- 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 on 18 Sept
£99
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£99
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
4 h 18 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
4 h 18 m
Trains on 18 Sept
1
Distance
284 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Maidenhead to Preston is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Maidenhead to Preston will cost around £99 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £99.
On Fri 18 Sept, we found 1 trains from Maidenhead to Preston, including 1 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 284 km distance in an average of 4 h 18 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 18 m .
The slowest trains will take 4 h 18 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.


Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Maidenhead to Preston among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £223 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 52m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £223, while a train costs an average of £223.
Distance: 284 km
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
£223 Average Price Cheapest | £55 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 52m Average total duration Fastest 3h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 20m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
You'll arrive about 58m sooner (3h 22m by train vs 4h 20m by car). Tickets start at around £223 compared to roughly £55 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Maidenhead to Preston trains for today, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 16:43 Maidenhead | 4h08 | 20:51 Preston | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train 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 Maidenhead to Preston run on average 5 times per day, taking around 3h 22m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £183 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 02:37, the last at 20:25. The fastest train covers the 284 km distance in 3h 50m.
Distance 284 km |
Average train duration 3h 22m |
Cheapest ticket price £183 |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 3h 50m |
First train 2:37 |
Last train 20:25 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
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
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Maidenhead 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 Maidenhead to Preston trains use the Maidenhead to Preston station pair. Use this guide to compare Maidenhead and Preston train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Maidenhead has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Maidenhead.
Wi-Fi is available at Maidenhead.
Ticket office support is available at Maidenhead.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Maidenhead: Parking, WC.
Available at Maidenhead: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Maidenhead: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step-free category B1 station - this station has a degree of step-free access to the platforms. Platforms 2 to 5 are accessed via the lifts from the subway. Platform 1 is only step free accessible via the Shoppenhangers Road Car Park, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: Yes, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available. Please request staff assistance, 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: Yes.
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