Manchester to Bolton train with Northern Rail

Sun 04 Oct
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Northern Rail
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
Northern Rail
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Manchester to Bolton

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 04 Oct

Cheapest price on 04 Oct

£2

Average ticket price on 04 Oct

£4

Fastest journey on 04 Oct

12 m

Average journey duration on 04 Oct

13 m

Trains on 04 Oct

6

Distance

17 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Manchester to Bolton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Manchester to Bolton will cost around £4 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £2.

Fast trains

On Sun 04 Oct, we found 6 trains from Manchester to Bolton, including 6 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 17 km distance in an average of 13 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 12 m .

The slowest trains will take 13 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.

  • Northern RailP24039
    9:450h18
    Manchester Victoria (MCV)
    10:03Bolton station (BON)
    £21One-way
    0 changes
  • Northern RailC31899
    9:080h13
    Deansgate (DGT)
    9:21Bolton station (BON)
    £41One-way
    0 changes
  • Northern RailC31906
    11:050h13
    Deansgate (DGT)
    11:18Bolton station (BON)
    £41One-way
    0 changes
  • Northern RailC31721
    9:580h13
    Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)
    10:11Bolton station (BON)
    £41One-way
    0 changes
  • Northern RailG89064
    8:560h12
    Manchester Victoria (MCV)
    9:08Bolton station (BON)
    £41One-way
    0 changes

Journey information

Overview: Train from Manchester to Bolton

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Manchester to Bolton run on average 13 times per day, taking around 16m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £2 if you book in advance.

There are 13 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 17 km distance in 12m.

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
17 km
Average train duration
16m
Cheapest ticket price
£2
Trains per day
13
Direct trains
13
Fastest train
12m
First train
0:02
Last train
23:55
Cheapest Month
May
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Sat
Least Busy Day
Wed
Best time to book
1 day
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

Live departures

Manchester to Bolton train times

The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Bolton trains for today, Saturday 3 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Northern RailP24067
On time
8:15 Manchester Victoria (MCV)
0h19
8:34 Bolton station (BON)
0 changesdirect
Northern RailP28633
On time
8:33 Deansgate (DGT)
0h16
8:49 Bolton station (BON)
0 changesdirect
Northern RailG89560
On time
8:38 Deansgate (DGT)
0h14
8:52 Bolton station (BON)
0 changesdirect
Northern RailP24044
On time
8:45 Manchester Victoria (MCV)
0h18
9:03 Bolton station (BON)
0 changesdirect
Northern RailG89063
On time
8:56 Deansgate (DGT)
0h12
9:08 Bolton station (BON)
0 changesdirect
Northern RailG89564
On time
9:08 Deansgate (DGT)
0h13
9:21 Bolton station (BON)
0 changesdirect
Northern RailP28637
On time
9:09 Manchester Victoria (MCV)
0h22
9:31 Bolton station (BON)
0 changesdirect
Northern RailG85301
On time
9:15 Manchester Victoria (MCV)
0h19
9:34 Bolton station (BON)
0 changesdirect
Northern RailP28643
On time
9:33 Deansgate (DGT)
0h16
9:49 Bolton station (BON)
0 changesdirect
Sunday 4 October
Northern RailC318978:05 Deansgate (DGT)
0h13
8:18 Bolton station (BON)0 changesdirect

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Manchester to Bolton trains with Omio?

Northern Rail operates all trains services from Manchester to Bolton.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Manchester to Bolton.

Why book with Omio vs Northern Rail?

  • 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 Northern Rail with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Manchester to Bolton.

Why book with Omio over Trip or Wanderu?

  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Manchester to Bolton.

Train companies: Northern Rail from Manchester to Bolton trainsNorthern Rail trains will get you between Manchester and Bolton from £2. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

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
12m
Cheapest Northern Rail Price
£2
Northern Rail frequency
6 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

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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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.

FAQs: Manchester to Bolton train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester 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.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Manchester to Bolton can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £2, while the average price tends to be around £4.
The train journey from Manchester to Bolton covers a distance of 17 km and takes approximately 12m. Trains run 13 per day.
The train distance from Manchester to Bolton is 17 km.
The first train from Manchester to Bolton leaves at 0:02.
The last train from Manchester to Bolton departs at 23:55.
Trains from Manchester to Bolton run approximately 13 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Manchester to Bolton.
Yes, there is a direct train between Manchester and Bolton. The service operates 13 times per day, provided by Northern Rail.
There is no night train service from Manchester to Bolton.
The train station in Manchester that goes to Bolton is Manchester Victoria (MCV), and it arrives at Bolton station (BON).
Booking trains from Manchester 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 Manchester to Bolton offers a mix of urban and suburban views, but it is not typically considered scenic compared to routes through the countryside.
Yes, you can take the train from Manchester to Bolton.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Manchester and Bolton

Most Manchester to Bolton trains use the Manchester Victoria to Bolton station pair, with some services arriving at Lostock. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Bolton train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Manchester
Arrival train stations in Bolton

Which Manchester station do trains to Bolton leave from?

Trains from Manchester to Bolton leave from Manchester Victoria. The station is 1 km from Manchester city centre at Manchester Victoria station, Station Approach, Todd Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M3 1WY.
Manchester VictoriaManchester Victoria station, Station Approach, Todd Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M3 1WYParkingDiningAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Manchester Victoria from Manchester city centre

TrainManchester Airport - Redcar Central, Manchester Airport - Saltburn, Manchester Airport - York, Manchester Piccadilly - York, Manchester Piccadilly - Redcar Central, Manchester Airport - Darlington, Manchester Airport - Sheffield, Liverpool Lime Street - Manchester Victoria, Manchester Airport - Scarborough, Manchester Airport - Hull, Manchester Airport - Huddersfield, Manchester Airport - Middlesbrough, Manchester Airport - Liverpool Lime Street, Manchester Airport - Leeds, Manchester Airport - Manchester Victoria · 10m · £0.89 · every ~3 min
Bus41, 135 · 5m · £2 · every ~32 min
T1 · 10m
X43 · 29m · every ~1 min
TramBlue Line, Navy Line, Green Line, Yellow Line · 5m · £2 · every ~23 min

Manchester Victoria train station facilities and services

Manchester Victoria has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Manchester Victoria.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Manchester Victoria.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Manchester Victoria: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Manchester Victoria: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Victoria: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A station, Scooter Friendly Station - Step free access around the whole station via use of lifts between platforms 3-6, connection with Manchester Metrolink using ramps, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards Located near the ticket office, 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.

Manchester PiccadillyPiccadilly Station Approach, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M60 7RA, United Kingdom+44 3457114141WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Manchester Piccadilly from Manchester city centre

Bus201, 203, 202, 205 · 1m · £2 · every ~56 min
TramBlue Line, Red Line, Pink Line, Purple Line, Yellow Line · 3m · £2 · every ~47 min

Manchester Piccadilly train station facilities and services

Manchester Piccadilly has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food options include: Burger King, Caffè Nero, Carluccio’s, Hotel Chocolat, Starbucks, The Pasty Shop, Costa Coffee, Pret a Manger, Upper Crust, McDonald's, & more

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available through BT Wi-Fi. ATMs are there are ATM machines on the main concourse, Platform 10 and on the mezzanine level.

Tickets and information

The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30, Sun: 07:00 - 22:30. Information desks are located near the Fairfield Street entrance on the mezzanine level.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Piccadilly: There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly, Premier Inn Manchester City, Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly.

Manchester Oxford RoadManchester Oxford Road station, Station Approach, Oxford Road, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M1 6FUParkingDiningAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Manchester Oxford Road from Manchester city centre

Bus42A, 43, 42, 101, 85, 85A, 111, 263, 142, 143, 87, 41, 18, 86, 15, 250, 42B, 42C, 103, 102 · 5m · £2 · every ~224 min
T1 · 1h 7m

Manchester Oxford Road train station facilities and services

Manchester Oxford Road has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Manchester Oxford Road.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Manchester Oxford Road.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Manchester Oxford Road: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Manchester Oxford Road: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Oxford Road: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B Station, please note there are no tactile pavings at this station - There are two lifts at the Piccadilly end of platform 4 and 2/3 which connect the concourse area platform 4 and 5 with 2/3. Note: there is no lift access to platform 1 at all, 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: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.

More options for your journey from Manchester to Bolton

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