Bolton to Preston train with Northern Rail (3)

Fri, Nov 07
+ Add return
Northern Rail (3)
TransPennine Express
first_transpennine_express
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
1,000+ travel companies
Northern Rail (3)
TransPennine Express
first_transpennine_express
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Bolton to Preston

Showing times and prices for Nov 07

Cheapest price

$3

Average price

$6

Fastest journey

24 m

Average duration

28 m

Trains per day

5

Distance

28 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Bolton to Preston will cost around $6 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $3.

Fast trains

Of the 5 trains that leave Bolton for Preston on Fri, Nov 07, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Fri, Nov 07 the direct trains cover the 28 km distance in an average of 28 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 24 m .

On Fri, Nov 07 the slowest trains will take 32 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.

Northern Rail (3)
05:08AM0h24
Bolton
05:32AMPreston
$31One-way
0 transfers
Northern Rail (3)
08:09AM0h25
Bolton
08:34AMPreston
$31One-way
0 transfers
Northern Rail (3)
02:53PM0h32
Bolton
03:25PMPreston
$61One-way
0 transfers
Northern Rail (3)
04:23AM0h28
Bolton
04:51AMPreston
$71One-way
0 transfers
Northern Rail (3)
08:22AM0h35
Bolton
08:57AMPreston
$91One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Bolton to Preston

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Bolton to Preston 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 26m. 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 bus costs an average of €10.

Distance: 17 miles (28 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus

€6

Average price

Cheapest

€11

Average price

56m

Average total duration

Fastest

26m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 15m

Average total duration

45m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.0 - 0.0kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Northern Rail (3)

Most popular train company

National Express

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 Preston train times

The table below shows live departures for Bolton to Preston trains for today, Thursday, November 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 11:05 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
northern_rail1:53 PM Bolton
0h32
2:25 PM Preston0 transfersDirect
northern_rail5:22 PM Bolton
0h36
5:58 PM Preston0 transfersDirect
Friday, November 7
northern_rail4:23 AM Bolton
0h28
4:51 AM Preston0 transfersDirect
northern_rail8:09 AM Bolton
0h25
8:34 AM Preston0 transfersDirect
northern_rail8:22 AM Bolton
0h35
8:57 AM Preston0 transfersDirect

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Bolton to Preston 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.

Fri
Nov 07
Sat
Nov 08
Sun
Nov 09
Mon
Nov 10
Tue
Nov 11
Wed
Nov 12
Thu
Nov 13

Journey information

Overview: Train from Bolton to Preston

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train
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
Distance
17 miles (28 km)
Average train duration
26m
Cheapest ticket price
$2 (€2)
Trains per day
7
Direct trains
6
Fastest train
23m
First train
00:24
Last train
23:56

Key Takeaways

Train Ticket Prices
  • Budget Options: Train tickets from Bolton to Preston start from as low as $2 (€2) if booked well in advance.
  • Standard Fares: Typically, trains cost $7 (€6) depending on the train type and class.
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

Train companies: Northern Rail (3), TransPennine Express, first_transpennine_express from Bolton to Preston trainsNorthern Rail (3), TransPennine Express, first_transpennine_express trains will get you between Bolton and Preston from $2 (€2). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

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
23m
Cheapest Price
$2 (€2)
Northern Rail (3) frequency
5 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

TransPennine Express

About
Transpennine Express is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from Manchester and Liverpool to Scotland, the North East and Yorkshire. It offers a range of services, including express, regional and local trains. Express trains are the fastest, with journey times of up to three hours. Regional trains are slower, but offer more stops and a more relaxed atmosphere. Local trains are the slowest, but offer the most stops. Transpennine Express offers a range of ticket types, including single, return, group and season tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for Transpennine Express are Manchester to Edinburgh, Liverpool to Leeds and Manchester to York. These routes offer a convenient and comfortable way to travel between the cities.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
20m
Cheapest Price
$18 (€15)
TransPennine Express frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 large items and 1 small hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if service is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks, plus a small selection of hot and cold food items
Seat reservation
Seat reservations are free of charge and recommended for busy routes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance booking service
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone

first_transpennine_express

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
19m
Cheapest Price
$31 (€25)
first_transpennine_express frequency
7 a day

FAQs: Trains from Bolton to Preston

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

FAQs
Yes, you can do a day trip from Bolton to Preston. The journey takes just 23m with a frequency of 7 trips per day for trains, covering a distance of 17 miles (28 km).
To fully experience Preston's main attractions and local culture, spending 2 to 3 days is typically sufficient.
The train journey from Bolton to Preston offers a mix of urban and semi-rural scenery, with views of the Greater Manchester area's industrial heritage gradually transitioning to the more open landscapes of Lancashire.
The train from Bolton to Preston takes 23m and runs 7 per day.
Train ticket prices from Bolton to Preston can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $2 (€2), while the average price is around $7 (€6).
The distance by train from Bolton to Preston is 17 miles (28 km).
The last train from Bolton to Preston leaves at 11:56 PM.
The cheapest way to get from Bolton to Preston is by train, with a cost of around $2 (€2).
The train station in Bolton that goes to Preston is Bolton station (BON), which connects to Preston station (PRE).
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Bolton to Preston.
There is no high speed train available from Bolton to Preston.
The first train from Bolton to Preston leaves at 12:24 AM.
Yes, you can take the train from Bolton to Preston.
Yes, there is a direct train from Bolton to Preston. This service operates 6 times per day, provided by Northern Rail (3), TransPennine Express, first_transpennine_express.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Bolton to Preston

Bolton
Preston
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 Preston.
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
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday 06:50 - 13:20 Saturday 07:50 - 14:20 Sunday Closed
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
3 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, To Manchester : Level access from the car park over level crossing and up ramp onto platform. To Blackburn : Level access from the car park, through a 4ft wide gate, up a short ramp (1:9 slope) onto the platform.
  • Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided
  • Accessible public telephones: The highest operating part of the telephone is 1140 mm above floor level.
  • 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 Bromley Cross
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Bus stop opposite the Railway Pub.
  • 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

More options for your journey from Bolton to Preston

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