- Must visit
The Harris
Major city museum and library in a landmark building, known for art, history and regular exhibitions in the Harris Quarter.
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Compare prices and tickets Atherton to Preston by train
Compare train 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.
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Why should you book Atherton to Preston trains with Omio?
Northern Rail operates all trains services from Atherton to Preston.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Atherton to Preston.
Why book with Omio vs Northern Rail?
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Atherton to Preston
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Atherton to Preston run on average 3 times per day, taking around 31m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £14 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 05:23, the last at 23:07. The fastest train covers the 31 km distance in 46m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance 31 km |
Average train duration 31m |
Cheapest ticket price £14 |
Trains per day 3 |
Fastest train 46m |
First train 5:23 |
Last train 23:07 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 3 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Train companies: Northern Rail from Atherton to Preston trainsNorthern Rail trains will get you between Atherton and Preston from £14. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Northern Rail
About
Northern Trains is a publicly owned train operating company in the United Kingdom, headquartered in York. It runs local and commuter services across the north of England, connecting regions including the North East, North West, East Midlands, Staffordshire, Yorkshire, and the Humber coastline. As part of the National Rail network, Northern operates under a coordinated fare and ticketing system alongside other UK train companies.Ticket types include Advance, Off-Peak, Anytime Day, single, return, and season tickets, with only one class option available: Standard. Onboard amenities may include comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and refreshments on select services. Popular routes include connections between major northern cities such as Manchester, Liverpool, and Leeds.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
46m
Cheapest Price
£14
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
See refund policy for ticket types
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most services with drinks and snacks. Some stations have cafes and shops
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available but not mandatory. Free of charge when booking advance tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, passenger assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone
Complete guide to Preston
Things to do in Preston
Discover the best of Preston — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Preston trip today.
- Recommended
The Egypt Centre
Museum on the University of Central Lancashire campus with Egyptology, archaeology and world cultures collections in a compact gallery.
- Recommended
Ribble Steam Railway and Museum
Volunteer-run transport museum at Ribble Steam Railway, featuring Preston’s industrial and rail heritage with locomotives and exhibits.
- Must visit
Avenham Park
Historic city park with terraces, paths and river views. A favourite for walks, photography and access to nearby Miller Park.
- Recommended
Miller Park
Landscaped Victorian park beside the River Ribble, appreciated for open lawns, flower displays and peaceful links to city-centre walks.
- Recommended
Preston Docklands
Regenerated docklands area with marina views, public art and waterside paths, popular for an easy modern contrast to the historic centre.
- Vegetarian
Butter Pie
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.
- Vegetarian
Simnel Cake
A rich fruit cake packed with currants and topped with almond paste. It is a classic Lancashire celebration cake still eaten across Preston.
- Gluten-free
Lancashire Cheese
A crumbly, mild white cheese from Lancashire often made in creamy, tasty and crumbly layers. It reflects the county’s long dairy heritage.
263 Restaurant
Stylish modern restaurant serving British and European plates with cocktails. Good for a polished dinner in central Preston.
Angelo's
Established local spot for Neapolitan-style pizza and Italian comfort food in a friendly, informal setting.
The Continental
Traditional city-centre pub known for cask ales and hearty British dishes in a historic, relaxed setting.
Pound sterling (£)
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.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.80-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
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.
Preston Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £3.00
- Day pass
- £6.50
To the city centre
Preston Railway Station -> Preston Bus Station
- Distance
- 1 km
- Travel time
- 13 min
- Most local buses in Preston support contactless Tap and Go; fares are capped at the Day Ticket price on participating Preston Bus services.
- Check the operator before boarding. Preston fares and app tickets may differ from other bus operators in the city.
FAQs: Atherton to Preston train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Atherton 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.
The cost of a train ticket from Atherton to Preston can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £14, while the average price tends to be around £14.
The train journey from Atherton to Preston covers a distance of 31 km and takes approximately 46m. Trains run 3 per day.
The train distance from Atherton to Preston is 31 km.
The first train from Atherton to Preston leaves at 5:23.
The last train from Atherton to Preston departs at 23:07.
Trains from Atherton to Preston run approximately 3 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Atherton to Preston.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Atherton to Preston.
To travel from Atherton to Preston, you can take a train.
There is no night train service from Atherton to Preston.
The train station in Atherton that goes to Preston is Atherton station (ATN), and it arrives at Preston station (PRE).
The cheapest way to get from Atherton to Preston is by train, costing approximately £14.
Booking trains from Atherton to Preston in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Atherton to Preston offers a mix of urban and suburban scenery, with views of Greater Manchester's industrial landscape transitioning to the more rural outskirts as you approach Preston. While not renowned as a scenic route, there are occasional glimpses of countryside and local architecture.
Yes, a day trip from Atherton to Preston is feasible. The journey takes 46m with a distance of 31 km. There are 3 trains per day.
To fully explore Preston's key attractions, such as the Harris Museum, Avenham and Miller Parks, and the Ribble Steam Railway, a stay of two to three days is recommended.
Yes, you can take the train from Atherton to Preston.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Atherton and Preston
Most Atherton to Preston trains use the Hag Fold to Preston station pair. Use this guide to compare Atherton and Preston train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Atherton
Arrival train stations in Preston
Which Atherton station do trains to Preston leave from?
Trains from Atherton to Preston leave from Hag Fold. The station is 1 km from Atherton city centre at Hag Fold station, Spa Road, Hag Fold, Greater Manchester, M46 9WX.
Hag FoldHag Fold station, Spa Road, Hag Fold, Greater Manchester, M46 9WX
City-centre transport
Getting to Hag Fold from Atherton city centre
Hag Fold is 1 km from Atherton city centre. Public transport options include:
Onward travel informationOn Spa Road for buses to Bolton or Atherton. Busline 0870 608 2608
Location for Rail Replacement ServicesPick Up / Drop Off at bus stops under railway bridge. (Station side for Wigan, opposite side for Manchester)
MetroGMPTE 0161 608 2608
Hag Fold train station facilities and services
Hag Fold has practical services for this route, including Parking, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office and Ticket Office.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Hag Fold.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Hag Fold: Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Hag Fold: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category B station, Services towards Manchester: Up a ramp (11 paces, 1:10 slope) then up a further ramp (79 paces, average 1:20 slope) onto the platform. Services towards Wigan :Through a 3ft gate, up a ramp (104 paces, average 1:20 slope) onto the platform, Accessible public telephones: The highest operating part of the telephone is 1140 mm above floor level, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
AthertonAtherton station, Upton Road, Atherton, Lancashire, M46 9RH+44 8454014015
City-centre transport
Getting to Atherton from Atherton city centre
Atherton is 1 km from Atherton city centre. Public transport options include:
Location for Rail Replacement ServicesPick Up / Drop Off outside station booking office entrance.
MetroGMPTE 0161 228 7811
Atherton train station facilities and services
Atherton has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Atherton.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Atherton.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Atherton: Parking, Taxis.
Bike and car services
Available at Atherton: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Atherton: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A Station, please note there are no tactile pavings at this station Lift access to platforms available from the first to the last train, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible ticket machines: There are no accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Which Preston station do trains from Atherton arrive at?
Trains from Atherton to Preston arrive at Preston. Preston is 1 km from Preston city centre.
PrestonFishergate, Preston PR1 8AP, United Kingdom+44 345 748 4950
City-centre transport
Getting to Preston from Preston city centre
Preston is 1 km from Preston city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus3, 2, 2A, 111, 111C · 13m · £8 · every ~36 min
Preston train station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: Rise, The Olive Tree Brasserie, Turtle Bay
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Preston. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Preston. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Preston: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Preston: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Preston: Elevators, ramps.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Holiday Inn Express Preston - South, Delta Hotels Preston, Macdonald Tickled Trout Hotel.
Most popular train connections from Atherton
More options for your journey from Atherton to Preston
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Preston and Atherton
Most popular train connections to Preston
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