- 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 Glasgow to Bolton
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 17 Sept
Cheapest price on 17 Sept
£52
Average ticket price on 17 Sept
£74
Fastest journey on 17 Sept
2 h 54 m
Average journey duration on 17 Sept
3 h 3 m
Trains on 17 Sept
6
Distance
279 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Glasgow to Bolton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Glasgow to Bolton will cost around £74 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £52.
Fast trains
On Thu 17 Sept, we found 6 trains from Glasgow to Bolton, including 1 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 279 km distance in an average of 3 h 3 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 54 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 20 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.
W84888 · W8491212:043h02Glasgow Central (GLC)15:06Bolton station (BON)£521One-way1 change- W8491513:092h57Glasgow Central (GLC)16:06Bolton station (BON)£521One-way0 changes
C01365+W8491813:383h28Glasgow Central (GLC)17:06Bolton station (BON)£851One-way1 change- W34063+
G8988912:402h54Glasgow Central (GLC)15:34Bolton station (BON)£851One-way1 change - W34050+G8987314:343h00Glasgow Central (GLC)17:34Bolton station (BON)£851One-way1 change
- W34063+G8988912:402h54Glasgow Central (GLC)15:34Bolton station (BON)£851One-way1 change
- W8491513:092h57Glasgow Central (GLC)16:06Bolton station (BON)£521One-way0 changes
- W34050+G8987314:343h00Glasgow Central (GLC)17:34Bolton station (BON)£851One-way1 change
- W84888 · W8491212:043h02Glasgow Central (GLC)15:06Bolton station (BON)£521One-way1 change
- W33889+G8982113:333h20Glasgow Central (GLC)16:53Bolton station (BON)£851One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Glasgow to Bolton
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Glasgow to Bolton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £28 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 23m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.3kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £28, while a flight costs an average of £183.
Distance: 279 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£28 Average Price Cheapest | £34 Average Price | £183 Average Price | £85 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 23m Average total duration Fastest 2h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 6m Average total duration 4h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 28m Average total duration 5h 28m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 3h 30m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Glasgow to Bolton is a train with an average price of £28.
This is compared to other travel options from Glasgow to Bolton:
A train is £6 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Glasgow to Bolton costing on average £34.
A train is £155 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Glasgow to Bolton costing on average £183.
The fastest way to travel from Glasgow to Bolton is by train with an average journey time of 2h 53m.
Other travel options to Bolton take longer:
Coach takes on average 4h 36m.
Flight takes on average 5h 28m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Glasgow and Bolton including taking a train, coach and flight.
Take the train. On this route, it beats driving on both time and money.
The journey is about 37m faster (2h 53m by train vs 3h 30m by car) and roughly £58 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls (£28 vs £85). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with TransPennine Express.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
Live departures
Glasgow to Bolton train times
The table below shows live departures for Glasgow to Bolton trains for tomorrow, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| W84888 · W84912 | 12:04 Glasgow Central (GLC) | 3h02 | 15:06 Bolton station (BON) | 1 change | |
| W34063+G89889 | 12:40 Glasgow Central (GLC) | 2h54 | 15:34 Bolton station (BON) | 1 change | |
| W84915 | 13:09 Glasgow Central (GLC) | 2h57 | 16:06 Bolton station (BON) | 0 changesdirect | |
| W33889+G89821 | 13:33 Glasgow Central (GLC) | 3h20 | 16:53 Bolton station (BON) | 1 change | |
| C01365+W84918 | 13:38 Glasgow Central (GLC) | 3h28 | 17:06 Bolton station (BON) | 1 change | |
| W34050+G89873 | 14:34 Glasgow Central (GLC) | 3h00 | 17:34 Bolton station (BON) | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Glasgow to Bolton by train, coach or flight
Compare train, coach 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.
Thu
17 Sept
17 Sept
Fri
18 Sept
18 Sept
Sat
19 Sept
19 Sept
Sun
20 Sept
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
22 Sept
Wed
23 Sept
23 Sept
Why should you book Glasgow to Bolton trains with Omio?
Avanti West Coast as well as Transpennine Express, Caledonian Sleeper, TransPennine Express and more offer trains services from Glasgow to Bolton.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Glasgow to Bolton.
Why book with Omio vs Avanti West Coast?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Avanti West Coast, but also compare tickets for the likes of Transpennine Express, Caledonian Sleeper or TransPennine Express to find the best option for your trip from Glasgow 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 Avanti West Coast with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Glasgow 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 Transpennine Express, Caledonian Sleeper or TransPennine Express to find the best option for your trip from Glasgow 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 Glasgow to Bolton.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Glasgow to Bolton
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Glasgow to Bolton run on average 7 times per day, taking around 2h 53m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £20 but you can travel from only £15 by coach.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:22, the last at 23:36. The fastest train covers the 279 km distance in 2h 54m.
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 £15
Distance 279 km |
Average train duration 2h 53m |
Cheapest ticket price £20 |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 2h 54m |
First train 4:22 |
Last train 23:36 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 28 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 £15
Train companies: Avanti West Coast, Transpennine Express, Caledonian Sleeper, TransPennine Express from Glasgow to Bolton trainsAvanti West Coast, Transpennine Express, Caledonian Sleeper, TransPennine Express trains will get you between Glasgow and Bolton from £15. 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 54m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
£20
Avanti West Coast frequency
11 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 58m
Cheapest Transpennine Express Price
£21
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
Caledonian Sleeper
About
The Caledonian Sleeper is a train service operating in the United Kingdom. It offers overnight journeys between London, Scotland, the North of England and Wales. The service is operated by Serco and consists of two types of trains: the Classic Sleeper and the Lowland Sleeper. The Classic Sleeper offers comfortable sleeping berths, while the Lowland Sleeper offers reclining seats. Both trains offer onboard facilities such as Wi-Fi, power sockets, and complimentary tea and coffee.Ticket types include Standard, First Class and Solo. Standard tickets offer access to the lounge car, while First Class tickets include access to the lounge car and complimentary breakfast. Solo tickets are available for single travellers and offer access to the lounge car and a private sleeping berth. The most popular routes for the Caledonian Sleeper are London to Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness. Passengers can also travel from London to Aberdeen, Fort William and Dundee.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Caledonian Sleeper Duration
6h 13m
Cheapest Caledonian Sleeper Price
£86
Caledonian Sleeper frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage per person included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Dedicated luggage storage areas in each carriage and under beds in sleeping compartments
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies vary by ticket type and timing before departure
Refund
Full refund provided if service is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Complimentary breakfast for all guests. Club Car serves dinner and drinks. Room service available for sleeping car passengers
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for sleeping car passengers. Optional seat reservations available for seated carriages
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Accessible rooms available, wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and staff assistance
Pets
Small pets allowed in sleeping compartments for a fee. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone
TransPennine Express
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average TransPennine Express Duration
2h 53m
Cheapest TransPennine Express Price
£76
TransPennine Express frequency
4 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: Glasgow to Bolton train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Glasgow 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 Glasgow to Bolton can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £20, while the average price tends to be around £28.
The train journey from Glasgow to Bolton covers a distance of 279 km and takes approximately 2h 54m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Glasgow to Bolton is 279 km.
The first train from Glasgow to Bolton leaves at 4:22.
The last train from Glasgow to Bolton departs at 23:36.
Trains from Glasgow to Bolton run approximately 7 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Glasgow to Bolton.
Yes, there is a direct train between Glasgow and Bolton. The service operates 1 times per day, provided by TransPennine Express.
To get from Glasgow to Bolton, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
Yes, there is a night train from Glasgow to Bolton.
The train station in Glasgow that goes to Bolton is Glasgow Central (GLC), and it arrives at Bolton station (BON).
The cheapest way to get from Glasgow to Bolton is by coach, costing approximately £15.
Booking trains from Glasgow 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 Glasgow to Bolton offers pleasant views of the Scottish Lowlands, rolling hills, and charming countryside, although it is not typically considered one of the most scenic routes in the UK.
A day trip from Glasgow to Bolton is not feasible as the journey duration is 2h 54m. Trains run 5 times per day over a distance of 279 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 Glasgow to Bolton.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Glasgow and Bolton
Most Glasgow to Bolton trains use the Glasgow Central to Bolton station pair. Use this guide to compare Glasgow and Bolton train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Glasgow
Arrival train stations in Bolton
Glasgow CentralGordon St, Glasgow G1 3SL, United Kingdom+44 3457114141
City-centre transport
Getting to Glasgow Central from Glasgow city centre
Bus18, 10, 6, X8, N267, 18A, 75, 7A, 7, N18, 263, 267 · 2m · £2 · every ~78 min
SubwaySub · 26m · £2 · every ~57 min
Glasgow Central train station facilities and services
Glasgow Central 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, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: Burger King, Krispy Kreme, Gordon St Coffee, Starbucks, Upper Crust, The Beer House, Patisserie Valerie, Alston Bar & Beef
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are there is an ATM machine located on the concourse.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 05:30 - 21:30, Sun: 09:15 - 21:30. Information desks are there is a customer service center in the station located next to the ticket office.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is luggage storage facilities are located near Platform 1 operated by Excess Baggage Co. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Glasgow Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Glasgow Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Glasgow Central: There is step-free access in the whole station via elevators and ramps for train access. There are also escalators.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Indigo Glasgow, Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow, voco Grand Central Glasgow.
Which Bolton station do trains from Glasgow arrive at?
Trains from Glasgow 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 Glasgow to Bolton
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Bolton and Glasgow
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