The cheapest and fastest trains from Bolton to Preston
Cheapest price
£4
Average price
£8
Fastest journey
19 m
Average duration
24 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
28 km
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 £8 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 Preston 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 28 km distance in an average of 24 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 19 m .
The slowest trains will take 35 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.
G8956512:190h35Bolton station (BON)12:54Preston station (PRE)£41One-way0 changes
C3190611:180h35Bolton station (BON)11:53Preston station (PRE)£41One-way0 changes
G8906612:080h25Bolton station (BON)12:33Preston station (PRE)£91One-way0 changes
C3172110:120h23Bolton station (BON)10:35Preston station (PRE)£91One-way0 changes
W8517810:440h20Bolton station (BON)11:04Preston station (PRE)£101One-way0 changes
W8518011:440h19Bolton station (BON)12:03Preston station (PRE)£101One-way0 changes
W8517810:440h20Bolton station (BON)11:04Preston station (PRE)£101One-way0 changes
C3172110:120h23Bolton station (BON)10:35Preston station (PRE)£91One-way0 changes
G8906612:080h25Bolton station (BON)12:33Preston station (PRE)£91One-way0 changes
G8956512:190h35Bolton station (BON)12:54Preston station (PRE)£41One-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 prices starting from £3. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 27m. 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 £3, and a coach costs an average of £8.
Distance: 28 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£5 Average Price Cheapest | £9 Average Price |
57m Average total duration Fastest 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 24m Average total duration 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.0 - 0.1kg 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.
Live departures
Bolton to Preston train times
The table below shows live departures for Bolton to Preston trains for tomorrow, Sunday 21 June. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
C31721 | 10:12 Bolton station (BON) | 0h23 | 10:35 Preston station (PRE) | 0 changesdirect | |
W85178 | 10:44 Bolton station (BON) | 0h20 | 11:04 Preston station (PRE) | 0 changesdirect | |
C31906 | 11:18 Bolton station (BON) | 0h35 | 11:53 Preston station (PRE) | 0 changesdirect | |
W85180 | 11:44 Bolton station (BON) | 0h19 | 12:03 Preston station (PRE) | 0 changesdirect | |
G89066 | 12:08 Bolton station (BON) | 0h25 | 12:33 Preston station (PRE) | 0 changesdirect | |
G89565 | 12:19 Bolton station (BON) | 0h35 | 12:54 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.
21 Jun
22 Jun
23 Jun
24 Jun
25 Jun
26 Jun
27 Jun
Why should you book Bolton to Preston trains with Omio?
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
Trains from Bolton to Preston run on average 9 times per day, taking around 27m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £3 if you book in advance.
There are 9 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:24, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 28 km distance in 24m.
Distance 28 km |
Average train duration 27m |
Cheapest ticket price £3 |
Trains per day 9 |
Direct trains 9 |
Fastest train 24m |
First train 0:24 |
Last train 23:56 |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 14 days |
Train companies: Northern Rail, Transpennine Express, TransPennine Express, Northern Trains Limited from Bolton to Preston trainsNorthern Rail, Transpennine Express, TransPennine Express, Northern Trains Limited 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.
Northern Rail
Transpennine Express
TransPennine Express
Northern Trains Limited
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.

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Bolton and Preston
- Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 06:00 - 21:00 Sunday 08:15 - 19:30
- Type of shops available: Newsagent
- Car Park: Parking is not available
- 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
- 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
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: platforms 3 & 4
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Newport Street stop, at stand AA
- Metro: GMPTE 0161 228 7811
- Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday 06:25 - 19:35 Saturday,Sunday Closed
- Car Park: Station Car Park
- 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
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- 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
- Car Park: No
- 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
- 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
- 5:30 AM - 8:00 PM Monday - Friday
- 6:30 AM - 7:00 PM Saturday
- 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 24 hours, located adjacent to the station with access from Butler Street
- Rise
- The Olive Tree Brasserie
- Turtle Bay
- Outside the main entrance
- Elevators, ramps
- £0.30
- Holiday Inn Express Preston - South
- Delta Hotels Preston
- Macdonald Tickled Trout Hotel
- Located in the main hall
- Enterprise
- Europcar
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms 1-3 for long-distance services
- Hall 2: platforms 4-6 for regional and local services
- Bus: Several lines available
- Train: Northern, Avanti West Coast, TransPennine Express services
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