Salford to Bolton train with Northern Rail

Tue 04 Aug
+ Add return
Northern Rail
Northern Trains Limited
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
Northern Rail
Northern Trains Limited
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Salford to Bolton

Showing times and prices for 04 Aug

Cheapest price

£3

Average price

£4

Fastest journey

21 m

Average duration

22 m

Trains per day

2

Distance

14 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Salford to Bolton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Salford to Bolton will cost around £4 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £3.

Fast trains

Of the 2 trains that leave Salford 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 14 km distance in an average of 22 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 21 m .

The slowest trains will take 23 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.

  • Northern Rail
    15:580h23
    Salford
    16:21Bolton
    £31One-way
    0 changes
  • Northern Rail
    14:310h21
    Salford
    14:52Bolton
    £41One-way
    0 changes

Live departures

Salford to Bolton train times

The table below shows live departures for Salford to Bolton trains for today, Monday 3 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Northern Rail9:12 Salford
0h19
9:31 Bolton0 changesdirect
Northern Rail12:58 Salford
0h23
13:21 Bolton0 changesdirect
Northern Rail17:18 Salford
0h16
17:34 Bolton0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Salford 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.

Tue
04 Aug
Wed
05 Aug
Thu
06 Aug
Fri
07 Aug
Sat
08 Aug
Sun
09 Aug
Mon
10 Aug

Why should you book Salford to Bolton trains with Omio?

Northern Rail as well as Northern Trains Limited offer trains services from Salford to Bolton.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Salford 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 Northern Trains Limited to find the best option for your trip from Salford 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 Salford to Bolton.

Why book with Omio over Trip or Wanderu?

  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Salford to Bolton.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Salford to Bolton

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Salford to Bolton run on average 6 times per day, taking around 16m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £2 if you book in advance.

There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:08, the last at 23:42. The fastest train covers the 14 km distance in 16m.

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
14 km
Average train duration
16m
Cheapest ticket price
£2
Trains per day
6
Direct trains
4
Fastest train
16m
First train
0:08
Last train
23:42
Cheapest Month
May
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Fri
Least Busy Day
Mon
Best time to book
3 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: Northern Rail, Northern Trains Limited from Salford to Bolton trainsNorthern Rail, Northern Trains Limited trains will get you between Salford and Bolton from £2. 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 Duration
16m
Cheapest Price
£2
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

Northern Trains Limited

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
9m
Cheapest Price
£5
Northern Trains Limited frequency
50 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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.

FAQs: Salford to Bolton train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Salford 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.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Salford to Bolton can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £2, while the average price tends to be around £4.
The train journey from Salford to Bolton covers a distance of 14 km and takes approximately 16m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Salford to Bolton is 14 km.
The first train from Salford to Bolton leaves at 0:08.
The last train from Salford to Bolton departs at 23:42.
Trains from Salford to Bolton run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Salford to Bolton.
Yes, there is a direct train between Salford and Bolton. The service operates 4 times per day, provided by Northern Trains Limited.
To get from Salford to Bolton, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Salford to Bolton.
The train station in Salford that goes to Bolton is Salford Central (SFD), and it arrives at Bolton station (BON).
The cheapest way to get from Salford to Bolton is by train, costing approximately £2.
Booking trains from Salford 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 Salford to Bolton offers views of the urban landscape of Greater Manchester, with glimpses of the industrial heritage, residential areas, and some greenery along the route, making it more functional than scenic.
Yes, a day trip from Salford to Bolton is feasible. The journey takes 16m and covers 14 km. 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 Salford to Bolton.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Salford and Bolton

Most Salford to Bolton trains use the Salford Crescent to Bolton station pair, with some services arriving at Hall I' Th' Wood. Use this guide to compare Salford and Bolton train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Salford
Arrival train stations in Bolton

Which Salford station do trains to Bolton leave from?

Trains from Salford to Bolton leave from Salford Crescent. The station is 1 km from Salford city centre at Salford Crescent station, University Road West, Salford, Greater Manchester, M5 4BR.
Salford CrescentSalford Crescent station, University Road West, Salford, Greater Manchester, M5 4BRParkingDiningAccessibilityWCLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Salford Crescent from Salford city centre

Onward travel informationLocated on The Crescent for buses to Piccadilly Gardens, Eccles and Bolton. Maximum distance 300 yards/274m. Busline 0871 200 2233
Location for Rail Replacement ServicesPick Up / Drop Off outside the station near to the roundabout.
MetroGMPTE 0161 228 7811

Salford Crescent train station facilities and services

Salford Crescent has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Salford Crescent.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Salford Crescent.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Salford Crescent: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Salford Crescent: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Salford Crescent: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A station, The station is accessed from the main road ( A6,THE CRESCENT) and the corner of University Road There is a lift available at the end of the overbridge (facing the steps of which there is 36 down onto the platform). The lift is available from first to last train, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.

Salford CentralSalford Central station, New Bailey Street, Salford, Greater Manchester, M3 5ETParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Salford Central from Salford city centre

Salford Central is 2 km from Salford city centre. Public transport options include:

Bus100, 67A, 67 · 9m · £2 · every ~28 min
50, 8, 36, 38, 37, 67, 100, 35, 67A · 13m · £2 · every ~118 min
38, 35, 37, 36 · 17m · £2 · every ~54 min

Salford Central train station facilities and services

Salford Central has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Salford Central.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Salford Central.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Salford Central: Parking, Taxis.

Bike and car services

Available at Salford Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Salford Central: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category B station, please note there are no tactile pavings at this station - Ramped access to platforms and ticket office. We regret that wheelchair users cannot board or alight here, due to excessive wheelchair ramp gradients between the train and the very low-height platforms, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.

Most popular train connections from Salford

More options for your journey from Salford to Bolton

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

HomeTrainsTrain Times to Bolton Salford to Bolton train

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