- 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
£17
Average price
£26
Fastest journey
1 h 43 m
Average duration
1 h 43 m
Trains per day
14
Distance
153 km
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.
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.
W34288
W34287
C01369
W34292
W34291
C01369
W33935
W34292
W34144
W33941Omio 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
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 |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
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.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W34286 | On time 12:07 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h44 | 13:51 Preston station (PRE) | 0 changesdirect | |
C01372 | On time 13:07 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h45 | 14:52 Preston station (PRE) | 0 changesdirect | |
W34290 | On time 14:07 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h44 | 15:51 Preston station (PRE) | 0 changesdirect | |
W34292 | On time 15:07 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h43 | 16:50 Preston station (PRE) | 0 changesdirect | |
W34289 | On time 16:07 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h44 | 17:51 Preston station (PRE) | 0 changesdirect | |
W34287 | On time 17:07 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h44 | 18:51 Preston station (PRE) | 0 changesdirect | |
W34291 | On time 18:07 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h45 | 19:52 Preston station (PRE) | 0 changesdirect | |
W34288 | On time 19:07 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h44 | 20:51 Preston station (PRE) | 0 changesdirect | |
G00901+ G89591 | On time 20:01 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 2h49 | 22:50 Preston station (PRE) | 1 change | |
W34164 · W34043 | On time 21:07 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 2h01 | 23:08 Preston station (PRE) | 1 change | |
W34144 | 8:07 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h44 | 9:51 Preston station (PRE) | 0 changesdirect | |
C01369 | 9:07 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h43 | 10:50 Preston station (PRE) | 0 changesdirect | |
W33941 | 10:07 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h44 | 11:51 Preston station (PRE) | 0 changesdirect | |
W33935 | 11:07 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 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 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.
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 |
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 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.

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.
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 options include: All Bar One, Leon, Caffè Nero, Five Guys, Krispy Kreme, The Pasty Shop, Upper Crust, Wasabi, Starbucks, Hotel Chocolat
Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available from Sky Wi-Fi The Cloud. ATMs are aTM machines are located on the paid concourse.
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 storage is you can leave bags with Excess Baggage Co inside the entrance off Hill Street. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Birmingham New Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Birmingham New Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
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.
Nearby hotels include Holiday Inn Birmingham City Center, Premier Inn Birmingham City Center (New St Station), Radisson Blue Hotel, Birmingham.
Birmingham International is 12 km from Birmingham city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options are available at Birmingham International.
Wi-Fi is available at Birmingham International. ATMs are available at Birmingham International.
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.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Birmingham International: Parking, WC.
Available at Birmingham International: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
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 Oak is 4 km from Birmingham city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options are available at Selly Oak.
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.
Available at Selly Oak: Parking, WC.
Available at Selly Oak: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
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.
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