- 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 03 Oct
£124
Average ticket price on 03 Oct
£128
Fastest journey on 03 Oct
5 h 6 m
Average journey duration on 03 Oct
5 h 48 m
Trains on 03 Oct
2
Distance
343 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Bournemouth to Preston is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bournemouth to Preston will cost around £128 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £124.
On Sat 03 Oct, we found 2 trains from Bournemouth to Preston, including 2 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 343 km distance in an average of 5 h 48 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 6 m .
The slowest trains will take 6 h 29 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.




Trains from Bournemouth to Preston run on average 6 times per day, taking around 4h 33m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £74 but you can travel from only £33 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 05:12, the last at 20:01. The fastest train covers the 343 km distance in 4h 11m.
Distance 343 km |
Average train duration 4h 33m |
Cheapest ticket price £74 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 4h 11m |
First train 5:12 |
Last train 20:01 |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 42 days |
The table below shows live departures for Bournemouth to Preston trains for tomorrow, Saturday 3 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 9:45 Bournemouth | 5h06 | 14:51 Preston | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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 Bournemouth 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 Bournemouth to Preston trains use the Bournemouth to Preston station pair. Use this guide to compare Bournemouth and Preston train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Bournemouth is 1 km from Bournemouth city centre. Public transport options include:
Bournemouth has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Bournemouth.
Wi-Fi is available at Bournemouth.
Ticket office support is available at Bournemouth.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Bournemouth: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Bournemouth: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bournemouth: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step-free category B2 station. Level access to both sides of station from separate entrances. Long and steep ramped subway between platforms - up to 1:8 gradient Please be aware that some platforms at this station have no or only partial 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