- 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
£37
Average price
£57
Fastest journey
2 h 31 m
Average duration
2 h 31 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
233 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Milton Keynes to Preston is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Milton Keynes to Preston will cost around £57 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £37.
Of the 2 trains that leave Milton Keynes for Preston every day 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 233 km distance in an average of 2 h 31 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 31 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 31 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 Milton Keynes 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 train which can get you there in 2h 23m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £27, and a train costs an average of £34.
Distance: 233 km
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£64 Average Price | £38 Average Price Cheapest |
2h 53m Average total duration Fastest 2h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 56m Average total duration 9h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
The table below shows live departures for Milton Keynes to Preston trains for today, Monday 3 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:17 Milton Keynes | 1h52 | 8:09 Preston | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and coach 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 Milton Keynes to Preston run on average 8 times per day, taking around 2h 23m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £34 but you can travel from only £27 by coach.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:32, the last at 22:10. The fastest train covers the 233 km distance in 1h 52m.
Distance 233 km |
Average train duration 2h 23m |
Cheapest ticket price £34 |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 1h 52m |
First train 5:32 |
Last train 22:10 |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 35 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 Milton Keynes 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 Milton Keynes to Preston trains use the Milton Keynes Central to Preston station pair. Use this guide to compare Milton Keynes and Preston train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Milton Keynes Central is 1 km from Milton Keynes city centre. Public transport options include:
Milton Keynes Central has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Milton Keynes Central.
ATMs are available at Milton Keynes Central.
Ticket office support is available at Milton Keynes Central. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 0248 997, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Available at Milton Keynes Central: Parking, WC.
Available at Milton Keynes Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Milton Keynes Central: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are accessible - situated on the concourse and at the front of the station outside the main entrance, 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: 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