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 1h.

Train

AccesRail is the most popular train carrier serving Bolton, followed by Avanti West Coast. The train journey from Bolton to Liverpool takes 0h 31m and costs around £4 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from London, expect to pay about £35 for a 2h 06m 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 National Express, FlixBus and Megabus. From Liverpool, the bus ride to Bolton takes 45 miles and will cost you around £3. From Leeds, the ticket costs about £13 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 1h.

Train

AccesRail is the most popular train carrier serving Bolton, followed by Avanti West Coast. The train journey from Bolton to Liverpool takes 0h 31m and costs around £4 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from London, expect to pay about £35 for a 2h 06m 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 National Express, FlixBus and Megabus. From Liverpool, the bus ride to Bolton takes 45 miles and will cost you around £3. From Leeds, the ticket costs about £13 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 (4,699 reviews)
KLM
Good (848 reviews)
SWISS
Good (954 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,590 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,594 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (2,267 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (491 reviews)
Air France
Good (981 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,601 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (2,116 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,960 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,435 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,947 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (227 reviews)
Finnair
Good (862 reviews)
LOT
Good (681 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (923 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,168 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (819 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (833 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)
£76+
Red Hall Hotel
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, Excellent reviews)
£63+
Ramada by Wyndham Chorley South
3 stars
Excellent (8.2, Excellent reviews)
£35+
Bolton Stadium Hotel
4 stars
Excellent (8.1, Excellent reviews)
£73+
Holiday Inn Bolton Centre
3 stars
Excellent (8.1, Excellent reviews)
£69+
Last Drop Village Hotel & Spa
4 stars
Excellent (8, Excellent reviews)
£84+

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, 10% 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 £17.81 and £23.75. The most frequently booked car type in Bolton is Full-size (Ford Transit or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Mini car hire (Hyundai i10 or similar) is, on average, 77% cheaper than other car hire types in the city.

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, 10% 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 £17.81 and £23.75. The most frequently booked car type in Bolton is Full-size (Ford Transit or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Mini car hire (Hyundai i10 or similar) is, on average, 77% cheaper than other car hire types in the city.