- Must visit
The Harris
Major city museum and library in a landmark building, known for art, history and regular exhibitions in the Harris Quarter.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Bolton to Preston
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 20 Sept
Cheapest price on 20 Sept
£7
Average ticket price on 20 Sept
£11
Fastest journey on 20 Sept
20 m
Average journey duration on 20 Sept
24 m
Trains on 20 Sept
6
Distance
28 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Bolton to Preston is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bolton to Preston will cost around £11 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £7.
Fast trains
On Sun 20 Sept, we found 6 trains from Bolton to Preston, including 6 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 28 km distance in an average of 24 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 20 m .
The slowest trains will take 34 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.
C319009:220h35Bolton station (BON)9:57Preston station (PRE)£71One-way0 changes- C318978:190h34Bolton station (BON)8:53Preston station (PRE)£71One-way0 changes
- G890649:090h24Bolton station (BON)9:33Preston station (PRE)£111One-way0 changes
- C3172110:120h23Bolton station (BON)10:35Preston station (PRE)£131One-way0 changes
W8517810:430h21Bolton station (BON)11:04Preston station (PRE)£151One-way0 changes
- W851719:440h20Bolton station (BON)10:04Preston station (PRE)£151One-way0 changes
- W8517810:430h21Bolton station (BON)11:04Preston station (PRE)£151One-way0 changes
- C3172110:120h23Bolton station (BON)10:35Preston station (PRE)£131One-way0 changes
- G890649:090h24Bolton station (BON)9:33Preston station (PRE)£111One-way0 changes
- C318978:190h34Bolton station (BON)8:53Preston station (PRE)£71One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Bolton to Preston
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Bolton to Preston 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 57m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.0kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £5, while a coach costs an average of £9.
Distance: 28 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£5 Average Price Cheapest | £9 Average Price | £6 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
57m Average total duration Fastest 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 24m Average total duration 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 42m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.0 - 0.1kg 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 Preston is a train with an average price of £9.
This is compared to other travel options from Bolton to Preston:
A train is £0.05 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Bolton to Preston costing on average £9.
The fastest way to travel from Bolton to Preston is by train with an average journey time of 29m.
Other travel options to Preston take longer:
Coach takes on average 49m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Bolton and Preston 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 13m sooner (29m by train vs 42m by car). Tickets start at around £9 compared to roughly £6 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 Transpennine Express, Northern Rail.
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 Preston train times
The table below shows live departures for Bolton to Preston trains for today, Saturday 19 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G89548 | On time 7:23 Bolton station (BON) | 0h36 | 7:59 Preston station (PRE) | 0 changesdirect | |
| W85166 | On time 7:38 Bolton station (BON) | 0h21 | 7:59 Preston station (PRE) | 0 changesdirect | |
| G89552 | On time 7:53 Bolton station (BON) | 0h35 | 8:28 Preston station (PRE) | 0 changesdirect | |
| G89043 | On time 8:08 Bolton station (BON) | 0h24 | 8:32 Preston station (PRE) | 0 changesdirect | |
| G89556 | On time 8:22 Bolton station (BON) | 0h35 | 8:57 Preston station (PRE) | 0 changesdirect | |
| W85167 | On time 8:38 Bolton station (BON) | 0h24 | 9:02 Preston station (PRE) | 0 changesdirect | |
| G89560 | On time 8:53 Bolton station (BON) | 0h33 | 9:26 Preston station (PRE) | 0 changesdirect | |
| G89063 | On time 9:08 Bolton station (BON) | 0h25 | 9:33 Preston station (PRE) | 0 changesdirect | |
| G89564 | On time 9:22 Bolton station (BON) | 0h35 | 9:57 Preston station (PRE) | 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 Preston 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.
Sun
20 Sept
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
22 Sept
Wed
23 Sept
23 Sept
Thu
24 Sept
24 Sept
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25 Sept
25 Sept
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26 Sept
26 Sept
Why should you book Bolton to Preston trains with Omio?
Northern Rail as well as Transpennine Express, TransPennine Express, Northern Trains Limited and more offer trains services from Bolton to Preston.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Bolton to Preston.
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 Transpennine Express, TransPennine Express or Northern Trains Limited to find the best option for your trip from Bolton to Preston.
- 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 train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Bolton to Preston.
Why book with Omio over Trip or Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Transpennine Express, TransPennine Express or Northern Trains Limited to find the best option for your trip from Bolton to Preston.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Bolton to Preston.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Bolton to Preston
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Bolton to Preston run on average 11 times per day, taking around 29m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £3 if you book in advance.
There are 11 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:24, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 28 km distance in 19m.
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 28 km |
Average train duration 29m |
Cheapest ticket price £3 |
Trains per day 11 |
Direct trains 11 |
Fastest train 19m |
First train 0:24 |
Last train 23:56 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 14 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
Train companies: Transpennine Express, Northern Rail from Bolton to Preston trainsTranspennine Express, Northern Rail trains will get you between Bolton and Preston from £3. 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
19m
Cheapest Transpennine Express Price
£14
Transpennine Express frequency
1 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
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
23m
Cheapest Northern Rail Price
£3
Northern Rail frequency
5 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
Complete guide to Preston
Things to do in Preston
Discover the best of Preston — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Preston trip today.
- Recommended
The Egypt Centre
Museum on the University of Central Lancashire campus with Egyptology, archaeology and world cultures collections in a compact gallery.
- Recommended
Ribble Steam Railway and Museum
Volunteer-run transport museum at Ribble Steam Railway, featuring Preston’s industrial and rail heritage with locomotives and exhibits.
- Must visit
Avenham Park
Historic city park with terraces, paths and river views. A favourite for walks, photography and access to nearby Miller Park.
- Recommended
Miller Park
Landscaped Victorian park beside the River Ribble, appreciated for open lawns, flower displays and peaceful links to city-centre walks.
- Recommended
Preston Docklands
Regenerated docklands area with marina views, public art and waterside paths, popular for an easy modern contrast to the historic centre.
- Vegetarian
Butter Pie
A buttery shortcrust pie filled with potatoes and onions. It is Preston and Lancashire’s best-known savoury bake, tied to local mill and farming traditions.
- Vegetarian
Simnel Cake
A rich fruit cake packed with currants and topped with almond paste. It is a classic Lancashire celebration cake still eaten across Preston.
- Gluten-free
Lancashire Cheese
A crumbly, mild white cheese from Lancashire often made in creamy, tasty and crumbly layers. It reflects the county’s long dairy heritage.
263 Restaurant
Stylish modern restaurant serving British and European plates with cocktails. Good for a polished dinner in central Preston.
Angelo's
Established local spot for Neapolitan-style pizza and Italian comfort food in a friendly, informal setting.
The Continental
Traditional city-centre pub known for cask ales and hearty British dishes in a historic, relaxed setting.
Pound sterling (£)
Preston is moderate by UK standards, with cheaper stays and dining than Manchester or London, while local buses, rail and casual meals remain manageable for most visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.80-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual if service is not included. Round up taxi fares. Cafes do not expect tips, but small change is appreciated.
Preston Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £3.00
- Day pass
- £6.50
To the city centre
Preston Railway Station -> Preston Bus Station
- Distance
- 1 km
- Travel time
- 13 min
- Most local buses in Preston support contactless Tap and Go; fares are capped at the Day Ticket price on participating Preston Bus services.
- Check the operator before boarding. Preston fares and app tickets may differ from other bus operators in the city.
Trains from Bolton to Preston
Trains from Bolton to Preston depart from the main train station in the centre of Bolton, arriving at Preston Central station. Direct routes are provided by Northern railways with no change of trains needed. The distance between Bolton and Preston in the north east of England is approximately 24 miles, with trains completing this journey in between 30 and 40 minutes. Trains from Bolton to Preston run regularly throughout the day, with services departing every 20 minutes during the daytime, although they are less regular through the night with trains approximately every 3 hours.
FAQs: Bolton to Preston train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bolton to Preston 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 Preston, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Bolton to Preston can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £3, while the average price tends to be around £9.
The train journey from Bolton to Preston covers a distance of 28 km and takes approximately 19m. Trains run 11 per day.
The train distance from Bolton to Preston is 28 km.
The first train from Bolton to Preston leaves at 0:24.
The last train from Bolton to Preston departs at 23:56.
Trains from Bolton to Preston run approximately 11 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Bolton to Preston.
Yes, there is a direct train between Bolton and Preston. The service operates 11 times per day, provided by Northern Rail, Transpennine Express, TransPennine Express, Northern Trains Limited.
To get from Bolton to Preston, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Bolton to Preston.
The train station in Bolton that goes to Preston is Bolton station (BON), and it arrives at Preston station (PRE).
The cheapest way to get from Bolton to Preston is by train, costing approximately £3.
Booking trains from Bolton to Preston 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 Preston offers a glimpse of the English countryside with views of rolling hills and small towns, though it is not renowned for being exceptionally scenic.
Yes, a day trip from Bolton to Preston is feasible. The journey takes 19m, and the distance is 28 km. Trains run frequently, with a frequency of 7 per day.
To fully explore Preston's key attractions, such as the Harris Museum, Avenham and Miller Parks, and the Ribble Steam Railway, a stay of two to three days is recommended.
Yes, you can take the train from Bolton to Preston.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Bolton and Preston
Most Bolton to Preston trains use the Bolton to Preston station pair. Use this guide to compare Bolton and Preston 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 Preston
Which Bolton station do trains to Preston leave from?
Trains from Bolton to Preston 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 Preston station do trains from Bolton arrive at?
Trains from Bolton to Preston arrive at Preston. Preston is 1 km from Preston city centre.
PrestonFishergate, Preston PR1 8AP, United Kingdom+44 345 748 4950
City-centre transport
Getting to Preston from Preston city centre
Preston is 1 km from Preston city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus3, 2, 2A, 111, 111C · 13m · £8 · every ~36 min
Preston train station facilities and services
Preston has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: Rise, The Olive Tree Brasserie, Turtle Bay
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Preston. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Preston. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Preston: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Preston: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Preston: Elevators, ramps.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Holiday Inn Express Preston - South, Delta Hotels Preston, Macdonald Tickled Trout Hotel.
More options for your journey from Bolton to Preston
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Preston and Bolton
Most popular train connections to Preston
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