How to get to Bolton from Exeter

Mon 02 Nov
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Travel Information

Compare coach and train for Exeter to Bolton

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Exeter to Bolton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £41 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 5h 19m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £41, while a flight costs an average of £615.

Distance: 327 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Flight
Coach
Driving

£144

Average Price

£615

Average Price

£41

Average Price

Cheapest

£66

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

5h 19m

Average total duration

Fastest

4h 49m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 3m

Average total duration

4h 3m

Onboard

+

2h 0m

Additional time*

7h 54m

Average total duration

7h 24m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 47m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

CrossCountry

Most popular train company

Loganair

Most popular airline

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Compare ways to travel from Exeter to Bolton

Compare the available ways to get from Exeter to Bolton, with the key details around price, speed, convenience, and direct service.

The cheapest way to travel from Exeter to Bolton is a coach with an average price of £41.

This is compared to other travel options from Exeter to Bolton:

A coach is £103 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Exeter to Bolton costing on average £144.

A coach is £575 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Exeter to Bolton costing on average £615.

The fastest way to travel from Exeter to Bolton is by train with an average journey time of 5h 19m.

Other travel options to Bolton take longer:

Flight takes on average 6h 3m.

Coach takes on average 7h 54m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Exeter and Bolton including taking a coach and train.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.

Tickets start at around £144 compared to roughly £66 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about -£78. The journey takes 4h 49m versus 4h 47m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.

Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.

Travel options
from Exeter to Bolton

How to get to Bolton from Exeter by train, bus, flight or ferry.

Our recommendation

train

The best way to travel from Exeter to Bolton is by taking a train because it’s the best combination of price and speed.

  • Cross Country
    2 changes

Cheapest

  • Cross Country
    2 changes

Fastest

  • Cross Country
    2 changes

Other options

  • Cross Country
    2 changes
  • Cross Country
    2 changes
  • Cross Country
    2 changes

Find all the dates and times for this journey by train, bus, flight, and ferry .

Compare prices and tickets Prices for trains, coaches, flights and ferries

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.

Train
Coach

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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FAQs: Exeter to Bolton

Travel to Bolton easily. Whether you want fast, cheap or something entirely different, our travel experts have collected everything you need to know so you can find the best option from Exeter to Bolton.

FAQs
There are 2 options to travel between Exeter and Bolton including taking a coach and train.
The cheapest way to travel from Exeter to Bolton is a coach with an average price of £41.

This is compared to other travel options from Exeter to Bolton:

A coach is £103 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Exeter to Bolton costing on average £144.

A coach is £575 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Exeter to Bolton costing on average £615.

The fastest way to travel from Exeter to Bolton is by train with an average journey time of 5h 19m.

Other travel options to Bolton take longer:

Flight takes on average 6h 3m.

Coach takes on average 7h 54m.

The Exeter to Bolton distance is approximately 327 km.
The average frequency per day from Exeter to Bolton is:
  • Around 10 trains per day.
  • Around 6 coaches per day.
  • Around 3 flights per day.

However, we recommend checking specific travel dates for your route between Exeter and Bolton as scheduled services by coach and train can vary by season or day of the week.

These are the most popular departure and arrival points from Exeter to Bolton:
  • Flights mostly depart from Exeter International Airport and arrive in Manchester Airport.
  • Trains mostly depart from Exeter St Davids (EXD) and arrive in Bolton station (BON).
  • Coaches mostly depart from Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court and arrive in Bolton, Interchange.
If finding a good deal is your main consideration for your trip from Exeter to Bolton, then we'll help you find the best value travel companies for you:
  • Travel with FlixBus, National Express to go to Bolton by coach.
  • Travel with CrossCountry, Transport for Wales, Great Western Railway to go to Bolton by train.
  • Travel with Loganair to go to Bolton by flight.
Omio customers who travel from Exeter to Bolton often also extend their vacation to go to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN), Manchester Oxford Road (MCO), Manchester Victoria (MCV), Manchester Airport (MIA), Deansgate (DGT). Omio can help you plan your trip by finding the best connections between Bolton and these popular destinations at a great price.
To get from Exeter to Bolton, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
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.

Travelling from Exeter to Bolton: related information

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

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