- 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.
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 £154 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £154.
On Mon 16 Nov, we found 2 trains from Northampton to Bolton, including 2 direct services.
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.

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Trains from Northampton to Bolton run on average 3 times per day, taking around 2h 33m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £56 but you can travel from only £13 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 05:14, the last at 21:41. The fastest train covers the 181 km distance in 2h 28m.
Distance 181 km |
Average train duration 2h 33m |
Cheapest ticket price £56 |
Trains per day 3 |
Fastest train 2h 28m |
First train 5:14 |
Last train 21:41 |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 1 day |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Northampton to Bolton.
The table below shows live departures for Northampton to Bolton trains for today, Sunday 15 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 22:39 Northampton | 6h43 | 5:22 Bolton | 2 changes | |
| Monday 16 November | |||||
![]() | 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
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Discover the best of Bolton — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bolton trip today.
Bolton's main museum with local history, art, Egyptology and aquarium displays, all close to the town centre.
Independent museum telling the story of local steam, electricity and engineering through working exhibits and volunteer guides.
Art gallery and museum in a former house, showing decorative arts, paintings and objects linked to local collecting history.
Large country park with moorland views, reservoirs, walking trails and access to one of Bolton's best-known hilltop panoramas.
Popular beauty spot with a reservoir, woodland paths and open moor walks, well suited to gentle strolls or longer hikes.
Historic village area with cobbled character, old buildings and scenic access to museum grounds and woodland walks.
A hearty black pudding made in nearby Bury from pig’s blood, fat and oats. It is a defining Greater Manchester breakfast staple.
Soft bread rolls split and filled with buttered chips, often with salt and vinegar. A classic North West cheap eat loved in Bolton.
A savoury pie from nearby Wigan filled traditionally with potato, onion and meat. It reflects Lancashire’s working-class baking heritage.
Popular Turkish restaurant serving charcoal-grilled meats, mezze and fresh bread in a smart but relaxed setting.
Well-known local Indian restaurant with curries, tandoori dishes and a comfortable neighbourhood dining room.
Refined Indian dining with regional dishes and attentive service, suited to a more polished evening meal.
Bolton is usually cheaper than Manchester or London for hotels, meals and local travel, making it good value for most visitors.
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.
Official public transport app
Bolton Station -> Bolton Town Centre
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Bolton.
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.

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.
Northampton is 2 km from Northampton city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options are available at Northampton.
ATMs are available at Northampton.
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.
Available at Northampton: Parking, WC.
Available at Northampton: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
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.
Bolton is 1 km from Bolton city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options are available at Bolton.
Wi-Fi is available at Bolton.
Ticket office support is available at Bolton.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Bolton: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Bolton: Bike Parking.
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.
Check train stations information for Northampton and Bolton, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.
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