Bolton travel guide

Bolton Tourism | Bolton Guide

You're Going to Love Bolton

With a population of 141,331, Bolton is a must-see destination in England, United Kingdom. It is among the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Consider staying at least one whole day in Bolton to see all of its attractions.

Where to Eat in Bolton

If you’re looking for affordable options, The Cherry Tree (Chorley Road Blackrod) and Cross Guns (390 Blackburn Road) are great picks.

When to visit Bolton

Bolton in March
Estimated hotel price
£54
1 night at 3-star hotel
Bolton in March
Estimated hotel price
£54
1 night at 3-star hotel

How to Get to Bolton

Plane

Although Bolton doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to Manchester Airport (UK) (MAN), which is located 17 miles from Bolton. The shortest domestic flight to Bolton departs from Belfast and takes around 55m.

Train

AccesRail is the most popular train carrier serving Bolton, followed by Avanti West Coast. The train journey from Bolton to Liverpool takes 0h 52m and costs around £24 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Bradford, expect to pay about £16 for a 1h 24m trip. Located 2.0 miles from the city centre, Bolton Moses Gate is the busiest station in Bolton. Another popular train station is Bolton Bromley Cross, located 2 miles from the centre.

Car

Another option to get to Bolton is to pick up a car hire from London, which is about 173 miles from Bolton. You’ll find branches of GREEN MOTION and DRIVALIA , among others, in London.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Bolton, including FlixBus, Megabus and National Express. From Liverpool, the bus ride to Bolton takes 65 miles and will cost you around £9. From Leeds, the ticket costs about £7 for a journey of 70 miles. Bolton’s bus station is located 0.3 miles from the city centre.

Plane

Although Bolton doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to Manchester Airport (UK) (MAN), which is located 17 miles from Bolton. The shortest domestic flight to Bolton departs from Belfast and takes around 55m.

Train

AccesRail is the most popular train carrier serving Bolton, followed by Avanti West Coast. The train journey from Bolton to Liverpool takes 0h 52m and costs around £24 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Bradford, expect to pay about £16 for a 1h 24m trip. Located 2.0 miles from the city centre, Bolton Moses Gate is the busiest station in Bolton. Another popular train station is Bolton Bromley Cross, located 2 miles from the centre.

Car

Another option to get to Bolton is to pick up a car hire from London, which is about 173 miles from Bolton. You’ll find branches of GREEN MOTION and DRIVALIA , among others, in London.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Bolton, including FlixBus, Megabus and National Express. From Liverpool, the bus ride to Bolton takes 65 miles and will cost you around £9. From Leeds, the ticket costs about £7 for a journey of 70 miles. Bolton’s bus station is located 0.3 miles from the city centre.

Airports near Bolton

Airlines serving Bolton

Lufthansa
Good (4,678 reviews)
KLM
Good (845 reviews)
SWISS
Good (950 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,622 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (2,257 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,582 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (488 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,601 reviews)
Air France
Good (979 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (2,109 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,434 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,983 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,996 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (228 reviews)
Finnair
Good (856 reviews)
LOT
Good (677 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (812 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (934 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,169 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (837 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in popular areas of Bolton

Most booked hotels in Bolton

Holiday Inn Express Leigh - Sports Village
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, Excellent reviews)
£77+
Red Hall Hotel
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, Excellent reviews)
£63+
Ramada by Wyndham Chorley South
3 stars
Excellent (8.2, Excellent reviews)
£34+
Bolton Stadium Hotel
4 stars
Excellent (8.1, Excellent reviews)
£72+
Holiday Inn Bolton Centre
3 stars
Excellent (8.1, Excellent reviews)
£71+
Last Drop Village Hotel & Spa
4 stars
Excellent (8, Excellent reviews)
£83+

Hiring a car in Bolton

Hiring a car in Bolton costs £39 per day, on average.

You’re likely to save money by hiring your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 8% more expensive than at Manchester.

Expect to pay £1.49 per litre in Bolton (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your car hire, filling up the tank will cost between £17.85 and £23.79. Economy (Ford Fiesta or similar) is the most popular car type to hire in Bolton, while also 83% cheaper than other types, on average.

Hiring a car in Bolton costs £39 per day, on average.

You’re likely to save money by hiring your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 8% more expensive than at Manchester.

Expect to pay £1.49 per litre in Bolton (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your car hire, filling up the tank will cost between £17.85 and £23.79. Economy (Ford Fiesta or similar) is the most popular car type to hire in Bolton, while also 83% cheaper than other types, on average.