01 Chester station (CTR)2 changes
Northern RailL89368+Transpennine ExpressC24952+Transport for WalesG38409
On time
10:48 Bolton station (BON)
2h01
12:49 Chester station (CTR)
2 changes
Northern RailL89368 · G89092
On time
10:48 Bolton station (BON)
2h13
13:01 Chester station (CTR)
1 change
Northern RailP28653+Transport for WalesG38409+Avanti West CoastW33933
On time
10:49 Bolton station (BON)
2h00
12:49 Chester station (CTR)
2 changes
Northern RailG89839+Transport for WalesG38409
On time
10:54 Bolton station (BON)
1h55
12:49 Chester station (CTR)
1 change
Northern RailP24171+Transport for WalesG38409
On time
10:58 Bolton station (BON)
1h51
12:49 Chester station (CTR)
1 change
Northern RailC32657 · G89092
On time
11:18 Bolton station (BON)
1h43
13:01 Chester station (CTR)
1 change
Northern RailG89843+Transport for WalesG38409
On time
11:21 Bolton station (BON)
1h28
12:49 Chester station (CTR)
1 change
Northern RailP28793 · G89092
On time
11:25 Bolton station (BON)
1h36
13:01 Chester station (CTR)
1 change
Northern RailG89869 · G86181 · G89092
On time
11:36 Bolton station (BON)
1h25
13:01 Chester station (CTR)
2 changes
Northern RailG89869 · G85910
On time
11:36 Bolton station (BON)
2h01
13:37 Chester station (CTR)
1 change
Northern RailL89316+Transpennine ExpressC24954+Transport for WalesG38413
On time
11:48 Bolton station (BON)
2h01
13:49 Chester station (CTR)
2 changes
Northern RailL89316 · G89095
On time
11:48 Bolton station (BON)
2h13
14:01 Chester station (CTR)
1 change
Northern RailP28665+Transport for WalesG38413+Avanti West CoastC01362
On time
11:49 Bolton station (BON)
2h00
13:49 Chester station (CTR)
2 changes
Northern RailG89847+Transport for WalesG3841311:54 Bolton station (BON)
1h55
13:49 Chester station (CTR)1 change
Northern RailP24175+Transport for WalesG38413
On time
11:58 Bolton station (BON)
1h51
13:49 Chester station (CTR)
1 change
Northern RailC32606 · G89095
On time
12:18 Bolton station (BON)
1h43
14:01 Chester station (CTR)
1 change
Saturday 29 August
Northern RailC32622 · G890808:16 Bolton station (BON)
1h45
10:01 Chester station (CTR)1 change
Northern RailG89826+Transport for WalesG384008:22 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 RailL89343+Transpennine ExpressG16014+Transport for WalesG384048:48 Bolton station (BON)
2h01
10:49 Chester station (CTR)2 changes

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Bolton to Chester by train

Compare 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.

Sat
29 Aug
Sun
30 Aug
Mon
31 Aug
Tue
01 Sept
Wed
02 Sept
Thu
03 Sept
Fri
04 Sept

Why should you book Bolton to Chester trains with Omio?

Northern Rail as well as Transport for Wales, TransPennine Express, Northern Trains Limited and more 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, TransPennine Express or Northern Trains Limited 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 or Wanderu?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Transport for Wales, TransPennine Express or Northern Trains Limited to find the best option for your trip from Bolton to Chester.

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 8 times per day, taking around 1h 23m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £9 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 1h 33m.

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 23m
Cheapest ticket price
£9
Trains per day
8
Fastest train
1h 33m
First train
3:51
Last train
23:21
Cheapest Month
May
Cheapest Day
Thu
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Thu
Least Busy Day
Tue
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

Train companies: Northern Rail, Transport for Wales, TransPennine Express, Northern Trains Limited from Bolton to Chester trainsNorthern Rail, Transport for Wales, TransPennine Express, Northern Trains Limited trains will get you between Bolton and Chester from £10. 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 Duration
1h 33m
Cheapest Price
£9
Northern Rail frequency
5 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 Duration
1h 59m
Cheapest Price
£27
Transport for Wales frequency
4 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

TransPennine Express

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 20m
Cheapest Price
£38
TransPennine Express frequency
5 a day

Northern Trains Limited

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 11m
Cheapest Price
£14
Northern Trains Limited frequency
22 a day

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 £9, while the average price tends to be around £12.
The train journey from Bolton to Chester covers a distance of 53 km and takes approximately 1h 33m. Trains run 8 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 8 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.
To travel from Bolton to Chester, you can take a train.
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).
The cheapest way to get from Bolton to Chester is by train, costing approximately £9.
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, a day trip from Bolton to Chester is feasible as the journey takes 1h 33m, covers 53 km, and there are 5 train trips available per day.
In Chester, you can visit Chester Zoo, one of the UK's largest zoos, or explore the Grosvenor Museum for local history and art. Enjoy a walk or boat trip along the River Dee, or experience cultural offerings at Storyhouse. The Cheshire Military Museum provides insights into military history. Don't miss the stunning Chester Cathedral, the historical Chester Roman Amphitheatre, and the well-preserved Chester City Walls for panoramic views. The Eastgate Clock and The Rows offer iconic sights and unique shopping experiences.
A stay of two to three days in Chester is typically sufficient to explore its historic sites, such as Chester Cathedral, the Roman walls, and the Rows, while also enjoying local dining and shopping experiences.
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.

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 Chester

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

HomeTrainsTrain Times to Chester Bolton to Chester train

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