- 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.
Cheapest price on 30 Aug
£149
Average ticket price on 30 Aug
£153
Fastest journey on 30 Aug
2 h 55 m
Average journey duration on 30 Aug
2 h 55 m
Trains on 30 Aug
15
Distance
189 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cheltenham to Bolton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cheltenham to Bolton will cost around £153 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £149.
To travel from Cheltenham to Bolton you need to make at least 2 changes.










The table below shows live departures for Cheltenham to Bolton trains for tomorrow, Sunday 30 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 10:11 Cheltenham | 3h10 | 13:21 Bolton | 2 changes | |
![]() | 11:11 Cheltenham | 2h55 | 14:06 Bolton | 2 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Cheltenham to Bolton run on average 3 times per day, taking around 2h 50m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £149 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 05:49, the last at 20:15. The fastest train covers the 189 km distance in 2h 39m.
Distance 189 km |
Average train duration 2h 50m |
Cheapest ticket price £149 |
Trains per day 3 |
Fastest train 2h 39m |
First train 5:49 |
Last train 20:15 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Bolton — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bolton trip today.
Bolton's main museum with local history, art, Egyptology and aquarium displays, all close to the town centre.
Independent museum telling the story of local steam, electricity and engineering through working exhibits and volunteer guides.
Art gallery and museum in a former house, showing decorative arts, paintings and objects linked to local collecting history.
Large country park with moorland views, reservoirs, walking trails and access to one of Bolton's best-known hilltop panoramas.
Popular beauty spot with a reservoir, woodland paths and open moor walks, well suited to gentle strolls or longer hikes.
Historic village area with cobbled character, old buildings and scenic access to museum grounds and woodland walks.
A hearty black pudding made in nearby Bury from pig’s blood, fat and oats. It is a defining Greater Manchester breakfast staple.
Soft bread rolls split and filled with buttered chips, often with salt and vinegar. A classic North West cheap eat loved in Bolton.
A savoury pie from nearby Wigan filled traditionally with potato, onion and meat. It reflects Lancashire’s working-class baking heritage.
Popular Turkish restaurant serving charcoal-grilled meats, mezze and fresh bread in a smart but relaxed setting.
Well-known local Indian restaurant with curries, tandoori dishes and a comfortable neighbourhood dining room.
Refined Indian dining with regional dishes and attentive service, suited to a more polished evening meal.
Bolton is usually cheaper than Manchester or London for hotels, meals and local travel, making it good value for most visitors.
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.
Official public transport app
Bolton Station -> Bolton Town Centre
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cheltenham 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.

Most Cheltenham to Bolton trains use the Cheltenham Spa to Bolton station pair. Use this guide to compare Cheltenham and Bolton train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Cheltenham Spa is 1 km from Cheltenham city centre. Public transport options include:
Cheltenham Spa has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: The Railway Inn, The Coconut Tree
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Cheltenham Spa. Information desks are located near the main entrance.
Luggage storage is available at Cheltenham Spa. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cheltenham Spa: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Cheltenham Spa: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cheltenham Spa: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Queens Hotel Cheltenham, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cheltenham, Hotel du Vin & Bistro Cheltenham.
Bolton is 1 km from Bolton city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options are available at Bolton.
Wi-Fi is available at Bolton.
Ticket office support is available at Bolton.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Bolton: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Bolton: Bike Parking.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need