- Recommended
Darwen Heritage Centre
Volunteer-run local museum with displays on Darwen’s industry, transport and community life. A useful introduction to the town’s past.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Bolton to Darwen
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£7
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£7
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
20 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
21 m
Trains on 18 Sept
6
Distance
13 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Bolton to Darwen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bolton to Darwen will cost around £7 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £7.
Fast trains
On Fri 18 Sept, we found 6 trains from Bolton to Darwen, including 6 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 13 km distance in an average of 21 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 20 m .
The slowest trains will take 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.
P2404619:040h22Bolton station (BON)19:26Darwen station (DWN)£71One-way0 changes- P2404018:050h22Bolton station (BON)18:27Darwen station (DWN)£71One-way0 changes
- P2403617:040h22Bolton station (BON)17:26Darwen station (DWN)£71One-way0 changes
- G9036317:350h22Bolton station (BON)17:57Darwen station (DWN)£71One-way0 changes
- G8530219:350h20Bolton station (BON)19:55Darwen station (DWN)£71One-way0 changes
- G8530219:350h20Bolton station (BON)19:55Darwen station (DWN)£71One-way0 changes
- G9036518:360h20Bolton station (BON)18:56Darwen station (DWN)£71One-way0 changes
- P2404619:040h22Bolton station (BON)19:26Darwen station (DWN)£71One-way0 changes
- P2404018:050h22Bolton station (BON)18:27Darwen station (DWN)£71One-way0 changes
- P2403617:040h22Bolton station (BON)17:26Darwen station (DWN)£71One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Bolton to Darwen
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Bolton to Darwen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £5 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 51m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £5, while a train costs an average of £5.
Distance: 13 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
£5 Average Price Cheapest | £2 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
51m Average total duration Fastest 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 23m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Bolton to Darwen is a train with an average price of £5.
The fastest way to travel from Bolton to Darwen is by train with an average journey time of 21m.
Other travel options to Darwen take longer:
Coach takes on average 30m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Bolton and Darwen including taking a coach and train.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 2m sooner (21m by train vs 23m by car). Tickets start at around £5 compared to roughly £2 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Direct services run with Northern Rail, Northern Trains Limited.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
Live departures
Bolton to Darwen train times
The table below shows live departures for Bolton to Darwen trains for today, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17:35 Bolton | 0h22 | 17:57 Darwen | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Bolton to Darwen 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.
Fri
18 Sept
18 Sept
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19 Sept
19 Sept
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20 Sept
20 Sept
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21 Sept
21 Sept
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Why should you book Bolton to Darwen trains with Omio?
Northern Rail as well as Northern Trains Limited offer trains services from Bolton to Darwen.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Bolton to Darwen.
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 Northern Trains Limited to find the best option for your trip from Bolton to Darwen.
- 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 Northern Rail with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Bolton to Darwen.
Why book with Omio over Trip or Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Bolton to Darwen.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Bolton to Darwen
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Bolton to Darwen run on average 6 times per day, taking around 21m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £5 if you book in advance.
There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:04, the last at 23:41. The fastest train covers the 13 km distance in 20m.
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 13 km |
Average train duration 21m |
Cheapest ticket price £5 |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 6 |
Fastest train 20m |
First train 6:04 |
Last train 23:41 |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sat |
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, Northern Trains Limited from Bolton to Darwen trainsNorthern Rail, Northern Trains Limited trains will get you between Bolton and Darwen from £5. 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
20m
Cheapest Northern Rail Price
£7
Northern Rail frequency
6 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
Northern Trains Limited
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Northern Trains Limited Duration
20m
Cheapest Northern Trains Limited Price
£5
Northern Trains Limited frequency
16 a day
Complete guide to Darwen
Things to do in Darwen
Discover the best of Darwen — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Darwen trip today.
- Recommended
Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery
Main museum for Blackburn with Darwen, showing art, archaeology and local history collections. A strong nearby choice for visitors based in Darwen.
- Recommended
Haworth Art Gallery
Heritage venue with museum displays, period interiors and cultural events in nearby Great Harwood. Offers a broader local history visit from Darwen.
- Must visit
Sunnyhurst Woods and Reservoir
Reservoir and moorland area with scenic paths and frequent routes to Darwen Tower. A classic local spot for views, fresh air and longer walks.
- Recommended
Bold Venture Park
Large country park with reservoirs, woodland and marked trails. Popular for family walks, birdwatching and easy access to open countryside.
- Recommended
Jubilee Tower Valley
Wooded valley on Darwen Moor with waterfalls, streamside paths and dramatic gritstone scenery. Especially rewarding for walkers heading uphill to the tower.
- Gluten-free
Lancashire Hotpot
A hearty Lancashire hotpot of lamb or mutton, onions and potatoes, slowly baked. It is a staple across Lancashire and deeply tied to the area’s mill-town cooking.
Blackburn Beefy Smack
Thinly sliced roast beef on a soft muffin or barm, often with mustard or gravy. A classic Lancashire comfort food found in markets and old-fashioned cafés.
- Gluten-free
Lancashire Cheese
A strong regional crumbly cheese traditionally made in Lancashire. It is one of the county’s best-known foods and often served with pies, oatcakes or pickles.
No.39 Market Street
Well-known local café and brunch spot with coffee, breakfasts and light lunches. Friendly atmosphere and a reliable stop in the town centre.
The Sunbird Kitchen & Bar
Popular grill and steak venue serving burgers, steaks and hearty mains in a modern casual setting suited to groups and families.
Akbar's Darwen
Traditional Indian restaurant in Darwen known for classic curries and a relaxed local atmosphere. Good choice for an established casual meal out.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK. Darwen is usually cheaper than London, with lower meal and stay costs; local bus and rail fares are manageable for visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £15-25 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £45+ per person for fine dining.
- Coffee
- £2.50-4 for a coffee.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual if service is not included. Round up for taxis. Cafes do not expect tips, but small change is appreciated.
FAQs: Bolton to Darwen train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bolton to Darwen 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 Darwen, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Bolton to Darwen can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £5, while the average price tends to be around £5.
The train journey from Bolton to Darwen covers a distance of 13 km and takes approximately 20m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Bolton to Darwen is 13 km.
The first train from Bolton to Darwen leaves at 6:04.
The last train from Bolton to Darwen departs at 23:41.
Trains from Bolton to Darwen run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Bolton to Darwen.
Yes, there is a direct train between Bolton and Darwen. The service operates 6 times per day, provided by Northern Rail, Northern Trains Limited.
To get from Bolton to Darwen, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Bolton to Darwen.
The train station in Bolton that goes to Darwen is Bolton station (BON), and it arrives at Darwen station (DWN).
The cheapest way to get from Bolton to Darwen is by train, costing approximately £5.
Booking trains from Bolton to Darwen 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 Darwen offers a pleasant view of the rolling countryside and charming towns, providing a scenic experience.
Yes, a day trip from Bolton to Darwen is feasible as the journey takes 20m, covers a distance of 13 km, and the train runs 6 times per day.
To fully explore Darwen, spending 2 to 3 days will allow you to visit its key attractions, such as Darwen Tower, and enjoy local experiences.
Yes, you can take the train from Bolton to Darwen.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Bolton and Darwen
Most Bolton to Darwen trains use the Bolton to Darwen station pair. Use this guide to compare Bolton and Darwen 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 Darwen
Which Bolton station do trains to Darwen leave from?
Trains from Bolton to Darwen 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 1BE
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.
Which Darwen station do trains from Bolton arrive at?
Trains from Bolton to Darwen arrive at Darwen. Darwen is from Darwen city centre.
DarwenDarwen Railway Station, Railway Road, Darwen, Lancashire, BB3 2RJ, United Kingdom+44 345 748 4950
City-centre transport
Getting to Darwen from Darwen city centre
BusSeveral local bus services available
Darwen train station facilities and services
Darwen has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: Bryan St Chippy, The Old Chapel Cafe
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Darwen. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Darwen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Darwen: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Darwen: Ramps.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Astley Bank Hotel, Whitehall Hotel.
More options for your journey from Bolton to Darwen
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Darwen and Bolton
Most popular train connections to Darwen
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