- Must visit
The Harris
Major city museum and library in a landmark building, known for art, history and regular exhibitions in the Harris Quarter.
Cheapest price on 19 Sept
£67
Average ticket price on 19 Sept
£84
Fastest journey on 19 Sept
5 h 23 m
Average journey duration on 19 Sept
6 h 33 m
Trains on 19 Sept
3
Distance
378 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Aberdeen to Preston is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Aberdeen to Preston will cost around £84 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £67.
On Sat 19 Sept, we found 3 trains from Aberdeen to Preston, including 3 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 378 km distance in an average of 6 h 33 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 23 m .
The slowest trains will take 8 h 33 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.






Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Aberdeen to Preston among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £39 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 26m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £39, while a flight costs an average of £344.
Distance: 378 km
| Train | Most popular Flight | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£115 Average Price | £344 Average Price | £39 Average Price Cheapest | £82 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 43m Average total duration 5h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 26m Average total duration Fastest 2h 26m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 9h 23m Average total duration 8h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 35m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Aberdeen to Preston:
A coach is £76 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Aberdeen to Preston costing on average £115.
A coach is £305 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Aberdeen to Preston costing on average £344.
Other travel options to Preston take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 13m.
Coach takes on average 8h 53m.
You'll arrive about 22m sooner (5h 13m by train vs 5h 35m by car). Tickets start at around £115 compared to roughly £82 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Aberdeen to Preston trains for today, Friday 18 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 10:01 Aberdeen | 5h45 | 15:46 Preston | 0 changesdirect | |
| Saturday 19 September | |||||
![]() | 8:05 Aberdeen | 8h33 | 16:38 Preston | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, coach and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Trains from Aberdeen to Preston run on average 3 times per day, taking around 5h 13m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £48 but you can travel from only £19 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 00:20, the last at 21:43. The fastest train covers the 378 km distance in 4h 36m.
Distance 378 km |
Average train duration 5h 13m |
Cheapest ticket price £48 |
Trains per day 3 |
Fastest train 4h 36m |
First train 0:20 |
Last train 21:43 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Preston — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Preston trip today.
Major city museum and library in a landmark building, known for art, history and regular exhibitions in the Harris Quarter.
Museum on the University of Central Lancashire campus with Egyptology, archaeology and world cultures collections in a compact gallery.
Volunteer-run transport museum at Ribble Steam Railway, featuring Preston’s industrial and rail heritage with locomotives and exhibits.
Historic city park with terraces, paths and river views. A favourite for walks, photography and access to nearby Miller Park.
Landscaped Victorian park beside the River Ribble, appreciated for open lawns, flower displays and peaceful links to city-centre walks.
Regenerated docklands area with marina views, public art and waterside paths, popular for an easy modern contrast to the historic centre.
A buttery shortcrust pie filled with potatoes and onions. It is Preston and Lancashire’s best-known savoury bake, tied to local mill and farming traditions.
A rich fruit cake packed with currants and topped with almond paste. It is a classic Lancashire celebration cake still eaten across Preston.
A crumbly, mild white cheese from Lancashire often made in creamy, tasty and crumbly layers. It reflects the county’s long dairy heritage.
Stylish modern restaurant serving British and European plates with cocktails. Good for a polished dinner in central Preston.
Established local spot for Neapolitan-style pizza and Italian comfort food in a friendly, informal setting.
Traditional city-centre pub known for cask ales and hearty British dishes in a historic, relaxed setting.
Preston is moderate by UK standards, with cheaper stays and dining than Manchester or London, while local buses, rail and casual meals remain manageable for most visitors.
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual if service is not included. Round up taxi fares. Cafes do not expect tips, but small change is appreciated.
Official public transport app
Preston Railway Station -> Preston Bus Station
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Aberdeen to Preston by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Preston, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Aberdeen to Preston trains use the Aberdeen to Preston station pair. Use this guide to compare Aberdeen and Preston train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Aberdeen has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: The Silver Darling, Moonfish Cafe
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Aberdeen. Information desks are located in the main concourse.
Luggage storage is available at Aberdeen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Aberdeen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Aberdeen: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Aberdeen: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Residence Inn Aberdeen, Hilton Aberdeen TECA, Jurys Inn Aberdeen.
Preston is 1 km from Preston city centre. Public transport options include:
Preston has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Rise, The Olive Tree Brasserie, Turtle Bay
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Preston. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Preston. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Preston: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Preston: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Preston: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Holiday Inn Express Preston - South, Delta Hotels Preston, Macdonald Tickled Trout Hotel.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need