Preston to Liverpool train with Northern Rail (3)

Tue 02 Dec
+ Add return
Northern Rail (3)
TransPennine Express
Merseyrail
first_transpennine_express
Avanti West Coast
1,000+ travel companies
Northern Rail (3)
TransPennine Express
Merseyrail
first_transpennine_express
Avanti West Coast
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Preston to Liverpool

Showing times and prices for 03 Dec

Cheapest price

£8

Average price

£10

Fastest journey

52 m

Average duration

58 m

Trains per day

5

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 £10 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £8.

Fast trains

Of the 5 trains that leave Preston for Liverpool every day 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct trains cover the 43 km distance in an average of 58 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 52 m .

The slowest trains will take 1 h 15 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 Rail (3)
05:280h52
Preston
06:20Liverpool
£81One-way
0 changes
Northern Rail (3)
20:320h58
Preston
21:30Liverpool
£101One-way
0 changes
Northern Rail (3)
15:280h54
Preston
16:22Liverpool
£101One-way
0 changes
Northern Rail (3)
07:281h15
Preston
08:43Liverpool
£101One-way
0 changes
Northern Rail (3)
12:280h53
Preston
13:21Liverpool
£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 prices starting from £4. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 57m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.0kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £4, and a coach costs an average of £15.

Distance: 43 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach

£10

Average Price

Cheapest

£16

Average Price

1h 27m

Average total duration

Fastest

57m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 19m

Average total duration

1h 49m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.0 - 0.0kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Northern Rail (3)

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, Tuesday 2 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 03:59
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
avanti_west_coastW09774+northern_railY01797
On time
08:00 Preston station (PRE)
1h09
09:09 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)
1 change
avanti_west_coastW10453+northern_railY04890
On time
08:17 Preston station (PRE)
1h02
09:19 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)
1 change
northern_railY01759
On time
08:28 Preston station (PRE)
1h15
09:43 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)
0 changesdirect
avanti_west_coastW09776+northern_railY02561
On time
09:00 Preston station (PRE)
1h09
10:09 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)
1 change
northern_railY00380
On time
09:28 Preston station (PRE)
0h52
10:20 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)
0 changesdirect
avanti_west_coastW09778+northern_railY02552
On time
10:00 Preston station (PRE)
1h09
11:09 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)
1 change

This is the last train of the day.

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.

Wed
03 Dec
Thu
04 Dec
Fri
05 Dec
Sat
06 Dec
Sun
07 Dec
Mon
08 Dec
Tue
09 Dec

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 7 times per day, taking around 57m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £4 if you book in advance.

There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:30, the last at 23:30. The fastest train covers the 43 km distance in 49m.

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
7
Direct trains
4
Fastest train
49m
First train
05:30
Last train
23:30
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 (3), TransPennine Express, Merseyrail, first_transpennine_express, Avanti West Coast from Preston to Liverpool trainsNorthern Rail (3), TransPennine Express, Merseyrail, first_transpennine_express, Avanti West Coast 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 (3)

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 Duration
52m
Cheapest Price
£6
Northern Rail (3) 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 Duration
49m
Cheapest 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

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 Duration
1h 1m
Cheapest Price
£57
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

Merseyrail

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
Merseyrail 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

first_transpennine_express

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
48m
Cheapest Price
£25
first_transpennine_express frequency
3 a day

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
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, a day trip from Preston to Liverpool is feasible with a travel time of 49m, a distance of 43 km, and a frequency of 7 trips per day for trains.
The cheapest way to get from Preston to Liverpool is by train, costing approximately £4.
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.
The train distance from Preston to Liverpool is 43 km.
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.
The last train from Preston to Liverpool departs at 23:30.
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.
Yes, there is a direct train between Preston and Liverpool. The service operates 4 times per day, provided by Northern Rail (3), TransPennine Express, first_transpennine_express.
The train journey from Preston to Liverpool covers a distance of 43 km and takes approximately 49m. Trains run 7 per day.
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 first train from Preston to Liverpool leaves at 5:30.
Trains from Preston to Liverpool run approximately 7 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Preston to Liverpool.
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 £10.
Yes, you can take the train from Preston to Liverpool.
To get from Preston to Liverpool, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Preston and Liverpool

Preston
Liverpool
The major train station for departures in Preston is Preston. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Preston for your trip from Preston to Liverpool.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 5:30 AM - 8:00 PM Monday - Friday
  • 6:30 AM - 7:00 PM Saturday
  • 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
6
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • The car park is open 24 hours, located adjacent to the station with access from Butler Street.
Dining
Dining
  • Rise
  • The Olive Tree Brasserie
  • Turtle Bay
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps.
WC
WC
  • £0.30
Hotel
Hotel
  • Holiday Inn Express Preston - South
  • Delta Hotels Preston
  • Macdonald Tickled Trout Hotel
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Car Rental
Car Rental
  • Enterprise
  • Europcar
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • Hall 1: main entrance, platforms 1-3 for long-distance services
  • Hall 2: platforms 4-6 for regional and local services
Public transport options for Preston
  • Bus: Several lines available
  • Train: Northern, Avanti West Coast, TransPennine Express services

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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