Bolton to Manchester Oxford Road Trains From €2.42*

Travel to the heart of Manchester in just 20 minutes aboard a direct Northern service from Bolton to Manchester Oxford Road. It’s a quick and easy journey that takes you right to the heart of the city’s lively cultural quarter, buzzing with music, art and creativity.

Climb aboard your Bolton to Manchester Oxford Road train and enjoy a scenic journey with views of leafy parkland and historic mills before rolling into Oxford Road where the city’s modern skyline comes into view.

Operating across Yorkshire, Lancashire and the Humber, Northern runs regional services linking the Yorkshire coast with key cities across the north of England, including Leeds, Manchester and Newcastle.

Departing from Bolton

Located right in the centre of Bolton, Bolton Interchange brings together rail, bus and taxi connections all under one roof, meaning getting away from Bolton station couldn’t be easier. And with convenient drop-off and pick-up points right outside, the station is easily accessible by car too.

Managed by Northern, Bolton sits on the Manchester to Preston and Ribble Valley lines, with regular services to Manchester Piccadilly, Manchester Oxford Road, Manchester Victoria, Blackpool North, Southport, Clitheroe, Lancaster and Barrow-in-Furness, as well as TransPennine Express services to Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Main stops

Travel from Bolton to Manchester Oxford Road, and enjoy views of leafy suburbs and historic mill towns before passing through Deansgate and arriving into the heart of the city.

Arriving at Manchester Oxford Road

Located just south of the city centre and a 15-minute walk from Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester Oxford Road station is the perfect place from which to explore the city’s university district and beyond. With drop-off and pick-up points right outside, plus cycle storage and bike hire nearby, onward travel is easy whether you’re continuing on foot, by bus or by bike.

Managed by Northern, Manchester Oxford Road is served by Northern, TransPennine Express, Transport for Wales and East Midlands Railway services with trains to major destinations, including Liverpool, Blackpool, Southport, Manchester Airport, Chester, Sheffield, Nottingham, Norwich, Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Manchester Oxford Road station sits at the top of the lively Oxford Road corridor, home to the University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University, and a wealth of cafés, music venues and galleries, while regular buses head further south towards Rusholme, Withington and Didsbury.

Northern train classes 

• Standard Class: Enjoy a comfortable journey in Northern’s standard class with accessible seating and free Wi-Fi available on the fleet’s most modern trains.
• First Class: Northern does not operate a First Class service on this Bolton to Manchester Oxford Road route.

Northern train travel advice

Get ready for your Bolton to Manchester Oxford Road journey with this handy guide, covering everything you need to know before you travel, including accessibility support and travelling with luggage, bikes, children and pets.

• Luggage: While Northern doesn’t impose a strict baggage limit, space is limited, so it’s best to travel light – ideally with just one small bag and one medium suitcase. Use overhead storage, under-seat space and end-of-carriage racks to stow your luggage, ensuring aisles and doorways are kept clear.
• Bicycles: Standard bikes and e-bikes are welcome onboard all Northern services, though space varies by train, so it’s best to board early with your bike. Folding bikes can travel on all services at any time if folded and stored as regular luggage.
• Children: Under-fives travel free of charge, while children aged 5-15 are eligible to receive 50% off standard fares. Offering a third off adult fares and 60% off child fares, families can save with a Family & Friends railcard, while 16-17-year-olds can also access half-price fares with a 16-17 Saver railcard.
• Pets: Passengers can bring up to two pets on board free of charge. Dogs must be kept on a lead or transported in a secure carrier, and all animals should stay off the seats.
• Passenger Assist: If you require support with boarding, carrying luggage or navigating the station, you can book Passenger Assist in advance or ask a member of staff on the day for help.