- Recommended
Barnstaple Museum
Local museum on the square covering North Devon history, archaeology and everyday life in an accessible town-centre setting.
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Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Preston to Barnstaple
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Preston to Barnstaple among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £112 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 7h 56m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £112, while a train costs an average of £193.
Distance: 312 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Coach |
|---|---|
£193 Average Price | £112 Average Price Cheapest |
7h 56m Average total duration Fastest 7h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 16h 8m Average total duration 15h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Compare prices and tickets Preston to Barnstaple by coach or train
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.
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Why should you book Preston to Barnstaple trains with Omio?
Avanti West Coast operates all trains services from Preston to Barnstaple.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Preston to Barnstaple.
Why book with Omio vs Avanti West Coast?
- 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 Avanti West Coast with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Preston to Barnstaple.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Preston to Barnstaple.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Preston to Barnstaple
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Preston to Barnstaple run on average 6 times per day, taking around 7h 26m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £192 but you can travel from only £112 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 06:18, the last at 16:31. The fastest train covers the 312 km distance in 6h 6m.
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 £112
Distance 312 km |
Average train duration 7h 26m |
Cheapest ticket price £192 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 6h 6m |
First train 6:18 |
Last train 16:31 |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 1 day |
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 £112
Train companies: Avanti West Coast from Preston to Barnstaple trainsAvanti West Coast trains will get you between Preston and Barnstaple from £112. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
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 Duration
6h 6m
Cheapest Price
£192
Avanti West Coast frequency
16 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 Barnstaple
Things to do in Barnstaple
Discover the best of Barnstaple — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Barnstaple trip today.
- Recommended
The Burton at Bideford
Contemporary art gallery inside The Burton, showing changing exhibitions and craft-focused displays in a central modern venue.
Barnstaple Railway Museum
Family-focused heritage attraction with model railways, transport displays and interactive exhibits linked to local engineering history.
- Must visit
Tarka Trail
Long traffic-free walking and cycling route on a former railway line, linking Barnstaple with estuary scenery and nearby villages.
- Recommended
Rock Park
Riverside park with gardens, play areas and open lawns, popular for relaxed walks beside the River Taw near the town centre.
- Recommended
Butchers Row
Historic shopping street with period buildings, independent shops and a strong sense of Barnstaple’s traditional market-town character.
- Vegetarian
Devon Cream Tea
A rich Devon cream tea of scones, clotted cream and jam. In Devon tradition, cream goes on before jam, making it a local point of pride.
Devon Splits
Small sweet buns flavoured with dried fruit, lemon and spice. Traditionally eaten in Devon around festivals and with tea.
- Gluten-free
Kedgeree
A lightly curried rice dish with fish, often smoked haddock, plus eggs and butter. Popular across Devon as a hearty seaside supper.
Claytons & The Glasshouse
Popular Turkish restaurant known for grilled meats, meze and warm service. Lively yet comfortable for casual dinners in town.
62 The Bank + Bar + Bistro
Established town-centre bistro serving British and European dishes in a relaxed, polished setting. Good for lunch or an easy evening meal.
Giovanni's & Luca's
Long-running Italian restaurant with pizzas, pasta and classic mains. Friendly, dependable and suited to families and groups.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK. Rooms and dining cost less than in major tourist cities, while local buses and casual meals are fairly affordable for most visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- £15-25 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £45+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.80-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Taxi fares are often rounded up. Cafés do not require tips, but small change is appreciated.
Stagecoach Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.00
- Day pass
- >£2.00 cap
To the city centre
Barnstaple railway station -> Barnstaple Bus Station
- Distance
- 0.8 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Most local buses in Barnstaple are Stagecoach services; the Stagecoach Bus app is the official tool for tickets, live tracking and journey planning.
- The official capped single fare shown by Stagecoach is £2.00, and contactless payment is generally available on Stagecoach buses.
FAQs: Preston to Barnstaple train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Preston to Barnstaple 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 Barnstaple, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Preston to Barnstaple can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £192, while the average price tends to be around £193.
The train journey from Preston to Barnstaple covers a distance of 312 km and takes approximately 6h 6m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Preston to Barnstaple is 312 km.
The first train from Preston to Barnstaple leaves at 6:18.
The last train from Preston to Barnstaple departs at 16:31.
Trains from Preston to Barnstaple run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Preston to Barnstaple.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Preston to Barnstaple.
To get from Preston to Barnstaple, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Preston to Barnstaple.
The train station in Preston that goes to Barnstaple is Preston station (PRE), and it arrives at Barnstaple station (BNP).
The cheapest way to get from Preston to Barnstaple is by coach, costing approximately £112.
Booking trains from Preston to Barnstaple in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Preston to Barnstaple offers a mix of scenic countryside views, passing through rolling hills and picturesque landscapes, especially as it heads into Devon.
A day trip from Preston to Barnstaple is not feasible as the journey takes 6h 6m. Although there are 4 trains per day, the distance is 312 km.
A visit to Barnstaple can typically be enjoyed over 2 to 3 days, giving you enough time to explore the town's historic centre, visit the Pannier Market, and enjoy the nearby countryside and coast.
Yes, you can take the train from Preston to Barnstaple.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Preston and Barnstaple
Most Preston to Barnstaple trains use the Preston to Barnstaple station pair. Use this guide to compare Preston and Barnstaple train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Preston
Arrival train stations in Barnstaple
Which Preston station do trains to Barnstaple leave from?
Trains from Preston to Barnstaple leave from Preston. The station is 1 km from Preston city centre at Fishergate, Preston PR1 8AP, United Kingdom.
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.
Which Barnstaple station do trains from Preston arrive at?
Trains from Preston to Barnstaple arrive at Barnstaple. Barnstaple is 1 km from Barnstaple city centre.
BarnstapleBarnstaple station, Station Road, Barnstaple, Devon, EX31 2AU+44 3451652030
City-centre transport
Getting to Barnstaple from Barnstaple city centre
Bus21, 21A, 372, 301, 71, 72, 319, 155, 15, 21B, 310, 309, 303, 19, 5B, 85 · 5m · £2 · every ~31 min
301, 921, 21B, 310, 309, 303, 19 · 9m · £2 · every ~14 min
Barnstaple train station facilities and services
Barnstaple has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food options include: Station Masters Cafe
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Barnstaple.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Barnstaple: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Barnstaple: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Barnstaple: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step free Category A station - step free access available to the platform. 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: Public telephones are not accessible, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available, 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.
Most popular train connections from Preston
More options for your journey from Preston to Barnstaple
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Barnstaple and Preston
Most popular train connections to Barnstaple
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