PRESTON to EDINBURGH train from £12 with Transpennine Express

2,000+ travel companies

Scan to get our free app

Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.

App Store

4.9

42K ratings

Google Play

4.6

136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest trains from Preston to Edinburgh

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 08 Oct

Cheapest price on 08 Oct

£17

Average ticket price on 08 Oct

£40

Fastest journey on 08 Oct

2 h 24 m

Average journey duration on 08 Oct

2 h 25 m

Trains on 08 Oct

Distance

245 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Preston to Edinburgh will cost around £40 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £17.

Fast trains

On Thu 08 Oct, we found 16 trains from Preston to Edinburgh, including 15 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 245 km distance in an average of 2 h 25 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 24 m .

The slowest trains will take 2 h 26 m 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.

W34206+L87904+Bus from Glasgow Central to Glasgow Queen Street
8:143h52
Preston station (PRE)
12:06Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
£171One-way
2 changes
W34291
19:552h26
Preston station (PRE)
22:21Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
£201One-way
0 changes
W34213
7:542h25
Preston station (PRE)
10:19Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
£241One-way
0 changes
W34144
9:542h26
Preston station (PRE)
12:20Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
£241One-way
0 changes
W34289
17:532h31
Preston station (PRE)
20:24Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
£261One-way
0 changes

Journey information

Overview: Train from Preston to Edinburgh

United Kingdom

Trains from Preston to Edinburgh run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 38m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £15 but you can travel from only £12 by coach.

There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:30, the last at 22:30. The fastest train covers the 245 km distance in 2h 24m.

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 £12

Distance

245 km

Average train duration

2h 38m

Cheapest ticket price

£15

Trains per day

Direct trains

Fastest train

2h 24m

First train

4:30

Last train

22:30

Cheapest Month

Sept

Cheapest Day

Tue

High Season

Oct - Dec

Low Season

Jan - Mar

Busiest Day

Thu

Least Busy Day

Sat

Best time to book

14 days

Price information

Cheapest alternative travel mode

Coach from £12

Live departures

Preston to Edinburgh train times

The table below shows live departures for Preston to Edinburgh trains for today, Wednesday 7 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at

Provider	Departs	Duration	Arrives	Changes
W85168	Delayed 8:04 9:03Preston station (PRE)	2h34	11:37 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)	0 changesdirect
W34144	On time 9:54 Preston station (PRE)	2h26	12:20 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)	0 changesdirect
W85177	On time 10:59 Preston station (PRE)	2h33	13:32 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)	0 changesdirect
W33941	On time 11:53 Preston station (PRE)	2h26	14:19 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)	0 changesdirect
W85182	On time 12:59 Preston station (PRE)	2h37	15:36 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)	0 changesdirect
W34286	On time 13:54 Preston station (PRE)	2h24	16:18 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)	0 changesdirect
W85191	On time 15:03 Preston station (PRE)	2h37	17:40 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)	0 changesdirect
W34290	On time 15:53 Preston station (PRE)	2h27	18:20 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)	0 changesdirect
W85201	On time 17:04 Preston station (PRE)	2h36	19:40 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)	0 changesdirect
W34289	On time 17:53 Preston station (PRE)	2h31	20:24 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)	0 changesdirect
W85164	7:04 Preston station (PRE)	2h37	9:41 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)	0 changesdirect
W34213	7:54 Preston station (PRE)	2h25	10:19 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)	0 changesdirect
W34206+L87904+Bus from Glasgow Central to Glasgow Queen Street	8:14 Preston station (PRE)	3h52	12:06 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)	2 changes
This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Preston to Edinburgh trains with Omio?

Avanti West Coast as well as Transpennine Express, London North Eastern Railway, CrossCountry and more offer trains services from Preston to Edinburgh.

Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Preston to Edinburgh.

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 Transpennine Express, London North Eastern Railway or CrossCountry to find the best option for your trip from Preston to Edinburgh.
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 train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Preston to Edinburgh.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?

Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Transpennine Express, London North Eastern Railway or CrossCountry to find the best option for your trip from Preston to Edinburgh.
Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Preston to Edinburgh.

Train companies: Transpennine Express, Avanti West Coast, London North Eastern Railway, CrossCountry from Preston to Edinburgh trainsTranspennine Express, Avanti West Coast, London North Eastern Railway, CrossCountry trains will get you between Preston and Edinburgh from £12. 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 33m

Cheapest Transpennine Express Price

£19

Transpennine Express frequency

3 a day

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

Learn more about Transpennine Express

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 24m

Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price

£15

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

Learn more about Avanti West Coast

London North Eastern Railway

About

LNER is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates a wide range of services, from high-speed intercity trains to local services. Its most popular routes include London to Edinburgh, London to Leeds, and London to York. LNER offers a variety of train types, including the Azuma, InterCity 225, and HST. The Azuma is a modern, high-speed train that offers comfortable seating and onboard Wi-Fi. The InterCity 225 is a classic train that offers a more traditional experience. The HST is a high-speed train that offers a smooth ride and plenty of legroom. LNER offers a variety of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak. Advance tickets are the cheapest option and must be booked in advance. Anytime tickets are more expensive but can be used at any time. Off-Peak tickets are the most affordable option for travelling during off-peak times. Onboard facilities include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. LNER also offers a range of discounts and special offers, making it an affordable and convenient way to travel.

Luggage & cancellation policy

Average London North Eastern Railway Duration

4h 34m

Cheapest London North Eastern Railway Price

£34

London North Eastern Railway frequency

2 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

Refund policies apply as per ticket conditions

Refund

Full refund available if train is cancelled

Amenities on board the train

Wifi

Food sold onboard

Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, and light meals. First Class passengers receive complimentary refreshments

Seat reservation

Seat reservations are included with Advance tickets. Optional for other ticket types at £0-£2 per person depending on route

Toilets

USB plugs

Accessibility

Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, passenger assistance service available

Pets

Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two pets per passenger

Quiet zone

CrossCountry

About

CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.

Luggage & cancellation policy

Average CrossCountry Duration

4h 33m

Cheapest CrossCountry Price

£139

CrossCountry frequency

2 a day

Luggage included

2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price

Luggage storage

Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages

Cancellation Policy

Refund policies vary by ticket type

Refund

Full refund provided for canceled services

Amenities on board the train

Wifi

Food sold onboard

Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes

Seat reservation

Seat reservations available for additional fee

Toilets

USB plugs

Accessibility

Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available

Pets

Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket

Quiet zone

Learn more about CrossCountry

Complete guide to Edinburgh

Things to do in Edinburgh

Discover the best of Edinburgh — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Edinburgh trip today.

Must visit

National Museum of Scotland

National museum covering science, design, world cultures and Scottish history. Excellent for varied collections and a dramatic central hall.

View on map Visit website

Must visit

Scottish National Gallery

Major art gallery with Scottish and international works from the Renaissance to the late nineteenth century, beside Princes Street Gardens.

View on map Visit website

Recommended

Fruitmarket

Contemporary art gallery in a converted schoolhouse, known for thoughtful exhibitions by Scottish and international artists near the Royal Mile.

View on map Visit website

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for the UK. Rooms and dining are pricier in peak season, but buses are affordable and budget eats are easy to find.

Average meal costs

Budget: £8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range: £20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining: £70+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee: £3-4.50 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up taxi fares. Cafés and pubs usually do not expect tips.

Best day trips from Edinburgh by train

The most popular day trips by train from Edinburgh are Glasgow, Stirling, Perth, Dundee and North Berwick. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your train from Edinburgh on Omio.

Day trip from Edinburgh to Glasgow by train

Why visit Glasgow for the day?

Glasgow is Scotland’s largest city, known for grand architecture, a strong music scene and a friendly, direct character. Its industrial past on the Clyde still shapes a city that now balances major museums, lively neighbourhoods and a clear cultural confidence.

How to get from Edinburgh to Glasgow by train?

There are 8 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:03, the last at 23:53. The fastest train covers the 67 km distance in 43m.

Find tickets to Glasgow

Day trip from Edinburgh to Stirling by train

Why visit Stirling for the day?

Stirling is known for royal history, Stirling Castle and the story of William Wallace. Its compact old town and setting by the River Forth give it a lively Scottish character.

How to get from Edinburgh to Stirling by train?

There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:18, the last at 23:36. The fastest train covers the 50 km distance in 40m.

Find tickets to Stirling

Day trip from Edinburgh to Perth by train

Why visit Perth for the day?

Perth is a small Scottish city on the River Tay with strong royal and civic history. Known for its elegant centre and nearby Scone Palace, it feels calm, compact and well placed for exploring central and northern Scotland.

How to get from Edinburgh to Perth by train?

There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:27, the last at 23:32. The fastest train covers the 51 km distance in 1h 12m.

Find tickets to Perth

Day trip from Edinburgh to Dundee by train

Why visit Dundee for the day?

Dundee is a compact Scottish city on the River Tay, known for design, digital creativity and a maritime past. The waterfront and V&A Dundee give it a modern feel, while old streets and university life keep its character grounded.

How to get from Edinburgh to Dundee by train?

There are 8 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:30, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 58 km distance in 1h 7m.

Find tickets to Dundee

Day trip from Edinburgh to North Berwick by train

How to get from Edinburgh to North Berwick by train?

There are 7 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:24. The fastest train covers the 32 km distance in 23m.

Find tickets to North Berwick

Trains from Preston to Edinburgh

Direct trains from Preston to Edinburgh are operated by First TransPennine Express and Virgin Trains. The route is direct and takes approximately 2 and 30 minutes. The first departure is just before 7:00 a.m. with trains leaving roughly every hour until around 9:00 p.m. There is a reduced service on Sundays.

What are the departure and arrival stations for trains from Preston to Edinburgh?

Departure Station:Preston Station is a major west coast hub with a large car park, plentiful bicycle storage and a taxi rank located outside the main entrance. It is centrally located in the town and served by several local bus routes.

Arrival Station:Trains from Preston to Edinburgh arrive at Edinburgh Waverley Station. This elegant Victorian station can be found in the heart of the Old Town and has a car park, bicycle storage and a taxi rank. Waverley Station is linked to Edinburgh Airport by the Airlink 100 shuttle bus and is also on several local bus routes.

FAQs: Preston to Edinburgh train

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

The cost of a train ticket from Preston to Edinburgh can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £15, while the average price tends to be around £50.

The train journey from Preston to Edinburgh covers a distance of 245 km and takes approximately 2h 24m. Trains run 6 per day.

The train distance from Preston to Edinburgh is 245 km.

The first train from Preston to Edinburgh leaves at 4:30.

The last train from Preston to Edinburgh departs at 22:30.

Trains from Preston to Edinburgh run approximately 6 times per day.

Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Preston to Edinburgh.

Yes, there is a direct train between Preston and Edinburgh. The service operates 6 times per day, provided by Transpennine Express, Avanti West Coast.

There is no night train service from Preston to Edinburgh.

The train station in Preston that goes to Edinburgh is Preston station (PRE), and it arrives at Edinburgh Waverley (EDB).

Booking trains from Preston to Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh offers a scenic experience, passing through picturesque landscapes, including the rolling hills of the Lake District and the rugged beauty of the Scottish Borders.

Yes, you can take the train from Preston to Edinburgh.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Preston and Edinburgh

Most Preston to Edinburgh trains use the Preston to Edinburgh Waverley station pair, with some services arriving at Haymarket. Use this guide to compare Preston and Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh

Which Preston station do trains to Edinburgh leave from?

Trains from Preston to Edinburgh 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 Wifi

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

Edinburgh WaverleyPrinces St, Edinburgh EH1 1BB, United Kingdom+44 3457114141 Wifi

City-centre transport

Getting to Edinburgh Waverley from Edinburgh city centre

BusUk090 · 12m · £0.89 · every ~32 min

Edinburgh Waverley train station facilities and services

Edinburgh Waverley has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental and Information Desk.