- 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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W3337713:445h06Exeter St Thomas (EXT)18:50Preston station (PRE)£871One-way2 changes- W29782+W3337511:274h24Exeter St Davids (EXD)15:51Preston station (PRE)£1571One-way1 change
- G01071+W3337810:274h23Exeter St Davids (EXD)14:50Preston station (PRE)£1571One-way1 change
- G01077+W3337612:274h24Exeter St Davids (EXD)16:51Preston station (PRE)£1571One-way1 change
- G01078+W3337413:274h24Exeter St Davids (EXD)17:51Preston station (PRE)£1571One-way1 change
- G01071+W3337810:274h23Exeter St Davids (EXD)14:50Preston station (PRE)£1571One-way1 change
- W29782+W3337511:274h24Exeter St Davids (EXD)15:51Preston station (PRE)£1571One-way1 change
- G01077+W3337612:274h24Exeter St Davids (EXD)16:51Preston station (PRE)£1571One-way1 change
- G01078+W3337413:274h24Exeter St Davids (EXD)17:51Preston station (PRE)£1571One-way1 change
- G00878+W33067_W3306313:004h37Exeter St Davids (EXD)17:37Preston station (PRE)£1781One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare coach, train and flight for Exeter to Preston
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Exeter to Preston among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £27. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 0m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £27, and a flight costs an average of £109.
Distance: 343 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£87 Average Price | £33 Average Price Cheapest | £131 Average Price |
4h 42m Average total duration 4h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 42m Average total duration 8h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 0m Average total duration Fastest 1h 0m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Exeter to Preston train times
The table below shows live departures for Exeter to Preston trains for tomorrow, Sunday 9 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C50035+W29776+W33373 | On time 7:59 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 5h52 | 13:51 Preston station (PRE) | 2 changes | |
| Y41857+G01071+W33378 | 10:04 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 4h46 | 14:50 Preston station (PRE) | 2 changes | |
| G01071+W33378 | 10:27 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 4h23 | 14:50 Preston station (PRE) | 1 change | |
| W29782+W33375 | 11:27 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 4h24 | 15:51 Preston station (PRE) | 1 change | |
| Y41866+G01077+W33376 | 11:45 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 5h06 | 16:51 Preston station (PRE) | 2 changes | |
| G01077+W33376 | 12:27 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 4h24 | 16:51 Preston station (PRE) | 1 change | |
| Y41872+G00878+W33067_W33063 | 12:45 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 4h52 | 17:37 Preston station (PRE) | 2 changes | |
| G00878+W33067_W33063 | On time 13:00 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 4h37 | 17:37 Preston station (PRE) | 1 change | |
| G01078+W33374 | On time 13:27 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 4h24 | 17:51 Preston station (PRE) | 1 change | |
| Y80240+G00884+W33377 | 13:44 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 5h06 | 18:50 Preston station (PRE) | 2 changes | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Exeter 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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09 Aug
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Why should you book Exeter to Preston trains with Omio?
CrossCountry as well as Cross Country or Great Western Railway (GWR) offer trains services from Exeter to Preston.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Exeter to Preston.
Why book with Omio vs CrossCountry?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for CrossCountry, but also compare tickets for the likes of Cross Country or Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Exeter 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 CrossCountry with all available travel options, which are bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Exeter to Preston.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Exeter to Preston.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Exeter to Preston
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Exeter to Preston run on average 15 times per day, taking around 4h 12m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £49 but you can travel from only £27 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 05:25, the last at 19:27. The fastest train covers the 343 km distance in 4h 23m.
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 £27
Distance 343 km |
Average train duration 4h 12m |
Cheapest ticket price £49 |
Trains per day 15 |
Fastest train 4h 23m |
First train 5:25 |
Last train 19:27 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
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 £27
Train companies: CrossCountry, Cross Country, Great Western Railway (GWR) from Exeter to Preston trainsCrossCountry, Cross Country, Great Western Railway (GWR) trains will get you between Exeter and Preston from £27. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
CrossCountry
About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 23m
Cheapest Price
£49
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone
Cross Country
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 23m
Cheapest Price
£292
Cross Country frequency
9 a day
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
11h 7m
Cheapest Price
£274
Great Western Railway (GWR) frequency
1 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: Exeter to Preston train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Exeter 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 Exeter to Preston can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £49, while the average price tends to be around £87.
The train journey from Exeter to Preston covers a distance of 343 km and takes approximately 4h 23m. Trains run 15 per day.
The train distance from Exeter to Preston is 343 km.
The first train from Exeter to Preston leaves at 5:25.
The last train from Exeter to Preston departs at 19:27.
Trains from Exeter to Preston run approximately 15 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Exeter to Preston.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Exeter to Preston.
To get from Exeter to Preston, you can choose from several travel options including coach, train and flight.
There is no night train service from Exeter to Preston.
The train station in Exeter that goes to Preston is Exeter St Davids (EXD), and it arrives at Preston station (PRE).
The cheapest way to get from Exeter to Preston is by coach, costing approximately £27.
Booking trains from Exeter 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 Exeter to Preston offers varied landscapes, passing through picturesque countryside, rolling hills, and charming rural towns, providing a scenic experience for travellers.
A day trip from Exeter to Preston is not feasible due to a travel time of 4h 23m. However, there are 12 train journeys available per day for 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 Exeter to Preston.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Exeter and Preston
Most Exeter to Preston trains use the Exeter St Davids to Preston station pair. Use this guide to compare Exeter and Preston train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Exeter
Arrival train stations in Preston
Which Exeter station do trains to Preston leave from?
Trains from Exeter to Preston leave from Exeter St Davids. The station is 1 km from Exeter city centre at Exeter St Davids station, Bonhay Road, Exeter, Devon, EX4 4NT.
Exeter St DavidsExeter St Davids station, Bonhay Road, Exeter, Devon, EX4 4NT+44 3451652030
City-centre transport
Getting to Exeter St Davids from Exeter city centre
Exeter St Davids is 1 km from Exeter city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus355, 6A, 5B, 4A, 4, 66 · 6m · £2 · every ~20 min
4, 4A, Uni, K · 8m · £2 · every ~19 min
Exeter St Davids train station facilities and services
Exeter St Davids has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Exeter St Davids.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Exeter St Davids. ATMs are available at Exeter St Davids.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Exeter St Davids.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Exeter St Davids: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Exeter St Davids: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Exeter St Davids: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step free Category A station - All platforms can be accessed via Lifts from the sole main station entrance. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not accessible, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accessible ticket machines are located at the station entrance by the ticket office, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Exeter St ThomasExeter St Thomas station, Cowick Street, Exeter, Devon, EX4 1AJ
City-centre transport
Getting to Exeter St Thomas from Exeter city centre
Exeter St Thomas is 1 km from Exeter city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainExmouth - Paignton · 21m · £0.90 · every ~2 min
BusA, B, C, E, P · 9m · £2 · every ~44 min
Exeter St Thomas train station facilities and services
Exeter St Thomas has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Exeter St Thomas.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Exeter St Thomas.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Exeter St Thomas: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Exeter St Thomas: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Exeter St Thomas: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Step free Category C Station - This station does not have step free access to any platform. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are not available, 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.
Exeter CentralExeter Central station, Queen Street, Exeter, Devon, EX4 3SB+44 3451652030
City-centre transport
Getting to Exeter Central from Exeter city centre
BusH, K, Uni, 4A, 4 · 3m · £2 · every ~27 min
Exeter Central train station facilities and services
Exeter Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Exeter Central.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Exeter Central.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Exeter Central.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Exeter Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Exeter Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Exeter Central: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step free Category A station - Both platforms can be accessed via lifts from the main station entrance, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available, 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.
Which Preston station do trains from Exeter arrive at?
Trains from Exeter 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.
More options for your journey from Exeter to Preston
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Preston and Exeter
Most popular train connections to Preston
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