- 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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Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Rotherham to Bolton
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Rotherham to Bolton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £38 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 16m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £38, while a train costs an average of £38.
Distance: 73 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
£38 Average Price Cheapest | £16 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 16m Average total duration Fastest 1h 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 22m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
 Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Rotherham to Bolton is a train with an average price of £38.
The fastest way to travel from Rotherham to Bolton is by train with an average journey time of 1h 46m.
Other travel options to Bolton take longer:
Coach takes on average 3h 1m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Rotherham and Bolton including taking a train and coach.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around £38 compared to roughly £16 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-21.88. The journey takes 1h 46m versus 1h 22m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Compare prices and tickets Rotherham to Bolton by train or coach
Compare train and coach 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 Rotherham to Bolton trains with Omio?
Northern Rail as well as Transpennine Express, East Midlands Railway, Northern Trains Limited and more offer trains services from Rotherham to Bolton.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Rotherham 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, East Midlands Railway or Northern Trains Limited to find the best option for your trip from Rotherham 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 train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Rotherham to Bolton.
Why book with Omio over Trip, Wanderu or Rome2rio?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Transpennine Express, East Midlands Railway or Northern Trains Limited to find the best option for your trip from Rotherham to Bolton.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Rotherham to Bolton.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Rotherham to Bolton
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Rotherham to Bolton run on average 4 times per day, taking around 1h 46m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £27 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 00:23, the last at 22:44. The fastest train covers the 73 km distance in 1h 47m.
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 73 km |
Average train duration 1h 46m |
Cheapest ticket price £27 |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 1h 47m |
First train 0:23 |
Last train 22:44 |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Tue |
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
Train companies: Northern Rail, Transpennine Express, East Midlands Railway, Northern Trains Limited from Rotherham to Bolton trainsNorthern Rail, Transpennine Express, East Midlands Railway, Northern Trains Limited trains will get you between Rotherham and Bolton from £27. 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
2h 52m
Cheapest Northern Rail Price
£37
Northern Rail frequency
2 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
2h 4m
Cheapest Transpennine Express Price
£23
Transpennine Express frequency
3 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
East Midlands Railway
About
East Midlands Trains is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London to the East Midlands, Yorkshire, and the North West. East Midlands Trains operates a fleet of Class 158, Class 156, Class 170, Class 222 and Class 180 diesel multiple units, as well as Class 222 Meridian electric multiple units. East Midlands Trains also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for East Midlands Trains are London to Nottingham, Sheffield, and Leeds.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average East Midlands Railway Duration
2h 15m
Cheapest East Midlands Railway Price
£32
East Midlands Railway frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 piece of hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee. Free for Advance ticket holders
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs must be on lead and require a ticket (£6 for day ticket)
Quiet zone
Northern Trains Limited
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Northern Trains Limited Duration
1h 47m
Cheapest Northern Trains Limited Price
£27
Northern Trains Limited frequency
25 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: Rotherham to Bolton train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Rotherham 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 Rotherham to Bolton can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £27, while the average price tends to be around £38.
The train journey from Rotherham to Bolton covers a distance of 73 km and takes approximately 1h 47m. Trains run 4 per day.
The first train from Rotherham to Bolton leaves at 0:23.
The train distance from Rotherham to Bolton is 73 km.
The last train from Rotherham to Bolton departs at 22:44.
Trains from Rotherham to Bolton run approximately 4 times per day.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Rotherham to Bolton.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Rotherham to Bolton.
To get from Rotherham to Bolton, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Rotherham to Bolton.
The train station in Rotherham that goes to Bolton is Rotherham Central (RMC), and it arrives at Bolton station (BON).
The cheapest way to get from Rotherham to Bolton is by train, costing approximately £27.
Booking trains from Rotherham 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 Rotherham to Bolton offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, with views of the South Yorkshire countryside and glimpses of the Pennines, although much of the route passes through industrial and residential areas.
A day trip from Rotherham to Bolton is not feasible as the journey duration is 1h 47m. However, there are 3 trains per day for this route. The distance is 73 km.
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 Rotherham to Bolton.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Rotherham and Bolton
Most Rotherham to Bolton trains use the Rotherham Central to Bolton station pair. Use this guide to compare Rotherham and Bolton train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Rotherham
Arrival train stations in Bolton
Which Rotherham station do trains to Bolton leave from?
Trains from Rotherham to Bolton leave from Rotherham Central. The station is from Rotherham city centre at Rotherham Central station, Central Road, Rotherham, South Yorkshire, S60 1QH.
Rotherham CentralRotherham Central station, Central Road, Rotherham, South Yorkshire, S60 1QH
City-centre transport
Getting to Rotherham Central from Rotherham city centre
Onward travel informationBusline 0871 200 2233
Location for Rail Replacement ServicesBus stops on Bridge Street, a minute's walk from the station entrance.
Rotherham Central train station facilities and services
Rotherham Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Rotherham Central.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Rotherham Central.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Rotherham Central.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Rotherham Central: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Rotherham Central: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Rotherham Central: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A station, Lift access to both platforms. Lifts are available from first to last train, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, 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.
Which Bolton station do trains from Rotherham arrive at?
Trains from Rotherham 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 Rotherham
More options for your journey from Rotherham to Bolton
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Bolton and Rotherham
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