Bolton Train Station has played a significant role in shaping the growth and development of the town of Bolton. It is located at the southern end of the town centre and, along with Bolton Bus Station, forms part of Bolton Interchange.
Services from this station include trains to Blackpool North, Barrow-in-Furness, Rochdale, Manchester Airport, Stalybridge, Southport, and Wigan Wallgate.
Trains to Manchester Piccadilly offer a multitude of onward connections. Manchester Piccadilly is the busiest station in North West England and offers direct train services to most major UK cities.
Facilities and Station Information
The station has facilities designed to make the passenger experience as comfortable and convenient as possible. The main building has a ticket office and an information point. The knowledgeable staff can assist with train tickets, fares, and journey planning queries. For those who prefer self-service booking, there are several ticket machines available. They accept both cash and card payments.
The station is equipped with electronic departure and arrival boards to ensure passengers are aware of train timings and platform information. Live departure and arrival times, plus timetable updates, help travellers stay informed.
Bolton Train Station provides ample seating areas for the comfort of passengers waiting for their trains, both on the platform and in waiting rooms. The station also boasts a cafe where passengers can enjoy a hot beverage, snack or light meal and a convenience store for those last-minute travel essentials or a quick bite on the go.
In terms of accessibility, Bolton Train Station has lifts to all platforms, making it easy for passengers with reduced mobility and those carrying heavy luggage to navigate the station. Other station facilities include toilets and accessible toilets for passengers with disabilities.
Vending machines are also available throughout the station, providing a quick and convenient way to grab a snack or drink while waiting for your train.
Bolton Interchange
Bolton Train Station is an integral part of Bolton Interchange, a well-designed and modern transport hub that combines rail and bus services seamlessly and efficiently. It aims to provide passengers with a smooth and convenient transit experience, making it easy to navigate between different modes of transport.
Bolton Bus Station is the other half of the hub. It opened its doors in 2017, replacing the old bus station on Moor Lane. This state-of-the-art facility boasts a contemporary design and numerous amenities to enhance the passenger experience. The new bus station has improved the overall accessibility and efficiency of the public transport network in Bolton, serving as a central hub for local and regional bus services.
Connecting the train and bus stations is a footbridge facilitating quick and easy transfers between the two modes. This user-friendly connection allows passengers to move between the train and bus stations without crossing roads, ensuring a safe and stress-free transit experience.
There’s also a Cycle Hub for those who prefer a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly mode of transport. It offers secure bicycle storage facilities and aims to encourage the use of bicycles for short-distance travel within the town. It is located outside the entrance to the bus station.
History
The station opened its doors in 1838 and was initially known as Bolton Trinity Street to differentiate it from nearby Bolton Great Moor Street Station, which later closed in 1954.
The current main building was built in the late 1980s. The old station building across the road was demolished, but its clock tower was dismantled and rebuilt outside the new station entrance.
The station platforms currently in use were part of the original station. The canopies and platform buildings date back to the turn of the century and are fine examples of Edwardian railway architecture.
Location
Bolton Station is conveniently located on Trinity Street at the southern end of Bolton town centre (postcode BL2 1BE). In 2021, a short-stay car park and taxi rank were added on Newport Street, improving access to the station.
The station’s central position allows for easy exploration of nearby attractions such as Bolton Town Hall, the Market Place, and Bolton Museum, all within walking distance.
