- Recommended
Banbury Museum & Gallery
Local museum in Banbury Museum & Gallery, covering the town’s trade, canal heritage and the Civil War story.
Cheapest price on 19 Sept
£54
Average ticket price on 19 Sept
£69
Fastest journey on 19 Sept
2 h 58 m
Average journey duration on 19 Sept
3 h 21 m
Trains on 19 Sept
5
Distance
211 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Preston to Banbury is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Preston to Banbury will cost around £69 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £54.
To travel from Preston to Banbury you need to make at least one change.
W33649+
G01177
W33686+
G01179
G01014+
G89833
G01010+
G89828
G01017+
G89839
W33686+
G01179
W33649+
G01177
G01014+
G89833
G01010+
G89828
G01017+
G89839Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Preston to Banbury among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £83 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 4h 12m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £83, while a train costs an average of £83.
Distance: 211 km
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
£83 Average Price Cheapest | £41 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 12m Average total duration Fastest 3h 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 53m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Tickets start at around £83 compared to roughly £41 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-41.16. The journey takes 3h 42m versus 2h 53m 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 Preston to Banbury trains for tomorrow, Saturday 19 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W33649+ G01177 | 8:17 Preston station (PRE) | 3h00 | 11:17 Banbury station (BAN) | 1 change | |
G89828+ G01010 | 8:20 Preston station (PRE) | 3h35 | 11:55 Banbury station (BAN) | 1 change | |
W33686+ G01179 | 9:18 Preston station (PRE) | 2h58 | 12:16 Banbury station (BAN) | 1 change | |
G89833+ G01014 | 9:21 Preston station (PRE) | 3h33 | 12:54 Banbury station (BAN) | 1 change | |
G89839+ G01017 | 10:20 Preston station (PRE) | 3h37 | 13:57 Banbury station (BAN) | 1 change |
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 Preston to Banbury run on average 5 times per day, taking around 3h 42m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £62 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 06:00, the last at 21:18. The fastest train covers the 211 km distance in 2h 36m.
Distance 211 km |
Average train duration 3h 42m |
Cheapest ticket price £62 |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 2h 36m |
First train 6:00 |
Last train 21:18 |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Discover the best of Banbury — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Banbury trip today.
Local museum in Banbury Museum & Gallery, covering the town’s trade, canal heritage and the Civil War story.
Exhibits traditional narrowboats, canal craft and working boatyard history at a distinctive canal-side heritage site.
A family-friendly military museum with uniforms, vehicles and displays on the history of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.
Historic square and surrounding streets with market activity, heritage buildings and easy access to Banbury’s main sights.
Canal-side shopping and leisure area with waterside walks, modern public spaces and easy access to the museum and town centre.
A green riverside park with open lawns, a children’s play area and pleasant walking routes close to central Banbury.
A spiced fruit pastry linked to Banbury since the 17th century. Its currant filling and oval shape make it the town’s best-known traditional food.
A rich pie of layered meat, suet pastry and spices, long associated with Oxfordshire fairs and rural cooking near Banbury.
A classic pub dish of sausages with mashed potato and onion gravy. It is a staple across Oxfordshire and widely eaten in Banbury.
Contemporary steakhouse and grill offering steaks, burgers and cocktails in a polished town-centre dining room.
Popular modern Indian restaurant serving curries, grills and house specials in a smart but approachable setting.
Well-known riverside pub and restaurant near Banbury, valued for British dishes, Sunday roasts and a comfortable country feel.
Moderate for England: rooms, dining and rail are pricier than many UK towns, but Banbury is usually cheaper than Oxford or London for visitors.
Service is sometimes included. If not, tip about 10% in restaurants for good service. Taxis are often rounded up or tipped 10%. Tipping in cafés is optional.
Official public transport app
Banbury Station -> Banbury Town Centre
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Preston to Banbury 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 Banbury, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Preston to Banbury trains use the Preston to Banbury station pair. Use this guide to compare Preston and Banbury train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
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.
Banbury has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Banbury.
Wi-Fi is available at Banbury. ATMs are available at Banbury.
Ticket office support is available at Banbury.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Banbury: Parking, WC.
Available at Banbury: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Banbury: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step Free Access Category A. Step free access to all platforms via lifts, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible taxis: If you would like us to assist you in booking an accessible taxi for your onward journey please contact 03456 005 165, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Monday - Friday 05:00 - 00:15 Saturday 05:00 - 00:15 Sunday 08:00 - 00:20, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
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