- 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.
Cheapest price on 13 Oct
£237
Average ticket price on 13 Oct
£239
Fastest journey on 13 Oct
4 h 26 m
Average journey duration on 13 Oct
4 h 35 m
Trains on 13 Oct
17
Distance
306 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Southampton to Bolton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Southampton to Bolton will cost around £239 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £237.
To travel from Southampton to Bolton you need to make at least one change.










Trains from Southampton to Bolton run on average 4 times per day, taking around 4h 0m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £122 but you can travel from only £44 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 04:49, the last at 20:49. The fastest train covers the 306 km distance in 3h 47m.
Distance 306 km |
Average train duration 4h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price £122 |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 3h 47m |
First train 4:49 |
Last train 20:49 |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 1 day |
The table below shows live departures for Southampton to Bolton trains for today, Monday 12 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 11:15 Southampton | 4h37 | 15:52 Bolton | 1 change | |
![]() | 12:15 Southampton | 4h37 | 16:52 Bolton | 1 change | |
![]() | 13:15 Southampton | 4h37 | 17:52 Bolton | 1 change | |
![]() | 14:15 Southampton | 4h37 | 18:52 Bolton | 1 change | |
![]() | 15:15 Southampton | 4h37 | 19:52 Bolton | 1 change | |
![]() | 16:15 Southampton | 4h37 | 20:52 Bolton | 1 change | |
![]() | 17:15 Southampton | 4h37 | 21:52 Bolton | 1 change | |
![]() | 18:15 Southampton | 4h38 | 22:53 Bolton | 1 change | |
![]() | 19:15 Southampton | 5h07 | 0:22 Bolton | 1 change | |
![]() | 20:15 Southampton | 11h37 | 7:52 Bolton | 2 changes | |
![]() | 5:15 Southampton | 4h38 | 9:53 Bolton | 1 change | |
![]() | 6:16 Southampton | 4h36 | 10:52 Bolton | 1 change | |
![]() | 7:15 Southampton | 4h37 | 11:52 Bolton | 1 change | |
![]() | 7:55 Southampton | 4h26 | 12:21 Bolton | 2 changes | |
![]() | 8:15 Southampton | 4h37 | 12:52 Bolton | 1 change | |
![]() | 9:15 Southampton | 4h38 | 13:53 Bolton | 1 change | |
![]() | 10:15 Southampton | 4h37 | 14:52 Bolton | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Discover the best of Bolton — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bolton trip today.
Bolton's main museum with local history, art, Egyptology and aquarium displays, all close to the town centre.
Independent museum telling the story of local steam, electricity and engineering through working exhibits and volunteer guides.
Art gallery and museum in a former house, showing decorative arts, paintings and objects linked to local collecting history.
Large country park with moorland views, reservoirs, walking trails and access to one of Bolton's best-known hilltop panoramas.
Popular beauty spot with a reservoir, woodland paths and open moor walks, well suited to gentle strolls or longer hikes.
Historic village area with cobbled character, old buildings and scenic access to museum grounds and woodland walks.
A hearty black pudding made in nearby Bury from pig’s blood, fat and oats. It is a defining Greater Manchester breakfast staple.
Soft bread rolls split and filled with buttered chips, often with salt and vinegar. A classic North West cheap eat loved in Bolton.
A savoury pie from nearby Wigan filled traditionally with potato, onion and meat. It reflects Lancashire’s working-class baking heritage.
Popular Turkish restaurant serving charcoal-grilled meats, mezze and fresh bread in a smart but relaxed setting.
Well-known local Indian restaurant with curries, tandoori dishes and a comfortable neighbourhood dining room.
Refined Indian dining with regional dishes and attentive service, suited to a more polished evening meal.
Bolton is usually cheaper than Manchester or London for hotels, meals and local travel, making it good value for most visitors.
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.
Official public transport app
Bolton Station -> Bolton Town Centre
The most popular day trips by train from Bolton are Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Chester and Preston. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your train from Bolton on Omio.

Manchester is known for its industrial heritage, influential music and deep football culture. Red-brick canalside areas, major museums and lively nightlife give it an energetic northern character.
There are 12 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:52. The fastest train covers the 17 km distance in 13m.

Liverpool is known for The Beatles, football and a waterfront shaped by its maritime past. Its grand docks, museums and lively city centre give it a proud, creative character.
The earliest train runs at 02:19, the last at 23:40. The fastest train covers the 41 km distance in 51m.

Leeds is a major West Yorkshire city known for Victorian arcades, shopping and a lively music scene. Its industrial heritage, regenerated waterfront and large student population give it an energetic but down-to-earth character.
The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 23:50. The fastest train covers the 63 km distance in 1h 0m.

Chester is known for its Roman walls, medieval streets and the distinctive black-and-white Rows. Compact and walkable, it blends deep history with a relaxed riverside setting and a lively city centre.
The earliest train runs at 03:51, the last at 23:21. The fastest train covers the 53 km distance in 49m.

Preston is a Lancashire city known for its industrial heritage, lively student population and the Harris Museum. Its centre blends Victorian character with modern shops and cafés, while riverside parks soften the urban feel.
There are 11 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:24, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 28 km distance in 19m.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Southampton 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.

Most Southampton to Bolton trains use the Southampton Central to Bolton station pair. Use this guide to compare Southampton and Bolton train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Southampton Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Southampton Central.
Wi-Fi is available at Southampton Central. ATMs are available at Southampton Central.
Ticket office support is available at Southampton Central.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Southampton Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Southampton Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Southampton Central: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step-free category A Station - This station has step-free access to all platforms. Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All South Western Railway ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. All machines are accessible, however the station may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Bolton is 1 km from Bolton city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options are available at Bolton.
Wi-Fi is available at Bolton.
Ticket office support is available at Bolton.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Bolton: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Bolton: Bike Parking.
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.
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