- 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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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 coach with prices starting from £49. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 55m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £49, and a train costs an average of £91.
Distance: 113 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£91 Average Price | £49 Average Price Cheapest |
4h 25m Average total duration Fastest 3h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 19m Average total duration 9h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
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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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 3h 55m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £91 but you can travel from only £49 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 04:55, the last at 23:26. The fastest train covers the 113 km distance in 3h 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 £49
Distance 113 km |
Average train duration 3h 55m |
Cheapest ticket price £91 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 3h 50m |
First train 4:55 |
Last train 23:26 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sat |
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £49
Train companies: TransPennine Express, Northern Trains Limited from Preston to Darlington trainsTransPennine Express, Northern Trains Limited trains will get you between Preston and Darlington from £49. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
TransPennine Express
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 0m
Cheapest Price
£68
TransPennine Express frequency
4 a day
Northern Trains Limited
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 53m
Cheapest 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 £91, while the average price tends to be around £91.
The train journey from Preston to Darlington covers a distance of 113 km and takes approximately 3h 50m. 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 coach, costing approximately £49.
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 3h 50m. 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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