- 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 Preston to Bolton
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 02 Nov
- Cheapest price on 02 Nov
- £5
- Average ticket price on 02 Nov
- £9
- Fastest journey on 02 Nov
- 22 m
- Average journey duration on 02 Nov
- 27 m
- Trains on 02 Nov
- 7
- Distance
- 28 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Preston to Bolton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Preston to Bolton will cost around £9 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £5.
Fast trains
On Mon 02 Nov, we found 7 trains from Preston to Bolton, including 6 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 28 km distance in an average of 27 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 22 m .
The slowest trains will take 32 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.
G898787:13 0h24 Preston station (PRE) 7:37 Bolton station (BON) £5 1 One-way 0 changes- G89815
5:25 0h28 Preston station (PRE) 5:53 Bolton station (BON) £6 1 One-way 0 changes - G89818
5:50 0h31 Preston station (PRE) 6:21 Bolton station (BON) £6 1 One-way 0 changes - G89877
6:12 0h22 Preston station (PRE) 6:34 Bolton station (BON) £8 1 One-way 0 changes - G89822
6:49 0h32 Preston station (PRE) 7:21 Bolton station (BON) £10 1 One-way 0 changes
- G89877
6:12 0h22 Preston station (PRE) 6:34 Bolton station (BON) £8 1 One-way 0 changes - G89878
7:13 0h24 Preston station (PRE) 7:37 Bolton station (BON) £5 1 One-way 0 changes - G89815
5:25 0h28 Preston station (PRE) 5:53 Bolton station (BON) £6 1 One-way 0 changes - G89818
5:50 0h31 Preston station (PRE) 6:21 Bolton station (BON) £6 1 One-way 0 changes - G89822
6:49 0h32 Preston station (PRE) 7:21 Bolton station (BON) £10 1 One-way 0 changes
Journey information
Overview: Train from Preston to Bolton
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Preston to Bolton run on average 6 times per day, taking around 26m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £3 if you book in advance.
There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:24, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 28 km distance in 17m.
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 28 km |
Average train duration 26m |
Cheapest ticket price £3 |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 6 |
Fastest train 17m |
First train 0:24 |
Last train 23:56 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 6 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
Frequently asked questions about your Preston to Bolton trip
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Preston to Bolton.
The cost of a train ticket from Preston to Bolton can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £3, while the average price tends to be around £11.
The train journey from Preston to Bolton covers a distance of 28 km and takes approximately 17m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Preston to Bolton is 28 km.
The first train from Preston to Bolton leaves at 0:24.
The last train from Preston to Bolton departs at 23:56.
Trains from Preston to Bolton run approximately 6 times per day.
Yes, there is a direct train between Preston and Bolton. The service operates 6 times per day, provided by Northern Rail, Transpennine Express.
Live departures
Preston to Bolton train times
The table below shows live departures for Preston to Bolton trains for today, Sunday 1 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G89876 | On time 20:11 Preston station (PRE) | 0h23 | 20:34 Bolton station (BON) | 0 changesdirect | |
| G89880 | Delayed 21:15 21:12Preston station (PRE) | 0h23 | 21:35 Bolton station (BON) | 0 changesdirect | |
| G89868 | On time 21:21 Preston station (PRE) | 0h34 | 21:55 Bolton station (BON) | 0 changesdirect | |
 W84930 | On time 22:15 Preston station (PRE) | 0h19 | 22:34 Bolton station (BON) | 0 changesdirect | |
| G89842 | On time 22:21 Preston station (PRE) | 0h34 | 22:55 Bolton station (BON) | 0 changesdirect | |
| G15790 | On time 22:48 Preston station (PRE) | 0h17 | 23:05 Bolton station (BON) | 0 changesdirect | |
| L89217 | On time 22:51 Preston station (PRE) | 0h34 | 23:25 Bolton station (BON) | 0 changesdirect | |
| Monday 2 November | |||||
| G89815 | 5:25 Preston station (PRE) | 0h28 | 5:53 Bolton station (BON) | 0 changesdirect | |
| G89818 | 5:50 Preston station (PRE) | 0h31 | 6:21 Bolton station (BON) | 0 changesdirect | |
| G89877 | 6:12 Preston station (PRE) | 0h22 | 6:34 Bolton station (BON) | 0 changesdirect | |
| G89820 | 6:21 Preston station (PRE) | 0h32 | 6:53 Bolton station (BON) | 0 changesdirect | |
| G89822 | 6:49 Preston station (PRE) | 0h32 | 7:21 Bolton station (BON) | 0 changesdirect | |
 W33939+P24158 | 6:58 Preston station (PRE) | 0h59 | 7:57 Bolton station (BON) | 1 change | |
| G89878 | 7:13 Preston station (PRE) | 0h24 | 7:37 Bolton station (BON) | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Preston to Bolton trains with Omio?
Northern Rail as well as Transpennine Express offer trains services from Preston to Bolton.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Preston 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 to find the best option for your trip from Preston 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 Preston 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 to find the best option for your trip from Preston to Bolton.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Preston to Bolton.
Train companies: Northern Rail, Transpennine Express from Preston to Bolton trainsNorthern Rail, Transpennine Express trains will get you between Preston and Bolton from £3. 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
23m
Cheapest Northern Rail Price
£3
Northern Rail frequency
5 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 Transpennine Express Duration
17m
Cheapest Transpennine Express Price
£14
Transpennine Express frequency
1 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
Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Preston and Bolton
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Preston to Bolton.
There is no night train service from Preston to Bolton.
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.
Plan your visit to Bolton
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.
The train journey from Preston to Bolton is not particularly known for being scenic, as it primarily passes through urban and suburban areas, with views of towns and industrial landscapes.
FAQs: Preston to Bolton train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Preston 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.
Booking trains from Preston to Bolton in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
Yes, you can take the train from Preston to Bolton.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Preston and Bolton
Most Preston to Bolton trains use the Preston to Bolton station pair, with some services arriving at Lostock. Use this guide to compare Preston and Bolton train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Preston
Arrival train stations in Bolton
Which Preston station do trains to Bolton leave from?
Trains from Preston to Bolton leave from Preston. The station is 1 km from Preston city centre at Fishergate, Preston PR1 8AP, United Kingdom.
PrestonFishergate, Preston PR1 8AP, United Kingdom+44 345 748 4950
City-centre transport
Getting to Preston from Preston city centre
Preston is 1 km from Preston city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus3, 2, 2A, 111, 111C · 13m · £8 · every ~36 min
Preston train station facilities and services
Preston has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: Rise, The Olive Tree Brasserie, Turtle Bay
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Preston. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Preston. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Preston: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Preston: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Preston: Elevators, ramps.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Holiday Inn Express Preston - South, Delta Hotels Preston, Macdonald Tickled Trout Hotel.
Which Bolton station do trains from Preston arrive at?
Trains from Preston 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.
Train stations for Preston to Bolton
Check train stations information for Preston and Bolton, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.
The train station in Preston that goes to Bolton is Preston, and it arrives at Bolton.
Most popular train connections from Preston
More options for your journey from Preston to Bolton
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Bolton and Preston
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.
