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The cheapest and fastest trains from Preston to Birmingham
Showing times and prices for 20 Feb
Cheapest price
£9
Average price
£16
Fastest journey
1 h 48 m
Average duration
1 h 48 m
Trains per day
12
Distance
153 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Preston to Birmingham is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Preston to Birmingham will cost around £16 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £9.
Fast trains
Of the 12 trains that leave Preston for Birmingham every day 12 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 153 km distance in an average of 1 h 48 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 48 m .
The slowest trains will take 1 h 48 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
W0198008:171h49
Preston station (PRE)10:06Birmingham New Street (BHM)
£91One-way
0 changes
L0236317:181h49
Preston station (PRE)19:07Birmingham New Street (BHM)
£121One-way
0 changes
L0235709:191h48
Preston station (PRE)11:07Birmingham New Street (BHM)
£121One-way
0 changes
W0294018:181h48
Preston station (PRE)20:06Birmingham New Street (BHM)
£121One-way
0 changes
C0138112:181h48
Preston station (PRE)14:06Birmingham New Street (BHM)
£121One-way
0 changes
L0235709:191h48
Preston station (PRE)11:07Birmingham New Street (BHM)
£121One-way
0 changes
W0294018:181h48
Preston station (PRE)20:06Birmingham New Street (BHM)
£121One-way
0 changes
C0138112:181h48
Preston station (PRE)14:06Birmingham New Street (BHM)
£121One-way
0 changes
W0196619:181h48
Preston station (PRE)21:06Birmingham New Street (BHM)
£121One-way
0 changes
C0138216:181h48
Preston station (PRE)18:06Birmingham New Street (BHM)
£121One-way
0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Preston to Birmingham
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Preston to Birmingham among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from £9. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 26m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £9, and a coach costs an average of £11.
Distance: 153 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£20 Average Price Cheapest | £20 Average Price |
2h 56m Average total duration Fastest 2h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 10m Average total duration 3h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Preston to Birmingham train times
The table below shows live departures for Preston to Birmingham trains for today, Thursday 19 February. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 11:37
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18:18 Preston | 1h48 | 20:06 Birmingham | 0 changesdirect | |
| Friday 20 February | |||||
| W01980 | On time 08:17 Preston station (PRE) | 1h49 | 10:06 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 0 changesdirect | |
| L02357 | On time 09:19 Preston station (PRE) | 1h48 | 11:07 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 0 changesdirect | |
| W02948 | On time 10:18 Preston station (PRE) | 1h48 | 12:06 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 0 changesdirect | |
| W02947 | On time 11:18 Preston station (PRE) | 1h48 | 13:06 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 0 changesdirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Preston to Birmingham 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.
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Why should you book Preston to Birmingham trains with Omio?
Avanti West Coast as well as CrossCountry or Northern Rail (3) offer trains services from Preston to Birmingham.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Preston to Birmingham.
Why book with Omio vs Avanti West Coast?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Avanti West Coast, but also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry or Northern Rail (3) to find the best option for your trip from Preston to Birmingham.
- 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 train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Preston to Birmingham.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu, Raileurope or Trip?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry or Northern Rail (3) to find the best option for your trip from Preston to Birmingham.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Preston to Birmingham.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Preston to Birmingham
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Preston to Birmingham run on average 7 times per day, taking around 2h 26m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £9 if you book in advance.
There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 01:28, the last at 22:30. The fastest train covers the 153 km distance in 1h 38m.
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
Distance 153 km |
Average train duration 2h 26m |
Cheapest ticket price £9 |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 4 |
Fastest train 1h 38m |
First train 01:28 |
Last train 22:30 |
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
Train companies: Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, Northern Rail (3) from Preston to Birmingham trainsAvanti West Coast, CrossCountry, Northern Rail (3) trains will get you between Preston and Birmingham from £9. 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
1h 38m
Cheapest Price
£9
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
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 Duration
2h 32m
Cheapest Price
£14
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
Northern Rail (3)
About
Northern Trains is a publicly owned train operating company in the United Kingdom, headquartered in York. It runs local and commuter services across the north of England, connecting regions including the North East, North West, East Midlands, Staffordshire, Yorkshire, and the Humber coastline. As part of the National Rail network, Northern operates under a coordinated fare and ticketing system alongside other UK train companies.Ticket types include Advance, Off-Peak, Anytime Day, single, return, and season tickets, with only one class option available: Standard. Onboard amenities may include comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and refreshments on select services. Popular routes include connections between major northern cities such as Manchester, Liverpool, and Leeds.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Northern Rail (3) frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
See refund policy for ticket types
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most services with drinks and snacks. Some stations have cafes and shops
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available but not mandatory. Free of charge when booking advance tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, passenger assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone
Trains from Preston to Birmingham
Trains from Preston to Birmingham are provided by Virgin trains and London Midland. Most services run direct, but some may have one change at Tamworth or Crewe. Both direct and indirect services generally last around 1.5-2 hours. The first train of the day leaves Preston around 5:00 a.m., with services continuing every hour or so until the last train of the day which leaves before midnight. Trains from Preston to Birmingham depart from Preston Train Station on Fishergate, which is next to the Fishergate Shopping Centre. Trains arrive at Birmingham New Street station, off Navigation Street. It is situated right in the middle of the large city centre.
FAQs: Preston to Birmingham train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Preston to Birmingham 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 Birmingham, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Preston to Birmingham can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £9, while the average price tends to be around £20.
The train journey from Preston to Birmingham covers a distance of 153 km and takes approximately 1h 38m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Preston to Birmingham is 153 km.
The first train from Preston to Birmingham leaves at 1:28.
The last train from Preston to Birmingham departs at 22:30.
Trains from Preston to Birmingham run approximately 7 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Preston to Birmingham.
Yes, there is a direct train between Preston and Birmingham. The service operates 4 times per day, provided by Avanti West Coast.
To get from Preston to Birmingham, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Preston to Birmingham.
The train station in Preston that goes to Birmingham is Preston station (PRE), and it arrives at Birmingham New Street (BHM).
The cheapest way to get from Preston to Birmingham is by train, costing approximately £9.
Booking trains from Preston to Birmingham 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 Birmingham offers a mix of urban and rural scenery. Travellers can enjoy views of the Lancashire countryside and glimpses of the West Midlands as they approach Birmingham, though much of the journey runs through developed areas.
Yes, a day trip from Preston to Birmingham is feasible with a travel time of 1h 38m and a distance of 153 km. Trains run 7 times per day.
In Birmingham, you can explore the historic Jewellery Quarter, take a canal boat tour, visit the National SEA LIFE Centre, and enjoy a performance at the Birmingham Hippodrome. Discover the city's history at the Birmingham Back to Backs. Don't miss the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Cadbury World, the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Symphony Hall, and The Bullring for shopping and dining.
To explore Birmingham's key attractions like the Bullring, Cadbury World, and the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, 2-3 days is typically sufficient.
Yes, you can take the train from Preston to Birmingham.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Preston and Birmingham
Preston
Birmingham
The major train station for departures in Preston is Preston. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Preston for your trip from Preston to Birmingham.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Lockers
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Car Rental
Information Desk
Luggage Cartsinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 5:30 AM - 8:00 PM Monday - Friday
- 6:30 AM - 7:00 PM Saturday
- 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM Sunday
Distance to city center
1 km
Number of platforms
6Wifi
- Free
Parking
- The car park is open 24 hours, located adjacent to the station with access from Butler Street.
Dining
- Rise
- The Olive Tree Brasserie
- Turtle Bay
Taxis
- Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps.
WC
- £0.30
Hotel
- Holiday Inn Express Preston - South
- Delta Hotels Preston
- Macdonald Tickled Trout Hotel
Lost and Found Office
- Located in the main hall
Car Rental
- Enterprise
- Europcar
Information Desk
- Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
- Free
Station Plan
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms 1-3 for long-distance services
- Hall 2: platforms 4-6 for regional and local services
Public transport options for Preston
- Bus: Several lines available
- Train: Northern, Avanti West Coast, TransPennine Express services
The major train station for arrivals in Birmingham is Birmingham New Street. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Birmingham New Street for your journey to Birmingham from Preston.
Amenities at train station
WifiLockers
ShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotel
LoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parking
Bike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Sat: 05:15 - 23:00
- Sun: 07:30 - 23:00
Wifi
- Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available from Sky Wi-Fi The Cloud.
Lockers
- You can leave bags with Excess Baggage Co inside the entrance off Hill Street.
Shopping
- Type of shops available: Boots located on the main concourse, before the ticket barrier Camden Food located beyond the ticket barrier Costa located beyond the ticket barrier next to Platform 5b escalator Funky Pigeon located beyond the ticket barrier between Platform escalators 9-10 M&S Food located on the main concourse Mi Casa Burritos located beyond the ticket barrier next to Platform 9 escalator The Pasty Shop located beyond the ticket barrier next to Platform 7 escalator W H Smith located on the main concourse, before the ticket barrier
Parking
- Car Park: Short Stay Car Park
Dining
- All Bar One
- Leon
- Caffè Nero
- Five Guys
- Krispy Kreme
- The Pasty Shop
- Upper Crust
- Wasabi
- Starbucks
- Hotel Chocolat
Taxis
- Taxi: Taxis drop off with the 'drop & go' in the Hill Street entrance. The taxi rank is on Navigation Street (Stephenson Street / Victoria Square exit). For more information visit Traintaxi
- Accessible taxis: Taxis drop off within the 'drop & go' off the Hill Street entrance. The taxi rank is on Navigation Street (Stephenson Street / Victoria Square exit). All taxis are accessible with manual wheelchairs, most are accessible with electric wheelchairs. For more information visit Traintaxi
Accessibility
- Step-free access in the whole station and ramps available for train access. All platforms have elevators and escalators.
WC
- Toilets Location: Male, Female, Accessible and Baby Change facilities are available in all parts of the station. These are located between: Platforms 2 - 3a (Blue Lounge) Platforms 10 - 11a (Yellow Lounge) Platforms 10 - 11b (Red Lounge)
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: Close to Platforms 1A and 12A and Platforms 10 and 11B
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Baby changing facilities location: Female toilets,Male toilets
Hotel
- Holiday Inn Birmingham City Center
- Premier Inn Birmingham City Center (New St Station)
- Radisson Blue Hotel, Birmingham
Lounge
- Waiting rooms location: There are two large seating areas beyond the ticket barrier between the escalators to platforms 5b and 8b. All platforms have waiting areas with seating
Ticket Office
- Mon - Sat: 05:15 - 23:00
- Sun: 07:30 - 23:00
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
- In the middle of the station.
Public transport options for Birmingham New Street
- Bus lines: N5, N6, N8, 4, 9, 23, 45, 50, 61, X51, X70
- Train lines: West Midlands, CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, Transport for Wales
- Onward travel information: There are nearby bus stops on Smallbrook Queensway and Hill Street Most buses are wheelchair accessible. ********************************************************************************************************** For information go to the local travel information office by the Stephenson Street entrance. Alternatively, visit Transport for West Midlands, or call 0121 214 7214.
Amenities at train station
WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:40 - 21:00 Saturday 06:15 - 21:00 Sunday 08:15 - 21:00
Distance to city center
12 kmParking
- Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: This station has step-free access to all platforms / the platform
- 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 toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: Yes
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes
WC
- Toilets Location: The accessible toilets are located on the Concourse.
- National key toilets: No
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Lounge
- Waiting rooms location: Closed until further notice.
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: 18 cycle stands plus a cycling compound with 27 spaces available at the front of the station (please see staff for more information)
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
Public transport options for Birmingham International
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Rail replacement coach services can be found at the front of the station opposite the entrance to the long stay car park.
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningAccessibilityWCHotelTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:00 - 20:00 Saturday 07:00 - 20:00 Sunday 09:30 - 15:00 None
Distance to city center
10 kmParking
- Car Park: Park and Ride
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not accessible
- Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are not available
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: A Ticket Vending Machine is available in the Booking Hall.
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located in the Booking Hall. The National key toilet is located in the Booking Hall; this toilet is operated by a RADAR key. A RADAR key is available from station staff upon request. Passengers in possession of a RADAR key can access the toilets at all times. The National key toilets are only available during Ticket Office opening hours for passengers who do not possess a RADAR key: Monday - Friday 06:00-20:00, Saturday 07:00-20:00 and Sunday 09:30-15:00. The toilet facilities are not available when the Ticket Office is closed.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: No
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Car park
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 0800 0248998
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements
Public transport options for Longbridge
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: In the event of engineering the bus/coach will collect from: Public service bus stop to the left of the station entrance.
Most popular train connections from Preston
More options for your journey from Preston to Birmingham
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Birmingham and Preston
Most popular train connections to Birmingham
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