Preston to Liverpool train with Northern Rail

Fri 16 Oct
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Northern Rail
Transpennine Express
Mersey Rail
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
2,000+ travel companies
Northern Rail
Transpennine Express
Mersey Rail
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Preston to Liverpool

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 16 Oct

Cheapest price on 16 Oct

£6

Average ticket price on 16 Oct

£16

Fastest journey on 16 Oct

51 m

Average journey duration on 16 Oct

51 m

Trains on 16 Oct

22

Distance

43 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Preston to Liverpool will cost around £16 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £6.

Fast trains

On Fri 16 Oct, we found 22 trains from Preston to Liverpool, including 8 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 43 km distance in an average of 51 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 51 m .

The slowest trains will take 52 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.

  • Northern RailG89163
    12:280h51
    Preston station (PRE)
    13:19Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)
    £61One-way
    0 changes
  • Northern RailG89176
    14:280h51
    Preston station (PRE)
    15:19Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)
    £61One-way
    0 changes
  • Transpennine ExpressW84884
    10:510h55
    Preston station (PRE)
    11:46Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)
    £81One-way
    0 changes
  • Northern RailG89169
    13:280h52
    Preston station (PRE)
    14:20Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)
    £81One-way
    0 changes
  • Northern RailG85392+Avanti West CoastW33970
    12:001h11
    Preston station (PRE)
    13:11Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)
    £101One-way
    1 change

Journey information

Overview: Train from Preston to Liverpool

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Preston to Liverpool run on average 8 times per day, taking around 57m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £4 if you book in advance.

There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:30, the last at 23:24. The fastest train covers the 43 km distance in 47m.

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
43 km
Average train duration
57m
Cheapest ticket price
£4
Trains per day
8
Direct trains
3
Fastest train
47m
First train
5:30
Last train
23:24
Cheapest Month
Sept
Cheapest Day
Mon
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Sat
Least Busy Day
Sun
Best time to book
1 day
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

Live departures

Preston to Liverpool train times

The table below shows live departures for Preston to Liverpool trains for tomorrow, Friday 16 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Avanti West CoastW34029+Northern RailG853568:01 Preston station (PRE)
1h07
9:08 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)1 change
Northern RailG86190+Mersey RailS064408:10 Preston station (PRE)
1h10
9:20 Moorfields (MRF)1 change
Avanti West CoastW34271+Northern RailG891598:17 Preston station (PRE)
1h02
9:19 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)1 change
Northern RailG853598:28 Preston station (PRE)
1h15
9:43 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)0 changesdirect
Northern RailG85359 · L89695+Mersey RailG302538:28 Preston station (PRE)
1h45
10:13 Moorfields (MRF)2 changes
Avanti West CoastW34181+Northern RailG853639:00 Preston station (PRE)
1h08
10:08 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)1 change
Northern RailG86195+Mersey RailS064359:11 Preston station (PRE)
1h24
10:35 Moorfields (MRF)1 change
Northern RailG891659:28 Preston station (PRE)
0h51
10:19 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)0 changesdirect
Northern RailG89165 · L89698+Mersey RailG302599:28 Preston station (PRE)
1h45
11:13 Moorfields (MRF)2 changes
Avanti West CoastW34028+Northern RailG8537210:00 Preston station (PRE)
1h08
11:08 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)1 change
Northern RailG86198+Mersey RailS0643210:10 Preston station (PRE)
1h10
11:20 Moorfields (MRF)1 change
Northern RailG8917110:28 Preston station (PRE)
0h52
11:20 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)0 changesdirect
Transpennine ExpressW8488410:51 Preston station (PRE)
0h55
11:46 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)0 changesdirect
Northern RailG86201+Mersey RailS0642811:10 Preston station (PRE)
1h10
12:20 Moorfields (MRF)1 change
Northern RailG8915611:28 Preston station (PRE)
0h51
12:19 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)0 changesdirect
Northern RailG89156 · L89700+Mersey RailG3027111:28 Preston station (PRE)
1h45
13:13 Moorfields (MRF)2 changes
Avanti West CoastW33970+Northern RailG8539212:00 Preston station (PRE)
1h11
13:11 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)1 change
Northern RailG8916312:28 Preston station (PRE)
0h51
13:19 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)0 changesdirect
Avanti West CoastW33973+Northern RailG8540213:00 Preston station (PRE)
1h08
14:08 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)1 change
Northern RailG8916913:28 Preston station (PRE)
0h52
14:20 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)0 changesdirect
Avanti West CoastW34172+Northern RailG8541214:00 Preston station (PRE)
1h08
15:08 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)1 change
Northern RailG8917614:28 Preston station (PRE)
0h51
15:19 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Preston to Liverpool trains with Omio?

Northern Rail as well as Transpennine Express or Mersey Rail offer trains services from Preston to Liverpool.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Preston to Liverpool.

Why book with Omio vs Northern Rail?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Northern Rail, but also compare tickets for the likes of Transpennine Express or Mersey Rail to find the best option for your trip from Preston to Liverpool.
  • 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 Northern Rail with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Preston to Liverpool.

Why book with Omio over Trip or Wanderu?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Transpennine Express or Mersey Rail to find the best option for your trip from Preston to Liverpool.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Preston to Liverpool.

Train companies: Northern Rail, Transpennine Express, Mersey Rail from Preston to Liverpool trainsNorthern Rail, Transpennine Express, Mersey Rail trains will get you between Preston and Liverpool from £4. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Northern Rail

About
Northern Trains is a publicly owned train operating company in the United Kingdom, headquartered in York. It runs local and commuter services across the north of England, connecting regions including the North East, North West, East Midlands, Staffordshire, Yorkshire, and the Humber coastline. As part of the National Rail network, Northern operates under a coordinated fare and ticketing system alongside other UK train companies.Ticket types include Advance, Off-Peak, Anytime Day, single, return, and season tickets, with only one class option available: Standard. Onboard amenities may include comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and refreshments on select services. Popular routes include connections between major northern cities such as Manchester, Liverpool, and Leeds.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Northern Rail Duration
47m
Cheapest Northern Rail Price
£4
Northern Rail frequency
6 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
See refund policy for ticket types
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most services with drinks and snacks. Some stations have cafes and shops
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available but not mandatory. Free of charge when booking advance tickets
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 dogs per passenger
Quiet zone

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
47m
Cheapest Transpennine Express Price
£7
Transpennine Express frequency
1 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

Mersey Rail

About
Mersey Rail is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates a network of commuter and regional services in the North West of England. Mersey Rail operates a variety of train types, including the Class 507 and Class 508 electric multiple units, and the Class 142 and Class 150 diesel multiple units. It also operates the Merseyrail Electrics, a fleet of electric multiple units. Mersey Rail offers a range of ticket types, including single, return, and season tickets. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power sockets, and air conditioning. The most popular routes for Mersey Rail are Liverpool to Southport, Liverpool to Chester, and Liverpool to Ormskirk.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Mersey Rail Duration
1h 3m
Cheapest Mersey Rail Price
£12
Mersey Rail frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
Refunds available according to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund available if service is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and ramps for boarding
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs must be leashed
Quiet zone

Complete guide to Liverpool

Things to do in Liverpool

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

  • Must visit

Museum of Liverpool

A major museum covering Liverpool’s global links, city life and transport, with family-friendly displays and broad local history.

  • Must visit

World Museum

An extensive museum of archaeology, world cultures and natural history, known for varied displays and free family visits.

  • Recommended

Tate Liverpool

A waterfront gallery with British art, decorative works and changing exhibitions in a landmark dockside building.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while buses, trains and attractions can still add up in peak periods.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
£18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£60+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£3-4 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Service is sometimes included in restaurants; otherwise tip about 10%. Taxi fares are often rounded up. Tipping in cafés is optional, usually just small change.

Best day trips from Liverpool by train

The most popular day trips by train from Liverpool are Manchester, Chester, Birmingham, Leeds and York. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your train from Liverpool on Omio.

A view of Manchester

Day trip from Liverpool to Manchester by train

Why visit Manchester for the day?

Manchester is known for its industrial heritage, influential music and deep football culture. Red-brick canalside areas, major museums and lively nightlife give it an energetic northern character.

How to get from Liverpool to Manchester by train?

There are 11 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 50 km distance in 31m.

A view of Chester

Day trip from Liverpool to Chester by train

Why visit Chester for the day?

Chester is known for its Roman walls, medieval streets and the distinctive black-and-white Rows. Compact and walkable, it blends deep history with a relaxed riverside setting and a lively city centre.

How to get from Liverpool to Chester by train?

There are 9 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 02:19, the last at 23:50. The fastest train covers the 25 km distance in 39m.

A view of Birmingham

Day trip from Liverpool to Birmingham by train

Why visit Birmingham for the day?

Birmingham is known for its industrial past, canal network and diverse food scene. It combines major shopping and cultural landmarks with lively neighbourhoods shaped by manufacturing, music and modern city life.

How to get from Liverpool to Birmingham by train?

There are 11 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 22:43. The fastest train covers the 126 km distance in 1h 25m.

A view of Leeds

Day trip from Liverpool to Leeds by train

Why visit Leeds for the day?

Leeds is a major West Yorkshire city known for Victorian arcades, shopping and a lively music scene. Its industrial heritage, regenerated waterfront and large student population give it an energetic but down-to-earth character.

How to get from Liverpool to Leeds by train?

There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:17, the last at 23:52. The fastest train covers the 104 km distance in 1h 22m.

A view of York

Day trip from Liverpool to York by train

Why visit York for the day?

York is known for its Roman and Viking heritage, medieval streets and the imposing York Minster. Its compact centre, old walls and busy mix of shops, pubs and museums make it easy to grasp the city's historic character.

How to get from Liverpool to York by train?

There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:18, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 139 km distance in 1h 47m.

Trains from Preston to Liverpool

It's fast and convenient to travel by trains from Preston to Liverpool. Services start operating early in the morning at about 5:33 a.m, and the last departure of the day isn't until about 11:51 p.m. There are usually three services per hour - sometimes more, which means travellers can easily pick a time that suits, and save money with cheap fares. The journey is about 37 miles, and takes from 57 minutes by train. There are direct services from Preston Station to either Liverpool Lime Street Station or Moorfields Station. Indirect services incur a change at either Wigan North Western Station or Ormskirk Station. Trains from Preston to Liverpool are operated by Virgin trains, Northern rail, Mersey Rail, and First Transpennine Express.

Taking the Train from Preston

Located next to the Fishergate Shopping Centre in the city centre, Preston Station is easily reached either on foot or by public transport. A comprehensive network of buses operated by Preston Bus provides plenty of routes from surrounding areas into the city centre and four bus routes run past the station. Taxis from within the city centre are also readily available, with many taxi companies located close to the station.

Getting into Liverpool by Train

Situated on the River Mersey, the city of Liverpool is a thriving tourist destination, being the home of the Beatles' Cavern Club and also a hotspot for cultural events, dining and nightlife. Passengers taking trains from Preston to Liverpool may arrive at one of the city's two major railway stations depending upon their chosen train service. Liverpool Lime Street and Liverpool Central Stations are located very close to one another, right in the heart of the city centre, with immediate access to Liverpool's shops and restaurants. Travellers can, therefore, reach their hotel accommodation on foot or take a Liverpool city black cab from the taxi ranks at the stations.

FAQs: Preston to Liverpool train

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

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Preston to Liverpool can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £4, while the average price tends to be around £14.
The train journey from Preston to Liverpool covers a distance of 43 km and takes approximately 47m. Trains run 8 per day.
The train distance from Preston to Liverpool is 43 km.
The first train from Preston to Liverpool leaves at 5:30.
The last train from Preston to Liverpool departs at 23:24.
Trains from Preston to Liverpool run approximately 8 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Preston to Liverpool.
Yes, there is a direct train between Preston and Liverpool. The service operates 3 times per day, provided by Northern Rail, Transpennine Express.
There is no night train service from Preston to Liverpool.
The train station in Preston that goes to Liverpool is Preston station (PRE), and it arrives at Liverpool Lime Street (LIV).
Booking trains from Preston to Liverpool 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 Liverpool offers views of picturesque Lancashire countryside, with glimpses of rolling fields and charming rural landscapes, although it becomes more urban as it approaches Liverpool.
Yes, you can take the train from Preston to Liverpool.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Preston and Liverpool

Most Preston to Liverpool trains use the Preston to Liverpool Lime Street station pair, with some services arriving at Moorfields. Use this guide to compare Preston and Liverpool 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 Liverpool

Which Preston station do trains to Liverpool leave from?

Trains from Preston to Liverpool 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 4950WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
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 options for your journey from Preston to Liverpool

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

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We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

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