- 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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Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Darlington to Bolton
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Darlington to Bolton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £70 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 38m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £70, while a train costs an average of £70.
Distance: 119 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
£70 Average Price Cheapest | £26 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 38m Average total duration Fastest 2h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 1m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
 Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Darlington to Bolton is a train with an average price of £70.
The fastest way to travel from Darlington to Bolton is by train with an average journey time of 2h 8m.
Other travel options to Bolton take longer:
Coach takes on average 4h 5m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Darlington and Bolton including taking a train and coach.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around £70 compared to roughly £26 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-44.13. The journey takes 2h 8m versus 2h 1m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Compare prices and tickets Darlington 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.
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Why should you book Darlington to Bolton trains with Omio?
Transpennine Express as well as London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER), Cross Country, TransPennine Express and more offer trains services from Darlington to Bolton.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Darlington to Bolton.
Why book with Omio vs Transpennine Express?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Transpennine Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER), Cross Country or TransPennine Express to find the best option for your trip from Darlington 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 Transpennine Express with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Darlington to Bolton.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Darlington to Bolton.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Darlington to Bolton
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Darlington to Bolton run on average 4 times per day, taking around 2h 8m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £49 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 05:06, the last at 23:26. The fastest train covers the 119 km distance in 2h 21m.
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 119 km |
Average train duration 2h 8m |
Cheapest ticket price £49 |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 2h 21m |
First train 5:06 |
Last train 23:26 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
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: Transpennine Express, London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER), Cross Country, TransPennine Express from Darlington to Bolton trainsTranspennine Express, London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER), Cross Country, TransPennine Express trains will get you between Darlington and Bolton from £49. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
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 Transpennine Express Duration
2h 27m
Cheapest Transpennine Express Price
£21
Transpennine Express frequency
4 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
London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER) Duration
2h 27m
Cheapest London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER) Price
£111
London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER) frequency
2 a day
Cross Country
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Cross Country Duration
2h 21m
Cheapest Cross Country Price
£98
Cross Country frequency
6 a day
TransPennine Express
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average TransPennine Express Duration
2h 27m
Cheapest TransPennine Express Price
£49
TransPennine Express frequency
10 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: Darlington to Bolton train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Darlington 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 Darlington to Bolton can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £49, while the average price tends to be around £70.
The train journey from Darlington to Bolton covers a distance of 119 km and takes approximately 2h 21m. Trains run 4 per day.
The train distance from Darlington to Bolton is 119 km.
The first train from Darlington to Bolton leaves at 5:06.
The last train from Darlington to Bolton departs at 23:26.
Trains from Darlington to Bolton run approximately 4 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Darlington to Bolton.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Darlington to Bolton.
To get from Darlington to Bolton, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Darlington to Bolton.
The train station in Darlington that goes to Bolton is Darlington station (DAR), and it arrives at Bolton station (BON).
The cheapest way to get from Darlington to Bolton is by train, costing approximately £49.
Booking trains from Darlington 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 Darlington to Bolton offers a mix of urban and rural views, passing through the picturesque countryside of the Pennines with occasional views of rolling hills and quaint villages, which many travellers find quite scenic.
A day trip from Darlington to Bolton is not feasible as the journey duration is 2h 21m. Trains run 4 times per day, covering a distance of 119 km.
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 Darlington to Bolton.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Darlington and Bolton
Most Darlington to Bolton trains use the Darlington to Bolton station pair. Use this guide to compare Darlington and Bolton train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Darlington
Arrival train stations in Bolton
Which Darlington station do trains to Bolton leave from?
Trains from Darlington to Bolton leave from Darlington. The station is from Darlington city centre at Darlington station, Bank Top, Darlington, County Durham, DL1 4AA.
DarlingtonDarlington station, Bank Top, Darlington, County Durham, DL1 4AA
City-centre transport
Getting to Darlington from Darlington city centre
Location for Rail Replacement ServicesReplacement coach services depart from the station entrance
Darlington train station facilities and services
Darlington has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Darlington.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Darlington.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Darlington.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Darlington: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Darlington: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Darlington: 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: text phones are available and staff are on hand to assist as required due to no low level phones, Accessible taxis: Generally available but advance booking recommended, 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 Darlington arrive at?
Trains from Darlington 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 Darlington
More options for your journey from Darlington to Bolton
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Bolton and Darlington
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