- Recommended
Museum of Croydon
Local history museum in a medieval house, covering Croydon’s people, suburbs and civic story through compact displays.
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Travel Information
Compare coach, train and flight for Preston to Croydon
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Preston to Croydon among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £29 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 0m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £29, while a train costs an average of £121.
Distance: 319 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£121 Average Price | £29 Average Price Cheapest | £71 Average Price | £62 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 10m Average total duration 2h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 40m Average total duration 6h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 0m Average total duration Fastest 1h 0m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 4h 48m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Preston to Croydon is a coach with an average price of £29.
This is compared to other travel options from Preston to Croydon:
A coach is £41 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Preston to Croydon costing on average £71.
A coach is £92 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Preston to Croydon costing on average £121.
The fastest way to travel from Preston to Croydon is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 0m.
Other travel options to Croydon take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 40m.
Coach takes on average 6h 10m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Preston and Croydon including taking a coach, train and flight.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 2h 8m sooner (2h 40m by train vs 4h 48m by car). Tickets start at around £121 compared to roughly £62 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
Compare prices and tickets Preston to Croydon by coach, train or flight
Compare coach, train and flight 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 Croydon trains with Omio?
Avanti West Coast as well as Caledonian Sleeper offer trains services from Preston to Croydon.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Preston to Croydon.
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 Caledonian Sleeper to find the best option for your trip from Preston to Croydon.
- 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, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Preston to Croydon.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Caledonian Sleeper to find the best option for your trip from Preston to Croydon.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Preston to Croydon.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Preston to Croydon
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Preston to Croydon run on average 4 times per day, taking around 2h 40m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £85 but you can travel from only £29 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 03:08, the last at 21:00. The fastest train covers the 319 km distance in 2h 50m.
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 £29
Distance 319 km |
Average train duration 2h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price £85 |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 2h 50m |
First train 3:08 |
Last train 21:00 |
Cheapest Month Sept |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 3 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £29
Train companies: Avanti West Coast, Caledonian Sleeper from Preston to Croydon trainsAvanti West Coast, Caledonian Sleeper trains will get you between Preston and Croydon from £29. 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
2h 50m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
£124
Avanti West Coast frequency
15 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
Caledonian Sleeper
About
The Caledonian Sleeper is a train service operating in the United Kingdom. It offers overnight journeys between London, Scotland, the North of England and Wales. The service is operated by Serco and consists of two types of trains: the Classic Sleeper and the Lowland Sleeper. The Classic Sleeper offers comfortable sleeping berths, while the Lowland Sleeper offers reclining seats. Both trains offer onboard facilities such as Wi-Fi, power sockets, and complimentary tea and coffee.Ticket types include Standard, First Class and Solo. Standard tickets offer access to the lounge car, while First Class tickets include access to the lounge car and complimentary breakfast. Solo tickets are available for single travellers and offer access to the lounge car and a private sleeping berth. The most popular routes for the Caledonian Sleeper are London to Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness. Passengers can also travel from London to Aberdeen, Fort William and Dundee.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Caledonian Sleeper Duration
4h 1m
Cheapest Caledonian Sleeper Price
£85
Caledonian Sleeper frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage per person included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Dedicated luggage storage areas in each carriage and under beds in sleeping compartments
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies vary by ticket type and timing before departure
Refund
Full refund provided if service is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Complimentary breakfast for all guests. Club Car serves dinner and drinks. Room service available for sleeping car passengers
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for sleeping car passengers. Optional seat reservations available for seated carriages
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Accessible rooms available, wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and staff assistance
Pets
Small pets allowed in sleeping compartments for a fee. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone
Complete guide to Croydon
Things to do in Croydon
Discover the best of Croydon — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Croydon trip today.
- Recommended
Stanley Arts Gallery
Independent gallery and artist studios hosting contemporary exhibitions, talks and events in a converted industrial building.
South Norwood and Anerley Past
Volunteer-run heritage centre in South Norwood exploring Crystal Palace, local railways and the area’s social history.
- Must visit
Addington Hills
Nature reserve and former medieval hunting ground with heathland, woodland and broad views, popular for longer walks.
- Recommended
Wandle Park
Large town-centre green with formal gardens, a café, playground and events, ideal for a break between central sights.
- Recommended
South Norwood Country Park
Wide open common with ponds, paths and sports areas, valued by locals for walking, birdlife and relaxed suburban scenery.
Full English Breakfast
A full English breakfast of eggs, bacon, sausages, beans, mushrooms and toast. A staple across Greater London and a classic local start to the day.
Steak and Kidney Pie
Pie filled with steak and kidney in rich gravy, baked in pastry. A traditional British pub dish long associated with London and the South East.
Fish and Chips
Battered cod or haddock with chunky chips. This enduring London favourite is a go-to takeaway and pub meal across Croydon.
The Store
Stylish restaurant and bar known for steaks, grills and cocktails in central Croydon. Smart but relaxed for lunch or dinner.
The Swan and Sugarloaf
Established pub and dining room serving British favourites, Sunday roasts and cask ales in a traditional setting near South Croydon.
BOXPARK Croydon
Popular South London market with diverse street food traders, casual seating and a lively atmosphere. Good for sampling local and international bites.
British pound sterling (£)
Moderate for Greater London. Hotels, dining and rail fares are often cheaper than central London, but still higher than many UK cities.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service may be included in restaurants; otherwise tip 10-12.5% for good service. Taxis are often rounded up. Tipping in cafés is optional, usually small change.
TfL Go
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £1.75
- Day pass
- £6.00
To the city centre
East Croydon -> Croydon Town Centre, Katharine Street
- Distance
- 1 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Contactless and Oyster work on Croydon trams and London buses; touch in at the reader before boarding or on the platform.
- TfL Go is the official app for live departures, disruption updates and journey planning across trams, buses and rail in London.
FAQs: Preston to Croydon train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Preston to Croydon 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 Croydon, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Preston to Croydon can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £85, while the average price tends to be around £121.
The train journey from Preston to Croydon covers a distance of 319 km and takes approximately 2h 50m. Trains run 4 per day.
The train distance from Preston to Croydon is 319 km.
The first train from Preston to Croydon leaves at 3:08.
The last train from Preston to Croydon departs at 21:00.
Trains from Preston to Croydon run approximately 4 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Preston to Croydon.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Preston to Croydon.
To get from Preston to Croydon, you can choose from several travel options including coach, train and flight.
Yes, there is a night train from Preston to Croydon.
The train station in Preston that goes to Croydon is Preston station (PRE), and it arrives at East Croydon (ECR).
The cheapest way to get from Preston to Croydon is by coach, costing approximately £29.
Booking trains from Preston to Croydon 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 Croydon offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes, with views of the rolling countryside, small towns, and glimpses of the Pennines, though much of the route passes through industrial and suburban areas as you approach London.
A day trip from Preston to Croydon is not feasible as the travel duration is 2h 50m. However, trains run 3 times per day for this 319 km journey.
For a visit to Croydon, 2 to 3 days is generally sufficient to explore its main attractions, shopping areas, and enjoy local dining experiences.
Yes, you can take the train from Preston to Croydon.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Preston and Croydon
Most Preston to Croydon trains use the Preston to East Croydon station pair. Use this guide to compare Preston and Croydon 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 Croydon
Which Preston station do trains to Croydon leave from?
Trains from Preston to Croydon 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 Croydon station do trains from Preston arrive at?
Trains from Preston to Croydon arrive at East Croydon. East Croydon is 1 km from Croydon city centre.
East CroydonEast Croydon station, Station Approach, Croydon, Greater London, CR0 1LF
City-centre transport
Getting to East Croydon from Croydon city centre
East Croydon is 1 km from Croydon city centre. Public transport options include:
BusN68 · 11m · £2 · every ~2 min
East Croydon train station facilities and services
East Croydon has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at East Croydon.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at East Croydon. ATMs are available at East Croydon.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at East Croydon.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at East Croydon: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at East Croydon: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at East Croydon: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station: This station has step-free access to all platforms. Lifts to overbridge from all platforms and side entrance. Long steep ramps to platforms from main entrance. (over 1:10 gradient). Assistance Meeting Point is the Information Point on station concourse, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All Southern ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. Ticket machines are of an accessible design, however their location and the station itself may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Wheelchairs may only be available when the station is staffed, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Most popular train connections from Preston
More options for your journey from Preston to Croydon
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Croydon and Preston
Most popular train connections to Croydon
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