- 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 Salford to Bolton
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£4
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£4
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
16 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
20 m
Trains on 18 Sept
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 £4.
Fast trains
On Fri 18 Sept, we found 2 trains from Salford to Bolton, including 2 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 14 km distance in an average of 20 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 16 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.
12:460h16Salford13:02Bolton£41One-way0 changes- 16:580h23Salford17:21Bolton£51One-way0 changes
- 12:460h16Salford13:02Bolton£41One-way0 changes
- 16:580h23Salford17:21Bolton£51One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Salford to Bolton
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Salford to Bolton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £4 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 46m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £4, while a train costs an average of £4.
Distance: 14 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
£4 Average Price Cheapest | £3 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
46m Average total duration Fastest 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 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 Salford to Bolton is a train with an average price of £4.
The fastest way to travel from Salford to Bolton is by train with an average journey time of 16m.
Other travel options to Bolton take longer:
Coach takes on average 46m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Salford and Bolton including taking a train and coach.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 6m sooner (16m by train vs 22m by car). Tickets start at around £4 compared to roughly £3 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.
Direct services run with Northern Trains Limited.
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 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.
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18 Sept
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19 Sept
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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
Trains from Salford to Bolton run on average 7 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 14m.
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 7 |
Direct trains 4 |
Fastest train 14m |
First train 0:08 |
Last train 23:42 |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Wed |
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 Northern Rail Duration
14m
Cheapest Northern Rail 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 Northern Trains Limited Duration
9m
Cheapest Northern Trains Limited 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.
- 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: 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.
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 14m. Trains run 7 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 7 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 Crescent (SLD), 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 14m 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 Central 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 Central. The station is 2 km from Salford city centre at Salford Central station, New Bailey Street, Salford, Greater Manchester, M3 5ET.
Salford CentralSalford Central station, New Bailey Street, Salford, Greater Manchester, M3 5ET
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.
Salford CrescentSalford Crescent station, University Road West, Salford, Greater Manchester, M5 4BR
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.
Which Bolton station do trains from Salford arrive at?
Trains from Salford to Bolton most often arrive at Bolton. Some services arrive at Hall I' Th' Wood, 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.
Hall I' Th' WoodHall-i'-th'-Wood station, Crompton Way, Hall-i'-th'-Wood, Lancashire, BL1 8UF
City-centre transport
Getting to Hall I' Th' Wood from Bolton city centre
Hall I' Th' Wood is 2 km from Bolton city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainManchester Victoria - Blackburn, Rochdale - Blackburn, Manchester Victoria - Clitheroe, Rochdale - Clitheroe, Rochdale - Ribblehead, Bolton - Blackburn, Bolton - Clitheroe, Bolton - Ribblehead · 5m · £0.90 · every ~4 min
Bus507, 541, 533, 480 · 7m · £2 · every ~19 min
Hall I' Th' Wood train station facilities and services
Hall I' Th' Wood has practical services for this route, including Parking, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office and Bike Parking.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Hall I' Th' Wood: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Hall I' Th' Wood: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Hall I' Th' Wood: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category C Station, Platforms are both accessed via a long set of step from street level, there is no step free route to the platforms, Accessible public telephones: The highest operating part of the telephone is 1140 mm above floor level, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Bromley CrossBromley Cross station, Chapeltown Road, Bromley Cross, Lancashire, BL7 9AG+44 8002006060
City-centre transport
Getting to Bromley Cross from Bolton city centre
Bromley Cross is 3 km from Bolton city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainRochdale - Clitheroe, Rochdale - Blackburn, Bolton - Clitheroe, Bolton - Blackburn, Manchester Victoria - Blackburn, Manchester Victoria - Clitheroe, Rochdale - Ribblehead, Bolton - Ribblehead · 8m · £2 · every ~4 min
Bus541, 533 · 16m · £2 · every ~10 min
541 · 26m · £2 · every ~6 min
Bromley Cross train station facilities and services
Bromley Cross 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 Bromley Cross.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Bromley Cross: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Bromley Cross: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Bromley Cross: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category B station, To Manchester : Level access from the car park over level crossing and up ramp onto platform. To Blackburn : Level access from the car park, through a 4ft wide gate, up a short ramp (1:9 slope) onto the platform, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible public telephones: The highest operating part of the telephone is 1140 mm above floor level, 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.
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
Most popular trains to and from Bolton and Salford
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