- 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 23 Sept
£90
Average ticket price on 23 Sept
£90
Fastest journey on 23 Sept
4 h 6 m
Average journey duration on 23 Sept
4 h 6 m
Trains on 23 Sept
1
Distance
267 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Bath to Preston is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bath to Preston will cost around £90 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £90.
On Wed 23 Sept, we found 1 trains from Bath to Preston, including 1 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 267 km distance in an average of 4 h 6 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 6 m .
The slowest trains will take 4 h 6 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 train as it is the most popular option from Bath to Preston among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £38 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 51m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £38, while a train costs an average of £93.
Distance: 267 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£93 Average Price | £38 Average Price Cheapest | £53 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 51m Average total duration Fastest 3h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 28m Average total duration 7h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 3m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Bath to Preston:
A coach is £55 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bath to Preston costing on average £93.
Other travel options to Preston take longer:
Coach takes on average 7h 58m.
You'll arrive about 1h 42m sooner (3h 21m by train vs 5h 3m by car). Tickets start at around £93 compared to roughly £53 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 Bath to Preston trains for today, Tuesday 22 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 17:10 Bath | 3h40 | 20:50 Preston | 2 changes | |
![]() | 21:53 Bath | 9h57 | 7:50 Preston | 2 changes | |
| Wednesday 23 September | |||||
![]() | 10:46 Bath | 4h06 | 14:52 Preston | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare coach and 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 Bath to Preston run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 21m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £76 but you can travel from only £35 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 05:25, the last at 20:39. The fastest train covers the 267 km distance in 3h 18m.
Distance 267 km |
Average train duration 3h 21m |
Cheapest ticket price £76 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 3h 18m |
First train 5:25 |
Last train 20:39 |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Best time to book 28 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 Bath 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 Bath to Preston trains use the Bath Spa to Preston station pair. Use this guide to compare Bath and Preston train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Bath Spa has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food options include: Starbucks, Dashi Bath, Be At One, Pumpkin Cafe Shop
Free Wi-Fi in the station. Connect to "GWR Free Station Wi-Fi.". ATMs are located in the ticket hall.
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:30 - 20:30. Information desks are the information office is located by Platform 1.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Bath Spa: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Bath Spa: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bath Spa: Ramp access & staff assistance.
Nearby hotels include Travelodge Bath Waterside, The Z Hotel Bath, The Royal Hotel.
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