- Must visit
The Harris
Major city museum and library in a landmark building, known for art, history and regular exhibitions in the Harris Quarter.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Bristol to Preston
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 03 Sept
Cheapest price on 03 Sept
£44
Average ticket price on 03 Sept
£95
Fastest journey on 03 Sept
3 h 17 m
Average journey duration on 03 Sept
3 h 18 m
Trains on 03 Sept
12
Distance
257 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Bristol to Preston is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bristol to Preston will cost around £95 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £44.
Fast trains
To travel from Bristol to Preston you need to make at least one change.
W34288+
G0072317:333h18Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)20:51Preston station (PRE)£441One-way1 change- G00928 · G00934+
G8960920:334h23Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)0:56Preston station (PRE)£591One-way2 changes - W34164 · W34043+G0073519:333h28Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)23:01Preston station (PRE)£651One-way2 changes
- G66779 · G00901+
C17782+G8959118:004h50Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)22:50Preston station (PRE)£651One-way3 changes - W34291+G0108316:333h19Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)19:52Preston station (PRE)£911One-way1 change
- G01064+W339359:333h17Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)12:50Preston station (PRE)£1241One-way1 change
- G00869_G01067+W3428610:333h18Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)13:51Preston station (PRE)£1241One-way1 change
- W34288+G0072317:333h18Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)20:51Preston station (PRE)£441One-way1 change
- W34289+G0108014:333h18Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)17:51Preston station (PRE)£941One-way1 change
- G01069+C0137211:333h19Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)14:52Preston station (PRE)£1061One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Bristol to Preston
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Bristol to Preston among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £26 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 51m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £26, while a train costs an average of £57.
Distance: 257 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£57 Average Price | £26 Average Price Cheapest | £60 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 51m Average total duration Fastest 3h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 22m Average total duration 5h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 34m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Bristol to Preston is a coach with an average price of £26.
This is compared to other travel options from Bristol to Preston:
A coach is £31 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bristol to Preston costing on average £57.
The fastest way to travel from Bristol to Preston is by train with an average journey time of 3h 21m.
Other travel options to Preston take longer:
Coach takes on average 5h 52m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Bristol and Preston including taking a train and coach.
Take the train. On this route, it beats driving on both time and money.
The journey is about 1h 13m faster (3h 21m by train vs 4h 34m by car) and roughly £3 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls (£57 vs £60). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
Live departures
Bristol to Preston train times
The table below shows live departures for Bristol to Preston trains for today, Wednesday 2 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G00735+W34164 · W34043 | On time 19:33 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h28 | 23:01 Preston station (PRE) | 2 changes | |
 Y62764+W34091+ Y41825 · G14944 | Delayed 19:29 19:39Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 4h20 | 23:59 Preston station (PRE) | 3 changes | |
| G00928 · G00934+G89609 | On time 20:33 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 4h23 | 0:56 Preston station (PRE) | 2 changes | |
| Thursday 3 September | |||||
| G01064+W33935 | 9:33 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h17 | 12:50 Preston station (PRE) | 1 change | |
| G00869_G01067+W34286 | 10:33 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h18 | 13:51 Preston station (PRE) | 1 change | |
| G01069+C01372 | 11:33 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h19 | 14:52 Preston station (PRE) | 1 change | |
| G01073+W34290 | 12:32 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h19 | 15:51 Preston station (PRE) | 1 change | |
| G01075+W34292 | 13:30 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h20 | 16:50 Preston station (PRE) | 1 change | |
| G01080+W34289 | 14:33 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h18 | 17:51 Preston station (PRE) | 1 change | |
| G01082+W34287 | 15:30 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h21 | 18:51 Preston station (PRE) | 1 change | |
| G01083+W34291 | 16:33 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h19 | 19:52 Preston station (PRE) | 1 change | |
| G00723+W34288 | 17:33 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h18 | 20:51 Preston station (PRE) | 1 change | |
| G66779+C17782+G00901+G89591 | 18:00 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 4h50 | 22:50 Preston station (PRE) | 3 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Bristol to Preston by train or coach
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.
Thu
03 Sept
03 Sept
Fri
04 Sept
04 Sept
Sat
05 Sept
05 Sept
Sun
06 Sept
06 Sept
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07 Sept
07 Sept
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09 Sept
09 Sept
Why should you book Bristol to Preston trains with Omio?
Avanti West Coast as well as CrossCountry or Cross Country offer trains services from Bristol to Preston.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Bristol 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 CrossCountry or Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from Bristol 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 train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Bristol 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 CrossCountry or Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from Bristol to Preston.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Bristol to Preston.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Bristol to Preston
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Bristol to Preston run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 21m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £47 but you can travel from only £26 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 05:20, the last at 20:33. The fastest train covers the 257 km distance in 3h 19m.
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 £26
Distance 257 km |
Average train duration 3h 21m |
Cheapest ticket price £47 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 3h 19m |
First train 5:20 |
Last train 20:33 |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sun |
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 £26
Train companies: Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, Cross Country from Bristol to Preston trainsAvanti West Coast, CrossCountry, Cross Country trains will get you between Bristol and Preston from £26. 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 Avanti West Coast Duration
3h 19m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
£68
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
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 CrossCountry Duration
4h 3m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£85
CrossCountry frequency
2 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 Cross Country Duration
3h 17m
Cheapest Cross Country Price
£209
Cross Country frequency
8 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.
- 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.
- Must visit
Avenham Park
Historic city park with terraces, paths and river views. A favourite for walks, photography and access to nearby Miller Park.
- Recommended
Miller Park
Landscaped Victorian park beside the River Ribble, appreciated for open lawns, flower displays and peaceful links to city-centre walks.
- Recommended
Preston Docklands
Regenerated docklands area with marina views, public art and waterside paths, popular for an easy modern contrast to the historic centre.
- Vegetarian
Butter Pie
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.
- Vegetarian
Simnel Cake
A rich fruit cake packed with currants and topped with almond paste. It is a classic Lancashire celebration cake still eaten across Preston.
- Gluten-free
Lancashire Cheese
A crumbly, mild white cheese from Lancashire often made in creamy, tasty and crumbly layers. It reflects the county’s long dairy heritage.
263 Restaurant
Stylish modern restaurant serving British and European plates with cocktails. Good for a polished dinner in central Preston.
Angelo's
Established local spot for Neapolitan-style pizza and Italian comfort food in a friendly, informal setting.
The Continental
Traditional city-centre pub known for cask ales and hearty British dishes in a historic, relaxed setting.
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.
Preston Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £3.00
- Day pass
- £6.50
To the city centre
Preston Railway Station -> Preston Bus Station
- Distance
- 1 km
- Travel time
- 13 min
- Most local buses in Preston support contactless Tap and Go; fares are capped at the Day Ticket price on participating Preston Bus services.
- Check the operator before boarding. Preston fares and app tickets may differ from other bus operators in the city.
FAQs: Bristol to Preston train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bristol 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.
The cost of a train ticket from Bristol to Preston can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £47, while the average price tends to be around £57.
The train journey from Bristol to Preston covers a distance of 257 km and takes approximately 3h 19m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Bristol to Preston is 257 km.
The first train from Bristol to Preston leaves at 5:20.
The last train from Bristol to Preston departs at 20:33.
Trains from Bristol to Preston run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Bristol to Preston.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Bristol to Preston.
To get from Bristol to Preston, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Bristol to Preston.
The train station in Bristol that goes to Preston is Bristol Temple Meads (BRI), and it arrives at Preston station (PRE).
The cheapest way to get from Bristol to Preston is by coach, costing approximately £26.
Booking trains from Bristol 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 Bristol to Preston offers a pleasant mix of urban and rural scenery, taking passengers through the picturesque landscapes of the Cotswolds and rolling countryside views, making parts of the trip quite scenic.
A day trip from Bristol to Preston is not feasible, as the journey takes 3h 19m. Trains run 5 times per day for this 257 km journey.
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 Bristol to Preston.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Bristol and Preston
Most Bristol to Preston trains use the Bristol Temple Meads to Preston station pair. Use this guide to compare Bristol and Preston train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Bristol
Arrival train stations in Preston
Bristol Temple MeadsStation Approach, Bristol, BS1 6QF, United Kingdom+44 3457114141
City-centre transport
Getting to Bristol Temple Meads from Bristol city centre
Bus16 · 7m · £4 · every ~12 min
X39, 16, 39, 522 · 8m · £4 · every ~49 min
512 · 14m
9 · 15m · £4 · every ~22 min
Bristol Temple Meads train station facilities and services
Bristol Temple Meads 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 and drink
Food options include: The Pasty Shop, Starbucks, Upper Crust, Pumpkin Café, Hart's Bakery
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located near Platform 3.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 05:30 - 21:30, Sun: 06:45 - 21:30. Information desks are located near the main entrance.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Bristol Temple Meads: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Bristol Temple Meads: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Bristol Temple Meads: Wheelchair access, elevators, escalators. .
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Holiday Inn Express Bristol City Center, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bristol City Center, Hilton Garden Inn Bristol City Center.
MontpelierMontpelier station, Station Road, Montpelier, Bristol, City of, BS6 5EE
City-centre transport
Getting to Montpelier from Bristol city centre
Montpelier is 1 km from Bristol city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus13 · 11m · £2 · every ~4 min
76, 75, 73 · 15m · £4 · every ~53 min
Montpelier train station facilities and services
Montpelier has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Montpelier.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Montpelier: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Montpelier: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Montpelier: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step Free Category A Station - This station has step free access to the platform, Accessible taxis: No, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
RedlandRedland station, South Road, Redland, Bristol, City of, BS6 6QP
City-centre transport
Getting to Redland from Bristol city centre
Redland is 1 km from Bristol city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainBristol Temple Meads - Severn Beach, Bristol Temple Meads - Avonmouth, Weston-super-Mare - Severn Beach, Weston-super-Mare - Avonmouth, Taunton - Severn Beach, Weston-super-Mare - Clifton Down · 11m · £2 · every ~4 min
Bus72 · 6m · £4 · every ~8 min
72 · 12m · £4 · every ~8 min
Redland train station facilities and services
Redland has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Redland.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Redland: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Redland: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Redland: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step Free - Category A Station - This station has step free access to the platform. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Which Preston station do trains from Bristol arrive at?
Trains from Bristol to Preston arrive at Preston. Preston is 1 km from Preston city centre.
PrestonFishergate, Preston PR1 8AP, United Kingdom+44 345 748 4950
City-centre transport
Getting to Preston from Preston city centre
Preston is 1 km from Preston city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus3, 2, 2A, 111, 111C · 13m · £8 · every ~36 min
Preston train station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: Rise, The Olive Tree Brasserie, Turtle Bay
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Preston. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Preston. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Preston: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Preston: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Preston: Elevators, ramps.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Holiday Inn Express Preston - South, Delta Hotels Preston, Macdonald Tickled Trout Hotel.
More options for your journey from Bristol to Preston
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Preston and Bristol
Most popular train connections to Preston
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