The cheapest and fastest trains from Bolton to Preston
Cheapest price
$3
Average price
$6
Fastest journey
24 m
Average duration
28 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
28 km
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.
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.










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 |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() 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.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 1:53 PM Bolton | 0h32 | 2:25 PM Preston | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:22 PM Bolton | 0h36 | 5:58 PM Preston | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Friday, November 7 | |||||
![]() | 4:23 AM Bolton | 0h28 | 4:51 AM Preston | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:09 AM Bolton | 0h25 | 8:34 AM Preston | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:22 AM Bolton | 0h35 | 8:57 AM Preston | 0 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.
Nov 07
Nov 08
Nov 09
Nov 10
Nov 11
Nov 12
Nov 13
Journey information
Overview: Train from Bolton to Preston
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.
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)
TransPennine Express
first_transpennine_express
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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Bolton to Preston
- Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 06:00 - 21:00 Sunday 08:15 - 19:30
- Type of shops available: Newsagent
- Car Park: Parking is not available.
- 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
- 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
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: platforms 3 & 4
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Newport Street stop, at stand AA
- Metro: GMPTE 0161 228 7811
- Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday 06:50 - 13:20 Saturday 07:50 - 14:20 Sunday Closed
- Car Park: Station Car Park
- 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
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Bus stop opposite the Railway Pub.
- Metro: GMPTE 0161 228 7811
- Car Park: No
- 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
- 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
- Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday 06:25 - 19:35 Saturday,Sunday Closed
- Car Park: Station Car Park
- 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
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- 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
- 5:30 AM - 8:00 PM Monday - Friday
- 6:30 AM - 7:00 PM Saturday
- 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 24 hours, located adjacent to the station with access from Butler Street.
- Rise
- The Olive Tree Brasserie
- Turtle Bay
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps.
- £0.30
- Holiday Inn Express Preston - South
- Delta Hotels Preston
- Macdonald Tickled Trout Hotel
- Located in the main hall
- Enterprise
- Europcar
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms 1-3 for long-distance services
- Hall 2: platforms 4-6 for regional and local services
- Bus: Several lines available
- Train: Northern, Avanti West Coast, TransPennine Express services
Most popular train connections from Bolton
More options for your journey from Bolton to Preston
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