- 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
£18
Average price
£80
Fastest journey
2 h 8 m
Average duration
2 h 9 m
Trains per day
18
Distance
306 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from London to Preston is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from London to Preston will cost around £80 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £18.
Of the 18 trains that leave London for Preston every day 18 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 306 km distance in an average of 2 h 9 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 8 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 9 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.
Y14753
W34290
W34292
W34286
W34069
W34033
W34069
W34016
W34177
W34254Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from London to Preston among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £18. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 39m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £18, and a flight costs an average of £51.
Distance: 306 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£55 Average Price | £25 Average Price Cheapest | £119 Average Price |
2h 37m Average total duration 2h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 59m Average total duration 6h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 39m Average total duration Fastest 1h 39m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions | 0.9 - 1.8kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The table below shows live departures for London to Preston trains for today, Monday 24 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
C01372 | On time 11:40 London Euston (EUS) | 3h12 | 14:52 Preston station (PRE) | 0 changesdirect | |
W34187 | On time 12:30 London Euston (EUS) | 2h09 | 14:39 Preston station (PRE) | 0 changesdirect | |
W34290 | On time 12:40 London Euston (EUS) | 3h11 | 15:51 Preston station (PRE) | 0 changesdirect | |
Y14753 | On time 13:19 London Euston (EUS) | 2h38 | 15:57 Preston station (PRE) | 0 changesdirect | |
W34007 | On time 13:30 London Euston (EUS) | 2h09 | 15:39 Preston station (PRE) | 0 changesdirect | |
W34292 | On time 13:40 London Euston (EUS) | 3h10 | 16:50 Preston station (PRE) | 0 changesdirect | |
W34069 | On time 14:30 London Euston (EUS) | 2h08 | 16:38 Preston station (PRE) | 0 changesdirect | |
C01319 | On time 16:30 London Euston (EUS) | 2h09 | 18:39 Preston station (PRE) | 0 changesdirect | |
Y14751 | On time 16:36 London Euston (EUS) | 2h23 | 18:59 Preston station (PRE) | 0 changesdirect | |
W34291 | On time 16:40 London Euston (EUS) | 3h12 | 19:52 Preston station (PRE) | 0 changesdirect | |
W34169 | On time 17:30 London Euston (EUS) | 2h09 | 19:39 Preston station (PRE) | 0 changesdirect | |
W34032 | On time 17:36 London Euston (EUS) | 2h34 | 20:10 Preston station (PRE) | 0 changesdirect | |
W34288 | On time 17:39 London Euston (EUS) | 3h12 | 20:51 Preston station (PRE) | 0 changesdirect | |
C01320 | On time 18:30 London Euston (EUS) | 2h09 | 20:39 Preston station (PRE) | 0 changesdirect | |
C00575 | On time 19:19 London Euston (EUS) | 2h53 | 22:12 Preston station (PRE) | 0 changesdirect | |
W34180 | On time 19:30 London Euston (EUS) | 2h14 | 21:44 Preston station (PRE) | 0 changesdirect | |
W34129+ G89591 | On time 19:33 London Euston (EUS) | 3h17 | 22:50 Preston station (PRE) | 1 change | |
W34042+ G89060 | On time 19:53 London Euston (EUS) | 3h11 | 23:04 Preston station (PRE) | 1 change | |
W34043 | On time 20:30 London Euston (EUS) | 2h38 | 23:08 Preston station (PRE) | 0 changesdirect | |
W33967 · W34043 | On time 20:33 London Euston (EUS) | 2h35 | 23:08 Preston station (PRE) | 1 change | |
W34091 | On time 21:10 London Euston (EUS) | 2h40 | 23:50 Preston station (PRE) | 0 changesdirect | |
| Tuesday 25 August | |||||
W34206 | 5:31 London Euston (EUS) | 2h38 | 8:09 Preston station (PRE) | 0 changesdirect | |
Y14756 | 6:11 London Euston (EUS) | 2h25 | 8:36 Preston station (PRE) | 0 changesdirect | |
W34144 | 6:33 London Euston (EUS) | 3h18 | 9:51 Preston station (PRE) | 0 changesdirect | |
W34177 | 7:30 London Euston (EUS) | 2h09 | 9:39 Preston station (PRE) | 0 changesdirect | |
W34254 | 8:30 London Euston (EUS) | 2h09 | 10:39 Preston station (PRE) | 0 changesdirect | |
W33941 | 8:40 London Euston (EUS) | 3h11 | 11:51 Preston station (PRE) | 0 changesdirect | |
W33912 | 9:30 London Euston (EUS) | 2h09 | 11:39 Preston station (PRE) | 0 changesdirect | |
W33935 | 9:36 London Euston (EUS) | 3h14 | 12:50 Preston station (PRE) | 0 changesdirect | |
C00581 | 10:19 London Euston (EUS) | 2h50 | 13:09 Preston station (PRE) | 0 changesdirect | |
W34033 | 10:30 London Euston (EUS) | 2h08 | 12:38 Preston station (PRE) | 0 changesdirect | |
W34286 | 10:40 London Euston (EUS) | 3h11 | 13:51 Preston station (PRE) | 0 changesdirect | |
W34016 | 11:30 London Euston (EUS) | 2h09 | 13:39 Preston station (PRE) | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from London to Preston run on average 8 times per day, taking around 2h 7m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £26 but you can travel from only £18 by coach.
There are 7 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:39, the last at 23:08. The fastest train covers the 306 km distance in 2h 8m.
Distance 306 km |
Average train duration 2h 7m |
Cheapest ticket price £26 |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 7 |
Fastest train 2h 8m |
First train 0:39 |
Last train 23:08 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 42 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
Trains from London to Preston are operated by Avanti West Coast and can take roughly between 2h 08min and 3h 30min, route dependent. Trains leave from London Euston station and arrive at Preston Station, and passengers can travel on to Bamber Bridge, a neighbouring station roughly 3 miles from Preston. Trains are frequent, and passengers can expect two to five trains to leave every hour Monday to Saturday and one to two every hour on Sundays.
London to Preston trains run very regularly; from Monday to Saturday, passengers can expect up to four or five trains to run every hour at peak times (mostly the morning and evening commute). The first trains are often around 05:31, and the last runs around 21:36. On Sundays, trains are less frequent and run roughly every 2-4 hours. Times vary each week based on availability, so be sure to check the updated timetables on our website.
A direct London to Preston train journey usually takes between 2h 08min and 3h 30min. The longer, non-direct trains usually change at Manchester Piccadilly or Crewe, and Avanti West Coast provides a service for passengers to continue on to Bamber Bridge, a station close to Preston and popular for commuters. This requires changing at Preston Station and as such, may extend the journey up to about 4h 24min, but often this full journey takes only around 2h 36min.

Bridge and Westminster in London. Source: Shutterstock
Departure train station: Passengers taking a train from London to Preston will depart from London Euston Station. Euston Station is in Camden, in central London. Euston Station is easily accessible via the Northern Line and is the sixth busiest station in the UK. It provides a range of amenities for travellers, including toilets and changing facilities, showers, seating, left luggage, lost property, cashpoints and bureau de change. The station also offers Wifi, a number of cafes and bars as well as small shops.
Arrival train station: Preston Station is easily accessible by foot, approximately 10min from the city centre, but there are a number of buses which service this route: 100, 111, 12, 61, 74 and 75. Preston Station also has a car park and bike storage facilities. Toilets, baby-change facilities and a waiting room are available at the station, as is access for passengers with disabilities. There are a couple of cafes in the station, but for a wider choice, passengers may wish to visit the neighbouring Fishergate Centre.
Avanti West Coast is the only travel company that provides trains from London to Preston, both direct and single change. Their services provide free Wifi, on-board entertainment through their app, first-class carriages and food and drink. Their app also allows travellers to track trains as well as book and organise their tickets.
There are no night trains available from London to Preston. However, other public transport in London caters to night time travel, so connections to the station are possible at most times. To access Euston Station, take the Northern Line, which usually operates roughly between 06:27 and 23:58. There are some night buses which service Euston Station: N253, N20 and N5. The station is usually open 07:00-23:00 Monday-Saturday and 08:00-23:00 on Sunday.
Avanti West Coast is a train operator which provides services across key cities in the UK. Their services are frequent, and passengers can expect multiple direct London to Preston trains within the hour. Their fastest direct trains between London and Euston take only around 2h 08min. On a weekday, there are multiple direct trains during the day, and travellers can expect about one every hour during morning commute times (about 07:30 to 10:30). Longer train services often travel through Crewe or Manchester Piccadilly.
Rail transport is a very sustainable way to travel. It’s well known that transport constitutes one of the most polluting sectors and as such, public transport is being made cheaper and more accessible, to encourage travellers to opt for train or bus travel. Passengers who opt to travel by rail can expect to cut their own travel emissions by ~80% compared to taking a car, and even further compared to flying. Short distance flights, for example, from London to Preston, are the most detrimental to the planet, and travellers should weigh this up when selecting their travel routes. For destinations which allow you to travel with sustainability in mind, read the sustainability issue of our online magazine, The Window Seat.
Avanti West Coast offers a range of services for passengers travelling on board. They offer three ways to travel: standard, standard premium and first class. Standard travel passengers can expect free Wifi, power points and food and drinks ordered to your seat. If you opt for standard premium, expect additional legroom, and first-class passengers will additionally experience pre-boarding lounges in select stations, complimentary food and drinks and a dedicated onboard service. Overhead luggage smaller than 11 x 27 x 35 in (30 x 70 x 90 cm) can be stored easily in your compartment, but luggage exceeding this size should be in allocated areas by the internal doors of the carriage. Passengers are able to travel with up to two pets free of charge. You’ll need to make a reservation for a bike, but it is free of charge too. They have an app for purchasing and amending tickets, as well as keeping up with live train times. They also have a lost property service and offer an assisted-travel option for passengers with disabilities.
There are a range of options when booking a train from London to Preston, meaning passengers are able to select routes and times which may keep the price of their ticket low. Your best option when booking a cheap London to Preston train is to book a few weeks in advance, especially for travel during peak times. This is especially true when booking a Preston to London train, as you may find you’ll be competing for space during morning and evening commute times. Where possible, it may help to be flexible with travel dates; Tuesday or Wednesday travel is often the cheapest, with weekend prices usually higher. Trains which offer a stop (London to Preston stops usually include Manchester Piccadilly or Crewe) are often cheaper, especially if passengers are willing to wait at the connecting station for a period of time. If you’re not pushed for time, opting to take a longer journey rather than a high-speed service will usually save you some money as well.

Miller Park in Preston. Source: Shutterstock
Preston, named the best city to live and work in the North West, offers a range of things to do for both tourists and locals. Preston is a beautiful and historic city, with an array of outdoor sights, shopping and museums. For food and drink, tourists have many options, from cocktail bars and fine dining to pub lunches and coffee shops. Preston is also located only a short distance away from some of the largest and busiest cities in the north of England, and it’s station allows tourists easy access to them all.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from London 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 London to Preston trains use the London Euston to Preston station pair. Use this guide to compare London and Preston train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
London Euston has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food options include: Burger King, Caffè Nero, Nando's, The Signal Box, Delice de France, Tortilla, Starbucks, AMT Coffee, Upper Crust, Camden Food Co., & many more
Free public Wi-Fi available. ATMs are located in various points in the station.
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 00:00, Sat: 06:00 - 23:00, Sun: 07:00 - 00:00. Information desks are located near the center of the station's main concourse.
Luggage storage is excess Baggage Co luggage storage is located near the entrance to Platform 16 and is open daily from 08:00 to 21:00. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at London Euston: Taxis, WC.
Available at London Euston: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at London Euston: Station is fully accessible, and passengers can request assistance at the mobility assistance reception desk.
Nearby hotels include Hilton London Euston, The Wesley Euston Hotel, Travelodge London Central Euston.
London Kings Cross has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food options include: Caffè Nero, Starbucks, The Pasty Shop, Upper Crust, Giraffe World Kitchen, Black Sheep Coffee, Hotel Chocolat, Leon, Pret a Manger, Wasabi, & more
Free, unlimited Wi-Fi in the station. . ATMs are located near Platforms 11 and 10, just past Caffé Nero.
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:00 - 01:36, Sat: 05:00 - 00:36, Sun: 05:30 - 01:36. Information desks are located near the main entrance.
Luggage storage is located by the entrance of Platform 9 provided by Excess Baggage Co, open daily from 08:00 until 21:00. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at London Kings Cross: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at London Kings Cross: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at London Kings Cross: There is step-free access in the whole station to all platforms. There are elevators between the concourse and Mezzanine and London Underground ticket hall.
Nearby hotels include Point A Hotel, London Kings Cross St Pancras, Premier Inn London Kings Cross Hotel, St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel London.
Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 is 23 km from London city centre. Public transport options include:
Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3. ATMs are available at Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3.
Ticket office support is available at Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3: Parking, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Level access to platforms, lifts to airport facilities. Ticket Office is step free. Wheelchair users can board trains with ease as the platforms are level with the trains, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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