- Recommended
Dartford Borough Museum
Local museum covering Dartford's industry, people and archaeology. A useful introduction to the town through compact displays and community stories.
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Preston to Dartford
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Preston to Dartford run on average 5 times per day, taking around 3h 13m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £60 but you can travel from only £42 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 05:53, the last at 19:35. The fastest train covers the 326 km distance in 3h 1m.
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 £42
Distance 326 km |
Average train duration 3h 13m |
Cheapest ticket price £60 |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 3h 1m |
First train 5:53 |
Last train 19:35 |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
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 £42
Why should you book Preston to Dartford trains with Omio?
Avanti West Coast as well as Lumo offer trains services from Preston to Dartford.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Preston to Dartford.
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 Lumo to find the best option for your trip from Preston to Dartford.
- 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.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Lumo to find the best option for your trip from Preston to Dartford.
Train companies: Avanti West Coast, Lumo from Preston to Dartford trainsAvanti West Coast, Lumo trains will get you between Preston and Dartford from £42. 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
3h 1m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
£99
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
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
3h 20m
Cheapest Lumo Price
£60
Lumo frequency
2 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
Complete guide to Dartford
Things to do in Dartford
Discover the best of Dartford — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Dartford trip today.
- Recommended
Hall Place
Historic house museum within the nearby Hall Place complex, open to visitors with period interiors, exhibitions and riverside grounds to explore.
Hall Place Visitor Centre
Heritage visitor centre telling the story of nearby Hall Place and its estate. Exhibits add context to one of the area's best-known historic sites.
- Recommended
Central Park
Large town-centre park with lakes, lawns, play areas and event spaces. Ideal for an easy walk and a break close to Dartford's main attractions.
- Recommended
Darenth Country Park
Waterside nature reserve and viewpoint on the Thames. Popular for estuary views, birdwatching and seeing the bridge and crossing from open ground.
- Recommended
Beacon Wood Country Park
Managed reserve with woodland, heath and ponds on Dartford Heath. A rewarding walking area known for wildlife and quieter green space.
Pie And Mash
Pie and mash is a classic working-class meal of minced beef pie with mashed potato, often served with parsley liquor, long associated with London and nearby Kent.
- Gluten-free
Jellied Eels
Jellied eels are chopped eels set in a spiced stock jelly, a traditional Thames-side speciality long eaten across east London and the lower Kent area.
- Vegetarian
Kentish Hopper Cake
Kentish hopper cake is a simple local bread roll from Kent, traditionally served soft and flour-dusted with butter or fillings.
Margiotta
Popular Turkish and Mediterranean spot serving grilled meats, meze and flatbreads in a lively, contemporary setting.
The Raj
Modern Indian restaurant in Dartford known for polished curries, grills and a smart yet relaxed atmosphere suitable for dinner out.
The Bull
Established gastropub by Dartford Heath offering British pub dishes, Sunday roasts and drinks in a traditional inn setting.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate by South East England standards: accommodation and rail fares can add up, while pubs, cafés and casual dining are fairly typical for day trips from London.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a meal.
- Fine dining
- £50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is sometimes included in restaurants; otherwise tip around 10% for good service. Taxis are often rounded up or tipped 5-10%. Café tipping is optional.
FAQs: Preston to Dartford train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Preston to Dartford 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 Dartford, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Preston to Dartford can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £60, while the average price tends to be around £132.
The train journey from Preston to Dartford covers a distance of 326 km and takes approximately 3h 1m. Trains run 5 per day.
The train distance from Preston to Dartford is 326 km.
The first train from Preston to Dartford leaves at 5:53.
The last train from Preston to Dartford departs at 19:35.
Trains from Preston to Dartford run approximately 5 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Preston to Dartford.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Preston to Dartford.
There is no night train service from Preston to Dartford.
The train station in Preston that goes to Dartford is Preston station (PRE), and it arrives at Dartford station (DFD).
Booking trains from Preston to Dartford 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 Dartford offers varied scenery, including urban landscapes, rolling countryside, and glimpses of historic towns, providing a pleasant visual experience for travellers.
Yes, you can take the train from Preston to Dartford.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Preston and Dartford
Most Preston to Dartford trains use the Preston to Dartford station pair. Use this guide to compare Preston and Dartford 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 Dartford
Which Preston station do trains to Dartford leave from?
Trains from Preston to Dartford 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 Dartford station do trains from Preston arrive at?
Trains from Preston to Dartford arrive at Dartford. Dartford is from Dartford city centre.
DartfordDartford station, Station Approach, Dartford, Kent, DA1 1BP+44 3303339232
City-centre transport
Getting to Dartford from Dartford city centre
BusD30, 429, 414B, 477, 477S · 1m · every ~4 min
Dartford train station facilities and services
Dartford has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Dartford.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Dartford.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Dartford. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: 0345 322 7021 or Text relay 18001 0345 322 7021 Freephone 0800 783 4524 or Text Relay 18001 0800 783 4524, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Dartford: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Dartford: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Dartford: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A. This station has step free access to all platforms - Access to all platforms and interchange via lifts and stairs, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not wheelchair accessible, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available to book, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: 2 x in booking hall, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Assistance/Help available from station staff from First to Last trains, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Most popular train connections from Preston
More options for your journey from Preston to Dartford
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Dartford and Preston
Most popular train connections to Dartford
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