4.31am Bolton to Manchester Airport

[Chrisbolton]

Hi

Im not sure if this is the correct section to post in.

I need to get to the airport fairly early next Friday, and looking at getting the 4.31am train from Bolton.

Does anybody know if this train is reliable, or if there is a way of finding out?

The next train is 5.37 and would be too late

Cheers

Chris

 

[TOCDriver]

Hi

Im not sure if this is the correct section to post in.

I need to get to the airport fairly early next Friday, and looking at getting the 4.31am train from Bolton.

Does anybody know if this train is reliable, or if there is a way of finding out?

The next train is 5.37 and would be too late

Cheers

Chris

It's very reliable at that time. You shouldn't have any problems but a taxi, even though much more expensive, is a much safer bet if you book in advance.

 

[Chrisbolton]

Yeah, but there is a rank around the corner if I get stuck so I should be ok.

Probably a daft question, but would they have coffee/tea in first at that time? Worth two quid or so for a drink, no where else to go at that time

 

[Squaddie]

I don't think I would ever rely on the very last train that would get me to an airport in time for my flight. You should have a back-up plan in case the train is cancelled, breaks down or is otherwise delayed.

 

[CallySleeper]

http://raildar.co.uk/timetable/train?trainid=G34669

As you can see by the number of green squares, a very reliable train over the past few months.

 

[rg177]

Have a look here Chris.

http://raildar.co.uk/timetable/train?trainid=G34669

Looks pretty reliable to me.

*Edit* beaten to it

 

[Chrisbolton]

Yeah, just took a look, interesting site.

I should be ok, its probably about the same time in a cab from the town centre so there wont be much lost.

I suppose the only thing is that I would have to buy my ticket the day before, if it didn't turn up within say 15 minutes have I lost my money?

 

[Crossover]

Very much doubt you'll get anything in First Class at that time of day

I believe if you choose not to travel due to delay then you can obtain a full refund, but I may be incorrect and you may have a fight against ticket office staff even if you can

 

[Merseysider]

Why would you have to buy your ticket the day before? There are TVMs which take cash & cards near the entrance of Bolton station. As it's one of the first trains of the day, it's highly unlikely to be affected by 'knock-on' effects of other delays.

In the unlikely event of a significant delay to this service, it would still be quicker to wait for it than getting the bus (which along with connection times at Picc would result in a 2 hour journey). If you're worried about this service screwing up, could you not take the last service of the night before and wait in the airport? (painful yes, guaranteed to get you there on time for your flight, yes)

A taxi would set you back about £45-£50.

 

[Chrisbolton]

Yeah, I can buy it from the machine. Most of the time at least one is broke though.

Im only going away for two nights so I need to get a few hours kip at least. I think last time I got a cab it was about £30 so its there as a back up.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Sorry to bump this

For some reason, it is cheaper to get a 1st class return than a standard.

Going is fine, would I be covered to catch a Northern train on the way back?

 

[Merseysider]

Yeah, I can buy it from the machine. Most of the time at least one is broke though.

Im only going away for two nights so I need to get a few hours kip at least. I think last time I got a cab it was about £30 so its there as a back up.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Sorry to bump this

For some reason, it is cheaper to get a 1st class return than a standard.

Going is fine, would I be covered to catch a Northern train on the way back?

Unfortunately not as the £10 TPE Only 1st anytime return restricts you to Transpennine services only; you can't excess TOC specific tickets to allow travel on other TOCs. Depending on when you return, the hourly service may mean a TPE Only ticket is fine anyway.

 

[Chrisbolton]

Yeah, I thought that to be honest, but I put the journey into National Rail, and it suggested a TPE to Manchester, and then a NR to Bolton. The direct TPE services were there too.

 

[Howardh]

Why would you have to buy your ticket the day before? There are TVMs which take cash & cards near the entrance of Bolton station. As it's one of the first trains of the day, it's highly unlikely to be affected by 'knock-on' effects of other delays.

In the unlikely event of a significant delay to this service, it would still be quicker to wait for it than getting the bus (which along with connection times at Picc would result in a 2 hour journey). If you're worried about this service screwing up, could you not take the last service of the night before and wait in the airport? (painful yes, guaranteed to get you there on time for your flight, yes)

A taxi would set you back about £45-£50.

From Bolton? If booked in advance you are looking between £25 and £30 (get some quotes). I paid £25 from near Lostock last summer. Considering a taxi to Trinity Street + (single) train journey at that time would have cost me £12+, £25 wasn't too bad!!

 

[Merseysider]

From Bolton? If booked in advance you are looking between £25 and £30 (get some quotes). I paid £25 from near Lostock last summer. Considering a taxi to Trinity Street + (single) train journey at that time would have cost me £12+, £25 wasn't too bad!!

Aye, booking in advance works wonders You're more likely to hit £40+ with a black cab so steer clear.