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Trains from Birmingham to Bolton

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  1. Home
  2. Train times
  3. Birmingham to Bolton

Birmingham to Bolton by train

It takes an average of 3h 49m to travel from Birmingham to Bolton by train, over a distance of around 78 miles (126 km). There are normally 68 trains per day traveling from Birmingham to Bolton and tickets for this journey start from $39.89 when you book in advance.

First train

3:56 am

Last train

1:53 am

Departure station

Birmingham

Arrival station

Bolton

Journey time

From 2h 4m

Distance

78 miles (126 km)

Frequency

68 trains per day

Changes

1 change

Price

From $39.89

Train operators

Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, TransPennine Express, Transport for Wales

About the train journey from Birmingham to Bolton

Want to travel from Birmingham to Bolton by train? Start your journey with us.

The train from Birmingham to Bolton usually takes 3 hours 49 minutes on average to travel 126 km, although the quickest services can take as little as 2 hours 4 minutes. You can expect to find 68 trains per day running on this popular route. As there aren't any direct services running between Birmingham and Bolton, you'll need to make 1 change on your way to Bolton.

To help you get the best train deals, we'll highlight the cheapest train ticket prices from Birmingham to Bolton in our Journey Planner. Just remember, the sooner you book your tickets, the more you'll save, as advance tickets start from $39.89.

Keep reading for more information about the train journey to Bolton, including FAQs, timetables with first and last train times and tips on booking cheap train tickets. If you're ready to book, just start a search for tickets with us today.

What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Birmingham to Bolton?

Want to know more about your journey from Birmingham to Bolton? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.

How do I travel from Birmingham to Bolton?

You can get from Birmingham to Bolton in 3 hours and 49 minutes on average, with the fastest trains taking just 2 hours and 4 minutes. Check out our Journey Planner for more details on times, tickets and prices.

How long does the train from Birmingham to Bolton take?

The average journey time by train between Birmingham and Bolton is 3 hours and 49 minutes, with around 68 trains per day running on this route. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.

How much does the train from Birmingham to Bolton cost?

Train tickets from Birmingham to Bolton can start from as little as $39.89 when you book in advance and are usually more expensive when purchased on the day. Prices can also vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book.

What's the fastest journey time between Birmingham and Bolton by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Birmingham to Bolton is 2 hours and 4 minutes.

How do I find cheap train tickets from Birmingham to Bolton?

Planning a trip to the UK soon? As most UK train companies increase their prices as the departure date approaches, our Trainline team of experts have put together these tips to help you find the cheapest tickets.

1. Book in advance

Train tickets from Birmingham to Bolton start at $39.89§ one way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. UK train companies usually release Advance tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of time and these can be cheaper than tickets bought on the day of travel.

2. Sign up to Ticket Alert

If you're planning a trip more than 12 weeks ahead, sign up to our Ticket Alert to get notified when Advance tickets are released for your travel date.

3. Book split tickets

Our handy feature SplitSave will ‘split’ your train journey into multiple tickets, which can be much cheaper than buying a single ticket. Find out more about split tickets.

4. Travel Off-Peak

If you can be flexible with your travel times, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets are usually cheaper than Anytime tickets in the UK. Generally, Off-Peak times are any time at weekends and outside of Monday to Friday morning and evening rush hours.

For more money-saving tips on UK and European train travel, read our cheap train tickets guide.

§Advance adult single fare. Excludes booking fee. Prices seen by Trainline customers in the last 30 days. Availability limited.

What are my ticket options for this journey?

If you're like us, you've probably seen the sheer number of ticket types available in the UK and wondered "Why are there so many?!" To help, we've put together a handy guide to the main UK ticket types, simply tap the one you’re interested in to find out more.

Advance train tickets

Single tickets released ahead of time for a specific time and date. Generally, the sooner you book, the cheaper these tickets are likely to be.

Anytime train tickets

Flexible tickets that allow you to travel at any time of the day. Perfect if you have to be somewhere but aren’t sure for how long.

First Class train tickets

Fancy traveling in style? Enjoy perks like more spacious seating, complimentary refreshments and lounge access with First Class train tickets.

GroupSave train tickets

Save up to 1/3 when traveling with a group of 3 to 9 people on eligible single or return journeys at Off-Peak or Super Off-Peak times.

Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak train tickets

Available at quieter times of the day, Off-Peak tickets offer the flexibility of traveling at any time during the Off-Peak window and discounted fares.

Return train tickets

Return tickets combine your outward and return journey into a single ticket. Choose from a Day or Open Return ticket for more flexibility on travel dates.

Family train tickets

Traveling with your family? There are plenty of family offers to help you save money, including Kids for a Quid tickets for children aged 5-15 and Off-Peak Family Travelcards.

* Based on European average monthly visitors to Trainline’s app and website from 1.1.2023 to 10.31.2023 vs other independent retailers.

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