- 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 20 Sept
£3
Average ticket price on 20 Sept
£6
Fastest journey on 20 Sept
16 m
Average journey duration on 20 Sept
21 m
Trains on 20 Sept
5
Distance
15 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Blackburn to Preston is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Blackburn to Preston will cost around £6 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £3.
On Sun 20 Sept, we found 5 trains from Blackburn to Preston, including 5 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 15 km distance in an average of 21 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 16 m .
The slowest trains will take 30 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.
C02193
C02191
G88970
G88966
G88975
G88970
G88966
G88975
C02191
C02193Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Blackburn to Preston among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £3 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 52m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £3, while a train costs an average of £4.
Distance: 15 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£4 Average Price | £3 Average Price Cheapest | £3 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
52m Average total duration Fastest 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 14m Average total duration 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 31m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
You'll arrive about 9m sooner (22m by train vs 31m by car). Tickets start at around £6 compared to roughly £3 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.
Direct services run with Northern Trains Limited.
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 Blackburn to Preston trains for tomorrow, Sunday 20 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
C02191 | 10:04 Blackburn station (BBN) | 0h26 | 10:30 Preston station (PRE) | 0 changesdirect | |
G88966 | 11:25 Blackburn station (BBN) | 0h16 | 11:41 Preston station (PRE) | 0 changesdirect | |
C02193 | 12:04 Blackburn station (BBN) | 0h30 | 12:34 Preston station (PRE) | 0 changesdirect | |
G88970 | 12:25 Blackburn station (BBN) | 0h16 | 12:41 Preston station (PRE) | 0 changesdirect | |
G88975 | 13:25 Blackburn station (BBN) | 0h16 | 13:41 Preston station (PRE) | 0 changesdirect |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Blackburn to Preston run on average 8 times per day, taking around 22m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £3 if you book in advance.
There are 8 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:33, the last at 23:42. The fastest train covers the 15 km distance in 16m.
Distance 15 km |
Average train duration 22m |
Cheapest ticket price £3 |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 8 |
Fastest train 16m |
First train 4:33 |
Last train 23:42 |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 1 day |
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 Blackburn 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 Blackburn to Preston trains use the Blackburn to Preston station pair. Use this guide to compare Blackburn and Preston train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Blackburn has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Blackburn.
Ticket office support is available at Blackburn.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Blackburn: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Blackburn: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Blackburn: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A Station, Scooter Friendly Station - Access from station front to subway up 10 metre ramp or 4 steps from which a passenger lift and steep 20 metre ramp gives access to ticket office and platforms 1, 2 and 3 and by separate ramp to platform 4. Lifts available from first to last train, 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 ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards Located at the bottom of platform 4, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Mill Hill (Lancs) is 1 km from Blackburn city centre. Public transport options include:
Mill Hill (Lancs) has practical services for this route, including Parking, Accessibility and Lost and Found Office.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Mill Hill (Lancs): Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Mill Hill (Lancs): Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category C Station, Acces to platform down 30 steps with rest platform and handrail. Island platform accessed only by stairs, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, 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