Sunderland to Bolton train with Transpennine Express

Thu 08 Oct
+ Add return
Transpennine Express
Northern Rail
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
Transpennine Express
Northern Rail
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Sunderland to Bolton

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 08 Oct

Cheapest price on 08 Oct

£44

Average ticket price on 08 Oct

£45

Fastest journey on 08 Oct

4 h 12 m

Average journey duration on 08 Oct

4 h 44 m

Trains on 08 Oct

2

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 £45 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £44.

Fast trains

To travel from Sunderland to Bolton you need to make at least 2 changes.

  • Northern RailC31892+Transpennine ExpressW84901+Tyne and Wear MetroTW041300
    5:505h16
    Sunderland station (SUN)
    11:06Bolton station (BON)
    £441One-way
    2 changes
  • Transpennine ExpressC24945+Northern RailP24048+Tyne and Wear MetroTW041300
    5:504h12
    Sunderland station (SUN)
    10:02Bolton station (BON)
    £461One-way
    2 changes

Journey information

Overview: Train from Sunderland to Bolton

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Sunderland to Bolton run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 22m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £51 but you can travel from only £21 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 05:23, the last at 19:49. The fastest train covers the 162 km distance in 3h 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £21
Distance
162 km
Average train duration
3h 22m
Cheapest ticket price
£51
Trains per day
6
Fastest train
3h 14m
First train
5:23
Last train
19:49
Cheapest Month
Dec
Cheapest Day
Mon
High Season
Oct - Dec
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 £21

Live departures

Sunderland to Bolton train times

The table below shows live departures for Sunderland to Bolton trains for tomorrow, Thursday 8 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Northern RailC31892+Transpennine ExpressW84901+Tyne and Wear MetroTW0413005:50 Sunderland station (SUN)
5h16
11:06 Bolton station (BON)2 changes
Transpennine ExpressC24945+Tyne and Wear MetroTW041300+Northern RailP240485:50 Sunderland station (SUN)
4h12
10:02 Bolton station (BON)2 changes

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Sunderland to Bolton trains with Omio?

Transpennine Express as well as Northern Rail 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 Rail 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 bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Sunderland to Bolton.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trip?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Northern Rail to find the best option for your trip from Sunderland to Bolton.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Sunderland to Bolton.

Train companies: Transpennine Express, Northern Rail from Sunderland to Bolton trainsTranspennine Express, Northern Rail trains will get you between Sunderland and Bolton from £21. 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 Transpennine Express Duration
3h 14m
Cheapest Transpennine Express Price
£51
Transpennine Express frequency
5 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 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
3h 28m
Cheapest Northern Rail Price
£52
Northern Rail frequency
1 a day
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

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.

Best day trips from Bolton by train

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.

A view of Manchester

Day trip from Bolton to Manchester by train

Why visit Manchester for the day?

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.

How to get from Bolton to Manchester by train?

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.

A view of Liverpool

Day trip from Bolton to Liverpool by train

Why visit Liverpool for the day?

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.

How to get from Bolton to Liverpool by train?

The earliest train runs at 02:19, the last at 23:40. The fastest train covers the 41 km distance in 51m.

A view of Leeds

Day trip from Bolton to Leeds by train

Why visit Leeds for the day?

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.

How to get from Bolton to Leeds by train?

The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 23:50. The fastest train covers the 63 km distance in 1h 0m.

A view of Chester

Day trip from Bolton to Chester by train

Why visit Chester for the day?

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.

How to get from Bolton to Chester by train?

The earliest train runs at 03:51, the last at 23:21. The fastest train covers the 53 km distance in 49m.

A view of Preston

Day trip from Bolton to Preston by train

Why visit Preston for the day?

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.

How to get from Bolton to Preston by train?

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.

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.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Sunderland to Bolton can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £51, while the average price tends to be around £58.
The train journey from Sunderland to Bolton covers a distance of 162 km and takes approximately 3h 14m. 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.
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).
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.
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 3HPParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parking
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.

More options for your journey from Sunderland to Bolton

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