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Trains from Bolton to Reading West

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Avanti West Coast
CrossCountry

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  1. Home
  2. Train times
  3. Bolton to Reading West

Trains to Reading West from Bolton

First train

05:55

Last train

14:54

Departure stationBolton
Arrival stationReading West
Journey time

From 4h 6m

Distance

158 miles (255 km)

Frequency

6 trains per day

Changes

2 changes

Train operators

Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway

About the train journey from Bolton to Reading West

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

The train from Bolton to Reading West usually takes 4 hours 17 minutes on average to travel 158 miles (255 km), although the quickest services can take as little as 4 hours 6 minutes. You can expect to find 6 trains per day running on this popular route. You'll need to make 2 changes during the journey to Reading West, as there currently aren't any direct services on this route. During your journey, you're likely to be travelling with Avanti West Coast, Great Western Railway or CrossCountry, as these are the main train operators on this route.

You can save money on train tickets from Bolton to Reading West if you book in advance, travel Off-Peak – tickets are usually cheaper during quieter times on weekdays and weekends – or get a Railcard and save up to 1/3 on eligible journeys for a whole year. Use our Journey Planner at the top of the page to compare ticket prices and get the cheapest fares.

If you want to know more about the journey, scroll up for timetables and live train times, or keep reading for tips on finding cheap tickets and FAQs. Want to go straight to booking? Start a search with us today!

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

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

How do I travel from Bolton to Reading West?

You can get from Bolton to Reading West by train in 4 hours and 17 minutes on average, with the fastest journeys taking just 4 hours and 6 minutes. Check out our Journey Planner for more details.

How long does the train from Bolton to Reading West take?

The average journey time by train between Bolton and Reading West is 4 hours and 17 minutes, with around 6 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.

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

The fastest journey time by train from Bolton to Reading West is 4 hours and 6 minutes.

Can you take a train directly from Bolton to Reading West?

No, there are no direct train services from Bolton to Reading West. Travelling from Bolton to Reading West by train will require a minimum of 2 changes.

How do I find cheap train tickets from Bolton to Reading West?

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 Bolton to Reading West start at § 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. Use a Railcard

National Railcards offer a 1/3 off eligible train tickets in the UK and can be a great investment if you travel throughout the year. Buy one with us and you'll be able to store it digitally in our app, so you'll always have it on your travels.

4. 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.

5. Travel Off-Peak

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

6. Consider a Season Ticket

Best for commuters, if you catch a train on the same route more than 3 times per week, you could save money with a Season Ticket. With annual, monthly, weekly and flexi options available, find out if a Season Ticket for Bolton to Reading West is right for you.

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.
† Average savings on advance fares booked at least one week before day of travel vs Anytime fares purchased on day of travel. Subject to availability. Excludes coach.

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