- Must visit
Royal Pump Room Museum
Museum in Harrogate’s former pump house explaining the town’s spa history, sulphur waters and Victorian visitors.
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Preston to Harrogate among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £16 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 44m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £16, while a coach costs an average of £20.
Distance: 81 km
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£16 Average Price Cheapest | £20 Average Price |
2h 44m Average total duration Fastest 2h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 10m Average total duration 4h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Compare train and coach 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.
Trains from Preston to Harrogate run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 14m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £13 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 05:44, the last at 23:19. The fastest train covers the 81 km distance in 2h 45m.
Distance 81 km |
Average train duration 2h 14m |
Cheapest ticket price £13 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 2h 45m |
First train 5:44 |
Last train 23:19 |
Cheapest Month Sept |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Discover the best of Harrogate — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Harrogate trip today.
Museum in Harrogate’s former pump house explaining the town’s spa history, sulphur waters and Victorian visitors.
Modern art gallery and museum with changing exhibitions on local history, fine art and decorative collections in the town centre.
Small local history museum in nearby Knaresborough covering town life, archaeology and the riverside setting.
Large public gardens with floral displays, woodland walks, a playground and links to Harrogate’s spa heritage.
Historic district around the old spa quarter, popular for architecture, boutiques and a pleasant walk through Harrogate’s centre.
Open green space just outside the centre with broad lawns, mature trees and a quieter local feel for walks and relaxation.
A strong black tea blend created in Harrogate by Taylors. It is closely associated with the town’s spa heritage and remains a classic local drink.
A traditional Yorkshire roast dish made from batter baked in hot fat, usually served with roast beef and gravy on Sundays across the region.
A crumbly, moist fruit cake from Yorkshire, made with currants and often flavoured with citrus or almond. Common with afternoon tea.
Smart modern restaurant serving refined British tasting menus in an intimate setting in the centre of Harrogate.
Stylish Italian restaurant known for small plates, pasta and a lively atmosphere. Good for a relaxed but polished meal.
Traditional Yorkshire tea room and restaurant famous for afternoon tea, cakes and classic British dishes in elegant period rooms.
Moderate for the UK: hotels can be pricey in peak season, but dining and local buses are broadly in line with similar spa and market towns.
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual if service is not included. Round up taxi fares. Café tipping is optional.
Official public transport app
Harrogate Station -> Harrogate Bus Station
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Preston to Harrogate 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 Harrogate, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Preston to Harrogate trains use the Preston to Harrogate station pair, with some services arriving at Starbeck. Use this guide to compare Preston and Harrogate train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Preston is 1 km from Preston city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: Rise, The Olive Tree Brasserie, Turtle Bay
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Preston. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Preston. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Preston: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Preston: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Preston: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Holiday Inn Express Preston - South, Delta Hotels Preston, Macdonald Tickled Trout Hotel.
Harrogate has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Harrogate.
Wi-Fi is available at Harrogate. ATMs are available at Harrogate.
Ticket office support is available at Harrogate.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Harrogate: Parking, WC.
Available at Harrogate: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Harrogate: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A station, Level access to both platforms via separate entrances. Lifts between platforms are available from first to last train, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: Disabled user friendly, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: As per ticket office opening hours, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Starbeck is 2 km from Harrogate city centre. Public transport options include:
Starbeck has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Starbeck.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Starbeck: Parking.
Available at Starbeck: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Starbeck: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category B station, Step-free access to both platforms via short ramps from separate entrances. Step-free access between platforms via subway with fairly steep ramps, Accessible ticket machines: There are no accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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