The cheapest and fastest trains from Bolton to Preston
Cheapest price
$6
Average price
$10
Fastest journey
19 m
Average duration
24 m
Trains per day
6
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 $10 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $6.
Of the 6 trains that leave Bolton for Preston on Sun, Jun 21, 6 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 21 the direct trains cover the 28 km distance in an average of 24 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 19 m .
On Sun, Jun 21 the slowest trains will take 35 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.
C3190611:18 AM0h35Bolton station (BON)11:53 AMPreston station (PRE)$61One-way0 transfers
G8956512:19 PM0h35Bolton station (BON)12:54 PMPreston station (PRE)$61One-way0 transfers
C3172110:12 AM0h23Bolton station (BON)10:35 AMPreston station (PRE)$121One-way0 transfers
G8906612:08 PM0h25Bolton station (BON)12:33 PMPreston station (PRE)$121One-way0 transfers
W8517810:44 AM0h20Bolton station (BON)11:04 AMPreston station (PRE)$131One-way0 transfers
W8518011:44 AM0h19Bolton station (BON)12:03 PMPreston station (PRE)$131One-way0 transfers
W8517810:44 AM0h20Bolton station (BON)11:04 AMPreston station (PRE)$131One-way0 transfers
C3172110:12 AM0h23Bolton station (BON)10:35 AMPreston station (PRE)$121One-way0 transfers
G8906612:08 PM0h25Bolton station (BON)12:33 PMPreston station (PRE)$121One-way0 transfers
C3190611:18 AM0h35Bolton station (BON)11:53 AMPreston station (PRE)$61One-way0 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 $3. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 27m. 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 $3, and a bus costs an average of $11.
Distance: 17 miles (28 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$7 Average price Cheapest | $13 Average price | $8 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
57m Average total duration Fastest 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 24m Average total duration 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 42m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Bolton to Preston:
A train is $5 (€4) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Bolton to Preston costing on average $13 (€10).
Other travel options to Preston take longer:
Bus takes on average 54m.
The journey is about 15m faster (27m by train vs 42m by car) and roughly $0.44 (€0.36) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($7 (€6) vs $8 (€6)). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with Northern Rail, Transpennine Express, TransPennine Express, Northern Trains Limited.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
Live departures
Bolton to Preston train times
The table below shows live departures for Bolton to Preston trains for tomorrow, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
C31721 | 10:12 AM Bolton station (BON) | 0h23 | 10:35 AM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W85178 | 10:44 AM Bolton station (BON) | 0h20 | 11:04 AM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C31906 | 11:18 AM Bolton station (BON) | 0h35 | 11:53 AM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W85180 | 11:44 AM Bolton station (BON) | 0h19 | 12:03 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G89066 | 12:08 PM Bolton station (BON) | 0h25 | 12:33 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G89565 | 12:19 PM Bolton station (BON) | 0h35 | 12:54 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
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.
Jun 21
Jun 22
Jun 23
Jun 24
Jun 25
Jun 26
Jun 27
Why should you book Bolton to Preston trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Northern Rail?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Northern Rail, but also compare tickets for the likes of Transpennine Express, TransPennine Express or Northern Trains Limited to find the best option for your trip from Bolton to Preston.
- 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 Northern Rail with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Bolton to Preston.
Why book with Omio over Trip or Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Transpennine Express, TransPennine Express or Northern Trains Limited to find the best option for your trip from Bolton to Preston.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Bolton to Preston.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Bolton to Preston
Trains from Bolton to Preston run on average 9 times per day, taking around 27m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $3 (€3) if you book in advance.
There are 9 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:24, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 17 miles (28 km) distance in 24m.
Distance 17 miles (28 km) |
Average train duration 27m |
Cheapest ticket price $3 (€3) |
Trains per day 9 |
Direct trains 9 |
Fastest train 24m |
First train 12:24 AM |
Last train 11:56 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 14 days |
Train companies: Northern Rail, Transpennine Express, TransPennine Express, Northern Trains Limited from Bolton to Preston trainsNorthern Rail, Transpennine Express, TransPennine Express, Northern Trains Limited trains will get you between Bolton and Preston from $3 (€3). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Northern Rail
Transpennine Express
TransPennine Express
Northern Trains Limited
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
Most Bolton to Preston trains use the Bolton to Preston station pair. Use this guide to compare Bolton and Preston train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Bolton station do trains to Preston leave from?
Getting to Bolton from Bolton city centre
Bolton is 1 km from Bolton city centre. Public transport options include:
Bolton train station facilities and services
Bolton has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Bolton.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Bolton.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Bolton.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Bolton: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Bolton: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Bolton: 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.
Getting to Lostock from Bolton city centre
Lostock is 4 km from Bolton city centre. Public transport options include:
Lostock train station facilities and services
Lostock has practical services for this route, including Parking, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, and Bike Parking.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Lostock.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Lostock: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Lostock: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Lostock: 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.
Getting to Hall I' Th' Wood from Bolton city centre
Hall I' Th' Wood is 2 km from Bolton city centre. Public transport options include:
Hall I' Th' Wood train station facilities and services
Hall I' Th' Wood has practical services for this route, including Parking, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, and Bike Parking.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Hall I' Th' Wood: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Hall I' Th' Wood: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Hall I' Th' Wood: 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.
Which Preston station do trains from Bolton arrive at?
Getting to Preston from Preston city centre
Preston is 1 km from Preston city centre. Public transport options include:
Preston train station facilities and services
Preston has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: Rise, The Olive Tree Brasserie, Turtle Bay
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Preston. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Preston. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Preston: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Preston: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Preston: Elevators, ramps.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Holiday Inn Express Preston - South, Delta Hotels Preston, Macdonald Tickled Trout Hotel.
Most popular train connections from Bolton
More options for your journey from Bolton to Preston
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