Bolton to Swansea train with Transport for Wales

Wed 23 Sept
+ Add return
CrossCountry
Transport for Wales
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
CrossCountry
Transport for Wales
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Bolton to Swansea

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 23 Sept

Cheapest price on 23 Sept

£86

Average ticket price on 23 Sept

£98

Fastest journey on 23 Sept

4 h 31 m

Average journey duration on 23 Sept

4 h 34 m

Trains on 23 Sept

9

Distance

241 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Bolton to Swansea will cost around £98 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £86.

Fast trains

To travel from Bolton to Swansea you need to make at least one change.

  • Northern Trains Limited
    6:544h46
    Bolton
    11:40Swansea
    £861One-way
    1 change
  • Northern Trains Limited
    8:544h44
    Bolton
    13:38Swansea
    £861One-way
    1 change
  • TransPennine Express
    11:074h31
    Bolton
    15:38Swansea
    £1011One-way
    1 change
  • TransPennine Express
    13:074h32
    Bolton
    17:39Swansea
    £1011One-way
    1 change
  • TransPennine Express
    15:074h32
    Bolton
    19:39Swansea
    £1011One-way
    1 change

Travel Information

Compare coach and train for Bolton to Swansea

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Bolton to Swansea among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £34 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 5h 8m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £34, while a train costs an average of £87.

Distance: 241 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Driving

£87

Average Price

£34

Average Price

Cheapest

£49

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

5h 8m

Average total duration

Fastest

4h 38m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

7h 26m

Average total duration

6h 56m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 18m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Transport for Wales

Most popular train company

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Bolton to Swansea is a coach with an average price of £34.

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

A coach is £53 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bolton to Swansea costing on average £87.

The fastest way to travel from Bolton to Swansea is by train with an average journey time of 4h 38m.

Other travel options to Swansea take longer:

Coach takes on average 6h 56m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Bolton and Swansea including taking a coach and train.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.

Tickets start at around £87 compared to roughly £49 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-37.87. The journey takes 4h 38m versus 4h 18m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.

Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.

Live departures

Bolton to Swansea train times

The table below shows live departures for Bolton to Swansea trains for today, Tuesday 22 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
TransPennine Express15:07 Bolton
4h32
19:39 Swansea1 change
TransPennine Express16:07 Bolton
4h36
20:43 Swansea1 change
TransPennine Express17:07 Bolton
4h51
21:58 Swansea1 change
Wednesday 23 September
Northern Trains Limited6:54 Bolton
4h46
11:40 Swansea1 change
Northern Trains Limited6:58 Bolton
4h42
11:40 Swansea2 changes
Northern Trains Limited8:54 Bolton
4h44
13:38 Swansea1 change
Northern Trains Limited8:58 Bolton
4h40
13:38 Swansea2 changes
TransPennine Express11:07 Bolton
4h31
15:38 Swansea1 change
TransPennine Express13:07 Bolton
4h32
17:39 Swansea1 change

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Bolton to Swansea 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.

Wed
23 Sept
Thu
24 Sept
Fri
25 Sept
Sat
26 Sept
Sun
27 Sept
Mon
28 Sept
Tue
29 Sept

Why should you book Bolton to Swansea trains with Omio?

CrossCountry as well as Transport for Wales offer trains services from Bolton to Swansea.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Bolton to Swansea.

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 Transport for Wales to find the best option for your trip from Bolton to Swansea.
  • 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 bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Bolton to Swansea.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

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

Journey information

Overview: Train from Bolton to Swansea

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Bolton to Swansea run on average 7 times per day, taking around 4h 38m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £49 but you can travel from only £31 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 03:38, the last at 19:54. The fastest train covers the 241 km distance in 4h 31m.

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 £31
Distance
241 km
Average train duration
4h 38m
Cheapest ticket price
£49
Trains per day
7
Fastest train
4h 31m
First train
3:38
Last train
19:54
Cheapest Month
Dec
Cheapest Day
Sun
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Jan - Mar
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £31

Train companies: Transport for Wales, CrossCountry from Bolton to Swansea trainsTransport for Wales, CrossCountry trains will get you between Bolton and Swansea from £31. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Transport for Wales

About
Transport for Wales is a public transport provider in Wales, UK. It operates a comprehensive network of trains, buses and ferries across the country. The trains are modern and comfortable, with a range of different types including InterCity Express Trains, Regional Trains, and Metro Trains. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. There are a variety of ticket types available, including single and return tickets, season tickets, and group tickets. The most popular routes include Cardiff to Swansea, Cardiff to Newport, and Cardiff to Manchester.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Transport for Wales Duration
4h 31m
Cheapest Transport for Wales Price
£49
Transport for Wales frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policy depends on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most routes with snacks and drinks. Some stations have cafes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations recommended but not mandatory. Free of charge when booking tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs allowed with ticket (£5 per day). Guide dogs free
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
4h 43m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£117
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

Complete guide to Swansea

Things to do in Swansea

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

  • Must visit

Swansea Museum

Swansea's main museum covers local history, Egyptology, natural history and maritime displays in a historic waterfront building.

  • Must visit

National Waterfront Museum

A modern museum in the Maritime Quarter exploring the city's copper, coal, industry and waterfront heritage with interactive exhibits.

  • Recommended

Dylan Thomas Centre

A compact museum inside Dylan Thomas Square focusing on the writer's life, works and links to Swansea through exhibitions and events.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for the UK. Hotels, meals and local transport are often cheaper than in London, though summer stays and seafront dining can raise daily costs.

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 a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Restaurants: 10-12.5% if service is not included. Taxis: round up or add about 10%. Cafés and pubs: tipping is optional, though small change is appreciated.

FAQs: Bolton to Swansea train

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

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Bolton to Swansea can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £49, while the average price tends to be around £87.
The train journey from Bolton to Swansea covers a distance of 241 km and takes approximately 4h 31m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Bolton to Swansea is 241 km.
The first train from Bolton to Swansea leaves at 3:38.
The last train from Bolton to Swansea departs at 19:54.
Trains from Bolton to Swansea run approximately 7 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Bolton to Swansea.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Bolton to Swansea.
To get from Bolton to Swansea, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Bolton to Swansea.
The train station in Bolton that goes to Swansea is Bolton station (BON), and it arrives at Swansea station (SWA).
The cheapest way to get from Bolton to Swansea is by coach, costing approximately £31.
Booking trains from Bolton to Swansea 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 Swansea offers a scenic experience, as it traverses through the picturesque landscapes of the Pennines and the rolling hills of Wales, providing views of lush countryside and charming towns along the way.
A day trip from Bolton to Swansea is not feasible as the journey duration is 4h 31m. However, trains operate 3 times per day. The distance is 241 km.
To fully experience Swansea, including its beautiful beaches, cultural attractions like the National Waterfront Museum, and nearby natural landscapes such as the Gower Peninsula, spending 2 to 3 days is ideal.
Yes, you can take the train from Bolton to Swansea.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Bolton and Swansea

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

Which Bolton station do trains to Swansea leave from?

Trains from Bolton to Swansea 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 Swansea

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