- 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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The cheapest and fastest trains from Luton to Preston
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 13 Oct
Cheapest price on 13 Oct
£32
Average ticket price on 13 Oct
£69
Fastest journey on 13 Oct
3 h 14 m
Average journey duration on 13 Oct
3 h 38 m
Trains on 13 Oct
5
Distance
261 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Luton to Preston is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Luton to Preston will cost around £69 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £32.
Fast trains
On Tue 13 Oct, we found 5 trains from Luton to Preston, including 5 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 261 km distance in an average of 3 h 38 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 14 m .
The slowest trains will take 4 h 52 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.
9:253h15Luton12:40Preston£321One-way0 changes- 8:153h23Luton11:38Preston£601One-way0 changes
- 10:253h14Luton13:39Preston£681One-way0 changes
9:404h52Luton14:32Preston£831One-way0 changes- 9:133h25Luton12:38Preston£1011One-way0 changes
- 10:253h14Luton13:39Preston£681One-way0 changes
- 9:253h15Luton12:40Preston£321One-way0 changes
- 8:153h23Luton11:38Preston£601One-way0 changes
- 9:133h25Luton12:38Preston£1011One-way0 changes
- 9:404h52Luton14:32Preston£831One-way0 changes
Journey information
Overview: Train from Luton to Preston
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Luton to Preston run on average 8 times per day, taking around 2h 59m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £51 but you can travel from only £18 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 05:04, the last at 21:40. The fastest train covers the 261 km distance in 2h 39m.
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 £18
Distance 261 km |
Average train duration 2h 59m |
Cheapest ticket price £51 |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 2h 39m |
First train 5:04 |
Last train 21:40 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sat |
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £18
Live departures
Luton to Preston train times
The table below shows live departures for Luton to Preston trains for tomorrow, Tuesday 13 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:15 Luton | 3h23 | 11:38 Preston | 0 changesdirect | |
| 9:13 Luton | 3h25 | 12:38 Preston | 0 changesdirect | |
| 9:25 Luton | 3h15 | 12:40 Preston | 0 changesdirect | |
| 9:40 Luton | 4h52 | 14:32 Preston | 0 changesdirect | |
| 10:25 Luton | 3h14 | 13:39 Preston | 0 changesdirect |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Luton to Preston trains with Omio?
Avanti West Coast as well as East Midlands Railway, Lumo, Transpennine Express and more offer trains services from Luton to Preston.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Luton 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 East Midlands Railway, Lumo or Transpennine Express to find the best option for your trip from Luton 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 Luton to Preston.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu, Raileurope or Rome2rio?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of East Midlands Railway, Lumo or Transpennine Express to find the best option for your trip from Luton 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 Luton to Preston.
Train companies: Avanti West Coast, Transpennine Express, East Midlands Railway, Lumo from Luton to Preston trainsAvanti West Coast, Transpennine Express, East Midlands Railway, Lumo trains will get you between Luton and Preston from £18. 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 39m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
£51
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 21m
Cheapest Transpennine Express Price
£72
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
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
3h 30m
Cheapest East Midlands Railway Price
£82
East Midlands Railway frequency
2 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
Lumo
About
Lumo are an open access operator launched in 2021 owned by FirstGroup providing train travel from London to Scotland and the North-East of England. It runs between London and Edinburgh along the East Coast Main Line. Lumo trains offer 100% electric travel along with amenities like comforable seating, free WiFi & their LumoEats at-seat catering in their single Standard Class. Lumo offered two ticket types their advance tickets LumoFixed which are only valid on the date and train booked but are exchangeable prior to departure and their Anytime tickets which can be used on any Lumo train on the date of your ticket.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Lumo Duration
2h 40m
Cheapest Lumo Price
£71
Lumo frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One piece of hand luggage and one piece of hold luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at the end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refunds according to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by operator
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, and light meals. First Class includes complimentary refreshments
Seat reservation
Seat reservation included with all tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces available, accessible toilets, and staff assistance for boarding
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs on leads allowed with fee
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.
- 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.
Best day trips from Preston by train
The most popular day trips by train from Preston are Manchester, Liverpool, Blackpool, Lancaster and Leeds. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your train from Preston on Omio.
Day trip from Preston to Manchester by train
Why visit Manchester for the day?
Manchester is known for its industrial heritage, influential music and deep football culture. Red-brick canalside areas, major museums and lively nightlife give it an energetic northern character.
How to get from Preston to Manchester by train?
There are 8 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:03, the last at 23:52. The fastest train covers the 45 km distance in 31m.
Day trip from Preston to Liverpool by train
Why visit Liverpool for the day?
Liverpool is known for The Beatles, football and a waterfront shaped by its maritime past. Its grand docks, museums and lively city centre give it a proud, creative character.
How to get from Preston to Liverpool by train?
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:30, the last at 23:24. The fastest train covers the 43 km distance in 47m.
Day trip from Preston to Blackpool by train
Why visit Blackpool for the day?
Blackpool is a classic Lancashire seaside resort known for its piers, ballroom heritage and the Blackpool Illuminations. The long promenade and Blackpool Tower give the town a lively, traditional holiday feel.
How to get from Preston to Blackpool by train?
There are 18 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:15, the last at 23:57. The fastest train covers the 23 km distance in 20m.
Day trip from Preston to Lancaster by train
Why visit Lancaster for the day?
Lancaster is known for its castle, Georgian architecture and ties to the House of Lancaster. Its compact centre, River Lune setting and student energy give the city a historic yet easy-going feel.
How to get from Preston to Lancaster by train?
There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:13, the last at 23:26. The fastest train covers the 34 km distance in 14m.
Day trip from Preston to Leeds by train
Why visit Leeds for the day?
Leeds is a major West Yorkshire city known for Victorian arcades, shopping and a lively music scene. Its industrial heritage, regenerated waterfront and large student population give it an energetic but down-to-earth character.
How to get from Preston to Leeds by train?
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:03, the last at 23:50. The fastest train covers the 77 km distance in 1h 22m.
FAQs: Luton to Preston train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Luton 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 Luton to Preston can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £51, while the average price tends to be around £100.
The train journey from Luton to Preston covers a distance of 261 km and takes approximately 2h 39m. Trains run 8 per day.
The train distance from Luton to Preston is 261 km.
The first train from Luton to Preston leaves at 5:04.
The last train from Luton to Preston departs at 21:40.
Trains from Luton to Preston run approximately 8 times per day.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Luton to Preston.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Luton to Preston.
There is no night train service from Luton to Preston.
The train station in Luton that goes to Preston is Luton station (LUT), and it arrives at Preston station (PRE).
Booking trains from Luton 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 Luton to Preston offers a mix of urban and countryside views, passing through the scenic landscapes of the Midlands and the rolling hills of the North West. While not among the most scenic routes in the UK, it provides pleasant views of the English countryside.
Yes, you can take the train from Luton to Preston.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Luton and Preston
Most Luton to Preston trains use the Luton to Preston station pair. Use this guide to compare Luton and Preston train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Luton
Arrival train stations in Preston
Which Luton station do trains to Preston leave from?
Trains from Luton to Preston leave from Luton. The station is from Luton city centre at Luton station, Station Road, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU1 2LT.
LutonLuton station, Station Road, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU1 2LT
City-centre transport
Getting to Luton from Luton city centre
Bus17 · 7m · £2 · every ~2 min
Luton train station facilities and services
Luton has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Luton.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Luton. ATMs are available at Luton.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Luton.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Luton: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Luton: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Luton: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category B3 station: Step free access via lift to platform 5 only (some trains to Bedford/ the East Midlands) only. Steps to all other platforms. Assistance Meeting Point is the Ticket Office. This station doesn't have tactile surfaces along all platform edges. Please pay attention to where the platform surface changes from smooth to paved or contact us for assistance, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All Thameslink ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. Ticket machines are of an accessible design, however their location and the station itself may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Wheelchairs may only be available when the station is staffed, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Luton Airport ParkwayLuton Airport Parkway station, Parkway Road, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU1 3JW
City-centre transport
Getting to Luton Airport Parkway from Luton city centre
Luton Airport Parkway is 1 km from Luton city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainCorby - London St Pancras International, Sheffield - London St Pancras International, Nottingham - London St Pancras International, Kettering - London St Pancras International, Wellingborough - London St Pancras International, East Midlands Parkway - London St Pancras International · 2m · £0.89 · every ~4 min
BusX4, X1, X2, Z, A, X3 · 5m · £4 · every ~41 min
612, X10 · 5m · £0.89 · every ~2 min
44, 45, 366 · 6m · £2 · every ~2 min
101, 100 · 10m · £4 · every ~7 min
Luton Airport Parkway train station facilities and services
Luton Airport Parkway has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Luton Airport Parkway.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Luton Airport Parkway. ATMs are available at Luton Airport Parkway.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Luton Airport Parkway.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Luton Airport Parkway: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Luton Airport Parkway: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Luton Airport Parkway: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station: This station has step-free level access to all platforms via lifts. Assistance Meeting Point is the Ticket Office, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All Thameslink ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. Ticket machines are of an accessible design, however their location and the station itself may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Wheelchairs may only be available when the station is staffed, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Luton DART ParkwayLuton LU2 0HB, UK
Luton DART Parkway train station facilities and services
Luton DART Parkway has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Luton DART Parkway: The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible.
Which Preston station do trains from Luton arrive at?
Trains from Luton 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 Luton to Preston
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Preston and Luton
Most popular train connections to Preston
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