MANCHESTER to BOLTON train from £1 with Northern Rail

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The cheapest and fastest trains from Manchester to Bolton

Showing times and prices for 20 Aug

Cheapest price

£3

Average price

£3

Fastest journey

13 m

Average duration

15 m

Trains per day

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 £3 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £3.

Fast trains

Of the 8 trains that leave Manchester for Bolton every day 8 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct trains cover the 17 km distance in an average of 15 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 13 m .

The slowest trains will take 16 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.

22:240h13
Manchester
22:37Bolton
£31One-way
0 changes
6:090h22
Manchester
6:31Bolton
£31One-way
0 changes
5:320h17
Manchester
5:49Bolton
£31One-way
0 changes
7:330h16
Manchester
7:49Bolton
£31One-way
0 changes
8:330h16
Manchester
8:49Bolton
£31One-way
0 changes

Travel Information

Compare coach and train for Manchester to Bolton

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Bolton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from £1. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 17m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.0kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £1, and a coach costs an average of £4.

Distance: 17 km

Compare train with

Most popular Train	Coach
£3 Average Price Cheapest	£4 Average Price
47m Average total duration Fastest 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time*	1h 6m Average total duration 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time*
0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest	0.0 - 0.0kg 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

Manchester to Bolton train times

The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Bolton trains for today, Wednesday 19 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at

Provider	Departs	Duration	Arrives	Changes
P28616	On time 6:32 Manchester Victoria (MCV)	0h17	6:49 Bolton station (BON)	0 changesdirect
G89545	On time 6:39 Deansgate (DGT)	0h14	6:53 Bolton station (BON)	0 changesdirect
G89548	On time 7:08 Deansgate (DGT)	0h13	7:21 Bolton station (BON)	0 changesdirect
G89564	On time 9:08 Deansgate (DGT)	0h13	9:21 Bolton station (BON)	0 changesdirect
P28637	On time 9:09 Manchester Victoria (MCV)	0h22	9:31 Bolton station (BON)	0 changesdirect
G85301	On time 9:15 Manchester Victoria (MCV)	0h19	9:34 Bolton station (BON)	0 changesdirect
P28643	On time 9:33 Deansgate (DGT)	0h16	9:49 Bolton station (BON)	0 changesdirect
G89569	On time 9:39 Deansgate (DGT)	0h14	9:53 Bolton station (BON)	0 changesdirect
P24048	On time 9:43 Manchester Victoria (MCV)	0h19	10:02 Bolton station (BON)	0 changesdirect
This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Manchester 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.

Thu
20 Aug

Fri
21 Aug

Sat
22 Aug

Sun
23 Aug

Mon
24 Aug

Tue
25 Aug

Wed
26 Aug

Why should you book Manchester to Bolton trains with Omio?

Northern Rail as well as Transpennine Express, TransPennine Express, Northern Trains Limited and more offer 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?

Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Northern Rail, but also compare tickets for the likes of Transpennine Express, TransPennine Express or Northern Trains Limited to find the best option for your trip from Manchester 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 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?

Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Transpennine Express, TransPennine Express or Northern Trains Limited to find the best option for your trip from Manchester to Bolton.
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.

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Manchester to Bolton?

The best time to book your train from Manchester to Bolton is 5 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Manchester to Bolton route.

Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Manchester to Bolton per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Manchester to Bolton.

Trains

from £3

Journey information

Overview: Train from Manchester to Bolton

United Kingdom

Trains from Manchester to Bolton run on average 9 times per day, taking around 17m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £1 if you book in advance.

There are 9 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

17m

Cheapest ticket price

£1

Trains per day

Direct trains

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

14 days

Price information

Train companies: Northern Rail, Transpennine Express, TransPennine Express, Northern Trains Limited from Manchester to Bolton trainsNorthern Rail, Transpennine Express, TransPennine Express, Northern Trains Limited trains will get you between Manchester and Bolton from £1. 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 Duration

12m

Cheapest Price

£1

Northern Rail frequency

9 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

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

12m

Cheapest Price

£3

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

Learn more about Transpennine Express

TransPennine Express

Luggage & cancellation policy

Average Duration

11m

Cheapest Price

£20

TransPennine Express frequency

9 a day

Northern Trains Limited

Luggage & cancellation policy

Average Duration

14m

Cheapest Price

£5

Northern Trains Limited frequency

16 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.

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.

View on map Visit website

Recommended

Bolton Steam Museum

Independent museum telling the story of local steam, electricity and engineering through working exhibits and volunteer guides.

View on map Visit website

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.

View on map Visit website

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.

The cost of a train ticket from Manchester to Bolton can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £1, while the average price tends to be around £3.

The train journey from Manchester to Bolton covers a distance of 17 km and takes approximately 12m. Trains run 9 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 9 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 9 times per day, provided by Northern Rail, Transpennine Express, TransPennine Express, Northern Trains Limited.

To get from Manchester to Bolton, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.

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).

The cheapest way to get from Manchester to Bolton is by train, costing approximately £1.

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, a day trip from Manchester to Bolton is feasible. The journey takes 12m, covers 17 km, and trains run 8 times per day.

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 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 1WY Parking

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 · £0.90 · 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.

More about Manchester Victoria

Manchester PiccadillyPiccadilly Station Approach, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M60 7RA, United Kingdom+44 3457114141 Wifi

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.