- 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
£190
Average price
£235
Fastest journey
3 h 57 m
Average duration
3 h 59 m
Trains per day
16
Distance
299 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Basingstoke to Preston is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Basingstoke to Preston will cost around £235 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £190.
To travel from Basingstoke to Preston you need to make at least one change.










The table below shows live departures for Basingstoke to Preston trains for today, Monday 3 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 5:49 Basingstoke | 4h01 | 9:50 Preston | 1 change | |
![]() | 6:51 Basingstoke | 3h59 | 10:50 Preston | 1 change | |
![]() | 7:50 Basingstoke | 4h00 | 11:50 Preston | 1 change | |
![]() | 8:48 Basingstoke | 4h02 | 12:50 Preston | 1 change | |
![]() | 9:49 Basingstoke | 4h01 | 13:50 Preston | 1 change | |
![]() | 10:48 Basingstoke | 4h03 | 14:51 Preston | 1 change | |
![]() | 11:49 Basingstoke | 4h01 | 15:50 Preston | 1 change | |
![]() | 12:48 Basingstoke | 4h02 | 16:50 Preston | 1 change | |
![]() | 13:50 Basingstoke | 4h02 | 17:52 Preston | 1 change | |
![]() | 14:48 Basingstoke | 4h02 | 18:50 Preston | 1 change | |
![]() | 15:48 Basingstoke | 4h03 | 19:51 Preston | 1 change | |
![]() | 16:49 Basingstoke | 4h01 | 20:50 Preston | 1 change | |
![]() | 17:49 Basingstoke | 4h38 | 22:27 Preston | 1 change | |
![]() | 18:48 Basingstoke | 4h13 | 23:01 Preston | 1 change | |
![]() | 19:49 Basingstoke | 3h57 | 23:46 Preston | 1 change | |
![]() | 20:49 Basingstoke | 3h59 | 0:48 Preston | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Basingstoke to Preston run on average 6 times per day, taking around 4h 11m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £190 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 05:33, the last at 20:59. The fastest train covers the 299 km distance in 3h 44m.
Distance 299 km |
Average train duration 4h 11m |
Cheapest ticket price £190 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 3h 44m |
First train 5:33 |
Last train 20:59 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
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 Basingstoke 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 Basingstoke to Preston trains use the Basingstoke to Preston station pair. Use this guide to compare Basingstoke and Preston train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Basingstoke has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Basingstoke.
Wi-Fi is available at Basingstoke. ATMs are available at Basingstoke.
Ticket office support is available at Basingstoke.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Basingstoke: Parking, WC.
Available at Basingstoke: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Basingstoke: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step-free category B2 station. This station has step-free access to all platforms via lifts from the main entrance. The rear entrance has level access to Platforms 4 and 5 (and to other platforms via lifts) but is only open Monday-Friday 0600 until 1000 and from 1500 until 2345 (closed at weekends) - outside these times a stepped subway must be used. The alternative step-free route from the rear to the main entrance via the street is approximately 380m and includes missing dropped kerbs and sections of route without a pavement. Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All South Western Railway ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. All machines are accessible, however the station may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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