- 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 Edinburgh to Bolton
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 19 Oct
Cheapest price on 19 Oct
£121
Average ticket price on 19 Oct
£121
Fastest journey on 19 Oct
4 h 34 m
Average journey duration on 19 Oct
4 h 34 m
Trains on 19 Oct
1
Distance
268 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Edinburgh to Bolton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Edinburgh to Bolton will cost around £121 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £121.
Fast trains
On Mon 19 Oct, we found 1 trains from Edinburgh to Bolton, including 1 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 268 km distance in an average of 4 h 34 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 34 m .
The slowest trains will take 4 h 34 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.
7:004h34Edinburgh11:34Bolton£1211One-way0 changes
- 7:004h34Edinburgh11:34Bolton£1211One-way0 changes
Journey information
Overview: Train from Edinburgh to Bolton
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Edinburgh to Bolton run on average 7 times per day, taking around 2h 52m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £30 but you can travel from only £20 by coach.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:23, the last at 21:07. The fastest train covers the 268 km distance in 2h 39m.
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £20
Distance 268 km |
Average train duration 2h 52m |
Cheapest ticket price £30 |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 2h 39m |
First train 0:23 |
Last train 21:07 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 35 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £20
Live departures
Edinburgh to Bolton train times
The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Bolton trains for tomorrow, Monday 19 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:00 Edinburgh | 4h34 | 11:34 Bolton | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Edinburgh to Bolton trains with Omio?
Transpennine Express as well as Avanti West Coast offer trains services from Edinburgh to Bolton.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Edinburgh 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 Avanti West Coast to find the best option for your trip from Edinburgh 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, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Edinburgh 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 Avanti West Coast to find the best option for your trip from Edinburgh to Bolton.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Edinburgh to Bolton.
Train companies: Avanti West Coast, Transpennine Express from Edinburgh to Bolton trainsAvanti West Coast, Transpennine Express trains will get you between Edinburgh and Bolton from £20. 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 Avanti West Coast Duration
2h 39m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
£35
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 Transpennine Express Duration
2h 51m
Cheapest Transpennine Express Price
£47
Transpennine Express frequency
2 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
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.
Best day trips from Bolton by train
The most popular day trips by train from Bolton are Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Chester and Preston. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your train from Bolton on Omio.
Day trip from Bolton to Manchester by train
Why visit Manchester for the day?
Manchester is known for its industrial heritage, influential music and deep football culture. Red-brick canalside areas, major museums and lively nightlife give it an energetic northern character.
How to get from Bolton to Manchester by train?
There are 12 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:52. The fastest train covers the 17 km distance in 13m.
Day trip from Bolton to Liverpool by train
Why visit Liverpool for the day?
Liverpool is known for The Beatles, football and a waterfront shaped by its maritime past. Its grand docks, museums and lively city centre give it a proud, creative character.
How to get from Bolton to Liverpool by train?
The earliest train runs at 02:19, the last at 23:40. The fastest train covers the 41 km distance in 51m.
Day trip from Bolton to Leeds by train
Why visit Leeds for the day?
Leeds is a major West Yorkshire city known for Victorian arcades, shopping and a lively music scene. Its industrial heritage, regenerated waterfront and large student population give it an energetic but down-to-earth character.
How to get from Bolton to Leeds by train?
The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 23:50. The fastest train covers the 63 km distance in 1h 0m.
Day trip from Bolton to Chester by train
Why visit Chester for the day?
Chester is known for its Roman walls, medieval streets and the distinctive black-and-white Rows. Compact and walkable, it blends deep history with a relaxed riverside setting and a lively city centre.
How to get from Bolton to Chester by train?
The earliest train runs at 03:51, the last at 23:21. The fastest train covers the 53 km distance in 49m.
Day trip from Bolton to Preston by train
Why visit Preston for the day?
Preston is a Lancashire city known for its industrial heritage, lively student population and the Harris Museum. Its centre blends Victorian character with modern shops and cafés, while riverside parks soften the urban feel.
How to get from Bolton to Preston by train?
There are 11 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:24, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 28 km distance in 19m.
FAQs: Edinburgh to Bolton train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh to Bolton can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £30, while the average price tends to be around £61.
The train journey from Edinburgh to Bolton covers a distance of 268 km and takes approximately 2h 39m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Edinburgh to Bolton is 268 km.
The first train from Edinburgh to Bolton leaves at 0:23.
The last train from Edinburgh to Bolton departs at 21:07.
Trains from Edinburgh to Bolton run approximately 7 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Edinburgh to Bolton.
Yes, there is a direct train between Edinburgh and Bolton. The service operates 3 times per day, provided by Transpennine Express.
There is no night train service from Edinburgh to Bolton.
The train station in Edinburgh that goes to Bolton is Edinburgh Waverley (EDB), and it arrives at Bolton station (BON).
Booking trains from Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh to Bolton offers some scenic views, especially as it travels through the rolling hills and countryside of southern Scotland and northern England. Passengers can enjoy picturesque landscapes, including stretches of rural farmland and glimpses of the Pennines, making parts of the trip visually appealing.
Yes, you can take the train from Edinburgh to Bolton.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Edinburgh and Bolton
Most Edinburgh to Bolton trains use the Edinburgh Waverley to Bolton station pair. Use this guide to compare Edinburgh and Bolton train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Edinburgh
Arrival train stations in Bolton
Edinburgh WaverleyPrinces St, Edinburgh EH1 1BB, United Kingdom+44 3457114141
City-centre transport
Getting to Edinburgh Waverley from Edinburgh city centre
BusUk090 · 12m · £1 · every ~32 min
Edinburgh Waverley train station facilities and services
Edinburgh Waverley has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: Bagel Factory, Burger King, Caffè Nero, Costa Coffee, JD Wetherspoon, The Pasty Shop, The Beer House, M&S, Pret a Manger
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free public Wi-Fi available. ATMs are there are a few ATM machines around the station.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 05:00 - 23:59, Sun: 07:00 - 23:59. Information desks are information booths are located on the concourse. .
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is you can leave luggage at Excessive Baggage Company on Platform 2. . Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Edinburgh Waverley: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Edinburgh Waverley: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh Waverley: Entrances are step free. Station is equipped with an elevator. Staffed with guide communicators for the deaf. Tactile warning strips are on the platform edges for the blind.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Old Waverley Hotel, Jurys Inn Edinburgh, The Scotsman Hotel.
Which Bolton station do trains from Edinburgh arrive at?
Trains from Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh
More options for your journey from Edinburgh to Bolton
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Bolton and Edinburgh
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