- Recommended
Bolton Museum and Art Gallery
Bolton's main museum and gallery with local history, archaeology, art, and aquarium displays in a central civic building.
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
The cheapest and fastest trains from Edinburgh to Bolton
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 20
Cheapest price on Sep 20
$65
Average ticket price on Sep 20
$90
Fastest journey on Sep 20
2 h 53 m
Average journey duration on Sep 20
4 h 16 m
Trains on Sep 20
3
Distance
268 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Edinburgh to Bolton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Edinburgh to Bolton will cost around $90 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $65.
Fast trains
On Sun, Sep 20, we found 3 trains from Edinburgh to Bolton, including 3 direct services.
On Sun, Sep 20 the direct trains cover the 268 km distance in an average of 4 h 16 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 53 m .
On Sun, Sep 20 the slowest trains will take 5 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.
1:00 PM4h34Edinburgh5:34 PMBolton$651One-way0 transfers
10:00 AM5h20Edinburgh3:20 PMBolton$961One-way0 transfers
12:12 PM2h53Edinburgh3:05 PMBolton$1081One-way0 transfers
- 12:12 PM2h53Edinburgh3:05 PMBolton$1081One-way0 transfers
- 1:00 PM4h34Edinburgh5:34 PMBolton$651One-way0 transfers
- 10:00 AM5h20Edinburgh3:20 PMBolton$961One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Edinburgh to Bolton
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Edinburgh to Bolton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $63 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 23m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $63, while a flight costs an average of $444.
Distance: 166 miles (268 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$87 Average price | $63 Average price Cheapest | $444 Average price | $115 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 23m Average total duration Fastest 2h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 49m Average total duration 6h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 30m Average total duration 2h 30m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 4h 6m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | 0.8 - 1.6kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |  Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Edinburgh to Bolton is a bus with an average price of $63.
This is compared to other travel options from Edinburgh to Bolton:
A bus is $24 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Edinburgh to Bolton costing on average $87.
A bus is $381 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Edinburgh to Bolton costing on average $444.
The fastest way to travel from Edinburgh to Bolton is by flight with an average journey time of 2h 30m.
Other travel options to Bolton take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 53m.
Bus takes on average 6h 19m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Edinburgh and Bolton including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Edinburgh to Bolton among Omio's users.
Take the train. On this route, it beats driving on both time and money.
The journey is about 1h 13m faster (2h 53m by train vs 4h 6m by car) and roughly $28 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($87 vs $115). 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 Transpennine Express, TransPennine Express.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
Live departures
Edinburgh to Bolton train times
The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Bolton trains for today, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| W84900 | On time 8:11 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h55 | 11:06 AM Bolton station (BON) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W33693+ P28797 | On time 8:52 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h33 | 12:25 PM Bolton station (BON) | 1 transfer | |
| W33693+W84904 | On time 8:52 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h15 | 12:07 PM Bolton station (BON) | 1 transfer | |
| W84906 | On time 10:11 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h55 | 1:06 PM Bolton station (BON) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| W33398+P28805 | On time 10:52 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h33 | 2:25 PM Bolton station (BON) | 1 transfer | |
| W33398+W84910 | On time 10:52 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h14 | 2:06 PM Bolton station (BON) | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Edinburgh to Bolton by train, bus, or flight
Compare train, bus, and flight 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.
Sun
Sep 20
Sep 20
Mon
Sep 21
Sep 21
Tue
Sep 22
Sep 22
Wed
Sep 23
Sep 23
Thu
Sep 24
Sep 24
Fri
Sep 25
Sep 25
Sat
Sep 26
Sep 26
Why should you book Edinburgh to Bolton trains with Omio?
Transpennine Express as well as Avanti West Coast, London North Eastern Railway, Caledonian Sleeper, TransPennine Express and more offer trains services from Edinburgh to Bolton.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Edinburgh to Bolton.
Why book with Omio vs Transpennine Express?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Transpennine Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of Avanti West Coast, London North Eastern Railway, Caledonian Sleeper or TransPennine Express to find the best option for your trip from Edinburgh to Bolton.
- 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 Transpennine Express with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Edinburgh to Bolton.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Avanti West Coast, London North Eastern Railway, Caledonian Sleeper or TransPennine Express to find the best option for your trip from Edinburgh to Bolton.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Edinburgh to Bolton.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Edinburgh to Bolton
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Edinburgh to Bolton run on average 7 times per day, taking around 2h 53m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $47 but you can travel from only $26 by bus.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:23, the last at 21:07. The fastest train covers the 166 miles (268 km) distance in 2h 39m.
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 $26
Distance 166 miles (268 km) |
Average train duration 2h 53m |
Cheapest ticket price $47 |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 2h 39m |
First train 12:23 AM |
Last train 9:07 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 35 days |
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 $26
Train companies: Avanti West Coast, Transpennine Express from Edinburgh to Bolton trainsAvanti West Coast, Transpennine Express trains will get you between Edinburgh and Bolton from $26. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
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 Avanti West Coast Duration
2h 39m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
$47
Avanti West Coast frequency
4 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
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 Transpennine Express Duration
2h 51m
Cheapest Transpennine Express Price
$64
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
Complete guide to Bolton
Things to do in Bolton
Discover the best of Bolton — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bolton trip today.
- Recommended
Hall i' th' Wood Museum
Independent heritage museum exploring workers' lives, social history, and the district's industrial communities.
- Recommended
Smithills Hall
Restored country house museum with period rooms, collections, and family-friendly interpretation of Bolton's past.
- Must visit
Rivington Terraced Gardens
Historic landscaped hillside with paths, follies, and broad views; one of the area's most loved walking destinations.
- Must visit
Rivington Country Park
Major country park around reservoirs and moorland, ideal for scenic walks, cycling, and panoramic viewpoints.
- Recommended
Winter Hill
Popular upland walking area with sweeping views from Winter Hill and access to moorland trails above Bolton.
- Gluten-free
Lancashire Hotpot
A hearty Lancashire hotpot of lamb or mutton, onions and potatoes, slow-cooked in one pot. It is a classic Greater Manchester and Lancashire comfort dish.
Meat And Potato Pie
A flaky pastry pie filled with seasoned minced beef and onion. Strongly associated with nearby Wigan and widely loved across Bolton and Greater Manchester.
Rag Pudding
A suet pudding of beef and onion steamed in cloth or a basin. This old Lancashire staple is traditional in local pubs and family kitchens.
Spice Valley
Well-regarded Indian restaurant known for polished service, stylish interiors and refined curries and grills. Suitable for a more upscale meal in Bolton.
Ciao Napoli
Established casual restaurant serving Turkish and Mediterranean grills, meze and flatbreads in a lively modern setting.
The Bob Smithy Inn
Popular traditional pub and dining venue beside Moss Bank Park, known for cask ales, British classics and a relaxed local atmosphere.
British pound sterling (£)
Bolton is generally cheaper than London and many major UK cities, with lower hotel, dining, and local transport costs for most visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £6-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £15-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £45+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.50-4 for coffee.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up for taxis. Cafes usually do not expect tips, but small change is appreciated.
Bee Network
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.00
- Day pass
- £5.00
To the city center
Bolton Station -> Bolton Interchange
- Distance
- 0.4 km
- Travel time
- 6 min
- Contactless card payment is accepted on Bee Network buses in Greater Manchester, with daily and weekly fare capping.
- Bolton rail and bus services are planned well in the Bee Network app. Check the operator before travel, as train fares are separate from bus fares.
FAQs: Trains from Edinburgh to Bolton
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Edinburgh to Bolton 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 Bolton, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Train ticket prices from Edinburgh to Bolton can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $47, while the average price is around $87.
The train from Edinburgh to Bolton takes 2h 39m and runs 7 per day.
The first train from Edinburgh to Bolton leaves at 12:23 AM.
The distance by train from Edinburgh to Bolton is 166 miles (268 km).
The last train from Edinburgh to Bolton leaves at 9:07 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Edinburgh to Bolton.
Yes, there is a direct train from Edinburgh to Bolton. This service operates 3 times per day, provided by Transpennine Express, TransPennine Express.
Yes, there is a night train from Edinburgh to Bolton.
The train station in Edinburgh that goes to Bolton is Edinburgh Waverley (EDB), which connects to Bolton station (BON).
The cheapest way to get from Edinburgh to Bolton is by bus, with a cost of around $26.
The train journey from Edinburgh to Bolton offers scenic views, especially through the rolling landscapes of the Scottish Borders and the picturesque countryside of Northern England.
A day trip from Edinburgh to Bolton is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 39m. However, there are 4 trains per day covering the 166 miles (268 km) distance.
To explore Bolton's key attractions, such as the Bolton Museum, Smithills Hall, and the West Pennine Moors, a stay of 2 to 3 days is recommended.
Yes, you can take the train from Edinburgh to Bolton.
Since neither Edinburgh nor Bolton are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United Kingdom and United Kingdom. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
Popular day trips by train from Bolton include Manchester, Blackburn, Preston, Wigan, Rochdale.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Edinburgh to Bolton among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
Yes, rail passes such as the BritRail Pass are valid on most trains within the United Kingdom, offering unlimited travel on participating train operators for a set period.
The currency used in the United Kingdom is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). For travelers, using a card is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially in cities and for transportation tickets, though carrying some cash can be useful for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Bolton, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing in busy areas such as markets and public transport hubs. Common scams include fake charity collectors and overcharging by taxi drivers. It's advisable to use licensed taxis and stay aware of surroundings, especially at night.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Edinburgh to Bolton
Most Edinburgh to Bolton trains use the Edinburgh Waverley to Bolton station pair. Use this guide to compare Edinburgh and Bolton train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Edinburgh
Arrival train stations in Bolton
Edinburgh WaverleyPrinces St, Edinburgh EH1 1BB, United Kingdom+44 3457114141
City-centre transport
Getting to Edinburgh Waverley from Edinburgh city centre
BusUk090 · 12m · $1 · every ~32 min
Edinburgh Waverley train station facilities and services
Edinburgh Waverley has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: Bagel Factory, Burger King, Caffè Nero, Costa Coffee, JD Wetherspoon, The Pasty Shop, The Beer House, M&S, Pret a Manger
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free public Wi-Fi available. ATMs are there are a few ATM machines around the station.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 05:00 - 23:59, Sun: 07:00 - 23:59. Information desks are information booths are located on the concourse. .
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is you can leave luggage at Excessive Baggage Company on Platform 2. . Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Edinburgh Waverley: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Edinburgh Waverley: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh Waverley: Entrances are step free. Station is equipped with an elevator. Staffed with guide communicators for the deaf. Tactile warning strips are on the platform edges for the blind.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Old Waverley Hotel, Jurys Inn Edinburgh, The Scotsman Hotel.
Which Bolton station do trains from Edinburgh arrive at?
Trains from Edinburgh to Bolton arrive at Bolton. Bolton is 0 miles (1 km) from Bolton city centre.
BoltonBolton station, Trinity Street, Bolton, Lancashire, BL2 1BE
City-centre transport
Getting to Bolton from Bolton city centre
Bolton is 1 km from Bolton city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus576, 535, 525, 526, 507, 561, 562, 575, 527, 534, 537, 541, 533, 480 · 10m · $2 · every ~79 min
125 · 15m · $11 · every ~16 min
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.
Most popular train connections from Edinburgh
More options for your journey from Edinburgh to Bolton
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Bolton and Edinburgh
Most popular train connections to Bolton
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
