- 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 coach and train for St Helens to Bolton
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from St Helens to Bolton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £12 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 6m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £12, while a train costs an average of £19.
Distance: 25 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£19 Average Price | £12 Average Price Cheapest | £6 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 6m Average total duration Fastest 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 32m Average total duration 2h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 38m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from St Helens to Bolton is a coach with an average price of £12.
This is compared to other travel options from St Helens to Bolton:
A coach is £7 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from St Helens to Bolton costing on average £19.
The fastest way to travel from St Helens to Bolton is by train with an average journey time of 36m.
Other travel options to Bolton take longer:
Coach takes on average 2h 2m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between St Helens and Bolton including taking a coach and train.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 2m sooner (36m by train vs 38m by car). Tickets start at around £19 compared to roughly £6 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 St Helens to Bolton by coach or train
Compare coach and 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 St Helens to Bolton trains with Omio?
Northern Rail as well as TransPennine Express or Northern Trains Limited offer trains services from St Helens to Bolton.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from St Helens 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 or Northern Trains Limited to find the best option for your trip from St Helens 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 bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from St Helens to Bolton.
Why book with Omio over Trip or Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from St Helens to Bolton.
Journey information
Overview: Train from St Helens to Bolton
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from St Helens to Bolton run on average 4 times per day, taking around 36m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £19 but you can travel from only £12 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 05:52, the last at 22:28. The fastest train covers the 25 km distance in 1h 29m.
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £12
Distance 25 km |
Average train duration 36m |
Cheapest ticket price £19 |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 1h 29m |
First train 5:52 |
Last train 22:28 |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 28 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £12
Train companies: Northern Rail, TransPennine Express, Northern Trains Limited from St Helens to Bolton trainsNorthern Rail, TransPennine Express, Northern Trains Limited trains will get you between St Helens and Bolton from £12. 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
1h 29m
Cheapest Northern Rail Price
£12
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
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average TransPennine Express Duration
1h 1m
Cheapest TransPennine Express Price
£30
TransPennine Express frequency
6 a day
Northern Trains Limited
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Northern Trains Limited Duration
57m
Cheapest Northern Trains Limited Price
£13
Northern Trains Limited frequency
44 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: St Helens to Bolton train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from St Helens 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 St Helens to Bolton can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £19, while the average price tends to be around £19.
The train journey from St Helens to Bolton covers a distance of 25 km and takes approximately 1h 29m. Trains run 4 per day.
The train distance from St Helens to Bolton is 25 km.
The first train from St Helens to Bolton leaves at 5:52.
The last train from St Helens to Bolton departs at 22:28.
Trains from St Helens to Bolton run approximately 4 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from St Helens to Bolton.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from St Helens to Bolton.
To get from St Helens to Bolton, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from St Helens to Bolton.
The train station in St Helens that goes to Bolton is St Helens Central (SNH), and it arrives at Bolton station (BON).
The cheapest way to get from St Helens to Bolton is by coach, costing approximately £12.
Booking trains from St Helens 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 St Helens to Bolton offers a mix of urban and countryside views, with glimpses of rolling hills and local towns, making it a moderately scenic route.
Yes, a day trip from St Helens to Bolton is feasible. The journey takes 1h 29m, covering a distance of 25 km, with train services running 2 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 St Helens to Bolton.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in St Helens and Bolton
Most St Helens to Bolton trains use the St Helens Central to Bolton station pair. Use this guide to compare St Helens and Bolton train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in St Helens
Arrival train stations in Bolton
Which St Helens station do trains to Bolton leave from?
Trains from St Helens to Bolton leave from St Helens Central. The station is 1 km from St Helens city centre at St Helens Central station, Shaw Street, St Helens, Merseyside, WA10 1DQ.
St Helens CentralSt Helens Central station, Shaw Street, St Helens, Merseyside, WA10 1DQ
City-centre transport
Getting to St Helens Central from St Helens city centre
Bus921 · 3m · every ~1 min
17, 153, 152 · 7m · £2 · every ~3 min
12 · 15m · every ~2 min
St Helens Central train station facilities and services
St Helens Central has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at St Helens Central.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at St Helens Central.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at St Helens Central: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at St Helens Central: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at St Helens Central: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A station, Scooter Friendly Station - Level access to Wigan bound platform. Access by underground subway to Liverpool platform with steep ramps. Lift open for all services, 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, 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 St Helens arrive at?
Trains from St Helens 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 St Helens
More options for your journey from St Helens to Bolton
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Bolton and St Helens
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