- Must visit
Hopetown Darlington
Railway museum celebrating the Stockton and Darlington Railway with locomotives, carriages and stories of early rail travel.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Preston to Darlington
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 19 Sept
Cheapest price on 19 Sept
£92
Average ticket price on 19 Sept
£92
Fastest journey on 19 Sept
4 h
Average journey duration on 19 Sept
4 h
Trains on 19 Sept
1
Distance
113 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Preston to Darlington is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Preston to Darlington will cost around £92 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £92.
Fast trains
On Sat 19 Sept, we found 1 trains from Preston to Darlington, including 1 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 113 km distance in an average of 4 h but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h .
The slowest trains will take 4 h 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.
7:494h00Preston11:49Darlington£921One-way0 changes
- 7:494h00Preston11:49Darlington£921One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Preston to Darlington
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Preston to Darlington among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £31 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 13m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £31, while a coach costs an average of £49.
Distance: 113 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£31 Average Price Cheapest | £49 Average Price | £24 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 13m Average total duration Fastest 2h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 19m Average total duration 9h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 6m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Preston to Darlington is a train with an average price of £31.
This is compared to other travel options from Preston to Darlington:
A train is £18 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Preston to Darlington costing on average £49.
The fastest way to travel from Preston to Darlington is by train with an average journey time of 2h 43m.
Other travel options to Darlington take longer:
Coach takes on average 9h 49m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Preston and Darlington including taking a train and coach.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around £31 compared to roughly £24 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-6.53. The journey takes 2h 43m versus 2h 6m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
Preston to Darlington train times
The table below shows live departures for Preston to Darlington trains for tomorrow, Saturday 19 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:49 Preston | 4h00 | 11:49 Darlington | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Preston to Darlington 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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19 Sept
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Why should you book Preston to Darlington trains with Omio?
Transpennine Express as well as TransPennine Express or Northern Trains Limited offer trains services from Preston to Darlington.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Preston to Darlington.
Why book with Omio vs Transpennine Express?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Transpennine Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of TransPennine Express or Northern Trains Limited to find the best option for your trip from Preston to Darlington.
- 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 Transpennine Express with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Preston to Darlington.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Preston to Darlington.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Preston to Darlington
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Preston to Darlington run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 43m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £31 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 04:55, the last at 23:26. The fastest train covers the 113 km distance in 2h 57m.
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 113 km |
Average train duration 2h 43m |
Cheapest ticket price £31 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 2h 57m |
First train 4:55 |
Last train 23:26 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
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: Transpennine Express, TransPennine Express, Northern Trains Limited from Preston to Darlington trainsTranspennine Express, TransPennine Express, Northern Trains Limited trains will get you between Preston and Darlington from £31. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Transpennine Express
About
Transpennine Express is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from Manchester and Liverpool to Scotland, the North East and Yorkshire. It offers a range of services, including express, regional and local trains. Express trains are the fastest, with journey times of up to three hours. Regional trains are slower, but offer more stops and a more relaxed atmosphere. Local trains are the slowest, but offer the most stops. Transpennine Express offers a range of ticket types, including single, return, group and season tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for Transpennine Express are Manchester to Edinburgh, Liverpool to Leeds and Manchester to York. These routes offer a convenient and comfortable way to travel between the cities.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Transpennine Express Duration
2h 57m
Cheapest Transpennine Express Price
£31
Luggage included
2 large items and 1 small hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if service is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks, plus a small selection of hot and cold food items
Seat reservation
Seat reservations are free of charge and recommended for busy routes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance booking service
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone
TransPennine Express
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average TransPennine Express Duration
3h 0m
Cheapest TransPennine Express Price
£68
TransPennine Express frequency
4 a day
Northern Trains Limited
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Northern Trains Limited Duration
2h 53m
Cheapest Northern Trains Limited Price
£67
Northern Trains Limited frequency
23 a day
Complete guide to Darlington
Things to do in Darlington
Discover the best of Darlington — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Darlington trip today.
- Recommended
Raby Castle
Historic country house with art, furnishings and estate collections, offering a museum-style visit alongside parkland walks.
Hullabaloo Gallery
Local arts centre with changing exhibitions, performances and creative events in a restored Victorian building.
- Recommended
South Park
Large public park with bandstand, aviary, café-free green space, sports areas and pleasant paths close to the town centre.
- Recommended
Market Place
Historic market square surrounded by civic buildings and shops, useful for seeing the town centre's layout and daily life.
- Recommended
West Park
Popular woodland and lakeside park on the edge of Darlington with walking trails, sculpture and open green views.
Pease pudding stottie
A classic North-East pease pudding spread in a bread bun, often with ham. It is a long-standing local lunch tied to Teesside and County Durham.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Pease pudding
Slow-cooked split peas seasoned into a thick savoury paste. It is a regional staple traditionally served with ham or pork pies.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
Stottie cake
A large round flat loaf with a soft crumb, common across North-East England. It is traditionally used for hearty sandwiches and local fillings.
The Orangery at Rockliffe Hall
Refined dining in a country house setting, known for modern British cooking and polished service. Best for a special meal near Darlington.
Spice Village
Stylish restaurant serving Indian small plates and grilled dishes in an upbeat modern setting. A popular choice for groups and evening meals.
Estabulo Darlington
Smart casual steakhouse focused on quality beef, burgers and hearty mains. Relaxed atmosphere suited to an easy dinner in town.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local buses and everyday costs are fairly reasonable for visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 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
- £2.80-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual if service is not included. Round up taxi fares. Cafés do not require tips, but small change is appreciated.
Arriva UK Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.50
- Day pass
- £7.50
To the city centre
Darlington Railway Station -> Darlington Town Centre
- Distance
- 1 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Adult single bus fares are capped at £2.50 in the North East; if you will make several trips, the £7.50 all-day ticket can be better value.
- Under-22 fares shown on official sites are cheaper, but the standard adult fare is the correct reference for visitors. Contactless payment may vary by operator, so check before boarding.
FAQs: Preston to Darlington train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Preston to Darlington 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 Darlington, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Preston to Darlington can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £31, while the average price tends to be around £31.
The train journey from Preston to Darlington covers a distance of 113 km and takes approximately 2h 57m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Preston to Darlington is 113 km.
The first train from Preston to Darlington leaves at 4:55.
The last train from Preston to Darlington departs at 23:26.
Trains from Preston to Darlington run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Preston to Darlington.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Preston to Darlington.
To get from Preston to Darlington, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Preston to Darlington.
The train station in Preston that goes to Darlington is Preston station (PRE), and it arrives at Darlington station (DAR).
The cheapest way to get from Preston to Darlington is by train, costing approximately £31.
Booking trains from Preston to Darlington 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 Darlington offers scenic views of the English countryside, passing through areas of lush greenery and picturesque landscapes, particularly as it travels through the Ribble Valley and the edges of the Yorkshire Dales.
A day trip from Preston to Darlington is not feasible as the journey duration is 2h 57m. However, there are 4 train trips available per day. The distance for the journey is 113 km.
Two to three days in Darlington should be sufficient to explore its key attractions, including the Head of Steam Railway Museum, South Park, and the Darlington Hippodrome, while also enjoying the local dining and shopping experiences.
Yes, you can take the train from Preston to Darlington.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Preston and Darlington
Most Preston to Darlington trains use the Preston to Darlington station pair. Use this guide to compare Preston and Darlington 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 Darlington
Which Preston station do trains to Darlington leave from?
Trains from Preston to Darlington 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 Darlington station do trains from Preston arrive at?
Trains from Preston to Darlington arrive at Darlington. Darlington is from Darlington city centre.
DarlingtonDarlington station, Bank Top, Darlington, County Durham, DL1 4AA
City-centre transport
Getting to Darlington from Darlington city centre
Location for Rail Replacement ServicesReplacement coach services depart from the station entrance
Darlington train station facilities and services
Darlington has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Darlington.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Darlington.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Darlington.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Darlington: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Darlington: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Darlington: 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 public telephones: text phones are available and staff are on hand to assist as required due to no low level phones, Accessible taxis: Generally available but advance booking recommended, 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 Darlington
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Darlington and Preston
Most popular train connections to Darlington
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