The cheapest and fastest trains from Chelmsford to Bolton
Cheapest price
£123
Average price
£144
Fastest journey
4 h 1 m
Average duration
4 h 9 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
284 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chelmsford to Bolton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Chelmsford to Bolton will cost around £144 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £123.
Of the 2 trains that leave Chelmsford 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 284 km distance in an average of 4 h 9 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 1 m .
The slowest trains will take 4 h 16 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.




Live departures
Chelmsford to Bolton train times
The table below shows live departures for Chelmsford to Bolton trains for tomorrow, Wednesday 19 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 04:41 Chelmsford | 4h16 | 08:57 Bolton | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 04:56 Chelmsford | 4h01 | 08:57 Bolton | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
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Compare prices and tickets Chelmsford to Bolton by train or flight
Compare train 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.
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Chelmsford to Bolton
Trains from Chelmsford to Bolton run on average 4 times per day, taking around 3h 25m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £59 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 05:54, the last at 19:25. The fastest train covers the 284 km distance in 4h 12m.
Distance 284 km |
Average train duration 3h 25m |
Cheapest ticket price £59 |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 4h 12m |
First train 05:54 |
Last train 19:25 |
Train companies: Avanti West Coast from Chelmsford to Bolton trainsAvanti West Coast trains will get you between Chelmsford and Bolton from £59. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Avanti West Coast
FAQs: Chelmsford to Bolton train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chelmsford 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.

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Chelmsford and Bolton
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:50 - 22:00 Saturday 05:50 - 22:00 Sunday 07:00 - 23:00
- Type of shops available: Newsagent Flower stall Hairdresser Dry cleaner
- Car Park: Premium Bay
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided
- Accessible taxis: Details of nearest taxis are shown on station information poster
- 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: No
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on each platform. The accessible (radar key) toilets are located on the Ground Floor, near the lifts.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: There is a dedicated Cycle Point, with free cycle parking, plus secure cycle parking and premium cycle parking. This is in Park Road, opposite the station.
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Replacement transport stop at the bus stop on Victoria Road by station entrance
- Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 06:00 - 21:00 Sunday 08:15 - 19:30
- Type of shops available: Newsagent
- Car Park: Parking is not available.
- 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
- Toilets Location: A key is available from the Station Supervisor and at the News Stand upon request.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: No
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: platforms 3 & 4
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Newport Street stop, at stand AA
- Metro: GMPTE 0161 228 7811
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: No
- Step free access coverage: No
- Step free access note: Category C Station, Platforms are both accessed via a long set of step from street level, there is no step free route to the platforms.
- Accessible public telephones: The highest operating part of the telephone is 1140 mm above floor level.
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Onward travel information: On Crompton Way for buses to Bolton or Halliwell. Busline 0871 200 2233
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pick Up / Drop Off at bus stops on Crompton Way, under railway bridge (Nearside for Blackburn, Farside for Bolton)
- Metro: GMPTE 0161 228 7811
- Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday 06:25 - 19:35 Saturday,Sunday Closed
- Car Park: Station Car Park
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category B station, Level access from car park (22 paces, 1:12 slope) and Booking office to Bolton/Manchester platform. For services to Preston, separate ramped access (96 paces, 1:10 slope) from Rumworth Road overbridge onto the platform.
- Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Onward travel information: There are no bus stops at or nearby this station. Busline 0871 200 2233
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Buses pick up at the top of the station car park.
- Metro: GMPTE 0161 228 7811
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