Bolton to Birmingham train with CrossCountry

Fri, Dec 19
+ Add return
CrossCountry
West Midlands Trains
Avanti West Coast
Northern Rail (3)
Regionale
1,000+ travel companies
CrossCountry
West Midlands Trains
Avanti West Coast
Northern Rail (3)
Regionale
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Bolton to Birmingham

Showing times and prices for Dec 23

Cheapest price

$25

Average price

$42

Fastest journey

2 h 2 m

Average duration

2 h 12 m

Trains per day

5

Distance

128 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Bolton to Birmingham is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Bolton to Birmingham will cost around $42 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $25.

Fast trains

Of the 5 trains that leave Bolton for Birmingham on Tue, Dec 23, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Tue, Dec 23 the direct trains cover the 128 km distance in an average of 2 h 12 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 2 m .

On Tue, Dec 23 the slowest trains will take 2 h 20 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.

CrossCountry
11:21AM2h12
Bolton
01:33PMBirmingham
$251One-way
0 transfers
CrossCountry
08:25AM3h08
Bolton
11:33AMBirmingham
$371One-way
0 transfers
CrossCountry
01:36PM2h20
Bolton
03:56PMBirmingham
$461One-way
0 transfers
CrossCountry
06:41AM2h52
Bolton
09:33AMBirmingham
$461One-way
0 transfers
West Midlands Trains
05:54AM2h26
Bolton
08:20AMBirmingham
$581One-way
0 transfers

Bolton - BirminghamCompare CrossCountry, West Midlands Trains, Avanti West Coast, Northern Rail (3)

cross_country
$16
2h 2m
3 a day
Power plugs
Wifi
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Seat reservations available for additional fee
west_midlands_rail
$47
2h 26m
1 a day
Power plugs
Wifi
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item
Seat reservations available for an additional fee
avanti_west_coast
$91
2h 12m
1 a day
Power plugs
Wifi
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
First Class: Included in ticket price. Standard Class: Optional reservation for £8-12
northern_rail
$132
1h 55m
1 a day
Power plugs
Wifi
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Seat reservations available but not mandatory. Free of charge when booking advance tickets

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Bolton to Birmingham

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Bolton to Birmingham among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €8. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 4m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €8, and a train costs an average of €13.

Distance: 79 miles (128 km)

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Bus

€50

Average price

€17

Average price

Cheapest

2h 34m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 4m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 7m

Average total duration

2h 37m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

CrossCountry

Most popular train company

FlixBus

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 Birmingham train times

The table below shows live departures for Bolton to Birmingham trains for tomorrow, Tuesday, December 23. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 1:36 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
cross_country6:41 AM Bolton
2h52
9:33 AM Birmingham0 transfersDirect
cross_country8:21 AM Bolton
2h12
10:33 AM Birmingham0 transfersDirect
cross_country11:21 AM Bolton
2h12
1:33 PM Birmingham0 transfersDirect
cross_country1:36 PM Bolton
2h20
3:56 PM Birmingham0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Bolton to Birmingham by train or bus

Compare train and bus 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.

Tue
Dec 23
Wed
Dec 24
Thu
Dec 25
Fri
Dec 26
Sat
Dec 27
Sun
Dec 28
Mon
Dec 29

Why should you book Bolton to Birmingham trains with Omio?

CrossCountry as well as West Midlands Trains, Avanti West Coast and Northern Rail (3) offer trains services from Bolton to Birmingham. Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Bolton to Birmingham.

Why book with Omio vs CrossCountry?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for CrossCountry, but also compare tickets for the likes of West Midlands Trains, Avanti West Coast and Northern Rail (3) to find the best option for your trip from Bolton to Birmingham.
  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare CrossCountry with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Bolton to Birmingham.

Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?

Multiple modes of transport
  • Multiple travel company options: While CrossCountry tickets can be bought on CrossCountry's website or third party sellers, Omio allows you to compare with the likes of West Midlands Trains, Avanti West Coast and Northern Rail (3) to help you choose the right option for your journey from Bolton to Birmingham.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Bolton to Birmingham.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Bolton to Birmingham

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Bolton to Birmingham run on average 4 times per day, taking around 2h 4m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $16 (€13) but you can travel from only $10 (€8) by bus.

The earliest train runs at 04:56, the last at 22:30. The fastest train covers the 79 miles (128 km) distance in 2h 2m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $10 (€8)
Distance
79 miles (128 km)
Average train duration
2h 4m
Cheapest ticket price
$16 (€13)
Trains per day
4
Fastest train
2h 2m
First train
04:56
Last train
22:30
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $10 (€8)

Train companies: CrossCountry, West Midlands Trains, Avanti West Coast, Northern Rail (3) from Bolton to Birmingham trainsCrossCountry, West Midlands Trains, Avanti West Coast, Northern Rail (3) trains will get you between Bolton and Birmingham from $10 (€8). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

CrossCountry

About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 2m
Cheapest Price
$16 (€13)
CrossCountry frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone

West Midlands Trains

About
West Midlands Trains is a train operator based in the United Kingdom, providing services across the West Midlands region. It operates a variety of train types, including the Class 350 Desiro, Class 323 Electrostar, Class 170 Turbostar, and Class 172 Turbostar. These trains offer a range of onboard facilities, such as free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and air conditioning. Passengers can purchase a range of tickets, including single, return, and season tickets. The most popular routes operated by West Midlands Trains include Birmingham to London Euston, Birmingham to Wolverhampton, and Birmingham to Coventry.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 26m
Cheapest Price
$47 (€38)
West Midlands Trains frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for an additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs require a ticket at 50% of adult fare. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone

Avanti West Coast

About
Avanti West Coast is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates high-speed trains between London and major cities in the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, First Class and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drinks. The most popular routes for Avanti West Coast are London to Birmingham, London to Manchester and London to Glasgow. The company operates a fleet of Pendolino and Super Voyager trains, which offer a smooth and comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 12m
Cheapest Price
$91 (€73)
Avanti West Coast frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
First Class: Complimentary meals and drinks. Standard Class: Onboard shop with drinks and snacks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Standard Class: Optional reservation for £8-12
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/alighting available
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs £30 per single journey. Guide dogs free
Quiet zone

Northern Rail (3)

About
Northern Trains is a publicly owned train operating company in the United Kingdom, headquartered in York. It runs local and commuter services across the north of England, connecting regions including the North East, North West, East Midlands, Staffordshire, Yorkshire, and the Humber coastline. As part of the National Rail network, Northern operates under a coordinated fare and ticketing system alongside other UK train companies.Ticket types include Advance, Off-Peak, Anytime Day, single, return, and season tickets, with only one class option available: Standard. Onboard amenities may include comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and refreshments on select services. Popular routes include connections between major northern cities such as Manchester, Liverpool, and Leeds.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 55m
Cheapest Price
$132 (€106)
Northern Rail (3) frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
See refund policy for ticket types
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most services with drinks and snacks. Some stations have cafes and shops
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available but not mandatory. Free of charge when booking advance tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, passenger assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone

FAQs: Trains from Bolton to Birmingham

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bolton to Birmingham 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 Birmingham, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
The train from Bolton to Birmingham takes 2h 2m and runs 4 per day.
Two to three days are generally sufficient to explore Birmingham's key attractions, including its museums, culinary scene, and shopping areas.
In Birmingham, you can explore the historic Jewellery Quarter, take a canal boat tour, and visit the National SEA LIFE Centre. Enjoy performances at the Birmingham Hippodrome and discover history at the Birmingham Back to Backs. Must-see sights include the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Cadbury World, Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Symphony Hall, and The Bullring shopping center.
The last train from Bolton to Birmingham leaves at 10:30 PM.
There is no direct train service currently available from Bolton to Birmingham.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Bolton to Birmingham.
The train journey from Bolton to Birmingham offers a mix of urban and countryside views, including glimpses of the Pennines and passing through scenic areas like the Cheshire countryside, although it is not widely regarded as particularly scenic compared to other UK train routes.
A day trip from Bolton to Birmingham is not feasible as the travel duration is 2h 2m. However, there are 4 train trips available per day.
Train ticket prices from Bolton to Birmingham can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $16 (€13), while the average price is around $62 (€50).
The distance by train from Bolton to Birmingham is 79 miles (128 km).
The cheapest way to get from Bolton to Birmingham is by bus, with a cost of around $10 (€8).
The train station in Bolton that goes to Birmingham is Bolton station (BON), which connects to Birmingham New Street (BHM).
There is no high speed train available from Bolton to Birmingham.
The first train from Bolton to Birmingham leaves at 4:56 AM.
Yes, you can take the train from Bolton to Birmingham.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Bolton to Birmingham

Bolton
Birmingham
The major train station for departures in Bolton is Bolton. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Bolton for your trip from Bolton to Birmingham.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 06:00 - 21:00 Sunday 08:15 - 19:30
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Shopping
Shopping
  • Type of shops available: Newsagent
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Parking is not available.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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
WC
WC
  • 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
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: platforms 3 & 4
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transit options for Bolton
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Newport Street stop, at stand AA
  • Metro: GMPTE 0161 228 7811
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
AccessibilityAccessibility
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
2 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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
Public transit options for Hall I' Th' Wood
  • 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
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
AccessibilityAccessibility
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday 06:25 - 19:35 Saturday,Sunday Closed
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
4 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: No
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transit options for Lostock
  • 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

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