- Must visit
Cannon Hall Museum
Gallery and museum in Cannon Hall Park, showing fine and decorative arts in an elegant country house. A strong choice for art and interiors.
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Preston to Barnsley among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £34 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 36m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £34, while a train costs an average of £34.
Distance: 85 km
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
£34 Average Price Cheapest | £19 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 36m Average total duration Fastest 2h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 57m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Tickets start at around £34 compared to roughly £19 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-15.10. The journey takes 2h 6m versus 1h 57m 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.
Compare coach and 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 Barnsley run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 6m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £23 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 21:10. The fastest train covers the 85 km distance in 1h 45m.
Distance 85 km |
Average train duration 2h 6m |
Cheapest ticket price £23 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 1h 45m |
First train 0:02 |
Last train 21:10 |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Discover the best of Barnsley — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Barnsley trip today.
Gallery and museum in Cannon Hall Park, showing fine and decorative arts in an elegant country house. A strong choice for art and interiors.
Modern museum exploring Barnsley’s social and industrial story through interactive displays, archives and local objects in the town centre.
Working watermill museum where visitors can see traditional milling machinery and learn about rural industry beside the reservoir and park.
Large landscaped park around a country house, with lakes, gardens and walks. Popular for relaxed strolling and family visits in all seasons.
Historic park with woodland, open grass and routes to a folly viewpoint. A local favourite for walking and seeing a quieter side of Barnsley.
Town-centre square used for markets, events and seasonal displays. A practical starting point for exploring Barnsley’s civic and shopping core.
A South Yorkshire staple of cured beef, usually sliced for sandwiches or salads. It is closely associated with nearby Sheffield and widely eaten across Barnsley.
A rich fruit loaf flavoured with tea and spice, traditionally served sliced with butter. It is a classic Yorkshire bake found in local cafés and homes.
A crisp, flat oatcake or biscuit from Yorkshire, often eaten with Wensleydale cheese. It is a long-standing regional bakery favourite.
Well-known Barnsley steakhouse and grill serving steaks, burgers and hearty mains in a casual, family-friendly setting.
Popular Indian restaurant known for classic curries, tandoori dishes and dependable service in a comfortable town-centre setting.
Traditional pub and dining rooms in Cannon Hall with classic British dishes, Sunday roasts and a polished but relaxed country-house atmosphere.
Barnsley is generally cheaper than larger UK tourist cities, with lower dining and lodging costs and reasonably priced local transport.
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up taxi fares. Cafes and pubs usually do not expect tips, but small change is appreciated.
Official public transport app
Barnsley Interchange -> The Glass Works Square, Barnsley
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Preston to Barnsley 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 Barnsley, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Preston to Barnsley trains use the Preston to Barnsley station pair. Use this guide to compare Preston and Barnsley 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.
Barnsley has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
ATMs are available at Barnsley.
Ticket office support is available at Barnsley.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Barnsley: Parking, WC.
Available at Barnsley: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Barnsley: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A Station, Scooter Friendly Station - This station is only staffed for some of the day. Assistance available during booking office hours. There are 2 platforms at the station which can be accessed via the lift with level access from station entrance. Accessible pick up and set down points. Lifts open for all train services, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: As per ticket office opening hours, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
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