- Must visit
The Harris
Preston's leading museum and gallery, known for fine art, history, and architecture. A cornerstone cultural attraction in the city centre.
Cheapest price
zł20
Average price
zł31
Fastest journey
21 m
Average duration
23 m
Trains per day
11
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 zł31 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only zł20.
Of the 11 trains that leave Bolton for Preston on Wed, Aug 05, 11 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Aug 05 the direct trains cover the 28 km distance in an average of 23 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 21 m .
On Wed, Aug 05 the slowest trains will take 24 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.
G89548
G89542
G89552
G89040
G89556
W85165
W85164
G89042
W85168
G89040Omio 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 zł13. 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 zł13, and a bus costs an average of zł40.
Distance: 17 miles (28 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
zł27 Average price Cheapest | zł48 Average price | zł29 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 zł20 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Bolton to Preston costing on average zł48.
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 zł2 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls (zł27 vs zł29). 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.
The table below shows live departures for Bolton to Preston trains for tomorrow, Wednesday, August 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G89040 | 6:08 AM Bolton station (BON) | 0h24 | 6:32 AM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G89542 | 6:22 AM Bolton station (BON) | 0h35 | 6:57 AM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W85164 | 6:38 AM Bolton station (BON) | 0h22 | 7:00 AM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G89545 | 6:53 AM Bolton station (BON) | 0h35 | 7:28 AM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G89548 | 7:23 AM Bolton station (BON) | 0h36 | 7:59 AM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W85165 | 7:38 AM Bolton station (BON) | 0h21 | 7:59 AM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G89552 | 7:53 AM Bolton station (BON) | 0h35 | 8:28 AM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G89042 | 8:08 AM Bolton station (BON) | 0h24 | 8:32 AM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G89556 | 8:22 AM Bolton station (BON) | 0h35 | 8:57 AM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W85168 | 8:38 AM Bolton station (BON) | 0h24 | 9:02 AM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G89560 | 8:53 AM Bolton station (BON) | 0h33 | 9:26 AM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Bolton to Preston run on average 9 times per day, taking around 27m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at zł13 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 zł13 |
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 |
Discover the best of Preston — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Preston trip today.
Preston's leading museum and gallery, known for fine art, history, and architecture. A cornerstone cultural attraction in the city centre.
Museum of Lancashire history with social, military, and industrial displays. A strong introduction to the county's people and stories.
Modern university gallery presenting changing contemporary art exhibitions. Worth visiting for fresh work by regional and national artists.
Main civic square framed by major buildings and regular events. A central meeting point and one of Preston's most recognisable public spaces.
Canal-side walking and cycling route with locks, boats, and long views. Ideal for a relaxed local ramble away from the busiest streets.
Extensive riverside and wetland area popular for walking, birdlife, and broad open views. A lesser-known escape close to the city.
Lancashire hotpot is a slow-cooked lamb and onion stew topped with sliced potatoes, long linked with Lancashire home cooking and nearby mill towns.
Butter pie is Preston's best-known savoury pie, filled with potato, onion and butter. It became a Friday staple for local Catholics avoiding meat.
Parkin is a dark oat, treacle and ginger cake popular across Lancashire, especially in colder months and around Bonfire Night.
Elegant fine dining by chef Lisa Goodwin-Allen, known for refined modern British tasting menus and polished service in a country house setting.
Long-established city centre restaurant serving classic Italian dishes in a smart yet relaxed setting. Popular for pasta, seafood and pre-theatre meals.
Traditional Lancashire pub atmosphere with cask ales and hearty British plates. A good place to try regional comfort food in central Preston.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local buses and casual meals stay fairly affordable for visitors.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common for good service if not already added. Round up for taxis. Cafes usually do not require tips.
Official public transport app
Preston Railway Station -> Preston Bus Station
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.

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.
Bolton is 1 km from Bolton city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options are available at Bolton.
Wi-Fi is available at Bolton.
Ticket office support is available at Bolton.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Bolton: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Bolton: Bike Parking.
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.
Lostock is 4 km from Bolton city centre. Public transport options include:
Lostock has practical services for this route, including Parking, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, and Bike Parking.
Ticket office support is available at Lostock.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Lostock: Parking.
Available at Lostock: Bike Parking.
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.
Bromley Cross is 3 km from Bolton city centre. Public transport options include:
Bromley Cross has practical services for this route, including Parking, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, and Bike Parking.
Ticket office support is available at Bromley Cross.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Bromley Cross: Parking.
Available at Bromley Cross: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bromley Cross: 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.
Preston is 1 km from Preston city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: Rise, The Olive Tree Brasserie, Turtle Bay
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Preston. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Preston. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Preston: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Preston: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Preston: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Holiday Inn Express Preston - South, Delta Hotels Preston, Macdonald Tickled Trout Hotel.
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