- 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 Northampton to Bolton
Showing times and prices for 17 Aug
Cheapest price
£157
Average price
£158
Fastest journey
3 h 26 m
Average duration
3 h 31 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
181 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Northampton to Bolton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Northampton to Bolton will cost around £158 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £157.
Fast trains
Of the 2 trains that leave Northampton for Bolton every day 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 181 km distance in an average of 3 h 31 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 26 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 36 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.
6:173h36Northampton9:53Bolton£1571One-way0 changes
5:423h26Northampton9:08Bolton£1591One-way0 changes
- 5:423h26Northampton9:08Bolton£1591One-way0 changes
- 6:173h36Northampton9:53Bolton£1571One-way0 changes
Live departures
Northampton to Bolton train times
The table below shows live departures for Northampton to Bolton trains for today, Sunday 16 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 22:39 Northampton | 6h43 | 5:22 Bolton | 2 changes | |
| Monday 17 August | |||||
| 5:42 Northampton | 3h26 | 9:08 Bolton | 0 changesdirect | |
| 6:17 Northampton | 3h36 | 9:53 Bolton | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Northampton 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.
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17 Aug
17 Aug
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18 Aug
18 Aug
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19 Aug
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20 Aug
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21 Aug
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22 Aug
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23 Aug
23 Aug
Why should you book Northampton to Bolton trains with Omio?
Avanti West Coast as well as CrossCountry or West Midlands Trains offer trains services from Northampton to Bolton.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Northampton 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 CrossCountry or West Midlands Trains to find the best option for your trip from Northampton 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 bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Northampton 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 CrossCountry or West Midlands Trains to find the best option for your trip from Northampton to Bolton.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Northampton to Bolton.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Northampton to Bolton
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Take a train from Northampton to Bolton and enjoy the approximately 181 km long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest train runs at 05:14, the last at 21:41. The fastest train covers the 181 km distance in 2h 26m.
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 £25
Distance 181 km |
Average train duration 2h 33m |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 2h 26m |
First train 5:14 |
Last train 21:41 |
Cheapest Month Sept |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £25
Train companies: Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, West Midlands Trains from Northampton to Bolton trainsAvanti West Coast, CrossCountry, West Midlands Trains trains will get you between Northampton and Bolton from £25. 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 Duration
2h 41m
Cheapest Price
£65
Avanti West Coast frequency
6 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
CrossCountry
About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 26m
Cheapest Price
£157
CrossCountry frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone
West Midlands Trains
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 26m
West Midlands Trains frequency
12 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: Northampton to Bolton train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Northampton 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 train journey from Northampton to Bolton covers a distance of 181 km and takes approximately 2h 26m. Trains run 5 per day.
The train distance from Northampton to Bolton is 181 km.
The first train from Northampton to Bolton leaves at 5:14.
The last train from Northampton to Bolton departs at 21:41.
Trains from Northampton to Bolton run approximately 5 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Northampton to Bolton.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Northampton to Bolton.
To get from Northampton to Bolton, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Northampton to Bolton.
The train station in Northampton that goes to Bolton is Northampton station (NMP), and it arrives at Bolton station (BON).
The cheapest way to get from Northampton to Bolton is by coach, costing approximately £25.
Booking trains from Northampton 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 Northampton to Bolton offers a mix of urban and rural views, with stretches of countryside and picturesque landscapes, particularly as it passes through the Peak District area.
A day trip from Northampton to Bolton is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 26m. However, trains operate 3 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 Northampton to Bolton.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Northampton and Bolton
Most Northampton to Bolton trains use the Northampton to Bolton station pair. Use this guide to compare Northampton and Bolton train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Northampton
Arrival train stations in Bolton
Which Northampton station do trains to Bolton leave from?
Trains from Northampton to Bolton leave from Northampton. The station is 2 km from Northampton city centre at Northampton station, Black Lion Hill, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1SP.
NorthamptonNorthampton station, Black Lion Hill, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1SP+44 3301235247
City-centre transport
Getting to Northampton from Northampton city centre
Northampton is 2 km from Northampton city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus8, 8A · 14m · £2 · every ~8 min
Northampton train station facilities and services
Northampton has practical services for this route, including 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 Northampton.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Northampton.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Northampton. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 0248 997, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Northampton: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Northampton: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Northampton: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available, 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 Northampton arrive at?
Trains from Northampton 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 Northampton
More options for your journey from Northampton to Bolton
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Bolton and Northampton
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