- 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 Reading to Bolton
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 20 Sept
Cheapest price on 20 Sept
£101
Average ticket price on 20 Sept
£101
Fastest journey on 20 Sept
6 h 59 m
Average journey duration on 20 Sept
6 h 59 m
Trains on 20 Sept
1
Distance
256 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Reading to Bolton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Reading to Bolton will cost around £101 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £101.
Fast trains
On Sun 20 Sept, we found 1 trains from Reading to Bolton, including 1 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 256 km distance in an average of 6 h 59 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 59 m .
The slowest trains will take 6 h 59 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.
7:216h59Reading14:20Bolton£1011One-way0 changes
- 7:216h59Reading14:20Bolton£1011One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train for Reading to Bolton
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Reading to Bolton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £78 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 41m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £78, while a flight costs an average of £383.
Distance: 256 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Flight | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£107 Average Price | £383 Average Price | £78 Average Price Cheapest | £51 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 41m Average total duration Fastest 3h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 55m Average total duration 1h 55m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 7h 55m Average total duration 7h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 57m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Reading to Bolton is a coach with an average price of £78.
This is compared to other travel options from Reading to Bolton:
A coach is £28 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Reading to Bolton costing on average £107.
A coach is £305 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Reading to Bolton costing on average £383.
The fastest way to travel from Reading to Bolton is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 55m.
Other travel options to Bolton take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 11m.
Coach takes on average 7h 25m.
Yes, you can take a train between Reading and Bolton.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 46m sooner (3h 11m by train vs 3h 57m by car). Tickets start at around £107 compared to roughly £51 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
Compare prices and tickets Reading to Bolton by train
Compare 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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Why should you book Reading to Bolton trains with Omio?
CrossCountry as well as Avanti West Coast or Cross Country offer trains services from Reading to Bolton.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Reading to Bolton.
Why book with Omio vs CrossCountry?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for CrossCountry, but also compare tickets for the likes of Avanti West Coast or Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from Reading 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.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Avanti West Coast or Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from Reading to Bolton.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Reading to Bolton
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Reading to Bolton run on average 9 times per day, taking around 3h 11m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £31 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 02:24, the last at 21:21. The fastest train covers the 256 km distance in 2h 51m.
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 256 km |
Average train duration 3h 11m |
Cheapest ticket price £31 |
Trains per day 9 |
Fastest train 2h 51m |
First train 2:24 |
Last train 21:21 |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Best time to book 7 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
Train companies: CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast from Reading to Bolton trainsCrossCountry, Avanti West Coast trains will get you between Reading and Bolton from £31. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
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 CrossCountry Duration
3h 16m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£31
CrossCountry frequency
4 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
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 Avanti West Coast Duration
2h 51m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
£107
Avanti West Coast frequency
5 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
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: Reading to Bolton train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reading 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 Reading to Bolton can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £31, while the average price tends to be around £107.
The train journey from Reading to Bolton covers a distance of 256 km and takes approximately 2h 51m. Trains run 9 per day.
The train distance from Reading to Bolton is 256 km.
The first train from Reading to Bolton leaves at 2:24.
The last train from Reading to Bolton departs at 21:21.
Trains from Reading to Bolton run approximately 9 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Reading to Bolton.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Reading to Bolton.
To travel from Reading to Bolton, you can take a train.
There is no night train service from Reading to Bolton.
The train station in Reading that goes to Bolton is Reading station (RDG), and it arrives at Lostock (LOT).
The cheapest way to get from Reading to Bolton is by train, costing approximately £31.
Booking trains from Reading 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 Reading to Bolton offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes, with views of the English countryside, passing through areas like the Chiltern Hills, though it is not particularly renowned for being scenic.
A day trip from Reading to Bolton is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 51m. Trains run 4 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 Reading to Bolton.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Reading and Bolton
Most Reading to Bolton trains use the Reading to Lostock station pair, with some services arriving at Bolton. Use this guide to compare Reading and Bolton train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Reading
Arrival train stations in Bolton
Which Reading station do trains to Bolton leave from?
Trains from Reading to Bolton leave from Reading. The station is from Reading city centre at Reading station, Station Hill, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1LZ.
ReadingReading station, Station Hill, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1LZ+44 3451652030
City-centre transport
Getting to Reading from Reading city centre
Bus26, 90, 87 · 2m · £2 · every ~15 min
Reading train station facilities and services
Reading has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Reading.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Reading.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Reading.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Reading: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Reading: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Reading: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: platforms can be reached via lift and bridge, ticket office is step free, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: Accessible low-level Pay Phone is available at the station main concourse. Please request staff assistance if you need to, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxi are available at the station entrance. please request staff assistance if you need to, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accessible ticket machines are located at the station entrance by the ticket office and at the car park, 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 Reading arrive at?
Trains from Reading to Bolton most often arrive at Lostock. Some services arrive at Bolton, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Bolton arrival station.
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.
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 Reading
More options for your journey from Reading to Bolton
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Bolton and Reading
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