- 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 Chester to Bolton
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 28 Sept
Cheapest price on 28 Sept
£14
Average ticket price on 28 Sept
£18
Fastest journey on 28 Sept
1 h 5 m
Average journey duration on 28 Sept
1 h 13 m
Trains on 28 Sept
35
Distance
53 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chester to Bolton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Chester to Bolton will cost around £18 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £14.
Fast trains
To travel from Chester to Bolton you need to make at least one change.
5:561h56Chester7:52Bolton£141One-way1 change- 6:201h43Chester8:03Bolton£141One-way1 change
- 7:211h41Chester9:02Bolton£141One-way1 change
- 7:561h57Chester9:53Bolton£141One-way1 change
- 8:201h42Chester10:02Bolton£141One-way1 change
5:021h05Chester6:07Bolton£231One-way1 change- 6:521h15Chester8:07Bolton£231One-way1 change
- 7:521h15Chester9:07Bolton£231One-way1 change
- 8:521h15Chester10:07Bolton£231One-way1 change
- 9:521h15Chester11:07Bolton£231One-way1 change
Live departures
Chester to Bolton train times
The table below shows live departures for Chester to Bolton trains for today, Sunday 27 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:42 Chester | 1h29 | 10:11 Bolton | 1 change | |
| 9:38 Chester | 1h39 | 11:17 Bolton | 1 change | |
| 10:37 Chester | 1h29 | 12:06 Bolton | 1 change | |
| 10:56 Chester | 1h46 | 12:42 Bolton | 1 change | |
| 11:35 Chester | 1h46 | 13:21 Bolton | 1 change | |
| 12:36 Chester | 1h30 | 14:06 Bolton | 1 change | |
| 13:36 Chester | 1h30 | 15:06 Bolton | 1 change | |
| 14:36 Chester | 1h30 | 16:06 Bolton | 1 change | |
| 15:36 Chester | 1h30 | 17:06 Bolton | 1 change | |
| 16:36 Chester | 2h06 | 18:42 Bolton | 1 change | |
| 17:36 Chester | 1h30 | 19:06 Bolton | 1 change | |
| 18:36 Chester | 1h30 | 20:06 Bolton | 1 change | |
| 19:36 Chester | 1h43 | 21:19 Bolton | 1 change | |
| 21:42 Chester | 1h37 | 23:19 Bolton | 1 change | |
| 22:42 Chester | 6h40 | 5:22 Bolton | 1 change | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Chester to Bolton by train
Compare 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.
Mon
28 Sept
28 Sept
Tue
29 Sept
29 Sept
Wed
30 Sept
30 Sept
Thu
01 Oct
01 Oct
Fri
02 Oct
02 Oct
Sat
03 Oct
03 Oct
Sun
04 Oct
04 Oct
Why should you book Chester to Bolton trains with Omio?
Northern Rail as well as Transport for Wales or Mersey Rail offer trains services from Chester to Bolton.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Chester to Bolton.
Why book with Omio vs Northern Rail?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Northern Rail, but also compare tickets for the likes of Transport for Wales or Mersey Rail to find the best option for your trip from Chester 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.
Why book with Omio over Trip or Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Transport for Wales or Mersey Rail to find the best option for your trip from Chester to Bolton.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Chester to Bolton
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Chester to Bolton run on average 4 times per day, taking around 1h 25m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £11 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 03:51, the last at 23:21. The fastest train covers the 53 km distance in 1h 10m.
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 53 km |
Average train duration 1h 25m |
Cheapest ticket price £11 |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 1h 10m |
First train 3:51 |
Last train 23:21 |
Cheapest Month Sept |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 49 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: Transport for Wales, Northern Rail, Mersey Rail from Chester to Bolton trainsTransport for Wales, Northern Rail, Mersey Rail trains will get you between Chester and Bolton from £11. 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
1h 10m
Cheapest Transport for Wales Price
£20
Transport for Wales frequency
2 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
Northern Rail
About
Northern Trains is a publicly owned train operating company in the United Kingdom, headquartered in York. It runs local and commuter services across the north of England, connecting regions including the North East, North West, East Midlands, Staffordshire, Yorkshire, and the Humber coastline. As part of the National Rail network, Northern operates under a coordinated fare and ticketing system alongside other UK train companies.Ticket types include Advance, Off-Peak, Anytime Day, single, return, and season tickets, with only one class option available: Standard. Onboard amenities may include comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and refreshments on select services. Popular routes include connections between major northern cities such as Manchester, Liverpool, and Leeds.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Northern Rail Duration
1h 42m
Cheapest Northern Rail Price
£11
Northern Rail frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
See refund policy for ticket types
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most services with drinks and snacks. Some stations have cafes and shops
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available but not mandatory. Free of charge when booking advance tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, passenger assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone
Mersey Rail
About
Mersey Rail is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates a network of commuter and regional services in the North West of England. Mersey Rail operates a variety of train types, including the Class 507 and Class 508 electric multiple units, and the Class 142 and Class 150 diesel multiple units. It also operates the Merseyrail Electrics, a fleet of electric multiple units. Mersey Rail offers a range of ticket types, including single, return, and season tickets. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power sockets, and air conditioning. The most popular routes for Mersey Rail are Liverpool to Southport, Liverpool to Chester, and Liverpool to Ormskirk.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Mersey Rail Duration
1h 38m
Cheapest Mersey Rail Price
£24
Mersey Rail frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
Refunds available according to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund available if service is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and ramps for boarding
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs must be leashed
Quiet zone
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: Chester to Bolton train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chester 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 Chester to Bolton can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £11, while the average price tends to be around £19.
The train journey from Chester to Bolton covers a distance of 53 km and takes approximately 1h 10m. Trains run 4 per day.
The train distance from Chester to Bolton is 53 km.
The first train from Chester to Bolton leaves at 3:51.
The last train from Chester to Bolton departs at 23:21.
Trains from Chester to Bolton run approximately 4 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Chester to Bolton.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Chester to Bolton.
There is no night train service from Chester to Bolton.
The train station in Chester that goes to Bolton is Chester station (CTR), and it arrives at Bolton station (BON).
Booking trains from Chester 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 Chester to Bolton offers views of the picturesque Cheshire countryside and the rolling hills of Greater Manchester, providing a pleasant and scenic travel experience.
Yes, you can take the train from Chester to Bolton.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Chester and Bolton
Most Chester to Bolton trains use the Chester to Bolton station pair. Use this guide to compare Chester and Bolton train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Chester
Arrival train stations in Bolton
Which Chester station do trains to Bolton leave from?
Trains from Chester to Bolton leave from Chester. The station is 1 km from Chester city centre at Chester Station, City Road, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 3NS.
ChesterChester Station, City Road, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 3NS+44 3450507080
City-centre transport
Getting to Chester from Chester city centre
Chester is 1 km from Chester city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus100, 16 · 4m · £4 · every ~2 min
Chester train station facilities and services
Chester has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Chester.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Chester.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Chester. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, 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 Chester: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Chester: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Chester: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A. Step free access is available to all platforms via lifts, 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 Chester arrive at?
Trains from Chester 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.
More options for your journey from Chester to Bolton
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Bolton and Chester
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