Bolton to Edinburgh train with Transpennine Express

Thu 03 Sept
+ Add return
Transpennine Express
Avanti West Coast
London North Eastern Railway
Northern Trains Limited
TransPennine Express
2,000+ travel companies
Transpennine Express
Avanti West Coast
London North Eastern Railway
Northern Trains Limited
TransPennine Express
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Bolton to Edinburgh

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 03 Sept

Cheapest price on 03 Sept

£42

Average ticket price on 03 Sept

£43

Fastest journey on 03 Sept

2 h 54 m

Average journey duration on 03 Sept

3 h 1 m

Trains on 03 Sept

8

Distance

268 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Bolton to Edinburgh will cost around £43 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £42.

Fast trains

On Thu 03 Sept, we found 8 trains from Bolton to Edinburgh, including 4 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 268 km distance in an average of 3 h 1 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 54 m .

The slowest trains will take 3 h 11 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.

  • Transpennine ExpressW85182
    12:382h58
    Bolton station (BON)
    15:36Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
    £421One-way
    0 changes
  • Transpennine ExpressW85164
    6:383h03
    Bolton station (BON)
    9:41Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
    £421One-way
    0 changes
  • Avanti West CoastW34144+Northern RailG89062
    9:083h12
    Bolton station (BON)
    12:20Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
    £421One-way
    1 change
  • Avanti West CoastW33941+Northern RailG89047
    11:083h11
    Bolton station (BON)
    14:19Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
    £421One-way
    1 change
  • Avanti West CoastW34286+Northern RailG89593
    12:533h25
    Bolton station (BON)
    16:18Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
    £421One-way
    1 change

Travel Information

Compare coach, train and flight for Bolton to Edinburgh

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Bolton to Edinburgh among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £39 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 53m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £39, while a flight costs an average of £143.

Distance: 268 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Flight
Driving

£39

Average Price

Cheapest

£42

Average Price

£143

Average Price

£86

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

3h 53m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 23m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 11m

Average total duration

5h 41m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

7h 5m

Average total duration

5h 5m

Onboard

+

2h 0m

Additional time*

4h 4m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.3 - 0.7kg

CO2 emissions

0.8 - 1.6kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

The cheapest way to travel from Bolton to Edinburgh is a train with an average price of £39.

This is compared to other travel options from Bolton to Edinburgh:

A train is £3 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Bolton to Edinburgh costing on average £42.

A train is £103 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Bolton to Edinburgh costing on average £143.

The fastest way to travel from Bolton to Edinburgh is by train with an average journey time of 3h 23m.

Other travel options to Edinburgh take longer:

Flight takes on average 5h 5m.

Coach takes on average 5h 41m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Bolton and Edinburgh including taking a coach, train and flight.
Take the train. On this route, it beats driving on both time and money.

The journey is about 41m faster (3h 23m by train vs 4h 4m by car) and roughly £46 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls (£39 vs £86). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.

Direct services run with Transpennine Express, TransPennine Express.

Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.

Live departures

Bolton to Edinburgh train times

The table below shows live departures for Bolton to Edinburgh trains for today, Wednesday 2 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Transpennine ExpressW85191
On time
14:39 Bolton station (BON)
3h01
17:40 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
0 changesdirect
Avanti West CoastW34290+Northern RailG89067
Delayed
14:53 15:08Bolton station (BON)
3h12
18:20 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
1 change
Thursday 3 September
Transpennine ExpressW851646:38 Bolton station (BON)
3h03
9:41 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)0 changesdirect
Avanti West CoastW34213+Northern RailG895456:53 Bolton station (BON)
3h26
10:19 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)1 change
Transpennine ExpressW851688:38 Bolton station (BON)
2h59
11:37 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)0 changesdirect
Avanti West CoastW34144+Northern RailG890629:08 Bolton station (BON)
3h12
12:20 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)1 change
Transpennine ExpressW8517710:38 Bolton station (BON)
2h54
13:32 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)0 changesdirect
Avanti West CoastW33941+Northern RailG8904711:08 Bolton station (BON)
3h11
14:19 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)1 change
Transpennine ExpressW8518212:38 Bolton station (BON)
2h58
15:36 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)0 changesdirect
Avanti West CoastW34286+Northern RailG8959312:53 Bolton station (BON)
3h25
16:18 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)1 change

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Bolton to Edinburgh by coach, train or flight

Compare coach, train and flight 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.

Thu
03 Sept
Fri
04 Sept
Sat
05 Sept
Sun
06 Sept
Mon
07 Sept
Tue
08 Sept
Wed
09 Sept

Why should you book Bolton to Edinburgh trains with Omio?

Transpennine Express as well as Avanti West Coast, London North Eastern Railway, Northern Trains Limited, TransPennine Express and more offer trains services from Bolton to Edinburgh.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Bolton to Edinburgh.

Why book with Omio vs Transpennine Express?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Transpennine Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of Avanti West Coast, London North Eastern Railway, Northern Trains Limited or TransPennine Express to find the best option for your trip from Bolton to Edinburgh.
  • 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 Transpennine Express with all available travel options, which are bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Bolton to Edinburgh.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Avanti West Coast, London North Eastern Railway, Northern Trains Limited or TransPennine Express to find the best option for your trip from Bolton to Edinburgh.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Bolton to Edinburgh.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Bolton to Edinburgh

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Bolton to Edinburgh run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 23m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £24 but you can travel from only £16 by coach.

There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:23, the last at 21:00. The fastest train covers the 268 km distance in 2h 59m.

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 £16
Distance
268 km
Average train duration
3h 23m
Cheapest ticket price
£24
Trains per day
6
Direct trains
2
Fastest train
2h 59m
First train
0:23
Last train
21:00
Cheapest Month
Sept
Cheapest Day
Thu
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Mon
Least Busy Day
Fri
Best time to book
28 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 £16

Train companies: Transpennine Express, Avanti West Coast, London North Eastern Railway, Northern Trains Limited, TransPennine Express from Bolton to Edinburgh trainsTranspennine Express, Avanti West Coast, London North Eastern Railway, Northern Trains Limited, TransPennine Express trains will get you between Bolton and Edinburgh from £16. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Transpennine Express

About
Transpennine Express is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from Manchester and Liverpool to Scotland, the North East and Yorkshire. It offers a range of services, including express, regional and local trains. Express trains are the fastest, with journey times of up to three hours. Regional trains are slower, but offer more stops and a more relaxed atmosphere. Local trains are the slowest, but offer the most stops. Transpennine Express offers a range of ticket types, including single, return, group and season tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for Transpennine Express are Manchester to Edinburgh, Liverpool to Leeds and Manchester to York. These routes offer a convenient and comfortable way to travel between the cities.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Transpennine Express Duration
2h 59m
Cheapest Transpennine Express Price
£24
Luggage included
2 large items and 1 small hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if service is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks, plus a small selection of hot and cold food items
Seat reservation
Seat reservations are free of charge and recommended for busy routes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance booking service
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
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
3h 10m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
£26
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

London North Eastern Railway

About
LNER is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates a wide range of services, from high-speed intercity trains to local services. Its most popular routes include London to Edinburgh, London to Leeds, and London to York. LNER offers a variety of train types, including the Azuma, InterCity 225, and HST. The Azuma is a modern, high-speed train that offers comfortable seating and onboard Wi-Fi. The InterCity 225 is a classic train that offers a more traditional experience. The HST is a high-speed train that offers a smooth ride and plenty of legroom. LNER offers a variety of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak. Advance tickets are the cheapest option and must be booked in advance. Anytime tickets are more expensive but can be used at any time. Off-Peak tickets are the most affordable option for travelling during off-peak times. Onboard facilities include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. LNER also offers a range of discounts and special offers, making it an affordable and convenient way to travel.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average London North Eastern Railway Duration
4h 20m
Cheapest London North Eastern Railway Price
£52
London North Eastern Railway frequency
2 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
Refund policies apply as per ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund available if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, and light meals. First Class passengers receive complimentary refreshments
Seat reservation
Seat reservations are included with Advance tickets. Optional for other ticket types at £0-£2 per person depending on route
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 pets per passenger
Quiet zone

Northern Trains Limited

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Northern Trains Limited Duration
3h 11m
Cheapest Northern Trains Limited Price
£73
Northern Trains Limited frequency
5 a day

TransPennine Express

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average TransPennine Express Duration
2h 54m
Cheapest TransPennine Express Price
£77
TransPennine Express frequency
5 a day

Complete guide to Edinburgh

Things to do in Edinburgh

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

  • Must visit

National Museum of Scotland

National museum covering science, design, world cultures and Scottish history. Excellent for varied collections and a dramatic central hall.

  • Must visit

Scottish National Gallery

Major art gallery with Scottish and international works from the Renaissance to the late nineteenth century, beside Princes Street Gardens.

  • Recommended

Fruitmarket

Contemporary art gallery in a converted schoolhouse, known for thoughtful exhibitions by Scottish and international artists near the Royal Mile.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for the UK. Rooms and dining are pricier in peak season, but buses are affordable and budget eats are easy to find.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
£20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£70+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£3-4.50 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up taxi fares. Cafés and pubs usually do not expect tips.

FAQs: Bolton to Edinburgh train

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

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Bolton to Edinburgh can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £24, while the average price tends to be around £39.
The train journey from Bolton to Edinburgh covers a distance of 268 km and takes approximately 2h 59m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Bolton to Edinburgh is 268 km.
The first train from Bolton to Edinburgh leaves at 0:23.
The last train from Bolton to Edinburgh departs at 21:00.
Trains from Bolton to Edinburgh run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Bolton to Edinburgh.
Yes, there is a direct train between Bolton and Edinburgh. The service operates 2 times per day, provided by Transpennine Express, TransPennine Express.
To get from Bolton to Edinburgh, you can choose from several travel options including coach, train and flight.
There is no night train service from Bolton to Edinburgh.
The train station in Bolton that goes to Edinburgh is Bolton station (BON), and it arrives at Edinburgh Waverley (EDB).
The cheapest way to get from Bolton to Edinburgh is by coach, costing approximately £16.
Booking trains from Bolton to Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh offers a mix of urban and natural scenery, with notable views of the rolling countryside of Northern England and glimpses of the scenic landscapes of the Scottish Borders, providing a picturesque travel experience.
A day trip from Bolton to Edinburgh is not feasible as the travel duration is 2h 59m. However, trains run 5 times per day covering a distance of 268 km.
In Edinburgh, you can explore the vibrant atmosphere of Grassmarket with its pubs, shops, and street performances, or enjoy a ghost tour through the haunted streets and underground vaults. Attend a performance at the Edinburgh Festival Theatre, and visit the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh for beautiful landscapes. Discover hidden gems and local art at the Stockbridge Market. Must-see sights include Edinburgh Castle, offering panoramic views and housing the Crown Jewels, Arthur's Seat for hiking and city views, The Royal Mile lined with shops and landmarks, Holyrood Palace with its stunning gardens, and the National Museum of Scotland showcasing diverse exhibits.
To fully experience Edinburgh's historic sites, cultural attractions, and local cuisine, a stay of three to four days is recommended.
Yes, you can take the train from Bolton to Edinburgh.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Bolton and Edinburgh

Most Bolton to Edinburgh trains use the Bolton to Edinburgh Waverley station pair, with some services arriving at Haymarket. Use this guide to compare Bolton and Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh

Which Bolton station do trains to Edinburgh leave from?

Trains from Bolton to Edinburgh 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.

Hall I' Th' WoodHall-i'-th'-Wood station, Crompton Way, Hall-i'-th'-Wood, Lancashire, BL1 8UFParkingAccessibilityLost and Found OfficeBike Parking
City-centre transport

Getting to Hall I' Th' Wood from Bolton city centre

Hall I' Th' Wood is 2 km from Bolton city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainManchester Victoria - Blackburn, Rochdale - Blackburn, Manchester Victoria - Clitheroe, Rochdale - Clitheroe, Rochdale - Ribblehead, Bolton - Blackburn, Bolton - Clitheroe, Bolton - Ribblehead · 5m · £0.90 · every ~4 min
Bus507, 541, 533, 480 · 7m · £2 · every ~19 min

Hall I' Th' Wood train station facilities and services

Hall I' Th' Wood has practical services for this route, including Parking, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office and Bike Parking.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Hall I' Th' Wood: Parking.

Bike and car services

Available at Hall I' Th' Wood: Bike Parking.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Hall I' Th' Wood: 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.

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.

More options for your journey from Bolton to Edinburgh

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

HomeTrainsTrain Times to Edinburgh Bolton to Edinburgh train

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