Liverpool to Preston train with Northern Rail

Sun 04 Oct
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Transpennine Express
Northern Rail
East Midlands Railway
Avanti West Coast
Mersey Rail
2,000+ travel companies
Transpennine Express
Northern Rail
East Midlands Railway
Avanti West Coast
Mersey Rail
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Liverpool to Preston

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 04 Oct

Cheapest price on 04 Oct

£10

Average ticket price on 04 Oct

£16

Fastest journey on 04 Oct

46 m

Average journey duration on 04 Oct

57 m

Trains on 04 Oct

11

Distance

43 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Liverpool to Preston will cost around £16 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £10.

Fast trains

On Sun 04 Oct, we found 11 trains from Liverpool to Preston, including 5 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 43 km distance in an average of 57 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 46 m .

The slowest trains will take 1 h 4 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.

  • Northern RailG89636
    8:291h04
    Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)
    9:33Preston station (PRE)
    £101One-way
    0 changes
  • Northern RailG89653
    12:151h04
    Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)
    13:19Preston station (PRE)
    £101One-way
    0 changes
  • Transpennine ExpressW85172
    10:120h47
    Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)
    10:59Preston station (PRE)
    £131One-way
    0 changes
  • Transpennine ExpressW85186
    14:120h46
    Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)
    14:58Preston station (PRE)
    £131One-way
    0 changes
  • Northern RailG89644
    10:151h04
    Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)
    11:19Preston station (PRE)
    £151One-way
    0 changes

Journey information

Overview: Train from Liverpool to Preston

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Liverpool to Preston run on average 9 times per day, taking around 57m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £4 if you book in advance.

There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:27, the last at 23:37. The fastest train covers the 43 km distance in 44m.

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
43 km
Average train duration
57m
Cheapest ticket price
£4
Trains per day
9
Direct trains
4
Fastest train
44m
First train
5:27
Last train
23:37
Cheapest Month
Jul
Cheapest Day
Sun
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Jul - Sept
Busiest Day
Sat
Least Busy Day
Sun
Best time to book
1 day
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

Live departures

Liverpool to Preston train times

The table below shows live departures for Liverpool to Preston trains for today, Saturday 3 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Northern RailP24147
On time
17:10 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)
1h01
18:11 Preston station (PRE)
0 changesdirect
Transpennine ExpressW84717+Avanti West CoastW33543
On time
17:19 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)
1h20
18:39 Preston station (PRE)
1 change
Northern RailP24219+Avanti West CoastW33796
On time
17:22 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)
1h29
18:51 Preston station (PRE)
1 change
Northern RailG89633
On time
17:39 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)
0h54
18:33 Preston station (PRE)
0 changesdirect
Northern RailG86227+Avanti West CoastW33796
On time
17:45 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)
1h06
18:51 Preston station (PRE)
1 change
Mersey RailG30625+Northern RailP23875
On time
17:58 Moorfields (MRF)
1h19
19:17 Preston station (PRE)
1 change
Sunday 4 October
Transpennine ExpressW84663+Avanti West CoastW331348:13 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)
2h09
10:22 Preston station (PRE)1 change
Northern RailG896368:29 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)
1h04
9:33 Preston station (PRE)0 changesdirect
Transpennine ExpressW84669+Avanti West CoastW333579:20 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)
1h31
10:51 Preston station (PRE)1 change
Transpennine ExpressW8517210:12 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)
0h47
10:59 Preston station (PRE)0 changesdirect
Northern RailG8964410:15 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)
1h04
11:19 Preston station (PRE)0 changesdirect
Transpennine ExpressW84675+Avanti West CoastW3334910:20 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)
1h20
11:40 Preston station (PRE)1 change
Transpennine ExpressW84681+Avanti West CoastW3314411:20 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)
1h20
12:40 Preston station (PRE)1 change
Northern RailG8965312:15 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)
1h04
13:19 Preston station (PRE)0 changesdirect
Transpennine ExpressW84688+Avanti West CoastW3308912:20 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)
1h19
13:39 Preston station (PRE)1 change
Transpennine ExpressW84694+Avanti West CoastW3329713:20 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)
1h19
14:39 Preston station (PRE)1 change
Transpennine ExpressW8518614:12 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)
0h46
14:58 Preston station (PRE)0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Liverpool to Preston trains with Omio?

Transpennine Express as well as Northern Rail, East Midlands Railway, Avanti West Coast, Mersey Rail and more offer trains services from Liverpool to Preston.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Liverpool 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, East Midlands Railway, Avanti West Coast or Mersey Rail to find the best option for your trip from Liverpool 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 train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Liverpool to Preston.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu, Trip or Rome2rio?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Northern Rail, East Midlands Railway, Avanti West Coast or Mersey Rail to find the best option for your trip from Liverpool to Preston.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Liverpool to Preston.

Train companies: Northern Rail, Mersey Rail, Transpennine Express, Avanti West Coast, East Midlands Railway from Liverpool to Preston trainsNorthern Rail, Mersey Rail, Transpennine Express, Avanti West Coast, East Midlands Railway trains will get you between Liverpool and Preston from £4. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

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
47m
Cheapest Northern Rail Price
£4
Northern Rail frequency
4 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

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
44m
Cheapest Transpennine Express Price
£6
Transpennine Express frequency
1 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

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
48m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
£19
Avanti West Coast frequency
1 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

East Midlands Railway

About
East Midlands Trains is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London to the East Midlands, Yorkshire, and the North West. East Midlands Trains operates a fleet of Class 158, Class 156, Class 170, Class 222 and Class 180 diesel multiple units, as well as Class 222 Meridian electric multiple units. East Midlands Trains also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for East Midlands Trains are London to Nottingham, Sheffield, and Leeds.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average East Midlands Railway Duration
51m
Cheapest East Midlands Railway Price
£19
East Midlands Railway frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 piece of hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee. Free for Advance ticket holders
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs must be on lead and require a ticket (£6 for day ticket)
Quiet zone

Mersey Rail

About
Mersey Rail is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates a network of commuter and regional services in the North West of England. Mersey Rail operates a variety of train types, including the Class 507 and Class 508 electric multiple units, and the Class 142 and Class 150 diesel multiple units. It also operates the Merseyrail Electrics, a fleet of electric multiple units. Mersey Rail offers a range of ticket types, including single, return, and season tickets. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power sockets, and air conditioning. The most popular routes for Mersey Rail are Liverpool to Southport, Liverpool to Chester, and Liverpool to Ormskirk.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Mersey Rail Duration
1h 2m
Cheapest Mersey Rail Price
£12
Mersey Rail frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
Refunds available according to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund available if service is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and ramps for boarding
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs must be leashed
Quiet zone

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.

Trains from Liverpool to Preston

The distance between Liverpool and Preston in the north-east of England is approximately 40 miles. Trains from Liverpool to Preston complete this journey in between 1 hour and 1 hour 45 minutes. Trains depart from Lime Street station in Liverpool and arrive at the main station in the centre of Preston. There are direct links between Liverpool and Preston that are provided by Northern rail, or indirect routes that require a change of train that are run by Virgin trains and London Midlands railways. Trains from Liverpool to Preston run approximately 5 times per hour during the day, and twice per hour over night.

FAQs: Liverpool to Preston train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Liverpool 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 Liverpool to Preston can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £4, while the average price tends to be around £13.
The train journey from Liverpool to Preston covers a distance of 43 km and takes approximately 44m. Trains run 9 per day.
The train distance from Liverpool to Preston is 43 km.
The first train from Liverpool to Preston leaves at 5:27.
The last train from Liverpool to Preston departs at 23:37.
Trains from Liverpool to Preston run approximately 9 times per day.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Liverpool to Preston.
Yes, there is a direct train between Liverpool and Preston. The service operates 4 times per day, provided by Transpennine Express, Northern Rail.
There is no night train service from Liverpool to Preston.
The train station in Liverpool that goes to Preston is Liverpool Lime Street (LIV), and it arrives at Preston station (PRE).
Booking trains from Liverpool 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 Liverpool to Preston offers views of the English countryside, including glimpses of the River Ribble and rolling fields, creating a moderately scenic experience.
Yes, you can take the train from Liverpool to Preston.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Liverpool and Preston

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

Departure train stations in Liverpool
Arrival train stations in Preston
Liverpool Lime StreetLime St, Liverpool L1 1JD, United Kingdom+44 3457114141WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Liverpool Lime Street from Liverpool city centre

Suburban train linesWirral Line (green)
Bus lines9, 10, 61, 82, 79, 86C, 500
Train linesNorthern, West Midlands, TransPennine Express, East Midlands, Avanti West Coast, Transport for Wales, London Northwestern
Location for Rail Replacement ServicesRail replacement services depart at the Bus stop on Skelhorne Street, near the Tesco Express. L3 5GA.

Liverpool Lime Street train station facilities and services

Liverpool Lime Street 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, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food options include: Caffè Nero, Costa Coffee, Upper Crust, Starbucks, JD Wetherspoon

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free public Wi-Fi available. ATMs are located near Platform 7.

Tickets and information

The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 05:00 - 23:38, Sun: 07:15 - 23:05. Information desks are located in the main concourse.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is the Excess Baggage Co. lockers and staffed luggage storage counter are located in the main concourse near the escalators across from Platform 6. Open daily 08:00 to 21:00. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Liverpool Lime Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Liverpool Lime Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Liverpool Lime Street: Full wheelchair access throughout the station, with help points at the Skelhorne Street entrance and at customer information desk in the main concourse.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Pembroke Studios, Riley’s Rooms, Holiday Inn Liverpool City Center.

MoorfieldsMoorfields station, Moorfields, Liverpool, Merseyside, L2 2BSWifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Moorfields from Liverpool city centre

Bus10A · 5m · £4 · every ~25 min
838 · 12m

Moorfields train station facilities and services

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

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Moorfields.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

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

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Moorfields. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0151 555 1111, 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 Moorfields: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Moorfields: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Moorfields: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A: “This station has step free access to all platforms / the platform” Platforms via Moorfields entrance are accessible via lifts. However the Old Hall Street entrance has no disabled access, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.

Hunts CrossHunts Cross station, Speke Road, Woolton, Merseyside, L25 0NN+44 1515551111ShoppingParkingDiningAccessibilityWCLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Hunts Cross from Liverpool city centre

Hunts Cross is 9 km from Liverpool city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainLiverpool Lime Street - Manchester Oxford Road, Liverpool Lime Street - Warrington Central, Liverpool Lime Street - Manchester Piccadilly · 17m · £4 · every ~2 min
Ormskirk - Hunts Cross, Sandhills - Hunts Cross, Liverpool Central - Hunts Cross · 18m · £5 · every ~7 min
Bus78 · 38m · £2 · every ~5 min
75 · 53m · £2 · every ~14 min

Hunts Cross train station facilities and services

Hunts Cross has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Hunts Cross.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Hunts Cross. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0151 555 1111, 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 Hunts Cross: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Hunts Cross: Bike Parking.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Hunts Cross: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category C: “This station does not have step-free access to any platform.” The car park and Ticket Office are step free, however access to platforms is via stepped ramps only, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.

More options for your journey from Liverpool to Preston

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

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