Preston to Chester train with Avanti West Coast

Wed 14 Oct
+ Add return
Avanti West Coast
Northern Rail
Transport for Wales
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
Avanti West Coast
Northern Rail
Transport for Wales
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Preston to Chester

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 14 Oct

Cheapest price on 14 Oct

£36

Average ticket price on 14 Oct

£36

Fastest journey on 14 Oct

1 h 1 m

Average journey duration on 14 Oct

1 h 16 m

Trains on 14 Oct

5

Distance

65 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Preston to Chester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Preston to Chester will cost around £36 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £36.

Fast trains

On Wed 14 Oct, we found 5 trains from Preston to Chester, including 5 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 65 km distance in an average of 1 h 16 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 1 m .

The slowest trains will take 1 h 24 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.

  • Northern Rail
    6:001h11
    Preston
    7:11Chester
    £361One-way
    0 changes
  • Avanti West Coast
    16:181h24
    Preston
    17:42Chester
    £361One-way
    0 changes
  • Northern Rail
    9:001h01
    Preston
    10:01Chester
    £361One-way
    0 changes
  • Avanti West Coast
    6:181h23
    Preston
    7:41Chester
    £361One-way
    0 changes
  • Avanti West Coast
    7:181h23
    Preston
    8:41Chester
    £371One-way
    0 changes

Journey information

Overview: Train from Preston to Chester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Preston to Chester run on average 6 times per day, taking around 53m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £22 if you book in advance.

The earliest train runs at 03:51, the last at 22:50. The fastest train covers the 65 km distance in 44m.

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
65 km
Average train duration
53m
Cheapest ticket price
£22
Trains per day
6
Fastest train
44m
First train
3:51
Last train
22:50
Cheapest Month
Aug
Cheapest Day
Mon
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Fri
Least Busy Day
Thu
Best time to book
35 days
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

Live departures

Preston to Chester train times

The table below shows live departures for Preston to Chester trains for tomorrow, Wednesday 14 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Northern Rail6:00 Preston
1h11
7:11 Chester0 changesdirect
Avanti West Coast6:18 Preston
1h23
7:41 Chester0 changesdirect
Avanti West Coast7:18 Preston
1h23
8:41 Chester0 changesdirect
Northern Rail9:00 Preston
1h01
10:01 Chester0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Preston to Chester trains with Omio?

Avanti West Coast as well as Northern Rail or Transport for Wales offer trains services from Preston to Chester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Preston to Chester.

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 Northern Rail or Transport for Wales to find the best option for your trip from Preston to Chester.
  • 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 Chester.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu, Raileurope or Trip?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Northern Rail or Transport for Wales to find the best option for your trip from Preston to Chester.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Preston to Chester.

Train companies: Avanti West Coast, Transport for Wales, Northern Rail from Preston to Chester trainsAvanti West Coast, Transport for Wales, Northern Rail trains will get you between Preston and Chester from £22. 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
44m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
£22
Avanti West Coast frequency
3 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

Transport for Wales

About
Transport for Wales is a public transport provider in Wales, UK. It operates a comprehensive network of trains, buses and ferries across the country. The trains are modern and comfortable, with a range of different types including InterCity Express Trains, Regional Trains, and Metro Trains. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. There are a variety of ticket types available, including single and return tickets, season tickets, and group tickets. The most popular routes include Cardiff to Swansea, Cardiff to Newport, and Cardiff to Manchester.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Transport for Wales Duration
51m
Cheapest Transport for Wales Price
£22
Transport for Wales frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policy depends on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most routes with snacks and drinks. Some stations have cafes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations recommended but not mandatory. Free of charge when booking tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs allowed with ticket (£5 per day). Guide dogs free
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
45m
Cheapest Northern Rail Price
£23
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

Complete guide to Chester

Things to do in Chester

Discover the best of Chester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chester trip today.

  • Recommended

Deva Roman Experience

Interactive museum exploring Roman Chester with artefacts, reconstructions and family-friendly displays that bring Deva’s military past to life.

  • Recommended

Cheshire Military Museum

Museum in a former mill on the River Dee, covering Chester’s social history, period rooms and local stories from Roman times onward.

  • Recommended

Dewa Roman Experience

Museum inside Chester Castle tracing regional regiments through uniforms, medals and campaigns in a compact but informative setting.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for the UK: hotels and dining are cheaper than London, but tourist areas can feel pricey. Buses are reasonable, while central stays cost more in peak season.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or a simple lunch.
Mid-range
£18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£60+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£3-4 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Restaurants: 10-12.5% if service is not included. Taxis: round up or tip about 10%. Cafés and pubs: tipping is optional, though small change is appreciated for table service.

Best day trips from Chester by train

The most popular day trips by train from Chester are Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham, Shrewsbury and Llandudno. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your train from Chester on Omio.

A view of Liverpool

Day trip from Chester to Liverpool by train

Why visit Liverpool for the day?

Liverpool is known for The Beatles, football and a waterfront shaped by its maritime past. Its grand docks, museums and lively city centre give it a proud, creative character.

How to get from Chester to Liverpool by train?

There are 12 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 02:19, the last at 23:50. The fastest train covers the 25 km distance in 37m.

A view of Manchester

Day trip from Chester to Manchester by train

Why visit Manchester for the day?

Manchester is known for its industrial heritage, influential music and deep football culture. Red-brick canalside areas, major museums and lively nightlife give it an energetic northern character.

How to get from Chester to Manchester by train?

There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 54 km distance in 40m.

A view of Birmingham

Day trip from Chester to Birmingham by train

Why visit Birmingham for the day?

Birmingham is known for its industrial past, canal network and diverse food scene. It combines major shopping and cultural landmarks with lively neighbourhoods shaped by manufacturing, music and modern city life.

How to get from Chester to Birmingham by train?

There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 01:28, the last at 22:56. The fastest train covers the 103 km distance in 1h 10m.

A view of Shrewsbury

Day trip from Chester to Shrewsbury by train

Why visit Shrewsbury for the day?

Shrewsbury is a historic market town in Shropshire, known for medieval streets, timber-framed buildings and the River Severn. Birthplace of Charles Darwin, it has a compact centre with independent shops, old churches and a calm traditional feel.

How to get from Chester to Shrewsbury by train?

There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:48. The fastest train covers the 54 km distance in 49m.

A view of Llandudno

Day trip from Chester to Llandudno by train

Why visit Llandudno for the day?

Llandudno is a Victorian seaside town on the north Wales coast, known for its broad bay and graceful promenade. The Great Orme rises above the town, giving it a scenic, traditional character and easy access to nearby Conwy and Snowdonia.

How to get from Chester to Llandudno by train?

There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:35, the last at 21:51. The fastest train covers the 64 km distance in 58m.

FAQs: Preston to Chester train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Preston to Chester 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 Chester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Preston to Chester can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £22, while the average price tends to be around £27.
The train journey from Preston to Chester covers a distance of 65 km and takes approximately 44m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Preston to Chester is 65 km.
The first train from Preston to Chester leaves at 3:51.
The last train from Preston to Chester departs at 22:50.
Trains from Preston to Chester run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Preston to Chester.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Preston to Chester.
There is no night train service from Preston to Chester.
The train station in Preston that goes to Chester is Preston station (PRE), and it arrives at Chester station (CTR).
Booking trains from Preston to Chester 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 Chester offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes, with views of the English countryside, small towns, and occasional glimpses of the River Mersey, making it a pleasantly scenic route.
Yes, you can take the train from Preston to Chester.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Preston and Chester

Most Preston to Chester trains use the Preston to Chester station pair. Use this guide to compare Preston and Chester 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 Chester

Which Preston station do trains to Chester leave from?

Trains from Preston to Chester 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 4950WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
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.

More options for your journey from Preston to Chester

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

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