- Must visit
The Harris
Major city museum and library in a landmark building, known for art, history and regular exhibitions in the Harris Quarter.
.png){kind=small}
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
The cheapest and fastest trains from Darlington to Preston
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 19 Sept
Cheapest price on 19 Sept
£92
Average ticket price on 19 Sept
£92
Fastest journey on 19 Sept
3 h 32 m
Average journey duration on 19 Sept
3 h 32 m
Trains on 19 Sept
1
Distance
113 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Darlington to Preston is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Darlington to Preston will cost around £92 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £92.
Fast trains
On Sat 19 Sept, we found 1 trains from Darlington to Preston, including 1 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 113 km distance in an average of 3 h 32 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 32 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 32 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.
6:063h32Darlington9:38Preston£921One-way0 changes
- 6:063h32Darlington9:38Preston£921One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Darlington to Preston
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Darlington to Preston among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £41 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 6m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £41, while a train costs an average of £58.
Distance: 113 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£58 Average Price | £41 Average Price Cheapest | £24 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 6m Average total duration Fastest 2h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 14h 18m Average total duration 13h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 3m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Darlington to Preston is a coach with an average price of £41.
This is compared to other travel options from Darlington to Preston:
A coach is £16 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Darlington to Preston costing on average £58.
The fastest way to travel from Darlington to Preston is by train with an average journey time of 2h 36m.
Other travel options to Preston take longer:
Coach takes on average 13h 48m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Darlington and Preston including taking a coach and train.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around £58 compared to roughly £24 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-33.79. The journey takes 2h 36m versus 2h 3m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
Darlington to Preston train times
The table below shows live departures for Darlington to Preston trains for tomorrow, Saturday 19 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6:06 Darlington | 3h32 | 9:38 Preston | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Darlington to Preston by coach or train
Compare coach and train 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.
Sat
19 Sept
19 Sept
Sun
20 Sept
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
22 Sept
Wed
23 Sept
23 Sept
Thu
24 Sept
24 Sept
Fri
25 Sept
25 Sept
Why should you book Darlington to Preston trains with Omio?
Transpennine Express as well as Northern Rail, London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER), TransPennine Express and more offer trains services from Darlington to Preston.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Darlington to Preston.
Why book with Omio vs Transpennine Express?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Transpennine Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of Northern Rail, London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER) or TransPennine Express to find the best option for your trip from Darlington 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 Transpennine Express with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Darlington to Preston.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trip?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Northern Rail, London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER) or TransPennine Express to find the best option for your trip from Darlington to Preston.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Darlington to Preston.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Darlington to Preston
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Darlington to Preston run on average 8 times per day, taking around 2h 36m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £46 but you can travel from only £16 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 04:55, the last at 23:14. The fastest train covers the 113 km distance in 2h 51m.
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 £16
Distance 113 km |
Average train duration 2h 36m |
Cheapest ticket price £46 |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 2h 51m |
First train 4:55 |
Last train 23:14 |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
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 £16
Train companies: Transpennine Express, Northern Rail, London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER), TransPennine Express from Darlington to Preston trainsTranspennine Express, Northern Rail, London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER), TransPennine Express trains will get you between Darlington and Preston from £16. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Transpennine Express
About
Transpennine Express is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from Manchester and Liverpool to Scotland, the North East and Yorkshire. It offers a range of services, including express, regional and local trains. Express trains are the fastest, with journey times of up to three hours. Regional trains are slower, but offer more stops and a more relaxed atmosphere. Local trains are the slowest, but offer the most stops. Transpennine Express offers a range of ticket types, including single, return, group and season tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for Transpennine Express are Manchester to Edinburgh, Liverpool to Leeds and Manchester to York. These routes offer a convenient and comfortable way to travel between the cities.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Luggage included
2 large items and 1 small hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if service is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks, plus a small selection of hot and cold food items
Seat reservation
Seat reservations are free of charge and recommended for busy routes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance booking service
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone
Northern Rail
About
Northern Trains is a publicly owned train operating company in the United Kingdom, headquartered in York. It runs local and commuter services across the north of England, connecting regions including the North East, North West, East Midlands, Staffordshire, Yorkshire, and the Humber coastline. As part of the National Rail network, Northern operates under a coordinated fare and ticketing system alongside other UK train companies.Ticket types include Advance, Off-Peak, Anytime Day, single, return, and season tickets, with only one class option available: Standard. Onboard amenities may include comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and refreshments on select services. Popular routes include connections between major northern cities such as Manchester, Liverpool, and Leeds.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Northern Rail Duration
3h 3m
Cheapest Northern Rail Price
£91
Northern Rail frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
See refund policy for ticket types
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most services with drinks and snacks. Some stations have cafes and shops
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available but not mandatory. Free of charge when booking advance tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, passenger assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone
London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER) Duration
3h 2m
Cheapest London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER) Price
£87
London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER) frequency
1 a day
TransPennine Express
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average TransPennine Express Duration
2h 51m
Cheapest TransPennine Express Price
£46
TransPennine Express frequency
15 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: Darlington to Preston train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Darlington 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 Darlington to Preston can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £46, while the average price tends to be around £58.
The train journey from Darlington to Preston covers a distance of 113 km and takes approximately 2h 51m. Trains run 8 per day.
The train distance from Darlington to Preston is 113 km.
The first train from Darlington to Preston leaves at 4:55.
The last train from Darlington to Preston departs at 23:14.
Trains from Darlington to Preston run approximately 8 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Darlington to Preston.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Darlington to Preston.
To get from Darlington to Preston, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Darlington to Preston.
The train station in Darlington that goes to Preston is Darlington station (DAR), and it arrives at Preston station (PRE).
The cheapest way to get from Darlington to Preston is by coach, costing approximately £16.
Booking trains from Darlington 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 Darlington to Preston passes through a mix of urban and rural landscapes, offering views of the picturesque Yorkshire Dales, rolling hills, and charming market towns, making it a pleasantly scenic route.
A day trip from Darlington to Preston is not feasible as the journey duration is 2h 51m. However, trains run 4 times per day over a distance of 113 km.
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 Darlington to Preston.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Darlington and Preston
Most Darlington to Preston trains use the Darlington to Preston station pair. Use this guide to compare Darlington and Preston train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Darlington
Arrival train stations in Preston
Which Darlington station do trains to Preston leave from?
Trains from Darlington to Preston leave from Darlington. The station is from Darlington city centre at Darlington station, Bank Top, Darlington, County Durham, DL1 4AA.
DarlingtonDarlington station, Bank Top, Darlington, County Durham, DL1 4AA
City-centre transport
Getting to Darlington from Darlington city centre
Location for Rail Replacement ServicesReplacement coach services depart from the station entrance
Darlington train station facilities and services
Darlington has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Darlington.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Darlington.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Darlington.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Darlington: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Darlington: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Darlington: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: text phones are available and staff are on hand to assist as required due to no low level phones, Accessible taxis: Generally available but advance booking recommended, 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: Yes.
Which Preston station do trains from Darlington arrive at?
Trains from Darlington 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 Darlington
More options for your journey from Darlington to Preston
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Preston and Darlington
Most popular train connections to Preston
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
