- 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.
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
The cheapest and fastest trains from Leicester to Bolton
Showing times and prices for 15 Aug
Cheapest price
£78
Average price
£78
Fastest journey
2 h 34 m
Average duration
2 h 35 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
136 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Leicester to Bolton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Leicester to Bolton will cost around £78 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £78.
Fast trains
To travel from Leicester to Bolton you need to make at least 2 changes.
G01047+
W33782+
G895778:162h36Leicester station (LEI)10:52Bolton station (BON)£781One-way2 changes- G66943+W33454+G8959310:182h35Leicester station (LEI)12:53Bolton station (BON)£781One-way2 changes
- G66940+W33743+G895859:182h34Leicester station (LEI)11:52Bolton station (BON)£781One-way2 changes
- G66940+W33743+G895859:182h34Leicester station (LEI)11:52Bolton station (BON)£781One-way2 changes
- G66943+W33454+G8959310:182h35Leicester station (LEI)12:53Bolton station (BON)£781One-way2 changes
- G01047+W33782+G895778:162h36Leicester station (LEI)10:52Bolton station (BON)£781One-way2 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Leicester to Bolton
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Leicester to Bolton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £18. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 12m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £18, and a train costs an average of £18.
Distance: 136 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£68 Average Price | £26 Average Price Cheapest |
2h 42m Average total duration Fastest 2h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 19m Average total duration 3h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions |
 Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Leicester to Bolton train times
The table below shows live departures for Leicester to Bolton trains for today, Friday 14 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 7:38 Leicester | 3h14 | 10:52 Bolton | 0 changesdirect | |
| 9:09 Leicester | 2h40 | 11:49 Bolton | 0 changesdirect | |
| 9:15 Leicester | 2h37 | 11:52 Bolton | 0 changesdirect | |
| 10:37 Leicester | 3h12 | 13:49 Bolton | 0 changesdirect | |
| 11:06 Leicester | 2h43 | 13:49 Bolton | 0 changesdirect |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Leicester to Bolton by coach or train
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.
Sat
15 Aug
15 Aug
Sun
16 Aug
16 Aug
Mon
17 Aug
17 Aug
Tue
18 Aug
18 Aug
Wed
19 Aug
19 Aug
Thu
20 Aug
20 Aug
Fri
21 Aug
21 Aug
Why should you book Leicester to Bolton trains with Omio?
Transpennine Express as well as Avanti West Coast, East Midlands Railway, east_midlands_trains, Cross Country and more offer trains services from Leicester to Bolton.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Leicester 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, East Midlands Railway, east_midlands_trains or Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from Leicester 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 bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Leicester to Bolton.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu, Raileurope or Rome2rio?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Avanti West Coast, East Midlands Railway, east_midlands_trains or Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from Leicester to Bolton.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Leicester to Bolton.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Leicester to Bolton
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Leicester to Bolton run on average 5 times per day, taking around 2h 12m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £18 but you can travel from only £18 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 05:48, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 136 km distance in 2h 35m.
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 £18
Distance 136 km |
Average train duration 2h 12m |
Cheapest ticket price £18 |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 2h 35m |
First train 5:48 |
Last train 23:56 |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 21 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 £18
Train companies: Transpennine Express, Avanti West Coast, East Midlands Railway, east_midlands_trains, Cross Country from Leicester to Bolton trainsTranspennine Express, Avanti West Coast, East Midlands Railway, east_midlands_trains, Cross Country trains will get you between Leicester and Bolton from £18. 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 Duration
2h 40m
Cheapest Price
£52
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
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 Duration
2h 35m
Cheapest Price
£61
Avanti West Coast frequency
3 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
East Midlands Railway
About
East Midlands Trains is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London to the East Midlands, Yorkshire, and the North West. East Midlands Trains operates a fleet of Class 158, Class 156, Class 170, Class 222 and Class 180 diesel multiple units, as well as Class 222 Meridian electric multiple units. East Midlands Trains also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for East Midlands Trains are London to Nottingham, Sheffield, and Leeds.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 59m
Cheapest Price
£40
East Midlands Railway frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 piece of hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee. Free for Advance ticket holders
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs must be on lead and require a ticket (£6 for day ticket)
Quiet zone
east_midlands_trains
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 27m
Cheapest Price
£50
east_midlands_trains frequency
8 a day
Cross Country
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 22m
Cheapest Price
£122
Cross Country frequency
9 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: Leicester to Bolton train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Leicester 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 Leicester to Bolton can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £18, while the average price tends to be around £68.
The train journey from Leicester to Bolton covers a distance of 136 km and takes approximately 2h 35m. Trains run 5 per day.
The train distance from Leicester to Bolton is 136 km.
The first train from Leicester to Bolton leaves at 5:48.
The last train from Leicester to Bolton departs at 23:56.
Trains from Leicester to Bolton run approximately 5 times per day.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Leicester to Bolton.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Leicester to Bolton.
To get from Leicester to Bolton, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Leicester to Bolton.
The train station in Leicester that goes to Bolton is Leicester station (LEI), and it arrives at Bolton station (BON).
The cheapest way to get from Leicester to Bolton is by coach, costing approximately £18.
Booking trains from Leicester 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 Leicester to Bolton offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes, with views of the English countryside, rolling hills, and quaint villages along the way. While not considered one of the most scenic routes in the UK, it does provide pleasant and varied scenery.
A day trip from Leicester to Bolton is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 35m. However, there are 4 trains per day available for this route.
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 Leicester to Bolton.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Leicester and Bolton
Most Leicester to Bolton trains use the Leicester to Bolton station pair, with some services arriving at Lostock. Use this guide to compare Leicester and Bolton train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Leicester
Arrival train stations in Bolton
Which Leicester station do trains to Bolton leave from?
Trains from Leicester to Bolton leave from Leicester. The station is 1 km from Leicester city centre at Leicester station, London Road, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE2 0QB.
LeicesterLeicester station, London Road, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE2 0QB+44 8457125678
City-centre transport
Getting to Leicester from Leicester city centre
BusX7 · 4m · £2 · every ~3 min
16 · 7m · every ~6 min
Hop · 11m · £2 · every ~14 min
Leicester train station facilities and services
Leicester has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Leicester.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Leicester. ATMs are available at Leicester.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Leicester. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 08000 11 33 23, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Leicester: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Leicester: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Leicester: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A access station. There is step free access to the main entrance and lifts to all platforms. Customers with wheelchairs who require assistance on graduated slopes should press the ticket gate 'assistance' button located at the bottom of the stairs near the self service ticket machines. To ensure availability of staff to assist, it is imperative that customers book assistance in advance. This station has tactile paving at the edge of all platforms and at the bottom of all staircases, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, 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 Leicester arrive at?
Trains from Leicester to Bolton most often arrive at Bolton. Some services arrive at Lostock, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Bolton arrival station.
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.
LostockLostock station, Rumworth Road, Lostock, Greater Manchester, BL6 4JP+44 8002006060
City-centre transport
Getting to Lostock from Bolton city centre
Lostock is 4 km from Bolton city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainManchester Airport - Blackpool North, Manchester Oxford Road - Blackpool North, Manchester Airport - Preston, Bolton - Corkickle, Bolton - Blackpool North, Bolton - Barrow-in-Furness, Bolton - Millom, Bolton - Windermere, Stockport - Blackpool North · 4m · £2 · every ~4 min
Bus905, 930, 520 · 19m · £2 · every ~6 min
576, 575 · 21m · £2 · every ~20 min
Lostock train station facilities and services
Lostock has practical services for this route, including Parking, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Lostock.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Lostock: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Lostock: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Lostock: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category B station, Level access from car park (22 paces, 1:12 slope) and Booking office to Bolton/Manchester platform. For services to Preston, separate ramped access (96 paces, 1:10 slope) from Rumworth Road overbridge onto the platform, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Most popular train connections from Leicester
More options for your journey from Leicester to Bolton
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Bolton and Leicester
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
