The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Preston station (PRE)
Cheapest price
£40
Average price
£48
Fastest journey
4 h 6 m
Average duration
4 h 9 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
255 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Preston station (PRE) is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Preston station (PRE) will cost around £48 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £40.
Of the 2 trains that leave Cardiff Central (CDF) for Preston station (PRE) every day 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 255 km distance in an average of 4 h 9 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 6 m .
The slowest trains will take 4 h 11 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.




Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Cardiff Central (CDF) to Preston station (PRE)
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Preston station (PRE) among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £22. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 41m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £22, and a train costs an average of £36.
Distance: 255 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£49 Average Price | £41 Average Price Cheapest |
4h 11m Average total duration Fastest 3h 41m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 41m Average total duration 11h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Cardiff Central (CDF) to Preston station (PRE) train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff Central (CDF) to Preston station (PRE) trains for tomorrow, Friday 20 March. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 06:40 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h11 | 10:51 Preston station (PRE) | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 11:45 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h06 | 15:51 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 Cardiff Central (CDF) to Preston station (PRE) 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.
21 Mar
22 Mar
23 Mar
24 Mar
25 Mar
26 Mar
27 Mar
Why should you book Cardiff Central (CDF) to Preston station (PRE) trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs CrossCountry?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for CrossCountry, but also compare tickets for the likes of Transport for Wales or Transport for Wales to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Preston station (PRE).
- 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 CrossCountry with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Preston station (PRE).
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Transport for Wales or Transport for Wales to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Preston station (PRE).
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Preston station (PRE).
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Preston station (PRE)
Trains from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Preston station (PRE) run on average 8 times per day, taking around 3h 41m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £36 but you can travel from only £22 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 06:40, the last at 17:53. The fastest train covers the 255 km distance in 3h 58m.
Distance 255 km |
Average train duration 3h 41m |
Cheapest ticket price £36 |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 3h 58m |
First train 06:40 |
Last train 17:53 |
Train companies: CrossCountry, Transport for Wales from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Preston station (PRE) trainsCrossCountry, Transport for Wales trains will get you between Cardiff Central (CDF) and Preston station (PRE) from £22. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
CrossCountry
Transport for Wales
FAQs: Cardiff Central (CDF) to Preston station (PRE) train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Preston station (PRE) 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 station (PRE), this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff Central (CDF) and Preston station (PRE)
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
- Type of shops available: News agent and convenience store
- Car Park: Brewery Car park
- Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen
- Pret a Manger
- Tesco Express
- Taxi: Taxi rank is on the right as you exit the main station entrance
- There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platforms 1 to 8. The National Key toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a radar key and are only available during staffing hours.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: The National Key/Accessible toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a RADAR key and are only available during staffing hours.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Clayton Hotel Cardiff
- Cardiff Marriott Hotel
- Travelodge Cardiff Central
- Waiting rooms location: On platforms 1/2, 3/4, 6/7 and 8.
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: East end of platforms 1 and 2, 3 and 4, 6 and 7 - also at the front and rear of the station.
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Commuter rail lines: City Line, Rhondda Line, Rhymney Line, Valley Line, South Wales Main Line
- Train lines: Transport for Wales, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the rear car park (Penarth Road entrance)
- 5:30 AM - 8:00 PM Monday - Friday
- 6:30 AM - 7:00 PM Saturday
- 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 24 hours, located adjacent to the station with access from Butler Street.
- Rise
- The Olive Tree Brasserie
- Turtle Bay
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps.
- £0.30
- Holiday Inn Express Preston - South
- Delta Hotels Preston
- Macdonald Tickled Trout Hotel
- Located in the main hall
- Enterprise
- Europcar
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms 1-3 for long-distance services
- Hall 2: platforms 4-6 for regional and local services
- Bus: Several lines available
- Train: Northern, Avanti West Coast, TransPennine Express services
