Preston to Dunstable train with Avanti West Coast

Tue 15 Sept
+ Add return
Avanti West Coast
Caledonian Sleeper
Great Western Railway
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
Avanti West Coast
Caledonian Sleeper
Great Western Railway
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Preston to Dunstable

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 15 Sept

Cheapest price on 15 Sept

£105

Average ticket price on 15 Sept

£140

Fastest journey on 15 Sept

3 h 3 m

Average journey duration on 15 Sept

3 h 21 m

Trains on 15 Sept

18

Distance

256 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Preston to Dunstable will cost around £140 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £105.

Fast trains

To travel from Preston to Dunstable you need to make at least one change.

  • Caledonian Sleeper
    3:154h31
    Preston
    7:46Leagrave
    £1051One-way
    1 change
  • Caledonian Sleeper
    4:154h20
    Preston
    8:35Leagrave
    £1051One-way
    1 change
  • Avanti West Coast
    5:333h12
    Preston
    8:45Leagrave
    £1451One-way
    1 change
  • Avanti West Coast
    6:583h03
    Preston
    10:01Leagrave
    £1451One-way
    1 change
  • Avanti West Coast
    8:013h30
    Preston
    11:31Leagrave
    £1451One-way
    1 change

Travel Information

Compare coach and train for Preston to Dunstable

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Preston to Dunstable among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £79 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 26m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £79, while a train costs an average of £142.

Distance: 256 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Driving

£142

Average Price

£79

Average Price

Cheapest

£50

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

3h 26m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 56m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

8h 50m

Average total duration

8h 20m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 26m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Preston to Dunstable is a coach with an average price of £79.

This is compared to other travel options from Preston to Dunstable:

A coach is £63 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Preston to Dunstable costing on average £142.

The fastest way to travel from Preston to Dunstable is by train with an average journey time of 2h 56m.

Other travel options to Dunstable take longer:

Coach takes on average 8h 20m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Preston and Dunstable including taking a coach and train.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.

You'll arrive about 30m sooner (2h 56m by train vs 3h 26m by car). Tickets start at around £142 compared to roughly £50 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.

Live departures

Preston to Dunstable train times

The table below shows live departures for Preston to Dunstable trains for today, Monday 14 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Avanti West Coast16:00 Preston
3h31
19:31 Leagrave1 change
Avanti West Coast16:59 Preston
3h32
20:31 Leagrave1 change
Avanti West Coast18:00 Preston
4h01
22:01 Leagrave1 change
Avanti West Coast19:07 Preston
3h38
22:45 Leagrave1 change
Avanti West Coast20:01 Preston
3h36
23:37 Leagrave1 change
Avanti West Coast21:00 Preston
3h37
0:37 Leagrave1 change
Avanti West Coast21:18 Preston
5h20
2:38 Leagrave1 change
Tuesday 15 September
Caledonian Sleeper3:15 Preston
4h31
7:46 Leagrave1 change
Caledonian Sleeper4:15 Preston
4h20
8:35 Leagrave1 change
Avanti West Coast5:33 Preston
3h12
8:45 Leagrave1 change
Avanti West Coast6:58 Preston
3h03
10:01 Leagrave1 change
Avanti West Coast8:01 Preston
3h30
11:31 Leagrave1 change
Avanti West Coast9:00 Preston
3h31
12:31 Leagrave1 change
Avanti West Coast10:00 Preston
3h31
13:31 Leagrave1 change
Avanti West Coast11:00 Preston
3h31
14:31 Leagrave1 change
Avanti West Coast12:01 Preston
3h30
15:31 Leagrave1 change
Avanti West Coast13:00 Preston
3h31
16:31 Leagrave1 change
Avanti West Coast14:00 Preston
3h31
17:31 Leagrave1 change
Avanti West Coast15:00 Preston
3h41
18:41 Leagrave1 change

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Preston to Dunstable by coach or train

Compare coach and train 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.

Tue
15 Sept
Wed
16 Sept
Thu
17 Sept
Fri
18 Sept
Sat
19 Sept
Sun
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept

Why should you book Preston to Dunstable trains with Omio?

Avanti West Coast as well as Caledonian Sleeper offer trains services from Preston to Dunstable.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Preston to Dunstable.

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 Dunstable.
  • 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 and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Preston to Dunstable.

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 Dunstable.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Preston to Dunstable.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Preston to Dunstable

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Preston to Dunstable run on average 18 times per day, taking around 2h 56m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £105 but you can travel from only £78 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 03:14, the last at 21:18. The fastest train covers the 256 km distance in 3h 3m.

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 £78
Distance
256 km
Average train duration
2h 56m
Cheapest ticket price
£105
Trains per day
18
Fastest train
3h 3m
First train
3:14
Last train
21:18
Cheapest Month
Oct
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Oct - Dec
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 £78

Train companies: Avanti West Coast, Caledonian Sleeper from Preston to Dunstable trainsAvanti West Coast, Caledonian Sleeper trains will get you between Preston and Dunstable from £78. 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 3m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
£145
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
Learn more about Avanti West Coast

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 13m
Cheapest Caledonian Sleeper Price
£105
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

FAQs: Preston to Dunstable train

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

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Preston to Dunstable can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £105, while the average price tends to be around £142.
The train journey from Preston to Dunstable covers a distance of 256 km and takes approximately 3h 3m. Trains run 18 per day.
The train distance from Preston to Dunstable is 256 km.
The first train from Preston to Dunstable leaves at 3:14.
The last train from Preston to Dunstable departs at 21:18.
Trains from Preston to Dunstable run approximately 18 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Preston to Dunstable.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Preston to Dunstable.
To get from Preston to Dunstable, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
Yes, there is a night train from Preston to Dunstable.
The train station in Preston that goes to Dunstable is Preston station (PRE), and it arrives at Leagrave (LEA).
The cheapest way to get from Preston to Dunstable is by coach, costing approximately £78.
Booking trains from Preston to Dunstable 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 Dunstable offers varied scenery, with views of the rolling countryside and charming towns, providing a pleasant visual experience for travellers.
A day trip from Preston to Dunstable is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 3m and trains operate 19 times per day over a distance of 256 km.
For a visit to Dunstable, 1 to 2 days are generally sufficient to explore key attractions such as Whipsnade Zoo and the Dunstable Downs.
Yes, you can take the train from Preston to Dunstable.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Preston and Dunstable

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

Which Preston station do trains to Dunstable leave from?

Trains from Preston to Dunstable 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 about Preston

More options for your journey from Preston to Dunstable

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

Tickets and more information for trains to Preston
Tickets and more information for trains to Dunstable
HomeTrainsTrain Times to Dunstable Preston to Dunstable train

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