Bolton to Manchester train with Northern Rail (3)

Sat 29 Nov
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Northern Rail (3)
first_transpennine_express
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Rail
Deutsche Bahn
1,000+ travel companies
Northern Rail (3)
first_transpennine_express
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Rail
Deutsche Bahn
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Bolton to Manchester

Showing times and prices for 30 Nov

Cheapest price

£4

Average price

£6

Fastest journey

14 m

Average duration

16 m

Trains per day

6

Distance

17 km

Cheap tickets

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 £6 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £4.

Fast trains

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 16 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 14 m .

The slowest trains will take 18 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.

Northern Rail (3)S01308
09:100h18
Bolton station (BON)
09:28Manchester Victoria (MCV)
£41One-way
0 changes
Northern Rail (3)Y05704
10:570h16
Bolton station (BON)
11:13Deansgate (DGT)
£61One-way
0 changes
Northern Rail (3)Y05707
09:580h15
Bolton station (BON)
10:13Deansgate (DGT)
£61One-way
0 changes
Northern Rail (3)Y03835
10:320h14
Bolton station (BON)
10:46Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)
£61One-way
0 changes
Northern Rail (3)O55481
09:470h18
Bolton station (BON)
10:05Manchester Victoria (MCV)
£61One-way
0 changes

Travel Information

Compare coach and train for Bolton to Manchester

Omio 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 19m. 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 £6.

Distance: 17 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach

£3

Average Price

Cheapest

£6

Average Price

49m

Average total duration

Fastest

19m

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

Northern Rail (3)

Most popular train company

National Express

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

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

Live departures

Bolton to Manchester train times

The table below shows live departures for Bolton to Manchester trains for tomorrow, Sunday 30 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 23:31
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
northern_railS01308
On time
09:10 Bolton station (BON)
0h18
09:28 Manchester Victoria (MCV)
0 changesdirect
northern_railO55481
On time
09:47 Bolton station (BON)
0h18
10:05 Manchester Victoria (MCV)
0 changesdirect
northern_railY05707
On time
09:58 Bolton station (BON)
0h15
10:13 Deansgate (DGT)
0 changesdirect
northern_railY03835
On time
10:32 Bolton station (BON)
0h14
10:46 Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)
0 changesdirect
northern_railO55482
On time
10:47 Bolton station (BON)
0h18
11:05 Manchester Victoria (MCV)
0 changesdirect
northern_railY05704
On time
10:57 Bolton station (BON)
0h16
11:13 Deansgate (DGT)
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 Manchester 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.

Sun
30 Nov
Mon
01 Dec
Tue
02 Dec
Wed
03 Dec
Thu
04 Dec
Fri
05 Dec
Sat
06 Dec

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Bolton to Manchester?

The best time to book your train from Bolton to Manchester is 5 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Bolton to Manchester route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Bolton to Manchester per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Bolton to Manchester.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Bolton to Manchester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Bolton to Manchester run on average 8 times per day, taking around 19m. 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 23:51. The fastest train covers the 17 km distance in 15m.

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
17 km
Average train duration
19m
Cheapest ticket price
£1
Trains per day
8
Direct trains
8
Fastest train
15m
First train
00:02
Last train
23:51
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 (3), first_transpennine_express from Bolton to Manchester trainsNorthern Rail (3), first_transpennine_express trains will get you between Bolton and Manchester from £1. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Northern Rail (3)

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
15m
Cheapest Price
£1
Northern Rail (3) frequency
7 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

first_transpennine_express

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
13m
Cheapest Price
£20
first_transpennine_express frequency
3 a day

FAQs: Bolton to Manchester train

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.

FAQs
A stay of 2 to 4 days in Manchester is generally sufficient to explore its main attractions, including museums, historical sites, and vibrant neighbourhoods.
Yes, a day trip from Bolton to Manchester is feasible as the journey time is only 15m and the distance is 17 km. Trains run 8 times per day.
In Manchester, you can explore Old Trafford, the iconic stadium of Manchester United, and the Northern Quarter, known for its independent shops and street art. Enjoy performances at the Manchester Opera House and experience the vibrant nightlife at Deansgate Locks. Relax at Heaton Park, one of Europe's largest municipal parks. Visit the Manchester Art Gallery and the Science and Industry Museum. Admire Manchester Cathedral's Gothic architecture and the John Rylands Library's rare collections. Stroll through Castlefield, with its Roman ruins and picturesque canals.
The train journey from Bolton to Manchester offers views of suburban landscapes, industrial areas, and some green spaces, but it is not typically considered a scenic route.
The cost of a train ticket from Bolton to Manchester can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £1, while the average price tends to be around £3.
The cheapest way to get from Bolton to Manchester is by train, costing approximately £1.
The train distance from Bolton to Manchester is 17 km.
The last train from Bolton to Manchester departs at 23:51.
Yes, there is a direct train between Bolton and Manchester. The service operates 8 times per day, provided by Northern Rail (3), first_transpennine_express.
There is no night train service from Bolton to Manchester.
Booking trains from Bolton to Manchester 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 Manchester covers a distance of 17 km and takes approximately 15m. Trains run 8 per day.
The train station in Bolton that goes to Manchester is Bolton station (BON), and it arrives at Manchester Piccadilly (MAN).
The first train from Bolton to Manchester leaves at 0:02.
Trains from Bolton to Manchester run approximately 8 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Bolton to Manchester.
Yes, you can take the train from Bolton to Manchester.
To get from Bolton to Manchester, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Bolton and Manchester

Bolton
Manchester
The major train station for departures in Bolton is Bolton. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Bolton for your trip from Bolton to Manchester.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 06:00 - 21:00 Sunday 08:15 - 19:30
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Shopping
Shopping
  • Type of shops available: Newsagent
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Parking is not available.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: A key is available from the Station Supervisor and at the News Stand upon request.
  • National key toilets: Yes
  • Baby changing facilities: No
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: platforms 3 & 4
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Bolton
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Newport Street stop, at stand AA
  • Metro: GMPTE 0161 228 7811
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
AccessibilityAccessibility
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday 06:50 - 13:20 Saturday 07:50 - 14:20 Sunday Closed
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
3 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: No
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Bromley Cross
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Bus stop opposite the Railway Pub.
  • Metro: GMPTE 0161 228 7811
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
AccessibilityAccessibility
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
2 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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
Public transport options for Hall I' Th' Wood
  • Onward travel information: On Crompton Way for buses to Bolton or Halliwell. Busline 0871 200 2233
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pick Up / Drop Off at bus stops on Crompton Way, under railway bridge (Nearside for Blackburn, Farside for Bolton)
  • Metro: GMPTE 0161 228 7811
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
AccessibilityAccessibility
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday 06:25 - 19:35 Saturday,Sunday Closed
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
4 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: No
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Lostock
  • Onward travel information: There are no bus stops at or nearby this station. Busline 0871 200 2233
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Buses pick up at the top of the station car park.
  • Metro: GMPTE 0161 228 7811

More options for your journey from Bolton to Manchester

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HomeTrainsTrain Times to Manchester Bolton to Manchester train

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