- 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 Darlington to Preston
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 03 Nov
- Cheapest price on 03 Nov
- £68
- Average ticket price on 03 Nov
- £68
- Fastest journey on 03 Nov
- 3 h 36 m
- Average journey duration on 03 Nov
- 3 h 36 m
- Trains on 03 Nov
- 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 £68 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £68.
Fast trains
To travel from Darlington to Preston you need to make at least 2 changes.
4:56 3h36 Darlington 8:32 Preston £68 1 One-way 2 changes
4:56 3h36 Darlington 8:32 Preston £68 1 One-way 2 changes
Journey information
Overview: Train from Darlington to Preston
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Darlington to Preston run on average 17 times per day, taking around 2h 37m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £31 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 04:55, the last at 23:14. The fastest train covers the 113 km distance in 2h 30m.
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
Distance 113 km |
Average train duration 2h 37m |
Cheapest ticket price £31 |
Trains per day 17 |
Fastest train 2h 30m |
First train 4:55 |
Last train 23:14 |
Cheapest Month Sept |
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
Frequently asked questions about your Darlington to Preston trip
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Darlington to Preston.
The cost of a train ticket from Darlington to Preston can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £31, while the average price tends to be around £50.
The train journey from Darlington to Preston covers a distance of 113 km and takes approximately 2h 30m. Trains run 17 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 17 times per day.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Darlington to Preston.
Live departures
Darlington to Preston train times
The table below shows live departures for Darlington to Preston trains for today, Monday 2 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13:35 Darlington | 2h56 | 16:31 Preston | 2 changes | |
| 13:35 Darlington | 3h03 | 16:38 Preston | 1 change | |
| 14:35 Darlington | 2h57 | 17:32 Preston | 2 changes | |
| 14:35 Darlington | 3h03 | 17:38 Preston | 1 change | |
| 15:35 Darlington | 3h00 | 18:35 Preston | 2 changes | |
| 15:35 Darlington | 3h03 | 18:38 Preston | 1 change | |
| 16:35 Darlington | 2h57 | 19:32 Preston | 2 changes | |
| 16:35 Darlington | 3h03 | 19:38 Preston | 1 change | |
| 17:35 Darlington | 2h56 | 20:31 Preston | 2 changes | |
| 17:35 Darlington | 3h03 | 20:38 Preston | 1 change | |
| 18:35 Darlington | 3h03 | 21:38 Preston | 1 change | |
| 19:35 Darlington | 3h03 | 22:38 Preston | 1 change | |
.png) | 20:36 Darlington | 3h02 | 23:38 Preston | 1 change | |
| 21:37 Darlington | 10h07 | 7:44 Preston | 1 change | |
| Tuesday 3 November | |||||
| 4:56 Darlington | 3h36 | 8:32 Preston | 2 changes | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Darlington to Preston trains with Omio?
Northern Rail as well as Transpennine Express 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 Northern Rail?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Northern Rail, but also compare tickets for the likes of 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 Northern Rail 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 Trip or Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of 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.
Train companies: Transpennine Express, Northern Rail from Darlington to Preston trainsTranspennine Express, Northern Rail trains will get you between Darlington and Preston from £31. 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
Average Transpennine Express Duration
2h 30m
Cheapest Transpennine Express Price
£47
Transpennine Express frequency
9 a day
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
2h 39m
Cheapest Northern Rail Price
£31
Northern Rail frequency
8 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
Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Darlington and Preston
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Darlington to Preston.
There is no night train service from Darlington to Preston.
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.
Plan your visit to Preston
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Preston.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Train stations for Darlington to Preston
Check train stations information for Darlington and Preston, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.
The train station in Darlington that goes to Preston is Darlington, and it arrives at Preston.
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
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