Paignton to Preston train with CrossCountry

Fri 18 Sept
+ Add return
CrossCountry
Cross Country
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
2,000+ travel companies
CrossCountry
Cross Country
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
2,000+ travel companies
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Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Paignton to Preston

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Paignton to Preston among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £57 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 5h 19m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £57, while a train costs an average of £318.

Distance: 375 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Driving

£318

Average Price

£57

Average Price

Cheapest

£77

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

5h 19m

Average total duration

Fastest

4h 49m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

13h 54m

Average total duration

13h 24m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 10m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Paignton to Preston is a coach with an average price of £57.

This is compared to other travel options from Paignton to Preston:

A coach is £261 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Paignton to Preston costing on average £318.

The fastest way to travel from Paignton to Preston is by train with an average journey time of 4h 49m.

Other travel options to Preston take longer:

Coach takes on average 13h 24m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Paignton and Preston including taking a train and coach.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.

You'll arrive about 21m sooner (4h 49m by train vs 5h 10m by car). Tickets start at around £318 compared to roughly £77 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.

Live departures

Paignton to Preston train times

The table below shows live departures for Paignton to Preston trains for today, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Great Western Railway (GWR)6:34 Paignton
5h16
11:50 Preston2 changes
Great Western Railway (GWR)7:39 Paignton
5h11
12:50 Preston2 changes
Great Western Railway (GWR)8:45 Paignton
5h05
13:50 Preston2 changes
Great Western Railway (GWR)9:16 Paignton
5h35
14:51 Preston2 changes
Great Western Railway (GWR)10:41 Paignton
5h09
15:50 Preston2 changes
Great Western Railway (GWR)11:20 Paignton
5h30
16:50 Preston2 changes
Great Western Railway (GWR)12:20 Paignton
5h32
17:52 Preston2 changes
Great Western Railway (GWR)13:40 Paignton
5h10
18:50 Preston2 changes
Cross Country14:38 Paignton
5h13
19:51 Preston2 changes
Great Western Railway (GWR)15:22 Paignton
5h28
20:50 Preston2 changes
Cross Country20:10 Paignton
11h40
7:50 Preston2 changes

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Paignton to Preston by train or coach

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.

Fri
18 Sept
Sat
19 Sept
Sun
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
Wed
23 Sept
Thu
24 Sept

Why should you book Paignton to Preston trains with Omio?

CrossCountry as well as Cross Country or Great Western Railway (GWR) offer trains services from Paignton to Preston.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Paignton to Preston.

Why book with Omio vs CrossCountry?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for CrossCountry, but also compare tickets for the likes of Cross Country or Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Paignton 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 CrossCountry with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Paignton to Preston.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Paignton to Preston.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Paignton to Preston

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Paignton to Preston run on average 4 times per day, taking around 4h 49m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £300 but you can travel from only £53 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 05:50, the last at 17:40. The fastest train covers the 375 km distance in 5h 5m.

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 £53
Distance
375 km
Average train duration
4h 49m
Cheapest ticket price
£300
Trains per day
4
Fastest train
5h 5m
First train
5:50
Last train
17:40
Cheapest Month
Aug
Cheapest Day
Fri
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 £53

Train companies: CrossCountry, Cross Country, Great Western Railway (GWR) from Paignton to Preston trainsCrossCountry, Cross Country, Great Western Railway (GWR) trains will get you between Paignton and Preston from £53. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

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
5h 36m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£102
CrossCountry frequency
2 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

Cross Country

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Cross Country Duration
5h 13m
Cheapest Cross Country Price
£328
Cross Country frequency
2 a day

Great Western Railway (GWR)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Great Western Railway (GWR) Duration
5h 5m
Cheapest Great Western Railway (GWR) Price
£300
Great Western Railway (GWR) frequency
10 a day

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.

  • Must visit

The Harris

Major city museum and library in a landmark building, known for art, history and regular exhibitions in the Harris Quarter.

  • 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.

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.

FAQs: Paignton to Preston train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Paignton 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.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Paignton to Preston can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £300, while the average price tends to be around £318.
The train journey from Paignton to Preston covers a distance of 375 km and takes approximately 5h 5m. Trains run 4 per day.
The train distance from Paignton to Preston is 375 km.
The first train from Paignton to Preston leaves at 5:50.
The last train from Paignton to Preston departs at 17:40.
Trains from Paignton to Preston run approximately 4 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Paignton to Preston.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Paignton to Preston.
To get from Paignton to Preston, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Paignton to Preston.
The train station in Paignton that goes to Preston is Paignton station (PGN), and it arrives at Preston station (PRE).
The cheapest way to get from Paignton to Preston is by coach, costing approximately £53.
Booking trains from Paignton 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 Paignton to Preston offers a scenic experience, especially as it travels along the picturesque Devon coast and through the rolling countryside of the West Country and the Midlands.
A day trip from Paignton to Preston is not feasible due to the travel duration of 5h 5m and a distance of 375 km. There are 2 train trips available per day.
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 Paignton to Preston.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Paignton and Preston

Most Paignton to Preston trains use the Paignton to Preston station pair. Use this guide to compare Paignton and Preston train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Paignton
Arrival train stations in Preston

Which Paignton station do trains to Preston leave from?

Trains from Paignton to Preston leave from Paignton. The station is from Paignton city centre at Paignton station, Station Square, Paignton, Devon, TQ4 5EF.
PaigntonPaignton station, Station Square, Paignton, Devon, TQ4 5EF+44 3451652030ParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Paignton from Paignton city centre

Location for Rail Replacement ServicesFrom the front of the station

Paignton train station facilities and services

Paignton has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Car Rental.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Paignton.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Paignton.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Paignton: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Paignton: Bike Parking, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Paignton: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access note: Step Free Category B1 Station Step free access available to both platforms, access between platforms via level crossing to the north of the station. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible public telephones: The public phones are not accessible, Accessible taxis: Contact local taxi companies for details of accessible taxis or member of staff, 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.

More options for your journey from Paignton to Preston

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