Edinburgh to Preston train with Avanti West Coast

Sun 30 Aug
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Avanti West Coast
Transpennine Express
Northern Rail
Caledonian Sleeper
TransPennine Express
2,000+ travel companies
Avanti West Coast
Transpennine Express
Northern Rail
Caledonian Sleeper
TransPennine Express
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Edinburgh to Preston

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 30 Aug

Cheapest price on 30 Aug

£57

Average ticket price on 30 Aug

£92

Fastest journey on 30 Aug

2 h 24 m

Average journey duration on 30 Aug

2 h 56 m

Trains on 30 Aug

3

Distance

245 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Edinburgh to Preston is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Edinburgh to Preston will cost around £92 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £57.

Fast trains

On Sun 30 Aug, we found 3 trains from Edinburgh to Preston, including 2 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 245 km distance in an average of 2 h 56 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 24 m .

The slowest trains will take 4 h 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.

  • Avanti West CoastW33163+ScotrailL87940+BusBus from Glasgow Queen Street to Glasgow Central
    13:004h00
    Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
    17:00Preston station (PRE)
    £571One-way
    2 changes
  • Avanti West CoastW33219
    12:512h24
    Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
    15:15Preston station (PRE)
    £1101One-way
    0 changes
  • Avanti West CoastW33256
    10:512h25
    Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
    13:16Preston station (PRE)
    £1101One-way
    0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train, coach and flight for Edinburgh to Preston

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Edinburgh to Preston among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £21 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 41m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £21, while a flight costs an average of £163.

Distance: 245 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Flight

£31

Average Price

£21

Average Price

Cheapest

£163

Average Price

3h 41m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 11m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 54m

Average total duration

5h 24m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 31m

Average total duration

4h 31m

Onboard

+

2h 0m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.2 - 0.6kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Edinburgh to Preston train times

The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Preston trains for today, Saturday 29 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Transpennine ExpressW84919
On time
14:08 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
2h38
16:46 Preston station (PRE)
0 changesdirect
Avanti West CoastW33762
On time
14:52 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
2h24
17:16 Preston station (PRE)
0 changesdirect
Transpennine ExpressW8492516:11 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
2h35
18:46 Preston station (PRE)0 changesdirect
Avanti West CoastW33654
On time
16:52 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
2h23
19:15 Preston station (PRE)
0 changesdirect
Transpennine ExpressW84927
On time
18:11 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
2h34
20:45 Preston station (PRE)
0 changesdirect
Avanti West CoastW33385
On time
18:52 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
2h24
21:16 Preston station (PRE)
0 changesdirect
Sunday 30 August
Avanti West CoastW3325610:51 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
2h25
13:16 Preston station (PRE)0 changesdirect
Avanti West CoastW3321912:51 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
2h24
15:15 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 Edinburgh to Preston by train, coach or flight

Compare train, coach 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.

Sun
30 Aug
Mon
31 Aug
Tue
01 Sept
Wed
02 Sept
Thu
03 Sept
Fri
04 Sept
Sat
05 Sept

Why should you book Edinburgh to Preston trains with Omio?

Avanti West Coast as well as Transpennine Express, Northern Rail, Caledonian Sleeper, TransPennine Express and more offer trains services from Edinburgh to Preston.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Edinburgh to Preston.

Why book with Omio vs Avanti West Coast?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Avanti West Coast, but also compare tickets for the likes of Transpennine Express, Northern Rail, Caledonian Sleeper or TransPennine Express to find the best option for your trip from Edinburgh 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 Avanti West Coast with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Edinburgh to Preston.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu, Raileurope or Trip?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Transpennine Express, Northern Rail, Caledonian Sleeper or TransPennine Express to find the best option for your trip from Edinburgh to Preston.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Edinburgh to Preston.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Edinburgh to Preston

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Edinburgh to Preston run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 11m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £11 if you book in advance.

There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:30, the last at 22:50. The fastest train covers the 245 km distance in 2h 22m.

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
245 km
Average train duration
3h 11m
Cheapest ticket price
£11
Trains per day
7
Direct trains
5
Fastest train
2h 22m
First train
4:30
Last train
22:50
Cheapest Month
Jun
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Jul - Sept
Busiest Day
Sun
Least Busy Day
Mon
Best time to book
14 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

Train companies: Avanti West Coast, Transpennine Express, Northern Rail, Caledonian Sleeper, TransPennine Express from Edinburgh to Preston trainsAvanti West Coast, Transpennine Express, Northern Rail, Caledonian Sleeper, TransPennine Express trains will get you between Edinburgh and Preston from £11. 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
2h 22m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
£11
Avanti West Coast frequency
5 a day
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

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
3h 56m
Cheapest Transpennine Express Price
£24
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
4h 38m
Cheapest Northern Rail Price
£56
Northern Rail frequency
3 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

Caledonian Sleeper

About
The Caledonian Sleeper is a train service operating in the United Kingdom. It offers overnight journeys between London, Scotland, the North of England and Wales. The service is operated by Serco and consists of two types of trains: the Classic Sleeper and the Lowland Sleeper. The Classic Sleeper offers comfortable sleeping berths, while the Lowland Sleeper offers reclining seats. Both trains offer onboard facilities such as Wi-Fi, power sockets, and complimentary tea and coffee.Ticket types include Standard, First Class and Solo. Standard tickets offer access to the lounge car, while First Class tickets include access to the lounge car and complimentary breakfast. Solo tickets are available for single travellers and offer access to the lounge car and a private sleeping berth. The most popular routes for the Caledonian Sleeper are London to Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness. Passengers can also travel from London to Aberdeen, Fort William and Dundee.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Caledonian Sleeper Duration
2h 49m
Cheapest Caledonian Sleeper Price
£81
Caledonian Sleeper frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage per person included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Dedicated luggage storage areas in each carriage and under beds in sleeping compartments
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies vary by ticket type and timing before departure
Refund
Full refund provided if service is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Complimentary breakfast for all guests. Club Car serves dinner and drinks. Room service available for sleeping car passengers
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for sleeping car passengers. Optional seat reservations available for seated carriages
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Accessible rooms available, wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and staff assistance
Pets
Small pets allowed in sleeping compartments for a fee. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone

TransPennine Express

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average TransPennine Express Duration
2h 31m
Cheapest TransPennine Express Price
£72
TransPennine Express frequency
6 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.

  • Must visit

The Harris

Major city museum and library in a landmark building, known for art, history and regular exhibitions in the Harris Quarter.

  • 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.

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.

FAQs: Edinburgh to Preston train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Edinburgh 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.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Edinburgh to Preston can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £11, while the average price tends to be around £31.
The train journey from Edinburgh to Preston covers a distance of 245 km and takes approximately 2h 22m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Edinburgh to Preston is 245 km.
The first train from Edinburgh to Preston leaves at 4:30.
The last train from Edinburgh to Preston departs at 22:50.
Trains from Edinburgh to Preston run approximately 7 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Edinburgh to Preston.
Yes, there is a direct train between Edinburgh and Preston. The service operates 5 times per day, provided by Avanti West Coast, Transpennine Express, Caledonian Sleeper, TransPennine Express.
To get from Edinburgh to Preston, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
Yes, there is a night train from Edinburgh to Preston.
The train station in Edinburgh that goes to Preston is Edinburgh Waverley (EDB), and it arrives at Preston station (PRE).
The cheapest way to get from Edinburgh to Preston is by train, costing approximately £11.
Booking trains from Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh to Preston offers scenic views, including glimpses of the picturesque Scottish countryside, rolling hills, and coastal vistas, especially as it travels along the East Coast Main Line and through the scenic landscapes of the Scottish Borders and Northumberland.
A day trip from Edinburgh to Preston is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 22m. However, trains run 6 times per day on this route.
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 Edinburgh to Preston.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Edinburgh and Preston

Most Edinburgh to Preston trains use the Edinburgh Waverley to Preston station pair. Use this guide to compare Edinburgh and Preston train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Edinburgh
Arrival train stations in Preston
Edinburgh WaverleyPrinces St, Edinburgh EH1 1BB, United Kingdom+44 3457114141WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Edinburgh Waverley from Edinburgh city centre

BusUk090 · 12m · £0.90 · every ~32 min

Edinburgh Waverley train station facilities and services

Edinburgh Waverley has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food options include: Bagel Factory, Burger King, Caffè Nero, Costa Coffee, JD Wetherspoon, The Pasty Shop, The Beer House, M&S, Pret a Manger

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free public Wi-Fi available. ATMs are there are a few ATM machines around the station.

Tickets and information

The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 05:00 - 23:59, Sun: 07:00 - 23:59. Information desks are information booths are located on the concourse. .

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is you can leave luggage at Excessive Baggage Company on Platform 2. . Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Edinburgh Waverley: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Edinburgh Waverley: Bike Parking, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh Waverley: Entrances are step free. Station is equipped with an elevator. Staffed with guide communicators for the deaf. Tactile warning strips are on the platform edges for the blind.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Old Waverley Hotel, Jurys Inn Edinburgh, The Scotsman Hotel.

HaymarketHaymarket station, Haymarket Terrace, Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh, EH12 5EYWifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Haymarket from Edinburgh city centre

Haymarket is 1 km from Edinburgh city centre. Public transport options include:

Train3m · £0.90
BusN44, N25, 26, 31, 33, 44, 25, 3, 4 · 6m · £0.90 · every ~114 min
N107, N113 · 7m · £0.90
TramT50 · 6m · £4 · every ~30 min

Haymarket train station facilities and services

Haymarket has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Haymarket.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Haymarket. ATMs are available at Haymarket.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Haymarket. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: Tel: 0800 046 1634 and 18001 0800 046 1634 (Deaf and customers who are hard of hearing), 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 Haymarket: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Haymarket: Bike Parking.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Haymarket: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station. This station has step-free access to all platforms. The Passenger Assist meeting point is at the automatic ticket gates Blue Badge parking bays: 2, 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.

Edinburgh ParkEdinburgh Park station, Cultins Road, Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh, EH11 4DFWifiParkingDiningAccessibilityLoungeLost and Found OfficeBike ParkingCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Edinburgh Park from Edinburgh city centre

Edinburgh Park is 7 km from Edinburgh city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainEdinburgh - Dunblane, Edinburgh - Helensburgh Central, Edinburgh - Bathgate, Edinburgh - Milngavie, Edinburgh - Garscadden, Edinburgh - Stirling, Edinburgh - Airdrie, Edinburgh - Perth, Edinburgh - Dalmuir · 4m · £2 · every ~9 min
Edinburgh - Dunblane, Edinburgh - Helensburgh Central, Edinburgh - Bathgate, Edinburgh - Milngavie, Edinburgh - Garscadden, Edinburgh - Stirling, Edinburgh - Airdrie, Edinburgh - Perth, Edinburgh - Dalmuir · 8m · £3 · every ~9 min
Bus2 · 24m · £2 · every ~10 min
TramT50 · 18m · £4 · every ~30 min

Edinburgh Park train station facilities and services

Edinburgh Park has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Edinburgh Park.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Edinburgh Park.

Tickets and information

Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: Tel: 0800 046 1634 and 18001 0800 046 1634 (Deaf and customers who are hard of hearing), Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Edinburgh Park: Parking.

Bike and car services

Available at Edinburgh Park: Bike Parking, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh Park: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station. This station has step-free access to both platforms, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.

More options for your journey from Edinburgh to Preston

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

HomeTrainsTrain Times to Preston Edinburgh to Preston train

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