Birmingham to Preston train with Avanti West Coast

Thu 20 Aug
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Avanti West Coast
West Midlands Trains
CrossCountry
Cross Country
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
Avanti West Coast
West Midlands Trains
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Cross Country
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2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Birmingham to Preston

Showing times and prices for 20 Aug

Cheapest price

£17

Average price

£26

Fastest journey

1 h 43 m

Average duration

1 h 43 m

Trains per day

14

Distance

153 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Birmingham to Preston is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Birmingham to Preston will cost around £26 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £17.

Fast trains

Of the 14 trains that leave Birmingham for Preston every day 12 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct trains cover the 153 km distance in an average of 1 h 43 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 43 m .

The slowest trains will take 1 h 44 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.

  • Avanti West CoastW34288
    19:071h44
    Birmingham New Street (BHM)
    20:51Preston station (PRE)
    £171One-way
    0 changes
  • Avanti West CoastW34287
    17:071h44
    Birmingham New Street (BHM)
    18:51Preston station (PRE)
    £171One-way
    0 changes
  • Avanti West CoastC01369
    9:071h43
    Birmingham New Street (BHM)
    10:50Preston station (PRE)
    £181One-way
    0 changes
  • Avanti West CoastW34292
    15:071h43
    Birmingham New Street (BHM)
    16:50Preston station (PRE)
    £181One-way
    0 changes
  • Avanti West CoastW34291
    18:071h45
    Birmingham New Street (BHM)
    19:52Preston station (PRE)
    £181One-way
    0 changes

Travel Information

Compare coach and train for Birmingham to Preston

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Birmingham to Preston among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £13. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 54m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £13, and a train costs an average of £16.

Distance: 153 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach

£24

Average Price

£19

Average Price

Cheapest

2h 24m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 54m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 9m

Average total duration

3h 39m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.2 - 0.4kg

CO2 emissions

Avanti West Coast

Most popular train company

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Birmingham to Preston train times

The table below shows live departures for Birmingham to Preston trains for today, Wednesday 19 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Avanti West CoastW34286
On time
12:07 Birmingham New Street (BHM)
1h44
13:51 Preston station (PRE)
0 changesdirect
Avanti West CoastC01372
On time
13:07 Birmingham New Street (BHM)
1h45
14:52 Preston station (PRE)
0 changesdirect
Avanti West CoastW34290
On time
14:07 Birmingham New Street (BHM)
1h44
15:51 Preston station (PRE)
0 changesdirect
Avanti West CoastW34292
On time
15:07 Birmingham New Street (BHM)
1h43
16:50 Preston station (PRE)
0 changesdirect
Avanti West CoastW34289
On time
16:07 Birmingham New Street (BHM)
1h44
17:51 Preston station (PRE)
0 changesdirect
Avanti West CoastW34287
On time
17:07 Birmingham New Street (BHM)
1h44
18:51 Preston station (PRE)
0 changesdirect
Avanti West CoastW34291
On time
18:07 Birmingham New Street (BHM)
1h45
19:52 Preston station (PRE)
0 changesdirect
Avanti West CoastW34288
On time
19:07 Birmingham New Street (BHM)
1h44
20:51 Preston station (PRE)
0 changesdirect
CrossCountryG00901+Northern RailG89591
On time
20:01 Birmingham New Street (BHM)
2h49
22:50 Preston station (PRE)
1 change
Avanti West CoastW34164 · W34043
On time
21:07 Birmingham New Street (BHM)
2h01
23:08 Preston station (PRE)
1 change
Avanti West CoastW341448:07 Birmingham New Street (BHM)
1h44
9:51 Preston station (PRE)0 changesdirect
Avanti West CoastC013699:07 Birmingham New Street (BHM)
1h43
10:50 Preston station (PRE)0 changesdirect
Avanti West CoastW3394110:07 Birmingham New Street (BHM)
1h44
11:51 Preston station (PRE)0 changesdirect
Avanti West CoastW3393511:07 Birmingham New Street (BHM)
1h43
12:50 Preston station (PRE)0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Birmingham to Preston by coach or train

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.

Thu
20 Aug
Fri
21 Aug
Sat
22 Aug
Sun
23 Aug
Mon
24 Aug
Tue
25 Aug
Wed
26 Aug

Why should you book Birmingham to Preston trains with Omio?

Avanti West Coast as well as West Midlands Trains, CrossCountry, Cross Country, West Midlands Trains and more offer trains services from Birmingham to Preston.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Birmingham 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 West Midlands Trains, CrossCountry, Cross Country or West Midlands Trains to find the best option for your trip from Birmingham 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 bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Birmingham to Preston.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of West Midlands Trains, CrossCountry, Cross Country or West Midlands Trains to find the best option for your trip from Birmingham to Preston.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Birmingham to Preston.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Birmingham to Preston

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Birmingham to Preston run on average 7 times per day, taking around 1h 54m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £12 but you can travel from only £12 by coach.

There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:56, the last at 22:30. The fastest train covers the 153 km distance in 1h 37m.

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 £12
Distance
153 km
Average train duration
1h 54m
Cheapest ticket price
£12
Trains per day
7
Direct trains
5
Fastest train
1h 37m
First train
4:56
Last train
22:30
Cheapest Month
Nov
Cheapest Day
Sun
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Jul - Sept
Busiest Day
Wed
Least Busy Day
Sat
Best time to book
14 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £12

Train companies: Avanti West Coast, West Midlands Trains, CrossCountry, Cross Country from Birmingham to Preston trainsAvanti West Coast, West Midlands Trains, CrossCountry, Cross Country trains will get you between Birmingham and Preston from £13. 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
1h 37m
Cheapest Price
£12
Avanti West Coast frequency
14 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

West Midlands Trains

About
West Midlands Trains is a train operator based in the United Kingdom, providing services across the West Midlands region. It operates a variety of train types, including the Class 350 Desiro, Class 323 Electrostar, Class 170 Turbostar, and Class 172 Turbostar. These trains offer a range of onboard facilities, such as free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and air conditioning. Passengers can purchase a range of tickets, including single, return, and season tickets. The most popular routes operated by West Midlands Trains include Birmingham to London Euston, Birmingham to Wolverhampton, and Birmingham to Coventry.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 48m
Cheapest Price
£53
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for an additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs require a ticket at 50% of adult fare. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone

CrossCountry

About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 5m
Cheapest Price
£59
CrossCountry frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone

Cross Country

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 45m
Cheapest Price
£122
Cross Country frequency
1 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.

  • Must visit

The Harris

Major city museum and library in a landmark building, known for art, history and regular exhibitions in the Harris Quarter.

  • 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.

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.

FAQs: Birmingham to Preston train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Birmingham 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.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Birmingham to Preston can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £12, while the average price tends to be around £29.
The train journey from Birmingham to Preston covers a distance of 153 km and takes approximately 1h 37m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Birmingham to Preston is 153 km.
The first train from Birmingham to Preston leaves at 4:56.
The last train from Birmingham to Preston departs at 22:30.
Trains from Birmingham to Preston run approximately 7 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Birmingham to Preston.
Yes, there is a direct train between Birmingham and Preston. The service operates 5 times per day, provided by Avanti West Coast.
To get from Birmingham to Preston, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Birmingham to Preston.
The train station in Birmingham that goes to Preston is Birmingham New Street (BHM), and it arrives at Preston station (PRE).
The cheapest way to get from Birmingham to Preston is by coach, costing approximately £12.
Booking trains from Birmingham 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 Birmingham to Preston offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes, with glimpses of the picturesque English countryside, charming towns, and historical landmarks, making it a moderately scenic route.
Yes, a day trip from Birmingham to Preston is feasible with a travel time of 1h 37m and a distance of 153 km. Trains run frequently with 5 trips 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 Birmingham to Preston.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Birmingham and Preston

Most Birmingham to Preston trains use the Birmingham New Street to Preston station pair. Use this guide to compare Birmingham and Preston train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Birmingham
Arrival train stations in Preston
Birmingham New StreetStation Street, Birmingham, West Midlands, B2 4QA, United Kingdom+44 3457114141WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Birmingham New Street from Birmingham city centre

Bus16 · 7m · £2 · every ~27 min

Birmingham New Street train station facilities and services

Birmingham New Street has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, 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 and drink

Food options include: All Bar One, Leon, Caffè Nero, Five Guys, Krispy Kreme, The Pasty Shop, Upper Crust, Wasabi, Starbucks, Hotel Chocolat

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available from Sky Wi-Fi The Cloud. ATMs are aTM machines are located on the paid concourse.

Tickets and information

The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 05:15 - 23:00, Sun: 07:30 - 23:00. Information desks are in the middle of the station.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is you can leave bags with Excess Baggage Co inside the entrance off Hill Street. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Birmingham New Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Birmingham New Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham New Street: Step-free access in the whole station and ramps available for train access. All platforms have elevators and escalators.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Holiday Inn Birmingham City Center, Premier Inn Birmingham City Center (New St Station), Radisson Blue Hotel, Birmingham.

Birmingham InternationalBirmingham International station, Stationlink Road, National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, West Midlands, B40 1PAWifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Birmingham International from Birmingham city centre

Birmingham International is 12 km from Birmingham city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRugeley Trent Valley - Birmingham International, Birmingham New Street - London Euston, Birmingham New Street - Birmingham International, Birmingham New Street - Coventry, Birmingham New Street - Northampton, Walsall - London Euston, Birmingham New Street - Milton Keynes Central, Birmingham New Street - Rugby, Liverpool Lime Street - Coventry, Wolverhampton - Birmingham International, Liverpool Lime Street - Birmingham International · 9m · £4 · every ~8 min
BusX1 · 39m · £4 · every ~23 min
X1 · 40m · £4 · every ~23 min
17A · 53m · £4 · every ~19 min

Birmingham International train station facilities and services

Birmingham International has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Birmingham International.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Birmingham International. ATMs are available at Birmingham International.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Birmingham International. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Birmingham International: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Birmingham International: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham International: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This station has step-free access to all platforms / the platform, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, 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: Yes.

Selly OakSelly Oak station, Bristol Road, Selly Oak, West Midlands, B29 6DWShoppingParkingDiningAccessibilityWCTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Selly Oak from Birmingham city centre

Selly Oak is 4 km from Birmingham city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainBirmingham New Street - Redditch, Birmingham New Street - Bromsgrove, Lichfield Trent Valley High Level - Redditch, Lichfield Trent Valley High Level - Longbridge, Lichfield Trent Valley High Level - Bromsgrove, Four Oaks - Redditch · 9m · £0.90 · every ~8 min
Bus63, 61 · 16m · £2 · every ~52 min
63, 61 · 18m · £2 · every ~52 min

Selly Oak train station facilities and services

Selly Oak has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Selly Oak.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Selly Oak. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 0248998, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Selly Oak: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Selly Oak: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Selly Oak: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not accessible, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are not available, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: A Ticket Vending Machine is available in the Booking Hall and on Platform One, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.

More options for your journey from Birmingham to Preston

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

HomeTrainsTrain Times to Preston Birmingham to Preston train

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