Bolton to Southampton train with CrossCountry

Sun 20 Sept
+ Add return
CrossCountry
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
CrossCountry
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Bolton to Southampton

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 20 Sept

Cheapest price on 20 Sept

£160

Average ticket price on 20 Sept

£167

Fastest journey on 20 Sept

5 h 12 m

Average journey duration on 20 Sept

5 h 26 m

Trains on 20 Sept

3

Distance

306 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Bolton to Southampton will cost around £167 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £160.

Fast trains

To travel from Bolton to Southampton you need to make at least 2 changes.

  • Transpennine ExpressC01251+CrossCountryG01023+Northern RailC32617
    11:195h23
    Bolton station (BON)
    16:42Southampton Central (SOU)
    £1601One-way
    2 changes
  • Transpennine ExpressG15951+CrossCountryG01019+Northern RailG89801
    10:325h12
    Bolton station (BON)
    15:44Southampton Central (SOU)
    £1701One-way
    2 changes
  • CrossCountryG01023+Northern RailG90101 · G89813
    10:585h44
    Bolton station (BON)
    16:42Southampton Central (SOU)
    £1701One-way
    2 changes

Travel Information

Compare train, coach and flight for Bolton to Southampton

Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Bolton to Southampton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £46 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 2h 50m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £46, while a flight costs an average of £112.

Distance: 306 km

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Flight
Coach
Driving

£55

Average Price

£112

Average Price

£46

Average Price

Cheapest

£61

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

5h 10m

Average total duration

4h 40m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 50m

Average total duration

Fastest

50m

Onboard

+

2h 0m

Additional time*

9h 34m

Average total duration

9h 4m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 6m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Bolton to Southampton is a coach with an average price of £46.

This is compared to other travel options from Bolton to Southampton:

A coach is £9 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bolton to Southampton costing on average £55.

A coach is £66 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Bolton to Southampton costing on average £112.

The fastest way to travel from Bolton to Southampton is by flight with an average journey time of 50m.

Other travel options to Southampton take longer:

Train takes on average 4h 40m.

Coach takes on average 9h 4m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Bolton and Southampton including taking a train, coach and flight.
Take the train. On this route, it beats driving on both time and money.

The journey is about 26m faster (4h 40m by train vs 5h 6m by car) and roughly £6 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls (£55 vs £61). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.

Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.

Live departures

Bolton to Southampton train times

The table below shows live departures for Bolton to Southampton trains for today, Saturday 19 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
CrossCountry9:54 Bolton
4h48
14:42 Southampton0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Bolton to Southampton 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
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
Wed
23 Sept
Thu
24 Sept
Fri
25 Sept
Sat
26 Sept

Why should you book Bolton to Southampton trains with Omio?

CrossCountry as well as Avanti West Coast offer trains services from Bolton to Southampton.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Bolton to Southampton.

Why book with Omio vs CrossCountry?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for CrossCountry, but also compare tickets for the likes of Avanti West Coast to find the best option for your trip from Bolton to Southampton.
  • 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 CrossCountry with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Bolton to Southampton.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Avanti West Coast to find the best option for your trip from Bolton to Southampton.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Bolton to Southampton.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Bolton to Southampton

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Bolton to Southampton run on average 5 times per day, taking around 4h 11m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £37 but you can travel from only £29 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 04:49, the last at 19:15. The fastest train covers the 306 km distance in 3h 52m.

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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £29
Distance
306 km
Average train duration
4h 11m
Cheapest ticket price
£37
Trains per day
5
Fastest train
3h 52m
First train
4:49
Last train
19:15
Cheapest Month
Aug
Cheapest Day
Thu
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Thu
Least Busy Day
Thu
Best time to book
4 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £29

Train companies: CrossCountry, TransPennine Express, Northern Trains Limited from Bolton to Southampton trainsCrossCountry, TransPennine Express, Northern Trains Limited trains will get you between Bolton and Southampton from £28. 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 CrossCountry Duration
4h 49m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£38
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

TransPennine Express

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average TransPennine Express Duration
5h 36m
Cheapest TransPennine Express Price
£254
TransPennine Express frequency
1 a day

Northern Trains Limited

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Northern Trains Limited Duration
4h 45m
Cheapest Northern Trains Limited Price
£240
Northern Trains Limited frequency
12 a day

Complete guide to Southampton

Things to do in Southampton

Discover the best of Southampton — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Southampton trip today.

  • Must visit

SeaCity Museum

Maritime museum telling the story of the Titanic, the docks and ocean travel. One of Southampton’s key visitor attractions.

  • Recommended

Tudor House and Garden

Historic house museum with period rooms and displays on local history. A rewarding visit in the heart of the old town.

  • Recommended

Southampton City Art Gallery

Gallery in the Civic Centre showing art from several periods, including modern British works. Good for a cultural stop in the city centre.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for UK city breaks. Hotels and dining cost less than London, while buses and casual meals are fairly manageable for most tourists.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-12 for fast food or a basic meal.
Mid-range
£18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£60+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£3-4 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Restaurants may add a 10-12.5% service charge; if not, tip around 10% for good service. Taxi fares are often rounded up. Tipping in cafés is optional.

FAQs: Bolton to Southampton train

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

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Bolton to Southampton can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £37, while the average price tends to be around £142.
The train journey from Bolton to Southampton covers a distance of 306 km and takes approximately 3h 52m. Trains run 5 per day.
The train distance from Bolton to Southampton is 306 km.
The first train from Bolton to Southampton leaves at 4:49.
The last train from Bolton to Southampton departs at 19:15.
Trains from Bolton to Southampton run approximately 5 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Bolton to Southampton.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Bolton to Southampton.
To get from Bolton to Southampton, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
There is no night train service from Bolton to Southampton.
The train station in Bolton that goes to Southampton is Bolton station (BON), and it arrives at Southampton Central (SOU).
The cheapest way to get from Bolton to Southampton is by coach, costing approximately £28.
Booking trains from Bolton to Southampton 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 Southampton offers varied scenery, including urban landscapes, rolling countryside, and glimpses of the English Midlands, although it is not typically considered one of the most scenic routes in the UK.
A day trip from Bolton to Southampton is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 52m. However, trains are available 4 times per day. The distance is 306 km.
In Southampton, you can explore the New Forest National Park for hiking and cycling, take the Hythe Ferry for a scenic trip to Hythe, and enjoy shopping at Westquay Shopping Centre. Visit the Ocean Village Marina for dining and leisure activities, or relax at Southampton Common. Discover the city's history at the Tudor House and Garden, SeaCity Museum, and Solent Sky Museum. Art enthusiasts can visit the Southampton City Art Gallery, while theatre lovers can catch performances at the Mayflower Theatre.
For a well-rounded experience, spending 2 to 3 days in Southampton allows you to explore key attractions such as the SeaCity Museum, Tudor House and Garden, and the vibrant waterfront.
Yes, you can take the train from Bolton to Southampton.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Bolton and Southampton

Most Bolton to Southampton trains use the Bolton to Southampton Central station pair. Use this guide to compare Bolton and Southampton 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 Southampton

Which Bolton station do trains to Southampton leave from?

Trains from Bolton to Southampton 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 1BEWifiShoppingParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parking
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.

More options for your journey from Bolton to Southampton

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

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