- Must visit
The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery
Major pottery museum with the Staffordshire Hoard, ceramics collections and family-friendly galleries in Hanley.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Bolton to Stoke-on-Trent
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 20 Sept
Cheapest price on 20 Sept
£46
Average ticket price on 20 Sept
£64
Fastest journey on 20 Sept
1 h 1 m
Average journey duration on 20 Sept
1 h 2 m
Trains on 20 Sept
31
Distance
66 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Bolton to Stoke-on-Trent is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bolton to Stoke-on-Trent will cost around £64 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £46.
Fast trains
To travel from Bolton to Stoke-on-Trent you need to make at least one change.
11:571h05Bolton13:02Stoke-on-Trent£461One-way1 change- 12:361h06Bolton13:42Stoke-on-Trent£461One-way1 change
- 13:361h06Bolton14:42Stoke-on-Trent£461One-way1 change
- 13:561h06Bolton15:02Stoke-on-Trent£461One-way1 change
- 14:361h06Bolton15:42Stoke-on-Trent£461One-way1 change
19:071h01Bolton20:08Stoke-on-Trent£831One-way1 change- 13:061h02Bolton14:08Stoke-on-Trent£831One-way1 change
- 14:061h02Bolton15:08Stoke-on-Trent£831One-way1 change
- 15:061h02Bolton16:08Stoke-on-Trent£831One-way1 change
- 16:061h02Bolton17:08Stoke-on-Trent£831One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Bolton to Stoke-on-Trent
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Bolton to Stoke-on-Trent among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £13 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 36m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £13, while a train costs an average of £28.
Distance: 66 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£28 Average Price | £13 Average Price Cheapest | £14 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 36m Average total duration Fastest 1h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 35m Average total duration 2h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 7m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.2kg 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 Stoke-on-Trent is a coach with an average price of £13.
This is compared to other travel options from Bolton to Stoke-on-Trent:
A coach is £15 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bolton to Stoke-on-Trent costing on average £28.
The fastest way to travel from Bolton to Stoke-on-Trent is by train with an average journey time of 1h 6m.
Other travel options to Stoke-on-Trent take longer:
Coach takes on average 2h 5m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Bolton and Stoke-on-Trent including taking a coach and train.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 1m sooner (1h 6m by train vs 1h 7m by car). Tickets start at around £28 compared to roughly £14 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.
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 Stoke-on-Trent train times
The table below shows live departures for Bolton to Stoke-on-Trent 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 G89850 · L89677 · L89581 | On time 12:21 Bolton station (BON) | 2h18 | 14:39 Stoke-on-Trent station (SOT) | 2 changes | |
G89850+ W29881 | On time 12:21 Bolton station (BON) | 1h22 | 13:43 Stoke-on-Trent station (SOT) | 1 change | |
| G89885+W33702 | On time 12:36 Bolton station (BON) | 1h16 | 13:52 Stoke-on-Trent station (SOT) | 1 change | |
| G89854+G01025 | On time 12:54 Bolton station (BON) | 1h09 | 14:03 Stoke-on-Trent station (SOT) | 1 change | |
P24179 · L89581+ W84906 | On time 12:58 Bolton station (BON) | 1h41 | 14:39 Stoke-on-Trent station (SOT) | 2 changes | |
| G89857+G01149 | On time 13:21 Bolton station (BON) | 1h22 | 14:43 Stoke-on-Trent station (SOT) | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Bolton to Stoke-on-Trent 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
20 Sept
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
22 Sept
Wed
23 Sept
23 Sept
Thu
24 Sept
24 Sept
Fri
25 Sept
25 Sept
Sat
26 Sept
26 Sept
Why should you book Bolton to Stoke-on-Trent trains with Omio?
Avanti West Coast as well as CrossCountry, Northern Rail, TransPennine Express, Northern Trains Limited and more offer trains services from Bolton to Stoke-on-Trent.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Bolton to Stoke-on-Trent.
Why book with Omio vs Avanti West Coast?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Avanti West Coast, but also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry, Northern Rail, TransPennine Express or Northern Trains Limited to find the best option for your trip from Bolton to Stoke-on-Trent.
- 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 Avanti West Coast with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Bolton to Stoke-on-Trent.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu, Raileurope or Trip?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry, Northern Rail, TransPennine Express or Northern Trains Limited to find the best option for your trip from Bolton to Stoke-on-Trent.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Bolton to Stoke-on-Trent.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Bolton to Stoke-on-Trent
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Bolton to Stoke-on-Trent run on average 6 times per day, taking around 1h 6m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £15 but you can travel from only £13 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 05:30, the last at 23:21. The fastest train covers the 66 km distance in 59m.
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 £13
Distance 66 km |
Average train duration 1h 6m |
Cheapest ticket price £15 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 59m |
First train 5:30 |
Last train 23:21 |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 28 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 £13
Train companies: Northern Rail, CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast from Bolton to Stoke-on-Trent trainsNorthern Rail, CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast trains will get you between Bolton and Stoke-on-Trent from £13. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
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
1h 12m
Cheapest Northern Rail Price
£15
Northern Rail frequency
2 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
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
59m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£30
CrossCountry frequency
3 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 Avanti West Coast Duration
59m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
£30
Avanti West Coast frequency
1 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
Complete guide to Stoke-on-Trent
Things to do in Stoke-on-Trent
Discover the best of Stoke-on-Trent — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Stoke-on-Trent trip today.
- Must visit
Gladstone Pottery Museum
Historic pottery factory museum with demonstrations, furnished workshops and hands-on insight into Stoke-on-Trent's ceramics trade.
- Recommended
Middleport Pottery
Museum and visitor centre at Middleport Pottery, exploring working pottery traditions, local history and canal-side industry.
- Recommended
Hanley Park
Restored Victorian park with formal gardens, lake, play areas and space for relaxed walks near the city centre.
- Recommended
Etruria Canal Area
Canal-side heritage area with paths, industrial buildings and green space, ideal for a short walk and waterside views.
- Recommended
Parkhall Country Park
Large country park with woodland, open meadows and accessible trails, popular for walking, wildlife and fresh air.
Staffordshire oatcake
A hearty Staffordshire oat pancake made from oatmeal batter, often filled with cheese, bacon or sausage. It is the Potteries’ signature savoury snack and breakfast staple.
- Vegetarian
Cheese oatcake
A simple local lunch of melted cheese, sliced onion and tomato layered on a Staffordshire oatcake. It is a classic Potteries café order.
Potato and meat pie
Traditional meat and potato filling wrapped in suet pastry and steamed or baked. This old Staffordshire working dish is warming and very filling.
High Lane Oatcakes
Well-known casual spot for authentic Staffordshire oatcakes with varied fillings. Simple, local and ideal for a quick regional bite.
Oatcake Heaven
Popular local restaurant known for well-made Staffordshire oatcakes, breakfast dishes and relaxed café atmosphere.
The Holy Inadequate
Traditional canalside pub serving ales and classic British food in a historic setting near the Trent and Mersey Canal.
British pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK: hotels and meals are usually cheaper than London, while local buses and everyday costs stay manageable for most visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £15-25 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £45+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.80-4 for coffee.
Tipping culture
Service is often included in restaurants; if not, tip around 10% for good service. Taxis are usually rounded up or tipped 10%. Cafes do not require tips, but small change is appreciated.
First Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £3.00
- Day pass
- £4.80
To the city centre
Stoke-on-Trent Railway Station -> Hanley Bus Station, Stoke-on-Trent
- Distance
- 3 km
- Travel time
- 18 min
- Stoke Smart tickets are valid across multiple operators in the Stoke Smart area, including First and D&G, if bought through their official apps or accepted sales channels.
- Contactless payment is available for bus travel with major operators in the city; check the operator app before boarding for the best-value ticket.
FAQs: Bolton to Stoke-on-Trent train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bolton to Stoke-on-Trent 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 Stoke-on-Trent, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Bolton to Stoke-on-Trent can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £15, while the average price tends to be around £28.
The train journey from Bolton to Stoke-on-Trent covers a distance of 66 km and takes approximately 59m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Bolton to Stoke-on-Trent is 66 km.
The first train from Bolton to Stoke-on-Trent leaves at 5:30.
The last train from Bolton to Stoke-on-Trent departs at 23:21.
Trains from Bolton to Stoke-on-Trent run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Bolton to Stoke-on-Trent.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Bolton to Stoke-on-Trent.
To get from Bolton to Stoke-on-Trent, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Bolton to Stoke-on-Trent.
The train station in Bolton that goes to Stoke-on-Trent is Bolton station (BON), and it arrives at Stoke-on-Trent station (SOT).
The cheapest way to get from Bolton to Stoke-on-Trent is by coach, costing approximately £13.
Booking trains from Bolton to Stoke-on-Trent 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 Stoke-on-Trent offers a mix of urban and countryside views, with glimpses of the Pennines and rural landscapes, making it moderately scenic.
Yes, a day trip from Bolton to Stoke-on-Trent is feasible with a travel time of 59m and a distance of 66 km. Trains run 3 times per day.
To fully explore Stoke-on-Trent's attractions like the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Trentham Gardens, and the World of Wedgwood, plan for a stay of 2 to 3 days.
Yes, you can take the train from Bolton to Stoke-on-Trent.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Bolton and Stoke-on-Trent
Most Bolton to Stoke-on-Trent trains use the Bolton to Stoke-on-Trent station pair. Use this guide to compare Bolton and Stoke-on-Trent 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 Stoke-on-Trent
Which Bolton station do trains to Stoke-on-Trent leave from?
Trains from Bolton to Stoke-on-Trent 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 Stoke-on-Trent station do trains from Bolton arrive at?
Trains from Bolton to Stoke-on-Trent arrive at Stoke-on-Trent. Stoke-on-Trent is 1 km from Stoke-on-Trent city centre.
Stoke-on-TrentStoke-on-Trent station, Station Road, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST4 2AA+44 345 328 0253
City-centre transport
Getting to Stoke-on-Trent from Stoke-on-Trent city centre
Bus25, 23, 40A · 9m · every ~18 min
Stoke-on-Trent train station facilities and services
Stoke-on-Trent has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Stoke-on-Trent.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Stoke-on-Trent. ATMs are available at Stoke-on-Trent.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Stoke-on-Trent. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Stoke-on-Trent: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Stoke-on-Trent: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Stoke-on-Trent: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This station has step-free access to all platforms / the platform, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible taxis: By the North end of platform 1, Accessible ticket machines: There are no accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
More options for your journey from Bolton to Stoke-on-Trent
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Stoke-on-Trent and Bolton
Most popular train connections to Stoke-on-Trent
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