- 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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Travel Information
Compare coach, train and flight for Colchester to Preston
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Colchester to Preston among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £83 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 2h 55m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £83, while a flight costs an average of £99.
Distance: 320 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£90 Average Price | £83 Average Price Cheapest | £99 Average Price | £65 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 0m Average total duration 3h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 23m Average total duration 8h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 55m Average total duration Fastest 55m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 5h 1m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Colchester to Preston is a coach with an average price of £83.
This is compared to other travel options from Colchester to Preston:
A coach is £7 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Colchester to Preston costing on average £90.
A coach is £16 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Colchester to Preston costing on average £99.
The fastest way to travel from Colchester to Preston is by flight with an average journey time of 55m.
Other travel options to Preston take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 30m.
Coach takes on average 8h 53m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Colchester and Preston including taking a coach, train and flight.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 1h 31m sooner (3h 30m by train vs 5h 1m by car). Tickets start at around £90 compared to roughly £65 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.
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.
Compare prices and tickets Colchester to Preston by coach, train or flight
Compare coach, train and flight 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.
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Why should you book Colchester to Preston trains with Omio?
Avanti West Coast operates all trains services from Colchester to Preston.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Colchester to Preston.
Why book with Omio vs Avanti West Coast?
- 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 bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Colchester to Preston.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Colchester to Preston.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Colchester to Preston
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Colchester to Preston run on average 4 times per day, taking around 3h 30m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £90 but you can travel from only £83 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 05:12, the last at 21:00. The fastest train covers the 320 km distance in 4h 55m.
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 £83
Distance 320 km |
Average train duration 3h 30m |
Cheapest ticket price £90 |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 4h 55m |
First train 5:12 |
Last train 21:00 |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 28 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 £83
Train companies: Avanti West Coast from Colchester to Preston trainsAvanti West Coast trains will get you between Colchester and Preston from £83. 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
4h 55m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
£90
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
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: Colchester to Preston train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Colchester 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 Colchester to Preston can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £90, while the average price tends to be around £90.
The train journey from Colchester to Preston covers a distance of 320 km and takes approximately 4h 55m. Trains run 4 per day.
The train distance from Colchester to Preston is 320 km.
The first train from Colchester to Preston leaves at 5:12.
The last train from Colchester to Preston departs at 21:00.
Trains from Colchester to Preston run approximately 4 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Colchester to Preston.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Colchester to Preston.
To get from Colchester to Preston, you can choose from several travel options including coach, train and flight.
There is no night train service from Colchester to Preston.
The train station in Colchester that goes to Preston is Colchester station (COL), and it arrives at Preston station (PRE).
The cheapest way to get from Colchester to Preston is by coach, costing approximately £83.
Booking trains from Colchester 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 Colchester to Preston offers varied scenery, transitioning from the historic landscapes of Essex through the bustling urban areas of London and the rolling countryside of northern England, providing passengers with a mix of urban and rural views.
A day trip from Colchester to Preston is not feasible due to the travel duration of 4h 55m. The frequency of trains is 2 per day.
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 Colchester to Preston.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Colchester and Preston
Most Colchester to Preston trains use the Colchester to Preston station pair. Use this guide to compare Colchester and Preston train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Colchester
Arrival train stations in Preston
Which Colchester station do trains to Preston leave from?
Trains from Colchester to Preston leave from Colchester. The station is 2 km from Colchester city centre at Colchester [North] station, Station Approach Road, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1XD.
ColchesterColchester [North] station, Station Approach Road, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1XD+44 8450507080
City-centre transport
Getting to Colchester from Colchester city centre
Colchester is 1 km from Colchester city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainClacton-on-Sea - London Liverpool Street, Clacton-on-Sea - Colchester, Colchester Town - London Liverpool Street, Colchester Town - Colchester, Walton-on-the-Naze - Colchester · 8m · £0.90 · every ~5 min
Bus2A, 68, 87, 53, 53A, 52, 51, X20 · 6m · £2 · every ~31 min
Colchester train station facilities and services
Colchester has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Colchester.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Colchester. ATMs are available at Colchester.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Colchester. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 028 28 78, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Colchester: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Colchester: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Colchester: 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 taxis: Details of nearest taxis are shown on station information poster, 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: No.
Colchester TownColchester Town station, St. Botolphs Circus, Colchester, Essex, CO2 7EF
City-centre transport
Getting to Colchester Town from Colchester city centre
Bus43 · 1m · £0.90 · every ~1 min
68, 55, 68A · 1m · £3 · every ~4 min
Colchester Town train station facilities and services
Colchester Town has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Colchester Town.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Colchester Town.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Colchester Town. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 028 28 78.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Colchester Town: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Colchester Town: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Colchester Town: 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 taxis: Details of nearest taxis are shown on station information poster, 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.
Which Preston station do trains from Colchester arrive at?
Trains from Colchester 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.
Most popular train connections from Colchester
More options for your journey from Colchester to Preston
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Preston and Colchester
Most popular train connections to Preston
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