- Must visit
Bolton Museum and Art Gallery
Bolton's main museum with local history, art, Egyptology and aquarium displays, all close to the town centre.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Carlisle to Bolton
Showing times and prices for 21 Aug
Cheapest price
£47
Average price
£50
Fastest journey
1 h 34 m
Average duration
1 h 44 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
150 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Carlisle to Bolton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Carlisle to Bolton will cost around £50 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £47.
Fast trains
Of the 2 trains that leave Carlisle for Bolton every day 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 150 km distance in an average of 1 h 44 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 34 m .
The slowest trains will take 1 h 54 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.
8:321h34Carlisle10:06Bolton£471One-way0 changes
4:431h54Carlisle6:37Bolton£531One-way0 changes
- 8:321h34Carlisle10:06Bolton£471One-way0 changes
- 4:431h54Carlisle6:37Bolton£531One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Carlisle to Bolton
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Carlisle to Bolton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £29. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 36m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £29, and a train costs an average of £12.
Distance: 150 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£31 Average Price | £29 Average Price Cheapest |
2h 6m Average total duration Fastest 1h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 50m Average total duration 8h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Carlisle to Bolton train times
The table below shows live departures for Carlisle to Bolton trains for today, Thursday 20 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W34172+ G89871 | On time 12:50 Carlisle station (CAR) | 1h44 | 14:34 Bolton station (BON) | 1 change | |
| W34172+P24183 | On time 12:50 Carlisle station (CAR) | 2h07 | 14:57 Bolton station (BON) | 1 change | |
| W84912 | On time 13:34 Carlisle station (CAR) | 1h32 | 15:06 Bolton station (BON) | 0 changesdirect | |
| W34063+G89889 | On time 13:49 Carlisle station (CAR) | 1h45 | 15:34 Bolton station (BON) | 1 change | |
| W34063+P24185 | On time 13:49 Carlisle station (CAR) | 2h08 | 15:57 Bolton station (BON) | 1 change | |
| 4:43 Carlisle | 1h54 | 6:37 Bolton | 0 changesdirect | |
| 8:32 Carlisle | 1h34 | 10:06 Bolton | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Carlisle to Bolton 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.
Fri
21 Aug
21 Aug
Sat
22 Aug
22 Aug
Sun
23 Aug
23 Aug
Mon
24 Aug
24 Aug
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25 Aug
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27 Aug
27 Aug
Why should you book Carlisle to Bolton trains with Omio?
Avanti West Coast as well as Transpennine Express, Caledonian Sleeper, TransPennine Express and more offer trains services from Carlisle to Bolton.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Carlisle to Bolton.
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 Transpennine Express, Caledonian Sleeper or TransPennine Express to find the best option for your trip from Carlisle to Bolton.
- 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 Carlisle to Bolton.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Transpennine Express, Caledonian Sleeper or TransPennine Express to find the best option for your trip from Carlisle to Bolton.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Carlisle to Bolton.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Carlisle to Bolton
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Carlisle to Bolton run on average 6 times per day, taking around 1h 36m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £12 if you book in advance.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:23, the last at 21:35. The fastest train covers the 150 km distance in 1h 32m.
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 150 km |
Average train duration 1h 36m |
Cheapest ticket price £12 |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 1h 32m |
First train 5:23 |
Last train 21:35 |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Wed |
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
Train companies: Avanti West Coast, Transpennine Express, Caledonian Sleeper, TransPennine Express from Carlisle to Bolton trainsAvanti West Coast, Transpennine Express, Caledonian Sleeper, TransPennine Express trains will get you between Carlisle and Bolton from £12. 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
Average Duration
1h 46m
Cheapest Price
£12
Avanti West Coast frequency
4 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
About
Transpennine Express is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from Manchester and Liverpool to Scotland, the North East and Yorkshire. It offers a range of services, including express, regional and local trains. Express trains are the fastest, with journey times of up to three hours. Regional trains are slower, but offer more stops and a more relaxed atmosphere. Local trains are the slowest, but offer the most stops. Transpennine Express offers a range of ticket types, including single, return, group and season tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for Transpennine Express are Manchester to Edinburgh, Liverpool to Leeds and Manchester to York. These routes offer a convenient and comfortable way to travel between the cities.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 32m
Cheapest Price
£50
Transpennine Express frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
2 large items and 1 small hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if service is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks, plus a small selection of hot and cold food items
Seat reservation
Seat reservations are free of charge and recommended for busy routes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance booking service
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone
Caledonian Sleeper
About
The Caledonian Sleeper is a train service operating in the United Kingdom. It offers overnight journeys between London, Scotland, the North of England and Wales. The service is operated by Serco and consists of two types of trains: the Classic Sleeper and the Lowland Sleeper. The Classic Sleeper offers comfortable sleeping berths, while the Lowland Sleeper offers reclining seats. Both trains offer onboard facilities such as Wi-Fi, power sockets, and complimentary tea and coffee.Ticket types include Standard, First Class and Solo. Standard tickets offer access to the lounge car, while First Class tickets include access to the lounge car and complimentary breakfast. Solo tickets are available for single travellers and offer access to the lounge car and a private sleeping berth. The most popular routes for the Caledonian Sleeper are London to Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness. Passengers can also travel from London to Aberdeen, Fort William and Dundee.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 53m
Cheapest Price
£85
Caledonian Sleeper frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage per person included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Dedicated luggage storage areas in each carriage and under beds in sleeping compartments
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies vary by ticket type and timing before departure
Refund
Full refund provided if service is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Complimentary breakfast for all guests. Club Car serves dinner and drinks. Room service available for sleeping car passengers
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for sleeping car passengers. Optional seat reservations available for seated carriages
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Accessible rooms available, wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and staff assistance
Pets
Small pets allowed in sleeping compartments for a fee. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone
TransPennine Express
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 29m
Cheapest Price
£50
TransPennine Express frequency
9 a day
Complete guide to Bolton
Things to do in Bolton
Discover the best of Bolton — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bolton trip today.
- Recommended
Bolton Steam Museum
Independent museum telling the story of local steam, electricity and engineering through working exhibits and volunteer guides.
- Recommended
Hall i' th' Wood Museum
Art gallery and museum in a former house, showing decorative arts, paintings and objects linked to local collecting history.
- Must visit
Smithills Estate
Large country park with moorland views, reservoirs, walking trails and access to one of Bolton's best-known hilltop panoramas.
- Recommended
Jumbles Country Park
Popular beauty spot with a reservoir, woodland paths and open moor walks, well suited to gentle strolls or longer hikes.
- Recommended
Barrow Bridge
Historic village area with cobbled character, old buildings and scenic access to museum grounds and woodland walks.
- Gluten-free
Bury Black Pudding
A hearty black pudding made in nearby Bury from pig’s blood, fat and oats. It is a defining Greater Manchester breakfast staple.
- Vegetarian
Chip Barm
Soft bread rolls split and filled with buttered chips, often with salt and vinegar. A classic North West cheap eat loved in Bolton.
Meat and Potato Pie
A savoury pie from nearby Wigan filled traditionally with potato, onion and meat. It reflects Lancashire’s working-class baking heritage.
Cezar's Kitchen
Popular Turkish restaurant serving charcoal-grilled meats, mezze and fresh bread in a smart but relaxed setting.
Achari
Well-known local Indian restaurant with curries, tandoori dishes and a comfortable neighbourhood dining room.
Rice 'N' Spice
Refined Indian dining with regional dishes and attentive service, suited to a more polished evening meal.
Pound sterling (£)
Bolton is usually cheaper than Manchester or London for hotels, meals and local travel, making it good value for most visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £15-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.50-4 for a coffee.
Tipping culture
Service is often included or optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is typical for good service. Round up taxi fares. Tipping in cafés is optional.
Bee Network
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2
- Day pass
- £5
To the city centre
Bolton Station -> Bolton Town Centre
- Distance
- 0.8 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Contactless card and device payment works on Bee Network buses for tickets up to £10.
- The adult hopper ticket is valid for unlimited Bee Network bus changes within 60 min of purchase.
FAQs: Carlisle to Bolton train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Carlisle to Bolton 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 Bolton, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Carlisle to Bolton can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £12, while the average price tends to be around £31.
The train journey from Carlisle to Bolton covers a distance of 150 km and takes approximately 1h 32m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Carlisle to Bolton is 150 km.
The first train from Carlisle to Bolton leaves at 5:23.
The last train from Carlisle to Bolton departs at 21:35.
Trains from Carlisle to Bolton run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Carlisle to Bolton.
Yes, there is a direct train between Carlisle and Bolton. The service operates 2 times per day, provided by Transpennine Express, TransPennine Express.
To get from Carlisle to Bolton, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
Yes, there is a night train from Carlisle to Bolton.
The train station in Carlisle that goes to Bolton is Carlisle station (CAR), and it arrives at Bolton station (BON).
The cheapest way to get from Carlisle to Bolton is by train, costing approximately £12.
Booking trains from Carlisle to Bolton in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Carlisle to Bolton offers scenic views, particularly as it travels through the picturesque landscapes of the Lake District before passing through the rolling hills and charming countryside of Lancashire.
Yes, a day trip from Carlisle to Bolton is feasible with a journey time of 1h 32m and a distance of 150 km. There are 4 trains per day.
To fully enjoy Bolton's attractions, a stay of 2 to 3 days is recommended, allowing time to explore local highlights such as the Bolton Museum, Smithills Hall, and nearby nature spots.
Yes, you can take the train from Carlisle to Bolton.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Carlisle and Bolton
Most Carlisle to Bolton trains use the Carlisle to Bolton station pair. Use this guide to compare Carlisle and Bolton train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Carlisle
Arrival train stations in Bolton
Which Carlisle station do trains to Bolton leave from?
Trains from Carlisle to Bolton leave from Carlisle. The station is 1 km from Carlisle city centre at Carlisle station, Court Square, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA1 1QZ.
CarlisleCarlisle station, Court Square, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA1 1QZ
City-centre transport
Getting to Carlisle from Carlisle city centre
Bus67, 63, 63A, 61, 62, 64 · 5m · £8 · every ~50 min
Carlisle train station facilities and services
Carlisle has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Carlisle.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Carlisle.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Carlisle. 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 Carlisle: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Carlisle: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Carlisle: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This station has step-free access to all platforms / the platform Lifts available to platforms via subway. Alternatively there is a ramped footbridge. Staff are available to assist on request, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible ticket machines: There are 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.
Which Bolton station do trains from Carlisle arrive at?
Trains from Carlisle to Bolton arrive at Bolton. Bolton is 1 km from Bolton city centre.
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.
Most popular train connections from Carlisle
More options for your journey from Carlisle to Bolton
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Bolton and Carlisle
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