- 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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Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Ayr to Preston
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Ayr to Preston among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £31. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 16m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £31, and a train costs an average of £40.
Distance: 225 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£40 Average Price | £37 Average Price Cheapest |
3h 46m Average total duration Fastest 3h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 51m Average total duration 5h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Compare prices and tickets Ayr to Preston by train or coach
Compare train and coach 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 Ayr to Preston trains with Omio?
Avanti West Coast as well as ScotRail offer trains services from Ayr to Preston.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Ayr to Preston.
Why book with Omio vs Avanti West Coast?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Avanti West Coast, but also compare tickets for the likes of ScotRail to find the best option for your trip from Ayr to Preston.
- 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.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Avanti West Coast with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Ayr to Preston.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Ayr to Preston.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Ayr to Preston
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Ayr to Preston run on average 10 times per day, taking around 3h 16m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £40 but you can travel from only £31 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 05:15, the last at 20:54. The fastest train covers the 225 km distance in 3h 41m.
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £31
Distance 225 km |
Average train duration 3h 16m |
Cheapest ticket price £40 |
Trains per day 10 |
Fastest train 3h 41m |
First train 5:15 |
Last train 20:54 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £31
Train companies: Avanti West Coast, ScotRail from Ayr to Preston trainsAvanti West Coast, ScotRail trains will get you between Ayr and Preston from £31. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Avanti West Coast
About
Avanti West Coast is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates high-speed trains between London and major cities in the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, First Class and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drinks. The most popular routes for Avanti West Coast are London to Birmingham, London to Manchester and London to Glasgow. The company operates a fleet of Pendolino and Super Voyager trains, which offer a smooth and comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 41m
Cheapest Price
£40
Avanti West Coast frequency
6 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
First Class: Complimentary meals and drinks. Standard Class: Onboard shop with drinks and snacks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Standard Class: Optional reservation for £8-12
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/alighting available
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs £30 per single journey. Guide dogs free
Quiet zone
ScotRail
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 9m
Cheapest Price
£97
ScotRail frequency
12 a day
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: Ayr to Preston train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Ayr 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 Ayr to Preston can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £40, while the average price tends to be around £40.
The train journey from Ayr to Preston covers a distance of 225 km and takes approximately 3h 41m. Trains run 10 per day.
The train distance from Ayr to Preston is 225 km.
The first train from Ayr to Preston leaves at 5:15.
The last train from Ayr to Preston departs at 20:54.
Trains from Ayr to Preston run approximately 10 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Ayr to Preston.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Ayr to Preston.
To get from Ayr to Preston, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Ayr to Preston.
The train station in Ayr that goes to Preston is Ayr station (AYR), and it arrives at Preston station (PRE).
The cheapest way to get from Ayr to Preston is by coach, costing approximately £31.
Booking trains from Ayr 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 Ayr to Preston offers scenic views, particularly as it passes through the picturesque landscapes of southern Scotland and the rolling countryside of northern England. Passengers can enjoy views of lush green fields, hills, and charming rural settings along the route.
A day trip from Ayr to Preston is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 41m. Trains run 3 times 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 Ayr to Preston.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Ayr and Preston
Most Ayr to Preston trains use the Ayr to Preston station pair. Use this guide to compare Ayr and Preston train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Ayr
Arrival train stations in Preston
Which Ayr station do trains to Preston leave from?
Trains from Ayr to Preston leave from Ayr. The station is 1 km from Ayr city centre at Ayr station, Smith Street, Ayr, Ayrshire, KA7 1TH.
AyrAyr station, Smith Street, Ayr, Ayrshire, KA7 1TH+44 344 811 0141
City-centre transport
Getting to Ayr from Ayr city centre
Bus14, 347, 352, 52, 42A, 3, 6, 3B, 42, X42 · 8m · £2 · every ~31 min
Ayr train station facilities and services
Ayr has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Ayr.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Ayr. ATMs are available at Ayr.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Ayr. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: Tel: 0800 046 1634 and 18001 0800 046 1634 (Deaf and customers who are hard of hearing), Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Ayr: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Ayr: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Ayr: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: This is a Category B station. Level to platforms 1,2 & 3 - connecting footbridge with stairs or access from street to platform 4. Alternative route is available by going outside the station over the roadbridge Blue Badge parking bays: 7, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Newton-on-AyrNewton-on-Ayr station, Falkland Park Road, Ayr, South Ayrshire, KA8 9BP
City-centre transport
Getting to Newton-on-Ayr from Ayr city centre
Newton-on-Ayr is 1 km from Ayr city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainAyr - Glasgow Central · 2m · £0.90 · every ~4 min
Bus302, 2 · 4m · £2 · every ~8 min
14, 585, 6, 4 · 5m · £2 · every ~24 min
14, 585, 4 · 8m · £2 · every ~16 min
Newton-on-Ayr train station facilities and services
Newton-on-Ayr has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Newton-on-Ayr.
Tickets and information
Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: Tel: 0800 046 1634 and 18001 0800 046 1634 (Deaf and customers who are hard of hearing), Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Newton-on-Ayr: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Newton-on-Ayr: Bike Parking.
Which Preston station do trains from Ayr arrive at?
Trains from Ayr 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 Ayr
More options for your journey from Ayr to Preston
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Preston and Ayr
Most popular train connections to Preston
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