- Must visit
The Harris
Major city museum and library in a landmark building, known for art, history and regular exhibitions in the Harris Quarter.
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
Travel Information
Compare coach, train and flight for Norwich to Preston
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Norwich to Preston among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £49 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 45m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £49, while a flight costs an average of £826.
Distance: 296 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Coach | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£120 Average Price | £49 Average Price Cheapest | £826 Average Price | £59 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 15m Average total duration 4h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 33m Average total duration 11h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 45m Average total duration Fastest 2h 45m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 5h 3m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Norwich to Preston is a coach with an average price of £49.
This is compared to other travel options from Norwich to Preston:
A coach is £71 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Norwich to Preston costing on average £120.
A coach is £778 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Norwich to Preston costing on average £826.
The fastest way to travel from Norwich to Preston is by flight with an average journey time of 2h 45m.
Other travel options to Preston take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 45m.
Coach takes on average 11h 3m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Norwich and Preston including taking a coach, train and flight.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 18m sooner (4h 45m by train vs 5h 3m by car). Tickets start at around £120 compared to roughly £59 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.
Compare prices and tickets Norwich to Preston by coach, train or flight
Compare coach, train 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.
Sun
20 Sept
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
22 Sept
Wed
23 Sept
23 Sept
Thu
24 Sept
24 Sept
Fri
25 Sept
25 Sept
Sat
26 Sept
26 Sept
Why should you book Norwich to Preston trains with Omio?
Transpennine Express as well as CrossCountry, Northern Rail, East Midlands Railway, London North Eastern Railway and more offer trains services from Norwich to Preston.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Norwich 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 CrossCountry, Northern Rail, East Midlands Railway or London North Eastern Railway to find the best option for your trip from Norwich 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 bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Norwich 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 CrossCountry, Northern Rail, East Midlands Railway or London North Eastern Railway to find the best option for your trip from Norwich to Preston.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Norwich to Preston.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Norwich to Preston
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Norwich to Preston run on average 9 times per day, taking around 4h 45m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £53 but you can travel from only £38 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 05:33, the last at 20:08. The fastest train covers the 296 km distance in 4h 1m.
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 £38
Distance 296 km |
Average train duration 4h 45m |
Cheapest ticket price £53 |
Trains per day 9 |
Fastest train 4h 1m |
First train 5:33 |
Last train 20:08 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
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 £38
Train companies: Transpennine Express, CrossCountry, Northern Rail, East Midlands Railway, London North Eastern Railway, Avanti West Coast from Norwich to Preston trainsTranspennine Express, CrossCountry, Northern Rail, East Midlands Railway, London North Eastern Railway, Avanti West Coast trains will get you between Norwich and Preston from £38. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
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
4h 21m
Cheapest Transpennine Express Price
£146
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
CrossCountry
About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average CrossCountry Duration
4h 15m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£146
CrossCountry frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone
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
4h 35m
Cheapest Northern Rail Price
£53
Northern Rail frequency
2 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
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
4h 29m
Cheapest East Midlands Railway Price
£74
East Midlands Railway frequency
3 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
London North Eastern Railway
About
LNER is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates a wide range of services, from high-speed intercity trains to local services. Its most popular routes include London to Edinburgh, London to Leeds, and London to York. LNER offers a variety of train types, including the Azuma, InterCity 225, and HST. The Azuma is a modern, high-speed train that offers comfortable seating and onboard Wi-Fi. The InterCity 225 is a classic train that offers a more traditional experience. The HST is a high-speed train that offers a smooth ride and plenty of legroom. LNER offers a variety of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak. Advance tickets are the cheapest option and must be booked in advance. Anytime tickets are more expensive but can be used at any time. Off-Peak tickets are the most affordable option for travelling during off-peak times. Onboard facilities include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. LNER also offers a range of discounts and special offers, making it an affordable and convenient way to travel.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average London North Eastern Railway Duration
4h 41m
Cheapest London North Eastern Railway Price
£74
London North Eastern Railway frequency
2 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
Refund policies apply as per ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund available if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, and light meals. First Class passengers receive complimentary refreshments
Seat reservation
Seat reservations are included with Advance tickets. Optional for other ticket types at £0-£2 per person depending on route
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 pets 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
4h 1m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
£121
Avanti West Coast frequency
3 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
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.
FAQs: Norwich to Preston train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Norwich 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 Norwich to Preston can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £53, while the average price tends to be around £120.
The train journey from Norwich to Preston covers a distance of 296 km and takes approximately 4h 1m. Trains run 9 per day.
The train distance from Norwich to Preston is 296 km.
The first train from Norwich to Preston leaves at 5:33.
The last train from Norwich to Preston departs at 20:08.
Trains from Norwich to Preston run approximately 9 times per day.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Norwich to Preston.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Norwich to Preston.
To get from Norwich to Preston, you can choose from several travel options including coach, train and flight.
There is no night train service from Norwich to Preston.
The train station in Norwich that goes to Preston is Norwich station (NRW), and it arrives at Preston station (PRE).
The cheapest way to get from Norwich to Preston is by coach, costing approximately £38.
Booking trains from Norwich 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 Norwich to Preston offers varied landscapes, including the picturesque countryside of East Anglia and the rolling hills of the Midlands, making it a scenic route for travellers.
A day trip from Norwich to Preston is not feasible as the journey duration is 4h 1m. However, there are 5 train services per day covering the 296 km distance.
To fully explore Preston's key attractions, such as the Harris Museum, Avenham and Miller Parks, and the Ribble Steam Railway, a stay of two to three days is recommended.
Yes, you can take the train from Norwich to Preston.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Norwich and Preston
Most Norwich to Preston trains use the Norwich to Preston station pair. Use this guide to compare Norwich and Preston train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Norwich
Arrival train stations in Preston
Which Norwich station do trains to Preston leave from?
Trains from Norwich to Preston leave from Norwich. The station is 1 km from Norwich city centre at Norwich station, Station Approach, Norwich, Norfolk, NR1 1EF.
NorwichNorwich station, Station Approach, Norwich, Norfolk, NR1 1EF
City-centre transport
Getting to Norwich from Norwich city centre
Bus8, 35, 8A, 9, 2, 8C · 2m · £2 · every ~14 min
132 · 14m · £2
Norwich train station facilities and services
Norwich 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 and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Norwich.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Norwich. ATMs are available at Norwich.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Norwich. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point, Helpline Contact: 0800 028 28 78, 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 Norwich: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Norwich: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Norwich: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: Details of nearest taxis are shown on station information poster, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Ticket machines are located in the ticket hall and on the station concourse, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Which Preston station do trains from Norwich arrive at?
Trains from Norwich 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.
Most popular train connections from Norwich
More options for your journey from Norwich to Preston
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Preston and Norwich
Most popular train connections to Preston
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
