- 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
£112
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£136
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
5 h 44 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
6 h 15 m
Trains on 18 Sept
4
Distance
343 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Oban to Preston is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Oban to Preston will cost around £136 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £112.
To travel from Oban to Preston you need to make at least one change.








Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Oban to Preston among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £52 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 6h 22m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £52, while a train costs an average of £134.
Distance: 343 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£134 Average Price | £52 Average Price Cheapest | £74 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 22m Average total duration Fastest 5h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 29m Average total duration 8h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 23m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Oban to Preston:
A coach is £82 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Oban to Preston costing on average £134.
Other travel options to Preston take longer:
Coach takes on average 8h 59m.
Tickets start at around £134 compared to roughly £74 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-59.97. The journey takes 5h 52m versus 5h 23m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Oban 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 5:17 Oban | 6h31 | 11:48 Preston | 1 change | |
![]() | 8:56 Oban | 5h44 | 14:40 Preston | 1 change | |
![]() | 14:41 Oban | 6h16 | 20:57 Preston | 1 change | |
![]() | 20:39 Oban | 6h27 | 3:06 Preston | 1 change | |
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 Oban to Preston run on average 3 times per day, taking around 5h 52m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £112 but you can travel from only £52 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 05:33, the last at 14:54. The fastest train covers the 343 km distance in 5h 44m.
Distance 343 km |
Average train duration 5h 52m |
Cheapest ticket price £112 |
Trains per day 3 |
Fastest train 5h 44m |
First train 5:33 |
Last train 14:54 |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
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 Oban 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.

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