Preston to Liverpool train with Northern Rail

Tue 01 Sept
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Northern Rail
Transpennine Express
Mersey Rail
East Midlands Railway
Avanti West Coast
2,000+ travel companies
Northern Rail
Transpennine Express
Mersey Rail
East Midlands Railway
Avanti West Coast
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Preston to Liverpool

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 01 Sept

Cheapest price on 01 Sept

£10

Average ticket price on 01 Sept

£16

Fastest journey on 01 Sept

51 m

Average journey duration on 01 Sept

51 m

Trains on 01 Sept

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 £10.

Fast trains

On Tue 01 Sept, we found 22 trains from Preston to Liverpool, including 11 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 51 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 RailG85359
    8:281h15
    Preston station (PRE)
    9:43Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)
    £101One-way
    0 changes
  • Transpennine ExpressW84881
    7:050h52
    Preston station (PRE)
    7:57Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)
    £111One-way
    0 changes
  • Transpennine ExpressW84884
    10:510h55
    Preston station (PRE)
    11:46Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)
    £111One-way
    0 changes
  • Northern RailG89165
    9:280h51
    Preston station (PRE)
    10:19Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)
    £131One-way
    0 changes
  • Northern RailG89163
    12:280h51
    Preston station (PRE)
    13:19Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)
    £131One-way
    0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Preston to Liverpool

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Preston to Liverpool among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £10 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 26m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.0kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £10, while a coach costs an average of £16.

Distance: 43 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach

£10

Average Price

Cheapest

£16

Average Price

1h 26m

Average total duration

Fastest

56m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 18m

Average total duration

1h 48m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.0 - 0.0kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Northern Rail

Most popular train company

Megabus

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Preston to Liverpool train times

The table below shows live departures for Preston to Liverpool trains for today, Monday 31 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Northern RailG89178
On time
21:32 Preston station (PRE)
0h58
22:30 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)
0 changesdirect
Northern RailG86208+Mersey RailG30445
On time
22:35 Preston station (PRE)
1h34
0:09 Moorfields (MRF)
1 change
Northern RailG85500
On time
22:43 Preston station (PRE)
0h58
23:41 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)
0 changesdirect
Tuesday 1 September
Avanti West CoastW33927+Northern RailG853375:33 Preston station (PRE)
1h10
6:43 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)1 change
Avanti West CoastW34004_W34251+Northern RailG853426:00 Preston station (PRE)
1h08
7:08 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)1 change
Northern RailG891476:28 Preston station (PRE)
0h51
7:19 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)0 changesdirect
Transpennine ExpressW848817:05 Preston station (PRE)
0h52
7:57 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)0 changesdirect
Northern RailG86187+Mersey RailG308457:10 Preston station (PRE)
1h14
8:24 Moorfields (MRF)1 change
Northern RailG891537:28 Preston station (PRE)
1h00
8:28 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)0 changesdirect
Avanti West CoastW34029+Northern RailG853568:01 Preston station (PRE)
1h07
9:08 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)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
Avanti West CoastW34181+Northern RailG853639:00 Preston station (PRE)
1h08
10:08 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)1 change
Northern RailG891659:28 Preston station (PRE)
0h51
10:19 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)0 changesdirect
Avanti West CoastW34028+Northern RailG8537210:00 Preston station (PRE)
1h08
11:08 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)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
Avanti West CoastW34039+Northern RailG8538211:00 Preston station (PRE)
1h08
12:08 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)1 change
Northern RailG8915611:28 Preston station (PRE)
0h51
12:19 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)0 changesdirect
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

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Preston to Liverpool by train or coach

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.

Tue
01 Sept
Wed
02 Sept
Thu
03 Sept
Fri
04 Sept
Sat
05 Sept
Sun
06 Sept
Mon
07 Sept

Why should you book Preston to Liverpool trains with Omio?

Northern Rail as well as Transpennine Express, Mersey Rail, East Midlands Railway, Avanti West Coast and more 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, Mersey Rail, East Midlands Railway or Avanti West Coast 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, Wanderu or Rome2rio?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Transpennine Express, Mersey Rail, East Midlands Railway or Avanti West Coast 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.

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 56m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £5 if you book in advance.

There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:30, the last at 23:24. The fastest train covers the 43 km distance in 51m.

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
56m
Cheapest ticket price
£5
Trains per day
8
Direct trains
4
Fastest train
51m
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

Train companies: Northern Rail, Transpennine Express, Mersey Rail, East Midlands Railway, Avanti West Coast, Northern Trains Limited, TransPennine Express from Preston to Liverpool trainsNorthern Rail, Transpennine Express, Mersey Rail, East Midlands Railway, Avanti West Coast, Northern Trains Limited, TransPennine Express trains will get you between Preston and Liverpool from £5. 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
51m
Cheapest Northern Rail Price
£5
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
55m
Cheapest Transpennine Express Price
£11
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

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
East Midlands Railway frequency
2 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

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
1h 2m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
£22
Avanti West Coast frequency
2 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

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
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

Northern Trains Limited

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Northern Trains Limited Duration
51m
Cheapest Northern Trains Limited Price
£20
Northern Trains Limited frequency
13 a day

TransPennine Express

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average TransPennine Express Duration
45m
Cheapest TransPennine Express Price
£17
TransPennine Express frequency
9 a day

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.

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 £5, while the average price tends to be around £10.
The train journey from Preston to Liverpool covers a distance of 43 km and takes approximately 51m. 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.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Preston to Liverpool.
Yes, there is a direct train between Preston and Liverpool. The service operates 4 times per day, provided by Northern Rail, Transpennine Express, Northern Trains Limited, TransPennine Express.
To get from Preston to Liverpool, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
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).
The cheapest way to get from Preston to Liverpool is by train, costing approximately £5.
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, a day trip from Preston to Liverpool is feasible with a travel time of 51m, a distance of 43 km, and a frequency of 7 trips per day for trains.
In Liverpool, explore the vibrant Baltic Triangle, take a scenic ferry across the Mersey River, and visit the Walker Art Gallery. Enjoy performances at the Liverpool Empire Theatre and delve into the city's heritage at the Museum of Liverpool. Discover top sights like The Beatles Story, Royal Albert Dock, Liverpool Cathedral, Anfield Stadium, and St George's Hall.
Three days in Liverpool is typically sufficient to explore its main attractions, such as the Royal Albert Dock, The Beatles Story, and the Liverpool Cathedral, while also enjoying the vibrant local culture.
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

HomeTrainsTrain Times to Liverpool Preston to Liverpool train

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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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