Bolton to Reading train with CrossCountry

Sat 29 Nov
+ Add return
CrossCountry
Avanti West Coast
Northern Rail (3)
Great Western Rail
Regionale
1,000+ travel companies
CrossCountry
Avanti West Coast
Northern Rail (3)
Great Western Rail
Regionale
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Bolton to Reading

Showing times and prices for 30 Nov

Cheapest price

£67

Average price

£88

Fastest journey

3 h 53 m

Average duration

4 h 21 m

Trains per day

3

Distance

256 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Bolton to Reading will cost around £88 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £67.

Fast trains

Of the 3 trains that leave Bolton for Reading every day 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct trains cover the 256 km distance in an average of 4 h 21 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 53 m .

The slowest trains will take 4 h 46 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.

CrossCountry
07:473h53
Bolton
11:40Reading
£671One-way
0 changes
Avanti West Coast
07:404h46
Bolton
12:26Reading
£901One-way
0 changes
Avanti West Coast
09:134h25
Bolton
13:38Reading
£1071One-way
0 changes

Live departures

Bolton to Reading train times

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

Last updated at 23:58
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
avanti_west_coast07:40 Bolton
4h46
12:26 Reading0 changesdirect
cross_country07:47 Bolton
3h53
11:40 Reading0 changesdirect
avanti_west_coast09:13 Bolton
4h25
13:38 Reading0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Bolton to Reading by train, coach or flight

Compare train, coach and flight 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

Journey information

Overview: Train from Bolton to Reading

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Bolton to Reading run on average 4 times per day, taking around 3h 19m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £45 if you book in advance.

The earliest train runs at 02:24, the last at 20:15. The fastest train covers the 256 km distance in 3h 53m.

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
256 km
Average train duration
3h 19m
Cheapest ticket price
£45
Trains per day
4
Fastest train
3h 53m
First train
02:24
Last train
20:15
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: CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, Northern Rail (3) from Bolton to Reading trainsCrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, Northern Rail (3) trains will get you between Bolton and Reading from £45. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

CrossCountry

About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 53m
Cheapest Price
£45
CrossCountry frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone

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 Duration
3h 59m
Cheapest Price
£90
Avanti West Coast frequency
2 a day
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

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
3h 42m
Cheapest Price
£206
Northern Rail (3) frequency
12 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

FAQs: Bolton to Reading train

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

FAQs
To fully explore Reading's attractions, two to three days are ideal.
The cost of a train ticket from Bolton to Reading can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £45, while the average price tends to be around £75.
A day trip from Bolton to Reading is not feasible, as the journey takes 3h 53m. Trains run 4 times per day.
Booking trains from Bolton to Reading 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 Reading covers a distance of 256 km and takes approximately 3h 53m. Trains run 4 per day.
The train journey from Bolton to Reading is primarily urban and suburban, passing through cities like Manchester and Birmingham, with some scenic countryside views in between, particularly as the route passes through the West Midlands.
The train station in Bolton that goes to Reading is Bolton station (BON), and it arrives at Reading station (RDG).
The first train from Bolton to Reading leaves at 2:24.
Trains from Bolton to Reading run approximately 4 times per day.
The cheapest way to get from Bolton to Reading is by train, costing approximately £45.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Bolton to Reading.
Yes, you can take the train from Bolton to Reading.
The train distance from Bolton to Reading is 256 km.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Bolton to Reading.
The last train from Bolton to Reading departs at 20:15.
To get from Bolton to Reading, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
There is no night train service from Bolton to Reading.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Bolton and Reading

Bolton
Reading
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 Reading.
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 06:25 - 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
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

More options for your journey from Bolton to Reading

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HomeTrainsTrain Times to Reading Bolton to Reading train

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