- 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 Sunderland to Bolton
Showing times and prices for 24 Aug
Cheapest price
£85
Average price
£133
Fastest journey
3 h 5 m
Average duration
3 h 6 m
Trains per day
22
Distance
162 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Sunderland to Bolton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Sunderland to Bolton will cost around £133 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £85.
Fast trains
To travel from Sunderland to Bolton you need to make at least 3 changes.
8:193h43Sunderland12:02Bolton£851One-way4 changes- 23:148h49Sunderland8:03Bolton£1021One-way4 changes
- 19:314h01Sunderland23:32Bolton£1301One-way4 changes
- 7:573h05Sunderland11:02Bolton£1321One-way3 changes
- 8:193h43Sunderland12:02Bolton£1321One-way3 changes
- 7:573h05Sunderland11:02Bolton£1321One-way3 changes
- 11:573h05Sunderland15:02Bolton£1321One-way3 changes
- 9:563h06Sunderland13:02Bolton£1321One-way3 changes
- 17:563h06Sunderland21:02Bolton£1321One-way3 changes
- 18:563h06Sunderland22:02Bolton£1321One-way3 changes
Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Sunderland to Bolton
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Sunderland to Bolton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £19. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 23m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £19, and a flight costs an average of £255.
Distance: 162 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£38 Average Price | £19 Average Price Cheapest | £255 Average Price |
3h 53m Average total duration Fastest 3h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 5m Average total duration 3h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 40m Average total duration 3h 40m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Compare prices and tickets Sunderland to Bolton by train, coach or flight
Compare train, coach and flight 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 Sunderland to Bolton trains with Omio?
Transpennine Express as well as Northern Trains Limited offer trains services from Sunderland to Bolton.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Sunderland to Bolton.
Why book with Omio vs Transpennine Express?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Transpennine Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of Northern Trains Limited to find the best option for your trip from Sunderland 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 Transpennine Express with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Sunderland to Bolton.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Sunderland to Bolton.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Sunderland to Bolton
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Sunderland to Bolton run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 23m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £38 but you can travel from only £19 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 05:23, the last at 19:49. The fastest train covers the 162 km distance in 4h 2m.
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 £19
Distance 162 km |
Average train duration 3h 23m |
Cheapest ticket price £38 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 4h 2m |
First train 5:23 |
Last train 19:49 |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
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 £19
Train companies: Transpennine Express, Northern Trains Limited from Sunderland to Bolton trainsTranspennine Express, Northern Trains Limited trains will get you between Sunderland and Bolton from £19. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
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 Duration
4h 2m
Cheapest Price
£38
Transpennine Express frequency
4 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
Northern Trains Limited
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 5m
Cheapest Price
£85
Northern Trains Limited frequency
16 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: Sunderland to Bolton train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Sunderland 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 Sunderland to Bolton can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £38, while the average price tends to be around £38.
The train journey from Sunderland to Bolton covers a distance of 162 km and takes approximately 4h 2m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Sunderland to Bolton is 162 km.
The first train from Sunderland to Bolton leaves at 5:23.
The last train from Sunderland to Bolton departs at 19:49.
Trains from Sunderland to Bolton run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Sunderland to Bolton.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Sunderland to Bolton.
To get from Sunderland to Bolton, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
There is no night train service from Sunderland to Bolton.
The train station in Sunderland that goes to Bolton is Sunderland station (SUN), and it arrives at Bolton station (BON).
The cheapest way to get from Sunderland to Bolton is by coach, costing approximately £19.
Booking trains from Sunderland 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 Sunderland to Bolton offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes. Travellers can enjoy views of the industrial architecture of the North East as well as the scenic countryside of County Durham and the Pennines, providing a pleasant visual variety along the route.
A day trip from Sunderland to Bolton is not feasible as the journey takes 4h 2m. Trains run 3 times per day, covering a distance of 162 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 Sunderland to Bolton.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Sunderland and Bolton
Most Sunderland to Bolton trains use the Sunderland to Bolton station pair. Use this guide to compare Sunderland and Bolton train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Sunderland
Arrival train stations in Bolton
Which Sunderland station do trains to Bolton leave from?
Trains from Sunderland to Bolton leave from Sunderland. The station is from Sunderland city centre at Sunderland station, Athenaeum Street, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, SR1 3HP.
SunderlandSunderland station, Athenaeum Street, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, SR1 3HP
City-centre transport
Getting to Sunderland from Sunderland city centre
Onward travel informationBusline 0871 200 2233
Location for Rail Replacement ServicesPick Up / Drop Off in Fawcett Street, near to the Travel Centre entrance in Athenaeum Street, outside Wilkinsons.
MetroTyne and Wear metro station close to the station. 0191 203 3333
Sunderland train station facilities and services
Sunderland has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Sunderland.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Sunderland.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Sunderland: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Sunderland: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Sunderland: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A station, Lifts to all platforms for disabled passengers from the North end of the station. Open for all services, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Located on the North Concourse and accepts cash and cards, 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.
Stadium of Light
City-centre transport
Getting to Stadium of Light from Sunderland city centre
Stadium of Light is 1 km from Sunderland city centre. Public transport options include:
BusTb1 · 17m
SubwayGrn · 3m · £4 · every ~19 min
Stadium of Light train station facilities and services
Stadium of Light has practical services for this route, including Dining, ATM, WC and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Stadium of Light.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Stadium of Light.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Stadium of Light: WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Stadium of Light: Bike Parking.
St Peters
St Peters train station facilities and services
St Peters has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, WC, Hotel and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at St Peters.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at St Peters. ATMs are available at St Peters.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at St Peters: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at St Peters: Bike Parking.
Which Bolton station do trains from Sunderland arrive at?
Trains from Sunderland 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 Sunderland
More options for your journey from Sunderland to Bolton
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Bolton and Sunderland
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