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Trains from Colchester Town to
Bolton

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Colchester Town to Bolton by train

A train trip from Colchester Town to Bolton takes about 5hrs 7 mins on average, covering roughly 181 miles (292 kilometres). With around 35 trains running each day, there's plenty of flexibility for your travel plans. If you book in advance, you can grab tickets starting from just £38.30, making it a budget-friendly option for those who plan ahead.

Colchester Town to Bolton Key Stats

Arrival Station

Bolton

Departure Station

Colchester Town

Frequency

35trains
per day

Journey Time

from4hrs 30 mins

Changes

3-4no direct
trains

First Train / Last Train

06:12 / 23:07

Distance

181miles
(292 km)

4 Routes

4 Train Operators

Prices

from£38.30

Travelling from Colchester Town to Bolton by Train

Hop on a Train from Colchester Town to Bolton – It’s Faster Than You Think!

Planning to travel from Colchester Town to Bolton by train? Well, you've come to the right place – and don’t worry, it won’t take forever!

On average, the journey takes around 5hrs 7 mins. But if you’re in a hurry (or just really eager to get to Bolton), the fastest trains can whisk you there in just 4hrs 30 mins. With roughly 35 trains running every day, you're spoiled for choice. This scenic 181-mile (292 km) journey usually requires just one change. You’ll be in the good hands of Avanti West Coast, First TransPennine Express, Northern Rail, Abellio Greater Anglia, all of whom offer comfy seats and plenty of luggage space – because, let’s face it, nobody likes a cramped train!

The best part? Tickets start from just £38.30 if you book in advance, which is a much better deal than scrambling for tickets on the day. Want to save even more? Travelling during Off-Peak hours or flashing a Railcard can help you keep more money in your wallet.

So, ready to snag those cheap tickets? Use our Journey Planner to find the latest prices and make your wallet happy. Keep scrolling for more travel tips, or check out our timetable above for live train times. Time to choo-choo your way to Bolton!

Journey Details

Frequently asked questions about journeys between Colchester Town and Bolton

Curious about your trip from Colchester Town to Bolton? We've put together answers to the most commonly asked questions from our customers to make planning your journey easier.

How long does it take to travel between Colchester Town and Bolton by train?

The travel time between Colchester Town and Bolton by train varies depending on the type of train and the route, but the average journey time is 5hrs 7 mins & the fastest journey takes 4hrs 30 mins.

What's the fastest journey time between Colchester Town and Bolton by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Colchester Town to Bolton is 4hrs 30 mins.

How much does the train from Colchester Town to Bolton cost?

Train ticket prices from Colchester Town to Bolton can start from as little as £38.30 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.

What are the departure and arrival times for trains between Colchester Town and Bolton?

The departure and arrival times for trains between Colchester Town and Bolton vary depending on the day of the week and the type of train. Generally, there are around 35 departures and arrivals throughout the day. The first departure is 06:12, and the last train of the day leaves at 23:07.

What is the difference between first class and standard class on trains between Colchester Town and Bolton?

First class tickets on trains between Colchester Town and Bolton typically offer more space, complimentary food and drink, and other amenities compared to standard class.

What amenities are available on trains between Colchester Town and Bolton?

Amenities on trains between Colchester Town and Bolton can include free Wi-Fi, power outlets, onboard catering, and comfortable seating.

What is the cheapest way to travel from Colchester Town to Bolton by train?

By booking your tickets on traintickets.com! There are many ways to save on the cost of train travel between Colchester Town and Bolton. On traintickets.com, we do all the work for you to find the cheapest way possible to get to Bolton, and can save you up to 90%! Simply search for your journey, and be assured we have found you the best possible price.

Is it possible to take a direct train from Colchester Town to Bolton?

No, unfortunately there are no direct trains between Colchester Town & Bolton. However, there are 35 possible journeys which require a change.

What train companies run services from Colchester Town to Bolton?

Avanti West Coast, First TransPennine Express, Northern Rail and Abellio Greater Anglia are the main train operating companies running services between Colchester Town and Bolton.

Can I bring luggage on board trains between Colchester Town and Bolton?

Yes, you can bring luggage on board trains between Colchester Town and Bolton, but there may be limits on the number of bags or the size and weight of your luggage.

When are Colchester Town to Bolton Train Times?

Check out the upcoming trains from Colchester Town to Bolton on Wednesday 7th May 2025, with our handy timetable below.

Alternatively, you can view the full day's schedule or search for a different date here!

Wednesday 7th May
DepartsArrivesChangesVia StationsDurationOperator
06:12 Colchester Town10:52 Bolton4 changesColchester
London Liverpool Street
London Euston
Manchester Piccadilly
4 hrs 40 mins Get Tickets
07:13 Colchester Town11:52 Bolton4 changesColchester
London Liverpool Street
London Euston
Manchester Piccadilly
4 hrs 39 mins Get Tickets
08:19 Colchester Town12:53 Bolton4 changesColchester
London Liverpool Street
London Euston
Manchester Piccadilly
4 hrs 34 mins Get Tickets
09:00 Colchester Town13:53 Bolton4 changesColchester
London Liverpool Street
London Euston
Manchester Piccadilly
4 hrs 53 mins Get Tickets
09:35 Colchester Town14:06 Bolton3 changesLondon Liverpool Street
London Euston
Preston (Lancs)
4 hrs 31 mins Get Tickets
09:44 Colchester Town14:06 Bolton4 changesColchester
London Liverpool Street
London Euston
Preston (Lancs)
4 hrs 22 mins Get Tickets
10:00 Colchester Town14:51 Bolton4 changesColchester
London Liverpool Street
London Euston
Manchester Piccadilly
4 hrs 51 mins Get Tickets
10:35 Colchester Town15:06 Bolton3 changesLondon Liverpool Street
London Euston
Preston (Lancs)
4 hrs 31 mins Get Tickets
10:44 Colchester Town15:06 Bolton4 changesColchester
London Liverpool Street
London Euston
Preston (Lancs)
4 hrs 22 mins Get Tickets
11:00 Colchester Town15:52 Bolton4 changesColchester
London Liverpool Street
London Euston
Manchester Piccadilly
4 hrs 52 mins Get Tickets
11:35 Colchester Town16:06 Bolton3 changesLondon Liverpool Street
London Euston
Preston (Lancs)
4 hrs 31 mins Get Tickets
11:44 Colchester Town16:06 Bolton4 changesColchester
London Liverpool Street
London Euston
Preston (Lancs)
4 hrs 22 mins Get Tickets
Search all times & prices for today

What are my cheap ticket options for Colchester Town to Bolton journeys?

From booking in Advance, to our FairSplits, here are our tips for you to find the best price

Advance Tickets

A single ticket for one journey leaving at a specific date and time.

The rule is: the sooner you book the cheaper they are. Usually the cheapest, but least flexible.

Advance fares from Colchester Town to Bolton start from as little as £38.30

Off-Peak & Super Off-Peak Tickets

Offering greater flexibility than Advances, Off-Peak tickets offer travel during less busy times of day trading off more flexibility in the Off-Peak windows but for still discounted fares.

Off Peak fares from Colchester Town to Bolton start from £96.70 one way, or £135.00 return

Anytime Tickets

Anytime tickets are fully flexible allowing travel at any time of the day. Brilliant if you don’t want the pressure of clock watching, returning when you want

Anytime fares from Colchester Town to Bolton are available for £107.30 one way, or £167.90 return

With our FairSplit technology, you can save up to 90% on the cost of train travel.

Split ticketing means that instead of purchasing one rail ticket for your journey we automatically find and help you book two or more tickets instead, covering exactly the same journey. We call it our FairSplit.

Travelling in a group? We can save you even more!

Unlike other split ticketing sites, you can enter multiple railcards in a single search on traintickets.com. We will find you the best price using all possible combinations of your railcards in conjunction with our split ticketing technology & GroupSave.

When you do a search on traintickets.com we check all the cheapest prices automatically

Everything you need to know about Colchester Town Station

Welcome to Colchester Town Station

Are you planning a trip that starts or ends at Colchester Town Station? You're in the right place for detailed insights on what the station has to offer. Colchester Town Station is a vital hub in Essex, seamlessly connecting both locals and visitors to some of the region’s finest destinations. Whether you're commuting to work or indulging in a day trip, you’ll find everything you need here.

Facilities and Amenities at Colchester Town Station

Colchester Town Station is set up to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey for all travelers. The ticket office is open from 06:10 to 20:15 on weekdays and slightly shorter hours on Saturdays, providing ample opportunity for passengers to purchase and collect tickets. There's no need to worry if you’re catching an early or late train, as ticket machines are available around the clock, and they even support smartcard validators.

For those requiring assistance, station staff are on hand to offer help and support during ticket office hours. There are also help points and screens to keep you informed about departures. Notably, the station offers step-free access, making it easy for everyone to navigate, and it's equipped with an induction loop for those with hearing impairments.

Need a quick refreshment before you board? Stop by the 'Steam' kiosk for a coffee and snack. Free parking is available at a local council-managed car park, minus accessible spaces, but if you're arriving by bike, there are sheltered stands for safe storage. Unfortunately, the station doesn’t offer luggage storage or accessible toilets, but basic toilet facilities are available during select hours.

Travel Connections at Colchester Town

Stepping out of Colchester Town Station, you'll discover various transport links to continue your journey. It’s only a five-minute walk to the Colchester Bus Station. When there are engineering works or service disruptions, the local bus services, including routes 61, 62, 65, and 66, accept rail tickets to help passengers reach alternative nearby stations. Just keep an eye out for the replacement bus stop near the Magistrates' Court if you need a shuttle due to planned engineering works.

Destination Inspiration from Colchester Town

If you’re wondering where the rails might take you, Colchester Town Station connects to a host of popular locations. For a city break, you can take a train to London Liverpool Street or head to Chelmsford. If a coastal trip is on your itinerary, catch a direct ride to charming seaside towns like Clacton-on-Sea or Frinton-on-Sea. There's also the historical appeal of Ipswich or delightful escapes like Wivenhoe and Dovercourt.

Your Gateway to Exploration

Colchester Town Station is your launchpad for discovering both local gems and metropolitan wonders. Whether it’s business or leisure, the station equips travelers with necessary facilities, comfort, and easy ticket purchases, all while providing vital connections to other modes of transport. Bookmark this station for your next journey and enjoy seamless travel in and around Essex and beyond!

Everything you need to know about Bolton Station

Welcome to Bolton Train Station: Your Gateway to the Greater Manchester Area

Nestled in the heart of the vibrant town of Bolton, the train station offers more than just a convenient spot for catching your next train. Whether you're embarking on a quick commute to Manchester, planning a relaxing weekend at the coast, or venturing further afield, Bolton train station serves as a vital link in your journey. Here, we delve into what makes this station a cornerstone of local and regional travel, boasting an array of facilities, seamless connections, and exciting destinations easily accessible by rail.

Facilities and Amenities

Bolton train station is well-equipped to cater to any traveler's needs. With a ticket office operating from 06:00 to 21:00 on weekdays and slightly reduced hours on Sundays, obtaining and collecting tickets is straightforward. Numerous ticket machines are available for those who prefer a swift, automated service, and these cater to both cash and card transactions. The station champions accessibility, ensuring step-free access throughout the premises, including lifts to all platforms, which makes it a Category A station.

For those needing assistance, Bolton station offers staff-support options, although customer help points are absent. Amenities at the station include clean, accessible toilets, baby changing facilities, and cozy waiting rooms—between platforms for your comfort while awaiting departure. CCTV ensures a safe environment as you explore the variety of refreshment facilities and the newsagent available on-site.

Transport Connections and Options for Onward Travel

Getting from Bolton Station to your onward destination is as easy as pie. Newport Street is home to a coordinated rail replacement service, while a robust bus network connects you to bustling locales throughout Greater Manchester. The bus services are supported by printable information available here to aid in planning. Bicycle enthusiasts will be thrilled to hear of the bicycle hire options detailed at cycling.tfgm.com, offering a green alternative for exploring the local area.

Popular Destinations

Connecting to an impressive array of destinations, Bolton train station can be your first stop en route to fascinating places. Whether you're heading to the bustling streets of Manchester, just a short journey away with options such as Manchester Victoria, Manchester Oxford Road, or Manchester Piccadilly, or venturing to the scenic coasts of Blackpool North, the station serves as a convenient hub. Commuters find regular routes to places like Manchester Airport and Preston, while weekend travelers enjoy connections to dramatic landscapes like Lancaster and the vibrant nightlife of Liverpool Lime Street.

Join Us on a Journey from Bolton Train Station

As you plan your next trip, consider all the benefits Bolton train station has to offer. Not just a starting point for adventures across the UK, it’s the beginning of a journey thoughtfully served by comprehensive facilities ensuring ease, safety, and accessibility. Ready to hit the rails? Opt for convenience and efficiency by choosing to travel with Bolton Station, where your journey begins in comfort and ends with memories.

Looking for more inspiration?

Popular places to travel by train from Colchester Town