The cheapest and fastest trains from Bolton to Manchester
Cheapest price
$5
Average price
$6
Fastest journey
16 m
Average duration
20 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
17 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Bolton to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bolton to Manchester will cost around $6 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only $5.
Of the 6 trains that leave Bolton for Manchester every day 6 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 17 km distance in an average of 20 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 16 m .
The slowest trains will take 23 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
L05447
L05580
L10940
C73781
L05587
L10147
L10940
L05587
C73781
L05447Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Bolton to Manchester
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Bolton to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $2. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 19m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.0kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $2, and a coach costs an average of $9.
Distance: 17 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
$5 Average Price Cheapest | $9 Average Price |
49m Average total duration Fastest 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 5m Average total duration 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Bolton to Manchester train times
The table below shows live departures for Bolton to Manchester trains for today, Wednesday, 31 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:21 pm Bolton | 0h18 | 6:39 pm Manchester | 0 changesdirect | |
| Thursday, 1 January | |||||
L05580 | On time 7:16 am Bolton station (BON) | 0h23 | 7:39 am Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 0 changesdirect | |
L10940 | On time 7:22 am Bolton station (BON) | 0h17 | 7:39 am Deansgate (DGT) | 0 changesdirect | |
L05447 | On time 7:26 am Bolton station (BON) | 0h23 | 7:49 am Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 0 changesdirect | |
C73781 | On time 7:31 am Bolton station (BON) | 0h22 | 7:53 am Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 0 changesdirect | |
L05587 | On time 7:47 am Bolton station (BON) | 0h20 | 8:07 am Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 0 changesdirect | |
L10147 | On time 7:53 am Bolton station (BON) | 0h16 | 8:09 am Deansgate (DGT) | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Bolton to Manchester 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.
01 Jan
02 Jan
03 Jan
04 Jan
05 Jan
06 Jan
07 Jan
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Bolton to Manchester?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Bolton to Manchester
Trains from Bolton to Manchester run on average 8 times per day, taking around 19m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $2 if you book in advance.
There are 8 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:51. The fastest train covers the 17 km distance in 15m.
Distance 17 km |
Average train duration 19m |
Cheapest ticket price $2 |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 8 |
Fastest train 15m |
First train 00:02 |
Last train 23:51 |
Train companies: Northern Rail (3), first_transpennine_express from Bolton to Manchester trainsNorthern Rail (3), first_transpennine_express trains will get you between Bolton and Manchester from $2. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Northern Rail (3)
first_transpennine_express
FAQs: Bolton to Manchester train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bolton to Manchester 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 Manchester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Passengers board the train most frequently from Bolton, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the train at Manchester Piccadilly, located away from the city centre.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Bolton and Manchester
- Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 06:00 - 21:00 Sunday 08:15 - 19:30
- Type of shops available: Newsagent
- Car Park: Parking is not available.
- 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
- Toilets Location: A key is available from the Station Supervisor and at the News Stand upon request.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: No
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: platforms 3 & 4
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Newport Street stop, at stand AA
- Metro: GMPTE 0161 228 7811
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: No
- Step free access coverage: No
- Step free access note: Category C Station, Platforms are both accessed via a long set of step from street level, there is no step free route to the platforms.
- Accessible public telephones: The highest operating part of the telephone is 1140 mm above floor level.
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Onward travel information: On Crompton Way for buses to Bolton or Halliwell. Busline 0871 200 2233
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pick Up / Drop Off at bus stops on Crompton Way, under railway bridge (Nearside for Blackburn, Farside for Bolton)
- Metro: GMPTE 0161 228 7811
- Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday 06:25 - 19:35 Saturday,Sunday Closed
- Car Park: Station Car Park
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category B station, Level access from car park (22 paces, 1:12 slope) and Booking office to Bolton/Manchester platform. For services to Preston, separate ramped access (96 paces, 1:10 slope) from Rumworth Road overbridge onto the platform.
- 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
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Onward travel information: There are no bus stops at or nearby this station. Busline 0871 200 2233
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Buses pick up at the top of the station car park.
- Metro: GMPTE 0161 228 7811
- Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
- Sun: 07:00 - 22:30
- Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available through BT Wi-Fi.
- Operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
- Burger King
- Caffè Nero
- Carluccio’s
- Hotel Chocolat
- Starbucks
- The Pasty Shop
- Costa Coffee
- Pret a Manger
- Upper Crust
- McDonald's
- & more
- There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly
- Premier Inn Manchester City
- Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly
- Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
- Sun: 07:00 - 22:30
- Located near the Fairfield Street entrance on the mezzanine level.
- Bus lines: 1, 2, 3, 147
- Train lines: Northern, TransPennine Express, Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, East Midlands Trains, Transport for Wales
- Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 06:30 - 22:00 Sunday 08:00 - 22:15
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category A station, Scooter Friendly Station - Step free access around the whole station via use of lifts between platforms 3-6, connection with Manchester Metrolink using ramps
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards Located near the ticket office.
- 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
- Toilets Location: A key is available in the Duty's Manager's office.
- Baby changing facilities: No
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: on platform and approach
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pick up point is on Station Approach (M3 1WY) directly outside the station main entrance, outside the M & S shop.
- Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 06:30 - 22:00 Sunday 08:00 - 22:15
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category A station, Scooter Friendly Station - Step free access around the whole station via use of lifts between platforms 3-6, connection with Manchester Metrolink using ramps
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards Located near the ticket office.
- 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
- Toilets Location: A key is available in the Duty's Manager's office.
- Baby changing facilities: No
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: on platform and approach
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pick up point is on Station Approach (M3 1WY) directly outside the station main entrance, outside the M & S shop.

