- Must visit
Ipswich Museum
Ipswich’s main museum with natural history, archaeology and local collections, including Egyptian objects and displays on Suffolk’s past.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Preston to Ipswich
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 13 Oct
Cheapest price on 13 Oct
£132
Average ticket price on 13 Oct
£169
Fastest journey on 13 Oct
3 h 57 m
Average journey duration on 13 Oct
4 h 3 m
Trains on 13 Oct
18
Distance
322 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Preston to Ipswich is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Preston to Ipswich will cost around £169 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £132.
Fast trains
To travel from Preston to Ipswich you need to make at least 3 changes.
3:155h24Preston8:39Ipswich£1321One-way3 changes
5:334h03Preston9:36Ipswich£1711One-way3 changes- 6:584h07Preston11:05Ipswich£1711One-way3 changes
- 8:014h04Preston12:05Ipswich£1711One-way3 changes
- 9:004h05Preston13:05Ipswich£1711One-way3 changes
- 14:003h57Preston17:57Ipswich£1711One-way3 changes
- 5:334h03Preston9:36Ipswich£1711One-way3 changes
- 8:014h04Preston12:05Ipswich£1711One-way3 changes
- 15:004h04Preston19:04Ipswich£1721One-way3 changes
- 9:004h05Preston13:05Ipswich£1711One-way3 changes
Journey information
Overview: Train from Preston to Ipswich
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Preston to Ipswich run on average 5 times per day, taking around 3h 54m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £102 but you can travel from only £81 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 05:10, the last at 20:10. The fastest train covers the 322 km distance in 3h 30m.
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 £81
Distance 322 km |
Average train duration 3h 54m |
Cheapest ticket price £102 |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 3h 30m |
First train 5:10 |
Last train 20:10 |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 28 days |
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 £81
Live departures
Preston to Ipswich train times
The table below shows live departures for Preston to Ipswich trains for today, Monday 12 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11:11 Preston | 5h25 | 16:36 Ipswich | 0 changesdirect | |
| Tuesday 13 October | |||||
| 3:15 Preston | 5h24 | 8:39 Ipswich | 3 changes | |
| 5:33 Preston | 4h03 | 9:36 Ipswich | 3 changes | |
| 6:58 Preston | 4h07 | 11:05 Ipswich | 3 changes | |
| 8:01 Preston | 4h04 | 12:05 Ipswich | 3 changes | |
| 9:00 Preston | 4h05 | 13:05 Ipswich | 3 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Preston to Ipswich trains with Omio?
Avanti West Coast as well as East Midlands Railway or Lumo offer trains services from Preston to Ipswich.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Preston to Ipswich.
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 East Midlands Railway or Lumo to find the best option for your trip from Preston to Ipswich.
- 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 Ipswich.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu, Raileurope or Rome2rio?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of East Midlands Railway or Lumo to find the best option for your trip from Preston to Ipswich.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Preston to Ipswich.
Train companies: Avanti West Coast, East Midlands Railway, Lumo from Preston to Ipswich trainsAvanti West Coast, East Midlands Railway, Lumo trains will get you between Preston and Ipswich from £81. 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 30m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
£118
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
East Midlands Railway
About
East Midlands Trains is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London to the East Midlands, Yorkshire, and the North West. East Midlands Trains operates a fleet of Class 158, Class 156, Class 170, Class 222 and Class 180 diesel multiple units, as well as Class 222 Meridian electric multiple units. East Midlands Trains also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for East Midlands Trains are London to Nottingham, Sheffield, and Leeds.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average East Midlands Railway Duration
5h 7m
Cheapest East Midlands Railway Price
£130
East Midlands Railway frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 piece of hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee. Free for Advance ticket holders
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs must be on lead and require a ticket (£6 for day ticket)
Quiet zone
Lumo
About
Lumo are an open access operator launched in 2021 owned by FirstGroup providing train travel from London to Scotland and the North-East of England. It runs between London and Edinburgh along the East Coast Main Line. Lumo trains offer 100% electric travel along with amenities like comforable seating, free WiFi & their LumoEats at-seat catering in their single Standard Class. Lumo offered two ticket types their advance tickets LumoFixed which are only valid on the date and train booked but are exchangeable prior to departure and their Anytime tickets which can be used on any Lumo train on the date of your ticket.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Lumo Duration
3h 48m
Cheapest Lumo Price
£102
Lumo frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One piece of hand luggage and one piece of hold luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at the end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refunds according to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by operator
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, and light meals. First Class includes complimentary refreshments
Seat reservation
Seat reservation included with all tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces available, accessible toilets, and staff assistance for boarding
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs on leads allowed with fee
Quiet zone
Complete guide to Ipswich
Things to do in Ipswich
Discover the best of Ipswich — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Ipswich trip today.
- Must visit
Christchurch Mansion
Gallery in Christchurch Mansion showing works by Constable and Gainsborough, plus changing exhibitions in a historic setting.
- Recommended
The Hold: Ipswich Waterfront
Museum on the redeveloped docks telling the story of Ipswich’s maritime trade, industry and local life through interactive displays.
- Must visit
Ipswich Waterfront
Lively regenerated marina with quayside walks, historic warehouses and wide views; ideal for a relaxed stroll by the water.
- Must visit
Christchurch Park
Large public park with formal gardens, ponds and open lawns around Christchurch Mansion; a favourite green escape near the centre.
- Recommended
Cornhill
Historic square at the civic heart of Ipswich, framed by notable buildings and often used for markets, events and seasonal displays.
Suffolk Sausage
A hearty Suffolk pork sausage, traditionally seasoned with sage and pepper. It is a long-standing county speciality often served with mash or in a sandwich.
- Gluten-free
Suffolk Ham
Cured ham from Suffolk, usually dry-cured and sliced thin. It reflects the county’s strong pork-curing tradition and is a popular local deli staple.
- Gluten-free
Smoked Herring
Smoked herring from the nearby Suffolk coast, especially linked with Lowestoft. Traditionally eaten for breakfast or in fish dishes with a deep smoky flavour.
Melekzade
Well-known Turkish restaurant with grilled meats, meze and warm service in a lively yet comfortable dining room.
Indian Knight
Established Indian restaurant known for refined curries and attentive service in an elegant setting.
The Last Anchor
Stylish marina restaurant serving modern British food, steaks and seafood in a relaxed waterfront setting.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate by UK standards. Hotels and dining cost less than London, while buses and casual meals are fairly affordable for visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a basic lunch.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is sometimes included in restaurants; otherwise tip about 10% for good service. Taxi fares can be rounded up. Tipping in cafés is optional.
Ipswich Bus App
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.30
- Day pass
- £4.40
To the city centre
Ipswich Railway Station -> Ipswich Town Centre
- Distance
- 1 km
- Travel time
- 15 min
- Ipswich Buses Town fares currently include a £2.30 single and £4.40 day ticket in the town zone. Buy in the official app for mobile tickets.
- Ipswich Railway Station is about a 10–15 minute walk from the town centre. Buses and taxis also leave from the station forecourt.
FAQs: Preston to Ipswich train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Preston to Ipswich 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 Ipswich, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Preston to Ipswich can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £102, while the average price tends to be around £142.
The train journey from Preston to Ipswich covers a distance of 322 km and takes approximately 3h 30m. Trains run 5 per day.
The train distance from Preston to Ipswich is 322 km.
The first train from Preston to Ipswich leaves at 5:10.
The last train from Preston to Ipswich departs at 20:10.
Trains from Preston to Ipswich run approximately 5 times per day.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Preston to Ipswich.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Preston to Ipswich.
There is no night train service from Preston to Ipswich.
The train station in Preston that goes to Ipswich is Preston station (PRE), and it arrives at Ipswich station (IPS).
Booking trains from Preston to Ipswich 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 Ipswich offers varied scenery, passing through the picturesque countryside of Lancashire, the rolling hills of the Midlands, and the charming landscapes of East Anglia, providing a pleasant visual experience.
Yes, you can take the train from Preston to Ipswich.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Preston and Ipswich
Most Preston to Ipswich trains use the Preston to Ipswich station pair. Use this guide to compare Preston and Ipswich 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 Ipswich
Which Preston station do trains to Ipswich leave from?
Trains from Preston to Ipswich 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 Ipswich station do trains from Preston arrive at?
Trains from Preston to Ipswich arrive at Ipswich. Ipswich is 1 km from Ipswich city centre.
IpswichIpswich station, Burrell Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP2 8AL+44 3450507080
City-centre transport
Getting to Ipswich from Ipswich city centre
Ipswich is 1 km from Ipswich city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus13, 12, 23, 3, 119, 3E · 7m · £2 · every ~27 min
12, 3, 13, 15, 119, 3E, 23 · 9m · £2 · every ~35 min
111 · 21m
Ipswich train station facilities and services
Ipswich has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Ipswich.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Ipswich. ATMs are available at Ipswich.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Ipswich.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Ipswich: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Ipswich: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Ipswich: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: Details of nearest taxis are shown on station information poster, 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: Yes.
Most popular train connections from Preston
More options for your journey from Preston to Ipswich
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Ipswich and Preston
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