- Must visit
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter
A visitor attraction and working studio where tours reveal how Harry Potter films were made, with original sets and props.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Bolton to Watford
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 20 Sept
Cheapest price on 20 Sept
£59
Average ticket price on 20 Sept
£77
Fastest journey on 20 Sept
4 h 2 m
Average journey duration on 20 Sept
4 h 9 m
Trains on 20 Sept
10
Distance
255 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Bolton to Watford is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bolton to Watford will cost around £77 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £59.
Fast trains
To travel from Bolton to Watford you need to make at least 2 changes.
W33368+
S26828+
LO008900+
NT2030008:235h13Bolton station (BON)13:36Watford High Street (WFH)£591One-way3 changes- W33141+NT203200+S26826+LO00870010:134h23Bolton station (BON)14:36Watford High Street (WFH)£591One-way3 changes
- W33368+NT203000+S268288:234h58Bolton station (BON)13:21Watford Junction (WFJ)£591One-way2 changes
- W33141+NT203200+S2682610:134h08Bolton station (BON)14:21Watford Junction (WFJ)£591One-way2 changes
C01251+W33049+S26824+C3261711:194h02Bolton station (BON)15:21Watford Junction (WFJ)£891One-way3 changes
- C01251+W33049+S26824+C3261711:194h02Bolton station (BON)15:21Watford Junction (WFJ)£891One-way3 changes
- C24815+W33088+L89315+S268289:194h02Bolton station (BON)13:21Watford Junction (WFJ)£891One-way3 changes
- W33141+NT203200+S2682610:134h08Bolton station (BON)14:21Watford Junction (WFJ)£591One-way2 changes
- C01251+W33049+C32617+S2682411:194h17Bolton station (BON)15:36Watford High Street (WFH)£891One-way4 changes
- C24815+W33088+S26828+L893159:194h17Bolton station (BON)13:36Watford High Street (WFH)£891One-way4 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Bolton to Watford
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Bolton to Watford among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £88 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 0m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £88, while a flight costs an average of £199.
Distance: 255 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£88 Average Price Cheapest | £199 Average Price | £51 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 2m Average total duration 2h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 0m Average total duration Fastest 1h 0m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 3h 38m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Bolton to Watford is a train with an average price of £88.
This is compared to other travel options from Bolton to Watford:
A train is £111 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Bolton to Watford costing on average £199.
The fastest way to travel from Bolton to Watford is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 0m.
Other travel options to Watford take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 32m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Bolton and Watford including taking a train and coach.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 1h 6m sooner (2h 32m by train vs 3h 38m by car). Tickets start at around £88 compared to roughly £51 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 Watford train times
The table below shows live departures for Bolton to Watford trains for tomorrow, Sunday 20 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| W33368+NT203000+LO008900+S26828 | 8:23 Bolton station (BON) | 5h13 | 13:36 Watford High Street (WFH) | 3 changes | |
| W33368+S26828+NT203000 | 8:23 Bolton station (BON) | 4h58 | 13:21 Watford Junction (WFJ) | 2 changes | |
| W33088+C24815+S26828+L89315 | 9:19 Bolton station (BON) | 4h17 | 13:36 Watford High Street (WFH) | 4 changes | |
| W33088+L89315+S26828+C24815 | 9:19 Bolton station (BON) | 4h02 | 13:21 Watford Junction (WFJ) | 3 changes | |
| W33141+NT203200+LO008700+S26826 | 10:13 Bolton station (BON) | 4h23 | 14:36 Watford High Street (WFH) | 3 changes | |
| W33141+S26826+NT203200 | 10:13 Bolton station (BON) | 4h08 | 14:21 Watford Junction (WFJ) | 2 changes | |
| W33049+G89813 · G90101+S26824 | 10:58 Bolton station (BON) | 4h23 | 15:21 Watford Junction (WFJ) | 3 changes | |
| W33049+G90101 · G89813+LO008500 | 10:58 Bolton station (BON) | 4h38 | 15:36 Watford High Street (WFH) | 4 changes | |
| W33049+S26824+C01251+C32617 | 11:19 Bolton station (BON) | 4h02 | 15:21 Watford Junction (WFJ) | 3 changes | |
| W33049+C01251+LO008500+S26824 | 11:19 Bolton station (BON) | 4h17 | 15:36 Watford High Street (WFH) | 4 changes | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Bolton to Watford 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.
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
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25 Sept
25 Sept
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26 Sept
26 Sept
Why should you book Bolton to Watford trains with Omio?
Avanti West Coast operates all trains services from Bolton to Watford.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Bolton to Watford.
Why book with Omio vs Avanti West Coast?
- 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 train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Bolton to Watford.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Bolton to Watford.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Bolton to Watford
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Bolton to Watford run on average 13 times per day, taking around 2h 32m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £88 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 01:44, the last at 21:45. The fastest train covers the 255 km distance in 2h 23m.
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 255 km |
Average train duration 2h 32m |
Cheapest ticket price £88 |
Trains per day 13 |
Fastest train 2h 23m |
First train 1:44 |
Last train 21:45 |
Cheapest Month Sept |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
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
Train companies: Avanti West Coast, TransPennine Express, Northern Trains Limited from Bolton to Watford trainsAvanti West Coast, TransPennine Express, Northern Trains Limited trains will get you between Bolton and Watford from £88. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
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
Avanti West Coast frequency
13 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
TransPennine Express
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average TransPennine Express Duration
3h 14m
Cheapest TransPennine Express Price
£173
TransPennine Express frequency
1 a day
Northern Trains Limited
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Northern Trains Limited Duration
2h 35m
Cheapest Northern Trains Limited Price
£158
Northern Trains Limited frequency
3 a day
Complete guide to Watford
Things to do in Watford
Discover the best of Watford — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Watford trip today.
- Recommended
Watford Museum
Watford's local museum in a historic house, with exhibitions on the town's people, industry and changing streets.
Watford Palace Theatre
An arts centre with galleries, performances and cinema, making it a useful stop for contemporary local visual culture.
- Must visit
Cassiobury Park
Watford's best-known park, with broad lawns, woodland walks, playgrounds, sports facilities and the Grand Union Canal nearby.
- Recommended
Watford Town Centre Canalside
A regenerated waterside district with canal walks, modern public spaces, events and easy access from the town centre.
- Recommended
Cheslyn House and Gardens
A large nature reserve with lakes, woodland and meadows, popular for quiet walks, birdwatching and family outings.
Toad in the Hole
A classic pub staple from Hertfordshire and nearby counties: sausages in Yorkshire pudding batter, usually served with onion gravy.
Full English Breakfast
Traditional English breakfast with eggs, bacon, sausages, beans, mushrooms and toast; a familiar local weekend favourite in Watford cafés.
Fish and Chips
Beer-battered white fish with chips is a core British takeaway and pub dish, commonly eaten across Watford with mushy peas or curry sauce.
The Grove
Upscale country-house dining just outside Watford, serving refined British dishes in elegant historic surroundings.
Tarboush
Smart modern Indian restaurant known for polished curries, grills and friendly service in central Watford.
Best Turkish Kebab
Popular Turkish restaurant serving charcoal-grilled meats, meze and generous sharing plates in a lively setting.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for southern England. Hotels can be pricey on London commuter routes, but dining and local transport are usually a little cheaper than central London.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Restaurants may add a 10-12.5% service charge; if not, 10% is usual for good service. Taxi fares are often rounded up. Tipping in cafés is optional, usually just small change.
Intalink
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £3.00
- Day pass
- £6.00
To the city centre
Watford Junction -> Watford Town Centre, Watford
- Distance
- 1 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Contactless bank card payment is available on many Hertfordshire buses, and Intalink also sells mobile tickets in its official app.
- For Watford bus travel, check Intalink for live route changes and buy tickets before boarding where possible.
FAQs: Bolton to Watford train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bolton to Watford 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 Watford, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Bolton to Watford can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £88, while the average price tends to be around £88.
The train journey from Bolton to Watford covers a distance of 255 km and takes approximately 2h 23m. Trains run 13 per day.
The train distance from Bolton to Watford is 255 km.
The first train from Bolton to Watford leaves at 1:44.
The last train from Bolton to Watford departs at 21:45.
Trains from Bolton to Watford run approximately 13 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Bolton to Watford.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Bolton to Watford.
To get from Bolton to Watford, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Bolton to Watford.
The train station in Bolton that goes to Watford is Bolton station (BON), and it arrives at Bushey (BSH).
The cheapest way to get from Bolton to Watford is by train, costing approximately £88.
Booking trains from Bolton to Watford 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 Watford offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, with views of the Pennine landscapes and glimpses of the countryside interspersed with industrial and residential areas.
A day trip from Bolton to Watford is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 23m each way. However, trains run 8 times per day.
In Watford, you can enjoy a variety of activities such as attending performances at the Watford Palace Theatre or exploring the shops and dining options at Intu Watford. For entertainment, try Topgolf Watford, or attend community arts events at The Pump House Theatre and Arts Centre. Nature enthusiasts can visit the Rickmansworth Aquadrome for walking and cycling, or explore Cassiobury Park and its nature reserve. Don't miss the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London for a behind-the-scenes look at the Harry Potter films. Additionally, Watford Museum offers insights into the town's history, while Cheslyn House and Gardens provide a tranquil escape. For luxury, The Grove features beautiful gardens, a golf course, and spa facilities.
To fully explore Watford's attractions, including Warner Bros. Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter, Cassiobury Park, and Watford Palace Theatre, a two to three-day visit is recommended.
Yes, you can take the train from Bolton to Watford.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Bolton and Watford
Most Bolton to Watford trains use the Bolton to Watford Junction station pair, with some services arriving at Bushey. Use this guide to compare Bolton and Watford 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 Watford
Which Bolton station do trains to Watford leave from?
Trains from Bolton to Watford 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 Watford station do trains from Bolton arrive at?
Trains from Bolton to Watford most often arrive at Bushey. Some services arrive at Watford High Street, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Watford arrival station.
BusheyBushey station, Pinner Road, Watford, Greater London, WD19 4EA+44 343 222 1234
City-centre transport
Getting to Bushey from Watford city centre
Bushey is 1 km from Watford city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainWatford Junction - London Euston, Watford Junction - Willesden Junction Low Level, Watford Junction - Kilburn High Road · 2m · £0.90 · every ~9 min
Bus306, 832 · 9m · £4 · every ~4 min
602 · 11m · £2 · every ~5 min
885 · 14m
Bushey train station facilities and services
Bushey has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Bushey.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Bushey.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Bushey. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point, Helpline Contact: 0343 222 1234, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Bushey: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Bushey: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Bushey: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Accessibility category C. This station does not have step-free access, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible taxis: contact taxi operator directly, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Watford High StreetWatford High Street station, 182 Watford High Street, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD17 2NW+44 343 222 1234
City-centre transport
Getting to Watford High Street from Watford city centre
Bus321 · 3m · £4 · every ~10 min
306 · 6m · every ~4 min
Watford High Street train station facilities and services
Watford High Street has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Watford High Street.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Watford High Street. ATMs are available at Watford High Street.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Watford High Street.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Watford High Street: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Watford High Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Watford High Street: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Level access to ticket office from street. Single island platform, accessible from entrance by staircase only, Accessible taxis: Contact taxi operator directly, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Watford JunctionWatford Junction station, Station Road, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD17 1EU+44 3301235247
City-centre transport
Getting to Watford Junction from Watford city centre
TrainLondon Euston - Watford Junction, Kilburn High Road - Watford Junction, Willesden Junction Low Level - Watford Junction · 5m · £0.90 · every ~9 min
BusW20 · 5m · £2 · every ~1 min
635 · 7m · £4 · every ~2 min
322 · 20m · £2 · every ~6 min
Watford Junction train station facilities and services
Watford Junction has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Watford Junction.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Watford Junction.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Watford Junction. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 0248 997, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Watford Junction: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Watford Junction: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Watford Junction: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are accessible on platform 6, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Ticket Vending Machines are located in the Booking Hall, 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 Watford
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Watford and Bolton
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