Avanti West Coast
CrossCountry
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Each fare is the lowest adult economy ticket fare found by our customers on Trainline. Fares booked further in advance than the dates displayed may be cheaper. Prices are updated daily, subject to change and indicative of price last update. Limited availability. Discount cards and coach journeys excluded, prices exclusive of booking fee.
Trains to Bolton from London Waterloo
It takes an average of 4h 55m to travel from London Waterloo to Bolton by train, over a distance of around 173 miles (278 km). There are normally 17 trains per day travelling from London Waterloo to Bolton and tickets for this journey start from £41.20 when you book in advance.
| First train | 03:46 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 22:59 | |
| Departure station | London Waterloo | |
| Arrival station | Bolton | |
| Journey time | From 3h 2m | |
| Distance | 173 miles (278 km) | |
| Frequency | 17 trains per day | |
| Changes | 2 changes | |
| Price | From £41.20 | |
| Train operators | Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, TransPennine Express, Transport for Wales |
Travel by train from London Waterloo to Bolton
Looking to travel from London Waterloo to Bolton by train? You've come to the right place!
Generally, the train from London Waterloo to Bolton takes around 4 hours 55 minutes, but can take just 3 hours 2 minutes on the fastest services. There are up to 17 trains per day from London Waterloo to Bolton.
You'll need to make 2 changes along the way as there aren't any direct services on this line.
Avanti West Coast, Transport for Wales, East Midlands Railway and TransPennine Express trains run on this route.
Book your ticket from £41.20 for this journey. Booking early is one of the most effective ways to save money.
Start your search for train tickets from London Waterloo to Bolton in our Journey Planner.
What do people frequently ask about the train journey from London Waterloo to Bolton?
Want to know more about your journey from London Waterloo to Bolton? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
Are there any direct trains from London Waterloo to Bolton?
How far is the train ride from London Waterloo to Bolton?
Can I take a flight-free trip from London Waterloo to Bolton?
What is the best way to travel to Bolton from London Waterloo?
What time does the first train run from London Waterloo to Bolton?
How late does the train from London Waterloo to Bolton run?
How many trains go from London Waterloo to Bolton per day?
When do tickets from London Waterloo to Bolton go on sale?
Planning a round trip from London Waterloo to Bolton?
How do I find cheap train tickets from London Waterloo to Bolton?
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 London Waterloo to Bolton start at £41.20§ 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 London Waterloo to Bolton 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.