- Must visit
West Highland Museum
Town museum covering local archaeology, Jacobite history, the West Highland railway and mountain life in Lochaber.
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Travel Information
Compare train and flight for Preston to Fort William
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Preston to Fort William among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £61 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 7h 10m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £61, while a flight costs an average of £141.
Distance: 371 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£61 Average Price Cheapest | £141 Average Price | £78 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 22m Average total duration 7h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 10m Average total duration Fastest 5h 10m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 5h 22m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Preston to Fort William is a train with an average price of £61.
This is compared to other travel options from Preston to Fort William:
A train is £80 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Preston to Fort William costing on average £141.
The fastest way to travel from Preston to Fort William is by flight with an average journey time of 5h 10m.
Other travel options to Fort William take longer:
Train takes on average 7h 52m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Preston and Fort William including taking a train and flight.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around £61 compared to roughly £78 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £17. The journey takes 7h 52m versus 5h 22m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Compare prices and tickets Preston to Fort William by train or flight
Compare 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.
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Why should you book Preston to Fort William trains with Omio?
Scotrail operates all trains services from Preston to Fort William.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Preston to Fort William.
Why book with Omio vs Scotrail?
- 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 Scotrail with all available travel options, which are train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Preston to Fort William.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Rome2rio?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Preston to Fort William.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Preston to Fort William
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Preston to Fort William run on average 2 times per day, taking around 7h 52m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £51 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 07:44, the last at 14:41. The fastest train covers the 371 km distance in 7h 11m.
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
Distance 371 km |
Average train duration 7h 52m |
Cheapest ticket price £51 |
Trains per day 2 |
Fastest train 7h 11m |
First train 7:44 |
Last train 14:41 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
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
Train companies: Scotrail from Preston to Fort William trainsScotrail trains will get you between Preston and Fort William from £51. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Scotrail
About
Scotrail is a train operating company in Scotland, providing rail services throughout the country. It operates a wide range of services, from commuter trains to long-distance intercity services. The company operates a variety of train types, including the Class 380, Class 385, Class 156, Class 158 and Class 170. These trains offer a range of onboard facilities, such as free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and comfortable seating. Scotrail also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Off-Peak, and Anytime tickets. The most popular routes for Scotrail include Glasgow to Edinburgh, Glasgow to Inverness, and Edinburgh to Aberdeen.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Scotrail Duration
7h 11m
Cheapest Scotrail Price
£51
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, designated luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions mentioned above
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most routes with snacks and drinks, some stations have catering facilities
Seat reservation
Seat reservations are free but optional, recommended during peak times
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, passenger assistance service available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, dogs allowed with ticket (£1-£3), maximum 2 dogs per passenger, assistance dogs free
Quiet zone
Complete guide to Fort William
Things to do in Fort William
Discover the best of Fort William — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Fort William trip today.
- Recommended
The Ice Factor National Centre for Mountain Rescue
Small museum on Scotland's mountain rescue history, with equipment, stories and displays connected to Ben Nevis and Lochaber.
- Recommended
Glenfinnan Station Museum
Seasonal heritage centre at Glenfinnan Station with exhibits on the West Highland Line, local history and famous film locations.
- Must visit
Glen Nevis
Scenic glen south of town with walking and cycling routes, river views and the main access area for Ben Nevis footpaths.
- Recommended
Cow Hill Circuit
Popular long-distance walking and cycling route along a former railway, linking Fort William with countryside and lochside scenery.
- Recommended
Fort William Seafront
Promenade area beside Loch Linnhe for short walks, sunsets and views across the water towards the Ardgour hills.
- Gluten-free
Cullen Skink
A warming Highland soup of smoked haddock, potatoes and onions. Popular across the west coast and well suited to the local fishing tradition.
Haggis
Scotland’s iconic savoury pudding made with sheep offal, oats and spices. A classic supper in Highland inns and restaurants.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Clapshot
A traditional side of mashed potatoes with butter and greens, often kale or cabbage. Common with Highland meat and game dishes.
The Wildcat
Well-known local café and bakery for breakfasts, soups, sandwiches and cakes. Casual, dependable stop in the town centre.
Ben Nevis Inn
Lively traditional pub serving hearty Scottish meals and local drinks. Good choice for haggis, fish dishes and an easy-going evening.
Crannog Seafood Restaurant
Relaxed modern bistro known for Highland produce, seafood and steaks. Popular central spot with a polished but informal atmosphere.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the Highlands: lodging and tours can be pricey in peak season, but pub meals, buses and casual cafés are manageable versus busier UK tourist hubs.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food, bakery items or a simple café meal.
- Mid-range
- £15-30 per person for a pub or restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £35+ per person for a higher-end dinner.
- Coffee
- £3-4 for a cappuccino or latte.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional but appreciated. In restaurants, leave 10-12.5% for good service if not included. Round up in cafés and taxis.
Stagecoach Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2
- Day pass
- £5
To the city centre
Fort William Station -> Fort William Transport Centre
- Distance
- 0.3 km
- Travel time
- 5 min
- Contactless payment cards are accepted on Highland Council buses, and mobile tickets are available in the Stagecoach Bus app.
- Fort William Station is close to the town centre, so walking is often quickest for central stops and the Transport Centre.
FAQs: Preston to Fort William train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Preston to Fort William 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 Fort William, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Preston to Fort William can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £51, while the average price tends to be around £61.
The train journey from Preston to Fort William covers a distance of 371 km and takes approximately 7h 11m. Trains run 2 per day.
The train distance from Preston to Fort William is 371 km.
The first train from Preston to Fort William leaves at 7:44.
The last train from Preston to Fort William departs at 14:41.
Trains from Preston to Fort William run approximately 2 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Preston to Fort William.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Preston to Fort William.
To get from Preston to Fort William, you can choose from several travel options including train and flight.
There is no night train service from Preston to Fort William.
The train station in Preston that goes to Fort William is Preston station (PRE), and it arrives at Fort William station (FTW).
The cheapest way to get from Preston to Fort William is by train, costing approximately £51.
Booking trains from Preston to Fort William in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
Yes, the train journey from Preston to Fort William is considered scenic, offering views of the Lake District, the Scottish Highlands, and crossing the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct.
A day trip from Preston to Fort William is not feasible as the journey takes 7h 11m and there are only 2 trains per day.
In Fort William, you can enjoy a scenic journey on the Jacobite Steam Train, explore the Nevis Range Mountain Resort for skiing and mountain biking, and take a hike to the dramatic Steall Waterfall. Attend the Fort William Mountain Festival to celebrate mountain culture, and take boat trips on Loch Linnhe for wildlife spotting. Visit Ben Nevis for challenging hikes, explore the picturesque Glen Nevis, and delve into local history at the West Highland Museum. Don't miss Neptune's Staircase for its engineering marvel and the historical ruins of Old Inverlochy Castle.
Spending 2 to 3 days in Fort William allows for exploring the town, hiking Ben Nevis, and visiting nearby attractions like Glen Nevis and the West Highland Museum.
Yes, you can take the train from Preston to Fort William.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Preston and Fort William
Most Preston to Fort William trains use the Preston to Fort William station pair. Use this guide to compare Preston and Fort William 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 Fort William
Which Preston station do trains to Fort William leave from?
Trains from Preston to Fort William 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 Fort William station do trains from Preston arrive at?
Trains from Preston to Fort William arrive at Fort William. Fort William is 1 km from Fort William city centre.
Fort WilliamFort William station, Tom-na-Faire, Station Square, Fort William, Highland, PH33 6TQ
City-centre transport
Getting to Fort William from Fort William city centre
Bus521, 147, 146, 46, 47, 522, X47 · 6m · £2 · every ~6 min
592 · 11m
Fort William train station facilities and services
Fort William has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Fort William.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Fort William.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Fort William. Information desks are 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.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Fort William: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Fort William: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Fort William: 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 Ticket Office Blue Badge parking bays: 2, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, 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.
Most popular train connections from Preston
More options for your journey from Preston to Fort William
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Fort William and Preston
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