- Must visit
Science and Industry Museum
Major science and industry museum on historic railway land, with galleries on textiles, transport and Manchester’s role in modern innovation.
Cheapest price
£4
Average price
£4
Fastest journey
14 m
Average duration
17 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
17 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Bolton to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bolton to Manchester will cost around £4 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £4.
Of the 6 trains that leave Bolton for Manchester every day 6 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 17 km distance in an average of 17 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 14 m .
The slowest trains will take 23 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.
C32622
L89343
P28784
G89826
G89828
G89881
G89828
G89826
L89343
C32622Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Bolton to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from £1. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 16m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.0kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £1, and a coach costs an average of £3.
Distance: 17 km
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£3 Average Price Cheapest | £4 Average Price |
46m Average total duration Fastest 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 5m Average total duration 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The table below shows live departures for Bolton to Manchester trains for today, Friday 28 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
C32622 | On time 8:16 Bolton station (BON) | 0h23 | 8:39 Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 0 changesdirect | |
G89826 | On time 8:22 Bolton station (BON) | 0h17 | 8:39 Deansgate (DGT) | 0 changesdirect | |
P28784 | On time 8:26 Bolton station (BON) | 0h25 | 8:51 Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 0 changesdirect | |
G89881 | On time 8:37 Bolton station (BON) | 0h14 | 8:51 Deansgate (DGT) | 0 changesdirect | |
L89343 | On time 8:48 Bolton station (BON) | 0h18 | 9:06 Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 0 changesdirect | |
G89828 | On time 8:54 Bolton station (BON) | 0h15 | 9:09 Deansgate (DGT) | 0 changesdirect | |
P24162 | On time 8:58 Bolton station (BON) | 0h15 | 9:13 Deansgate (DGT) | 0 changesdirect | |
C32636 | On time 9:18 Bolton station (BON) | 0h21 | 9:39 Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 0 changesdirect | |
G89831 | On time 9:21 Bolton station (BON) | 0h18 | 9:39 Deansgate (DGT) | 0 changesdirect | |
P28787 | On time 9:25 Bolton station (BON) | 0h24 | 9:49 Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 0 changesdirect | |
G89882 | On time 9:36 Bolton station (BON) | 0h15 | 9:51 Deansgate (DGT) | 0 changesdirect | |
L89354 | On time 9:48 Bolton station (BON) | 0h18 | 10:06 Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 0 changesdirect | |
G89833 | On time 9:54 Bolton station (BON) | 0h15 | 10:09 Deansgate (DGT) | 0 changesdirect | |
P24167 | Delayed 9:01 9:58Bolton station (BON) | 0h15 | 10:13 Deansgate (DGT) | 0 changesdirect | |
C32646 | On time 10:18 Bolton station (BON) | 0h21 | 10:39 Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 0 changesdirect | |
G89836 | On time 10:21 Bolton station (BON) | 0h18 | 10:39 Deansgate (DGT) | 0 changesdirect | |
C32609 | On time 17:18 Bolton station (BON) | 0h21 | 17:39 Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 0 changesdirect | |
G89823 | On time 17:21 Bolton station (BON) | 0h18 | 17:39 Deansgate (DGT) | 0 changesdirect | |
P28809 | On time 17:25 Bolton station (BON) | 0h24 | 17:49 Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 0 changesdirect | |
G89873 | On time 17:36 Bolton station (BON) | 0h15 | 17:51 Deansgate (DGT) | 0 changesdirect | |
L89335 | On time 17:48 Bolton station (BON) | 0h18 | 18:06 Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 0 changesdirect | |
G89825 | On time 17:54 Bolton station (BON) | 0h15 | 18:09 Deansgate (DGT) | 0 changesdirect | |
C32641 | On time 19:18 Bolton station (BON) | 0h21 | 19:39 Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 0 changesdirect | |
G89832 | On time 19:21 Bolton station (BON) | 0h18 | 19:39 Deansgate (DGT) | 0 changesdirect | |
P28811 | On time 19:25 Bolton station (BON) | 0h24 | 19:49 Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 0 changesdirect | |
L89359 | On time 19:49 Bolton station (BON) | 0h19 | 20:08 Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 0 changesdirect | |
G89834 | On time 19:54 Bolton station (BON) | 0h15 | 20:09 Deansgate (DGT) | 0 changesdirect | |
P24169 | On time 19:58 Bolton station (BON) | 0h15 | 20:13 Deansgate (DGT) | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Bolton to Manchester run on average 8 times per day, taking around 16m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £1 if you book in advance.
There are 8 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:52. The fastest train covers the 17 km distance in 15m.
Distance 17 km |
Average train duration 16m |
Cheapest ticket price £1 |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 8 |
Fastest train 15m |
First train 0:02 |
Last train 23:52 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Manchester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Manchester trip today.
Major science and industry museum on historic railway land, with galleries on textiles, transport and Manchester’s role in modern innovation.
Large university museum with natural history, archaeology and cultural collections, plus changing exhibitions in a prominent Oxford Road building.
Leading art museum with British and European paintings, design, costume and craft collections in a landmark city-centre building.
Historic canal-side warehouse district with restored brick buildings, waterside walks, bars, galleries and one of the city’s most atmospheric settings.
Lively central square framed by major civic buildings and event space, ideal for architecture, seasonal markets and city-centre orientation.
Characterful Northern Quarter street known for independent shops, record stores, creative spaces and eye-catching street art.
A flaky shortcrust pie filled with spiced minced beef, potato and onion. It is closely associated with Oldham and Greater Manchester chip shops.
A hearty hotpot of slow-cooked lamb or mutton with onions and sliced potatoes. A long-standing North West comfort dish served across Manchester pubs.
A rich tripe stew cooked with onions, milk and stock. It was a classic working-class Manchester meal linked to the city’s historic tripe trade.
Refined modern British tasting menus in an intimate city-centre setting. Best for a special meal with seasonal ingredients and polished service.
Historic Victorian dining room known for oysters, seafood and classic British dishes. Traditional atmosphere with one of Manchester’s best-known interiors.
Casual northern favourite serving Bury black pudding, pies and hearty breakfasts. Good for trying regional staples in a relaxed market setting.
Moderate for a UK city. Hotels can be pricey at peak times, but dining, pubs and local transport are usually cheaper than London.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is good and not already added. Round up taxi fares; cafés usually do not require tips.
Official public transport app
Manchester Piccadilly -> Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bolton to Manchester 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 Manchester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Bolton to Manchester trains use the Bolton to Manchester Piccadilly station pair, with some services arriving at Manchester Victoria. Use this guide to compare Bolton and Manchester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Bolton is 1 km from Bolton city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options are available at Bolton.
Wi-Fi is available at Bolton.
Ticket office support is available at Bolton.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Bolton: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Bolton: Bike Parking.
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' Wood is 2 km from Bolton city centre. Public transport options include:
Hall I' Th' Wood has practical services for this route, including Parking, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office and Bike Parking.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Hall I' Th' Wood: Parking.
Available at Hall I' Th' Wood: Bike Parking.
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.
Lostock is 4 km from Bolton city centre. Public transport options include:
Lostock has practical services for this route, including Parking, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Ticket office support is available at Lostock.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Lostock: Parking.
Available at Lostock: Bike Parking.
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.
Manchester Piccadilly has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food options include: Burger King, Caffè Nero, Carluccio’s, Hotel Chocolat, Starbucks, The Pasty Shop, Costa Coffee, Pret a Manger, Upper Crust, McDonald's, & more
Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available through BT Wi-Fi. ATMs are there are ATM machines on the main concourse, Platform 10 and on the mezzanine level.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30, Sun: 07:00 - 22:30. Information desks are located near the Fairfield Street entrance on the mezzanine level.
Luggage storage is operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Piccadilly: There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
Nearby hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly, Premier Inn Manchester City, Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly.
Manchester Victoria has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Manchester Victoria.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Victoria.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Manchester Victoria: Parking, WC.
Available at Manchester Victoria: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Victoria: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A station, Scooter Friendly Station - Step free access around the whole station via use of lifts between platforms 3-6, connection with Manchester Metrolink using ramps, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards Located near the ticket office, 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.
Manchester Airport is 13 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
Manchester Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Manchester Airport.
Wi-Fi is available at Manchester Airport. ATMs are available at Manchester Airport.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Airport. Information desks are information available from staff: ,Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 107 2149, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Available at Manchester Airport: Parking, WC.
Available at Manchester Airport: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Airport: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: re Step free access is provided from the Ground Transport Interchange to all platforms via lifts or ramps. This station is staffed for all services. This station is Category A. Station staff can provide assistance from Meeting Point 1 (adjacent to the Station Booking Office) and throughout the railway station, and with boarding and alighting the train. Customers requiring assistance should make themselves known to station staff no less than 20 minutes prior to the departure time of their train. Customers requiring assistance to access other services or to connect with terminals should request this from their airline or Manchester Airport Group. Assistance can be requested in advance by contacting the TransPennine Express Assisted Travel Team on 0800 107 2149 (18001 prefix for TextRelay). Please be aware that some platforms at this station have no or only partial tactile paving on the platform edge, Accessible public telephones: In the station cafe on platforms 2 and 3, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
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