- Must visit
The Harris
Major city museum and library in a landmark building, known for art, history and regular exhibitions in the Harris Quarter.
Cheapest price on 29 Aug
£74
Average ticket price on 29 Aug
£74
Fastest journey on 29 Aug
2 h 13 m
Average journey duration on 29 Aug
2 h 16 m
Trains on 29 Aug
2
Distance
125 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Derby to Preston is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Derby to Preston will cost around £74 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £74.
On Sat 29 Aug, we found 2 trains from Derby to Preston, including 2 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 125 km distance in an average of 2 h 16 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 13 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 18 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.




The table below shows live departures for Derby to Preston trains for tomorrow, Saturday 29 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:33 Derby | 2h18 | 10:51 Preston | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 10:26 Derby | 2h13 | 12:39 Preston | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare 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.
Trains from Derby to Preston run on average 8 times per day, taking around 1h 57m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £41 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 00:09, the last at 22:45. The fastest train covers the 125 km distance in 2h 1m.
Distance 125 km |
Average train duration 1h 57m |
Cheapest ticket price £41 |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 2h 1m |
First train 0:09 |
Last train 22:45 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Preston — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Preston trip today.
Major city museum and library in a landmark building, known for art, history and regular exhibitions in the Harris Quarter.
Museum on the University of Central Lancashire campus with Egyptology, archaeology and world cultures collections in a compact gallery.
Volunteer-run transport museum at Ribble Steam Railway, featuring Preston’s industrial and rail heritage with locomotives and exhibits.
Historic city park with terraces, paths and river views. A favourite for walks, photography and access to nearby Miller Park.
Landscaped Victorian park beside the River Ribble, appreciated for open lawns, flower displays and peaceful links to city-centre walks.
Regenerated docklands area with marina views, public art and waterside paths, popular for an easy modern contrast to the historic centre.
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.
A rich fruit cake packed with currants and topped with almond paste. It is a classic Lancashire celebration cake still eaten across Preston.
A crumbly, mild white cheese from Lancashire often made in creamy, tasty and crumbly layers. It reflects the county’s long dairy heritage.
Stylish modern restaurant serving British and European plates with cocktails. Good for a polished dinner in central Preston.
Established local spot for Neapolitan-style pizza and Italian comfort food in a friendly, informal setting.
Traditional city-centre pub known for cask ales and hearty British dishes in a historic, relaxed setting.
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.
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.
Official public transport app
Preston Railway Station -> Preston Bus Station
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Derby 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.

Most Derby to Preston trains use the Derby to Preston station pair. Use this guide to compare Derby and Preston train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Derby is 1 km from Derby city centre. Public transport options include:
Derby has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Derby.
ATMs are available at Derby.
Ticket office support is available at Derby.
Available at Derby: Parking, WC.
Available at Derby: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Derby: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A step free station. This station has step free access. There are lifts to all platforms. There is a subway to platforms 2,3,4 and 5. Platforms 6 and 7 are accessed by lift only. This station has tactile paving at the edges of all platforms and at the foot and top of stairwells, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, 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.
Preston is 1 km from Preston city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: Rise, The Olive Tree Brasserie, Turtle Bay
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Preston. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Preston. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Preston: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Preston: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Preston: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Holiday Inn Express Preston - South, Delta Hotels Preston, Macdonald Tickled Trout Hotel.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need