BOLTON to LEICESTER train from £20 with East Midlands Railway

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The cheapest and fastest trains from Bolton to Leicester

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 17 Sept

Cheapest price on 17 Sept

£78

Average ticket price on 17 Sept

£80

Fastest journey on 17 Sept

2 h 57 m

Average journey duration on 17 Sept

3 h 2 m

Trains on 17 Sept

Distance

136 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Bolton to Leicester will cost around £80 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £78.

Fast trains

To travel from Bolton to Leicester you need to make at least 2 changes.

P24167+C04354 · W70796
9:583h05
Bolton station (BON)
13:03Leicester station (LEI)
£781One-way
2 changes
P24162+C04350 · C21654
8:583h05
Bolton station (BON)
12:03Leicester station (LEI)
£811One-way
2 changes
G89828+G01009 · G66627+C17837
8:542h57
Bolton station (BON)
11:51Leicester station (LEI)
£811One-way
3 changes

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Bolton to Leicester

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Bolton to Leicester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £22 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 38m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £22, while a train costs an average of £46.

Distance: 136 km

Compare train with

Most popular Train	Coach	Driving
£46 Average Price	£22 Average Price Cheapest	£28 Average Price (fuel + tolls)
2h 38m Average total duration Fastest 2h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time*	4h 26m Average total duration 3h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time*	2h 22m Average total duration (door-to-door)
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest	0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions	- CO2 emissions
Most popular train company	Most popular bus company	Your own car or car rental
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 Leicester is a coach with an average price of £22.

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

A coach is £23 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bolton to Leicester costing on average £46.

The fastest way to travel from Bolton to Leicester is by train with an average journey time of 2h 8m.

Other travel options to Leicester take longer:

Coach takes on average 3h 56m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Bolton and Leicester including taking a train and coach.

Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.

You'll arrive about 14m sooner (2h 8m by train vs 2h 22m by car). Tickets start at around £46 compared to roughly £28 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.

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 Leicester train times

The table below shows live departures for Bolton to Leicester trains for tomorrow, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at

Provider	Departs	Duration	Arrives	Changes
G01009 · G66627+G89828+C17837	8:54 Bolton station (BON)	2h57	11:51 Leicester station (LEI)	3 changes
C04350 · C21654+P24162	8:58 Bolton station (BON)	3h05	12:03 Leicester station (LEI)	2 changes
C04354 · W70796+P24167	9:58 Bolton station (BON)	3h05	13:03 Leicester station (LEI)	2 changes
This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Bolton to Leicester by train or coach

Compare train and coach 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
17 Sept

Fri
18 Sept

Sat
19 Sept

Sun
20 Sept

Mon
21 Sept

Tue
22 Sept

Wed
23 Sept

Why should you book Bolton to Leicester trains with Omio?

East Midlands Railway as well as Avanti West Coast, Transpennine Express, TransPennine Express, Northern Trains Limited and more offer trains services from Bolton to Leicester.

Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Bolton to Leicester.

Why book with Omio vs East Midlands Railway?

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

Why book with Omio over Wanderu, Rome2rio or Raileurope?

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

Journey information

Overview: Train from Bolton to Leicester

United Kingdom

Trains from Bolton to Leicester run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 8m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £38 but you can travel from only £20 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 05:10, the last at 23:44. The fastest train covers the 136 km distance in 2h 16m.

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 £20

Distance

136 km

Average train duration

2h 8m

Cheapest ticket price

£38

Trains per day

Fastest train

2h 16m

First train

5:10

Last train

23:44

Cheapest Month

Oct

Cheapest Day

Wed

High Season

Jul - Sept

Low Season

Jan - Mar

Busiest Day

Sat

Least Busy Day

Tue

Best time to book

1 day

Price information

Cheapest alternative travel mode

Coach from £20

Train companies: East Midlands Railway, Avanti West Coast, Transpennine Express, TransPennine Express, Northern Trains Limited from Bolton to Leicester trainsEast Midlands Railway, Avanti West Coast, Transpennine Express, TransPennine Express, Northern Trains Limited trains will get you between Bolton and Leicester from £20. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

East Midlands Railway

About

East Midlands Trains is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London to the East Midlands, Yorkshire, and the North West. East Midlands Trains operates a fleet of Class 158, Class 156, Class 170, Class 222 and Class 180 diesel multiple units, as well as Class 222 Meridian electric multiple units. East Midlands Trains also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for East Midlands Trains are London to Nottingham, Sheffield, and Leeds.

Luggage & cancellation policy

Average East Midlands Railway Duration

3h 5m

Cheapest East Midlands Railway Price

£38

Luggage included

2 pieces of luggage and 1 piece of hand luggage included

Luggage storage

Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, under seats

Cancellation Policy

Refund policies apply as per ticket type

Refund

Full refund if train is cancelled

Amenities on board the train

Wifi

Food sold onboard

Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes

Seat reservation

Seat reservations available for a fee. Free for Advance ticket holders

Toilets

USB plugs

Accessibility

Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating

Pets

Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs must be on lead and require a ticket (£6 for day ticket)

Quiet zone

Learn more about East Midlands Railway

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

2h 16m

Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price

£67

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

Learn more about Avanti West Coast

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 52m

Cheapest Transpennine Express Price

£77

Transpennine Express frequency

2 a day

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

Learn more about Transpennine Express

TransPennine Express

Luggage & cancellation policy

Average TransPennine Express Duration

2h 1m

Cheapest TransPennine Express Price

£74

TransPennine Express frequency

8 a day

Northern Trains Limited

Luggage & cancellation policy

Average Northern Trains Limited Duration

2h 17m

Cheapest Northern Trains Limited Price

£50

Northern Trains Limited frequency

17 a day

Complete guide to Leicester

Things to do in Leicester

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

Must visit

King Richard III Visitor Centre

Modern museum telling the story of Richard III through archaeology, history and the king’s Leicester burial site.

View on map Visit website

Recommended

Leicester Museum & Art Gallery

Leicester’s main art and history museum, with dinosaur galleries, fine art and displays on the city’s people and past.

View on map Visit website

Recommended

Jewry Wall Museum

Museum beside Roman remains, exploring local archaeology from Roman Leicester to later city history in a compact setting.

View on map Visit website

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for a UK city. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local buses and casual meals remain fairly affordable for visitors.

Average meal costs

Budget: £8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range: £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining: £50+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee: £2.80-4 for a coffee.

Tipping culture

Service may be included in restaurants; if not, 10-12.5% is common for good service. Round up taxi fares. Tipping in cafés is optional, often just small change.

FAQs: Bolton to Leicester train

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

The cost of a train ticket from Bolton to Leicester can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £38, while the average price tends to be around £46.

The train journey from Bolton to Leicester covers a distance of 136 km and takes approximately 2h 16m. Trains run 6 per day.

The train distance from Bolton to Leicester is 136 km.

The first train from Bolton to Leicester leaves at 5:10.

The last train from Bolton to Leicester departs at 23:44.

Trains from Bolton to Leicester run approximately 6 times per day.

Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Bolton to Leicester.

Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Bolton to Leicester.

To get from Bolton to Leicester, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.

There is no night train service from Bolton to Leicester.

The train station in Bolton that goes to Leicester is Bolton station (BON), and it arrives at Leicester station (LEI).

The cheapest way to get from Bolton to Leicester is by coach, costing approximately £20.

Booking trains from Bolton to Leicester 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 Leicester traverses a mix of urban and rural landscapes, offering views of the rolling hills and countryside typical of the North West and Midlands, though it may not be considered one of the most scenic routes in the UK.

A day trip from Bolton to Leicester is not feasible, as the journey takes 2h 16m. However, there are 3 trains per day. The distance is 136 km.

Two to three days is typically enough to explore Leicester's key attractions, including the King Richard III Visitor Centre, Leicester Cathedral, and the National Space Centre, while also enjoying the local culture and dining.

Yes, you can take the train from Bolton to Leicester.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Bolton and Leicester

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

Which Bolton station do trains to Leicester leave from?

Trains from Bolton to Leicester 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 Wifi

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 about Bolton

Which Leicester station do trains from Bolton arrive at?

Trains from Bolton to Leicester arrive at Leicester. Leicester is 1 km from Leicester city centre.

LeicesterLeicester station, London Road, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE2 0QB+44 8457125678 Wifi

City-centre transport

Getting to Leicester from Leicester city centre

BusX7 · 4m · £2 · every ~3 min

16 · 7m · every ~6 min

Hop · 11m · £2 · every ~14 min

Leicester train station facilities and services

Leicester has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.