- Must visit
Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery
Major museum and gallery with fine art, local history, decorative arts and changing exhibitions in the city centre.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Preston to Birmingham
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 04 Oct
Cheapest price on 04 Oct
£17
Average ticket price on 04 Oct
£47
Fastest journey on 04 Oct
1 h 41 m
Average journey duration on 04 Oct
1 h 57 m
Trains on 04 Oct
4
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 £47 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £17.
Fast trains
On Sun 04 Oct, we found 4 trains from Preston to Birmingham, including 1 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 153 km distance in an average of 1 h 57 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 41 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 22 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.
W3325210:171h46Preston station (PRE)12:03Birmingham New Street (BHM)£171One-way0 changes- W33195 · W333268:592h22Preston station (PRE)11:21Birmingham New Street (BHM)£561One-way1 change
- W33252+
G0101610:171h41Preston station (PRE)11:58Birmingham New Street (BHM)£561One-way1 change - W33141 · W33269+G0102010:571h59Preston station (PRE)12:56Birmingham New Street (BHM)£561One-way2 changes
- W33252+G0101610:171h41Preston station (PRE)11:58Birmingham New Street (BHM)£561One-way1 change
- W3325210:171h46Preston station (PRE)12:03Birmingham New Street (BHM)£171One-way0 changes
- W33141 · W33269+G0102010:571h59Preston station (PRE)12:56Birmingham New Street (BHM)£561One-way2 changes
- W33195 · W333268:592h22Preston station (PRE)11:21Birmingham New Street (BHM)£561One-way1 change
Journey information
Overview: Train from Preston to Birmingham
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Preston to Birmingham run on average 8 times per day, taking around 2h 2m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £13 but you can travel from only £12 by coach.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 01:21, the last at 22:30. The fastest train covers the 153 km distance in 1h 30m.
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 £12
Distance 153 km |
Average train duration 2h 2m |
Cheapest ticket price £13 |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 1h 30m |
First train 1:21 |
Last train 22:30 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
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 £12
Live departures
Preston to Birmingham train times
The table below shows live departures for Preston to Birmingham trains for tomorrow, Sunday 4 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| W33195 · W33326 | 8:59 Preston station (PRE) | 2h22 | 11:21 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1 change | |
| W33252 | 10:17 Preston station (PRE) | 1h46 | 12:03 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 0 changesdirect | |
| W33252+G01016 | 10:17 Preston station (PRE) | 1h41 | 11:58 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1 change | |
| W33141 · W33269+G01020 | 10:57 Preston station (PRE) | 1h59 | 12:56 Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 2 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Preston to Birmingham trains with Omio?
Northern Rail as well as CrossCountry, Lumo, West Midlands Trains, Avanti West Coast and more 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 Northern Rail?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Northern Rail, but also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry, Lumo, West Midlands Trains or Avanti West Coast 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 Northern Rail 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 Trip, Wanderu or Raileurope?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry, Lumo, West Midlands Trains or Avanti West Coast 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.
Train companies: Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, Lumo, Northern Rail, West Midlands Trains from Preston to Birmingham trainsAvanti West Coast, CrossCountry, Lumo, Northern Rail, West Midlands Trains trains will get you between Preston and Birmingham from £12. 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 Avanti West Coast Duration
1h 30m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
£13
Avanti West Coast frequency
4 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 CrossCountry Duration
2h 6m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£32
CrossCountry frequency
3 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
Lumo
About
Lumo are an open access operator launched in 2021 owned by FirstGroup providing train travel from London to Scotland and the North-East of England. It runs between London and Edinburgh along the East Coast Main Line. Lumo trains offer 100% electric travel along with amenities like comforable seating, free WiFi & their LumoEats at-seat catering in their single Standard Class. Lumo offered two ticket types their advance tickets LumoFixed which are only valid on the date and train booked but are exchangeable prior to departure and their Anytime tickets which can be used on any Lumo train on the date of your ticket.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Lumo Duration
1h 52m
Cheapest Lumo Price
£35
Lumo frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One piece of hand luggage and one piece of hold luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at the end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refunds according to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by operator
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, and light meals. First Class includes complimentary refreshments
Seat reservation
Seat reservation included with all tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces available, accessible toilets, and staff assistance for boarding
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs on leads allowed with fee
Quiet zone
Northern Rail
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
Average Northern Rail Duration
2h 35m
Cheapest Northern Rail Price
£46
Northern Rail frequency
1 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
West Midlands Trains
About
West Midlands Trains is a train operator based in the United Kingdom, providing services across the West Midlands region. It operates a variety of train types, including the Class 350 Desiro, Class 323 Electrostar, Class 170 Turbostar, and Class 172 Turbostar. These trains offer a range of onboard facilities, such as free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and air conditioning. Passengers can purchase a range of tickets, including single, return, and season tickets. The most popular routes operated by West Midlands Trains include Birmingham to London Euston, Birmingham to Wolverhampton, and Birmingham to Coventry.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average West Midlands Trains Duration
1h 41m
Cheapest West Midlands Trains Price
£55
West Midlands Trains frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for an additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs require a ticket at 50% of adult fare. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone
Complete guide to Birmingham
Things to do in Birmingham
Discover the best of Birmingham — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Birmingham trip today.
- Must visit
Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum
Science museum with interactive galleries on industry, transport and invention, making it a strong family-friendly visit.
- Recommended
Pen Museum
Independent museum in a converted factory, exploring Birmingham's pen trade with demonstrations and hands-on exhibits.
- Must visit
Digbeth
Creative district with street art, independent shops and converted industrial buildings, popular for urban walks and photography.
- Must visit
Jewellery Quarter
Historic quarter known for jewellery workshops, heritage trails, museums and distinctive Georgian and Victorian streetscapes.
- Recommended
Brindleyplace
Waterside district of canals, bars and cultural venues, ideal for strolling, boat trips and seeing Birmingham's industrial past.
Balti
A Birmingham-born curry with spiced meat in rich tomato gravy. It reflects the city’s famed Balti Triangle and its South Asian culinary heritage.
Black Country faggots and peas
A slow-cooked stew of beef, vegetables and stock topped with sliced potatoes. A Black Country classic closely associated with the Birmingham area.
Faggots
Pork offal sausage traditionally served with peas, mash and gravy. It is a long-standing working-class dish from the Black Country near Birmingham.
Simpsons
Elegant modern dining in Edgbaston with refined tasting menus and polished service in a calm, intimate setting.
Anderson & Hill
Popular Jewish-style deli and restaurant famous for piled-high sandwiches, baked treats and relaxed daytime dining.
Shababs
Lively Indian restaurant in the Balti Triangle, known for Balti dishes cooked in pressed-steel bowls and a bustling local atmosphere.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for UK city breaks: hotels and dining sit below London, while local transport and casual meals are fairly manageable for most tourists.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or casual eats.
- Mid-range
- £20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £60+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service may be included in restaurants; otherwise tip around 10%. Taxis are often rounded up or tipped 10%. Tipping in cafés is optional, usually just small change.
TfWM
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.50
- Day pass
- £7.60
To the city centre
Birmingham New Street -> Bullring, Birmingham
- Distance
- 0.7 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Contactless and Swift Go are accepted on West Midlands Metro and on almost all buses in the West Midlands.
- Birmingham New Street is already central; many city-centre places are walkable, so check before buying a day ticket.
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 £13, while the average price tends to be around £43.
The train journey from Preston to Birmingham covers a distance of 153 km and takes approximately 1h 30m. Trains run 8 per day.
The train distance from Preston to Birmingham is 153 km.
The first train from Preston to Birmingham leaves at 1:21.
The last train from Preston to Birmingham departs at 22:30.
Trains from Preston to Birmingham run approximately 8 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 3 times per day, provided by Avanti West Coast.
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).
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, you can take the train from Preston to Birmingham.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Preston and Birmingham
Most Preston to Birmingham trains use the Preston to Birmingham New Street station pair, with some services arriving at Birmingham Snow Hill. Use this guide to compare Preston and Birmingham 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 Birmingham
Which Preston station do trains to Birmingham leave from?
Trains from Preston to Birmingham 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.
Birmingham New StreetStation Street, Birmingham, West Midlands, B2 4QA, United Kingdom+44 3457114141
City-centre transport
Getting to Birmingham New Street from Birmingham city centre
Bus16 · 7m · £2 · every ~27 min
Birmingham New Street train station facilities and services
Birmingham New Street has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: All Bar One, Leon, Caffè Nero, Five Guys, Krispy Kreme, The Pasty Shop, Upper Crust, Wasabi, Starbucks, Hotel Chocolat
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available from Sky Wi-Fi The Cloud. ATMs are aTM machines are located on the paid concourse.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 05:15 - 23:00, Sun: 07:30 - 23:00. Information desks are in the middle of the station.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is you can leave bags with Excess Baggage Co inside the entrance off Hill Street. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Birmingham New Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Birmingham New Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham New Street: Step-free access in the whole station and ramps available for train access. All platforms have elevators and escalators.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Holiday Inn Birmingham City Center, Premier Inn Birmingham City Center (New St Station), Radisson Blue Hotel, Birmingham.
Birmingham Snow HillBirmingham Snow Hill station, Colmore Row, Birmingham, West Midlands, B3 2BJ
City-centre transport
Getting to Birmingham Snow Hill from Birmingham city centre
Bus52 · 0m · £2 · every ~18 min
Birmingham Snow Hill train station facilities and services
Birmingham Snow Hill has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Birmingham Snow Hill.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Birmingham Snow Hill. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 0248998, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Birmingham Snow Hill: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Birmingham Snow Hill: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham Snow Hill: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, 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 on the station concourse, by the Ticket Office, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Five WaysFive Ways station, Islington Row, Edgbaston, West Midlands, B15 1SF
City-centre transport
Getting to Five Ways from Birmingham city centre
Five Ways is 1 km from Birmingham city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainBirmingham New Street - Redditch, Birmingham New Street - Bromsgrove, Lichfield Trent Valley High Level - Redditch, Lichfield Trent Valley High Level - Longbridge, Lichfield Trent Valley High Level - Bromsgrove, Four Oaks - Redditch · 3m · £0.89 · every ~8 min
TramMetro · 12m · every ~30 min
Five Ways train station facilities and services
Five Ways has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Five Ways.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Five Ways. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 0248998, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Five Ways: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Five Ways: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Five Ways: 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 toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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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