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The cheapest and fastest trains from Preston to Edinburgh
Showing times and prices for 09 Jan
Cheapest price
£162
Average price
£174
Fastest journey
5 h 43 m
Average duration
5 h 52 m
Trains per day
3
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 £174 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £162.
Fast trains
To travel from Preston to Edinburgh you need to make at least 2 changes.
Y25392+
L36840+
C4111008:445h43
Preston station (PRE)14:27Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
£1621One-way
2 changes
L07210+L37181+
C7532608:115h59
Preston station (PRE)14:10Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
£1791One-way
2 changes
W01980+L07010+L37181+C7532608:175h53
Preston station (PRE)14:10Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
£1791One-way
3 changes
Y25392+L36840+C4111008:445h43
Preston station (PRE)14:27Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
£1621One-way
2 changes
W01980+L07010+L37181+C7532608:175h53
Preston station (PRE)14:10Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
£1791One-way
3 changes
L07210+L37181+C7532608:115h59
Preston station (PRE)14:10Edinburgh Waverley (EDB)
£1791One-way
2 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach, train and flight for Preston to Edinburgh
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Preston to Edinburgh among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £14. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 17m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £14, and a flight costs an average of £76.
Distance: 245 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£47 Average Price | £24 Average Price Cheapest | £175 Average Price |
3h 47m Average total duration Fastest 3h 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 23m Average total duration 4h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 34m Average total duration 5h 34m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions | 0.7 - 1.5kg CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Preston to Edinburgh train times
The table below shows live departures for Preston to Edinburgh trains for today, Thursday 8 January. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 16:54
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18:05 Preston | 2h33 | 20:38 Edinburgh | 0 changesdirect | |
| 20:05 Preston | 2h36 | 22:41 Edinburgh | 0 changesdirect | |
| Friday 9 January | |||||
| L07210+L37181+C75326 | On time 08:11 Preston station (PRE) | 5h59 | 14:10 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 changes | |
| W01980+L07010+L37181+C75326 | On time 08:17 Preston station (PRE) | 5h53 | 14:10 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3 changes | |
| Y25392+L36840+C41110 | On time 08:44 Preston station (PRE) | 5h43 | 14:27 Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2 changes | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Preston to Edinburgh by coach, train or flight
Compare coach, train and flight 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.
Fri
09 Jan
09 Jan
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10 Jan
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Preston to Edinburgh
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Preston to Edinburgh run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 17m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £15 but you can travel from only £14 by coach.
There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:30, the last at 21:09. 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 £14
Distance 245 km |
Average train duration 3h 17m |
Cheapest ticket price £15 |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 2h 24m |
First train 04:30 |
Last train 21:09 |
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 £14
Train companies: TransPennine Express, Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, first_transpennine_express, Caledonian Sleeper from Preston to Edinburgh trainsTransPennine Express, Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, first_transpennine_express, Caledonian Sleeper trains will get you between Preston and Edinburgh from £14. 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 Duration
2h 33m
Cheapest Price
£17
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
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 Duration
2h 24m
Cheapest Price
£17
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
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 Duration
5h 44m
Cheapest Price
£143
CrossCountry frequency
1 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
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 Duration
2h 49m
Cheapest Price
£78
Caledonian Sleeper frequency
1 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
first_transpennine_express
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 33m
Cheapest Price
£70
first_transpennine_express frequency
6 a day
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.
A day trip from Preston to Edinburgh is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 24m and covers a distance of 245 km. Trains run 6 times per day.
To fully experience Edinburgh's historic sites, cultural attractions, and local cuisine, a stay of three to four days is recommended.
The cheapest way to get from Preston to Edinburgh is by coach, costing approximately £14.
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.
The train distance from Preston to Edinburgh is 245 km.
In Edinburgh, you can explore the vibrant atmosphere of Grassmarket with its pubs, shops, and street performances, or enjoy a ghost tour through the haunted streets and underground vaults. Attend a performance at the Edinburgh Festival Theatre, and visit the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh for beautiful landscapes. Discover hidden gems and local art at the Stockbridge Market. Must-see sights include Edinburgh Castle, offering panoramic views and housing the Crown Jewels, Arthur's Seat for hiking and city views, The Royal Mile lined with shops and landmarks, Holyrood Palace with its stunning gardens, and the National Museum of Scotland showcasing diverse exhibits.
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 £47.
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 last train from Preston to Edinburgh departs at 21:09.
The train journey from Preston to Edinburgh covers a distance of 245 km and takes approximately 2h 24m. Trains run 6 per day.
Yes, there is a direct train between Preston and Edinburgh. The service operates 5 times per day, provided by TransPennine Express, Avanti West Coast, first_transpennine_express, Caledonian Sleeper.
The train station in Preston that goes to Edinburgh is Preston station (PRE), and it arrives at Edinburgh Waverley (EDB).
The first train from Preston to Edinburgh leaves at 4:30.
Trains from Preston to Edinburgh run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Preston to Edinburgh.
Yes, you can take the train from Preston to Edinburgh.
Yes, there is a night train from Preston to Edinburgh.
To get from Preston to Edinburgh, you can choose from several travel options including coach, train and flight.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Preston and Edinburgh
Preston
Edinburgh
The major train station for departures in Preston is Preston. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Preston for your trip from Preston to Edinburgh.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Lockers
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Car Rental
Information Desk
Luggage Cartsinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 5:30 AM - 8:00 PM Monday - Friday
- 6:30 AM - 7:00 PM Saturday
- 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM Sunday
Distance to city center
1 km
Number of platforms
6Wifi
- Free
Parking
- The car park is open 24 hours, located adjacent to the station with access from Butler Street.
Dining
- Rise
- The Olive Tree Brasserie
- Turtle Bay
Taxis
- Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps.
WC
- £0.30
Hotel
- Holiday Inn Express Preston - South
- Delta Hotels Preston
- Macdonald Tickled Trout Hotel
Lost and Found Office
- Located in the main hall
Car Rental
- Enterprise
- Europcar
Information Desk
- Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
- Free
Station Plan
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms 1-3 for long-distance services
- Hall 2: platforms 4-6 for regional and local services
Public transport options for Preston
- Bus: Several lines available
- Train: Northern, Avanti West Coast, TransPennine Express services
The major train station for arrivals in Edinburgh is Edinburgh Waverley. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Edinburgh Waverley for your journey to Edinburgh from Preston.
Amenities at train station
WifiLockers
ShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotel
LoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Sat: 05:00 - 23:59
- Sun: 07:00 - 23:59
Wifi
- Free public Wi-Fi available.
Lockers
- You can leave luggage at Excessive Baggage Company on Platform 2.
Shopping
- Type of shops available: Wide range of shops Passport Photo Booth
Parking
- Car Park: New Street: Long Stay
Dining
- Bagel Factory
- Burger King
- Caffè Nero
- Costa Coffee
- JD Wetherspoon
- The Pasty Shop
- The Beer House
- M&S
- Pret a Manger
Taxis
- Taxi: Nearest Taxi Ranks are on Market St and Waverley Bridge outside the station.
- Accessible taxis: Taxi ranks are located on Waverley Bridge and also Market Street. Market Street can be accessed step free via available lifts.
Accessibility
- Entrances are step free. Station is equipped with an elevator. Staffed with guide communicators for the deaf. Tactile warning strips are on the platform edges for the blind.
WC
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: At entrance to Public Toilets
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Baby changing facilities location: Female toilets,Male toilets,
Hotel
- Old Waverley Hotel
- Jurys Inn Edinburgh
- The Scotsman Hotel
Ticket Office
- Mon - Sat: 05:00 - 23:59
- Sun: 07:00 - 23:59
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Cycle storage can be found in the station: by the lift at Platform 2 (37 spaces) Platform 3 (68 Spaces) and adjacent to Platform 19 (86 Spaces). Additional cycle spaces are available in New Street car park (32 spaces).
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
- Information booths are located on the concourse.
Public transport options for Edinburgh Waverley
- Bus lines: 22, 30, 33, X22, X25, X37
- Train lines: Avanti West Coast, Caledonian Sleeper, CrossCountry, LNER, ScotRail, Transpennine Express
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Buses pick up/drop off on Waterloo Place, pick up across from Apex Hotel and drop off outside the Apex Hotel.
- Metro: No metro available.
Amenities at train station
WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:30 - 21:25 Saturday 06:30 - 21:25 Sunday 08:10 - 21:25
Distance to city center
1 kmShopping
- Type of shops available: M&S Simply Food
Parking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: This is a Category A station. This station has step-free access to all platforms. The Passenger Assist meeting point is at the automatic ticket gates Blue Badge parking bays: 2
- 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: No
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platform 1, the Concourse and near the entrance from Haymarket Terrace.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Lounge
- Waiting rooms location: Inside the station - one on platform 4 and one on platform 2 and 3
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage CCTV: No
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: Tel: 0800 046 1634 and 18001 0800 046 1634 (Deaf and customers who are hard of hearing)
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
Public transport options for Haymarket
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Buses pick up/drop off from the layby in front of the station
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningLoungeLost and Found OfficeBike ParkingInformation Deskinformation
Address
Slateford station, Meggetgate, off A70 Slateford Road, Slateford, City of Edinburgh, EH14 1BXDistance to city center
4 kmParking
- Car Park: No
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage CCTV: No
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from help point
- Helpline Contact: Tel: 0800 046 1634 and 18001 0800 046 1634 (Deaf and customers who are hard of hearing)
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements
Public transport options for Slateford
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Buses pick up/drop off from the bus stop on Slateford Road at Platform 2 stair exit
Most popular train connections from Preston
More options for your journey from Preston to Edinburgh
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Edinburgh and Preston
Most popular train connections to Edinburgh
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