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Preston to Manchester train

Fri, 14 Feb
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Cheap train tickets from Preston to Manchester

Showing times and prices for 14 Feb

Cheapest

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

Northern Rail
16:490h50
Preston
17:39Manchester
£51One-way
0 changes
Northern Rail
18:490h50
Preston
19:39Manchester
£71One-way
0 changes
Northern Rail
10:520h47
Preston
11:39Manchester
£81One-way
0 changes
Northern Rail
15:520h47
Preston
16:39Manchester
£81One-way
0 changes
Northern Rail
10:200h49
Preston
11:09Manchester
£81One-way
0 changes

Preston to Manchester train times

Showing trains for tomorrow, Friday 14 February
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChangesTickets
Northern RailNorthern Rail16:49 Preston0h50 17:39 Manchester0 changesDirect
Northern RailNorthern Rail15:11 Preston0h40 15:51 Manchester0 changesDirect
Northern RailNorthern Rail13:19 Preston0h50 14:09 Manchester0 changesDirect
Northern RailNorthern Rail05:25 Preston0h44 06:09 Manchester0 changesDirect
Northern RailNorthern Rail18:49 Preston0h50 19:39 Manchester0 changesDirect

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Preston to Manchester by coach or train

Thu
13 Feb
Fri
14 Feb
Sat
15 Feb
Sun
16 Feb
Mon
17 Feb
Tue
18 Feb
Wed
19 Feb

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Preston to Manchester?

The best time to book your train from Preston to Manchester is days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Preston to Manchester route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Preston to Manchester per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Preston to Manchester.

Train times from Preston to Manchester

Showing times and prices for 14 Feb

Fastest Journey

40 m

Average

47 m

Trains per day

10

Distance

45 km

Of the 10 trains that leave Preston for Manchester every day 10 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

Northern Rail
15:110h40
Preston
15:51Manchester
£81One-way
0 changes
Northern Rail
05:250h44
Preston
06:09Manchester
£81One-way
0 changes
Northern Rail
10:520h47
Preston
11:39Manchester
£81One-way
0 changes
Northern Rail
15:520h47
Preston
16:39Manchester
£81One-way
0 changes
Northern Rail
08:510h48
Preston
09:39Manchester
£81One-way
0 changes

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Journey information

Overview: Train from Preston to Manchester

Trains from Preston to Manchester run on average 7 times per day, taking around 47m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £5 if you book in advance.
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
44 km
Average train duration
47m
Cheapest ticket price
£5
Trains per day
7
Direct trains
7
Train providers
3
Fastest train
39m
First train
05:25
Last train
23:49
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) and TransPennine Express trains Preston to Manchester

Travel from Preston to Manchester from £5 with Omio’s train partners Northern Rail (3) and TransPennine Express! You can find the best timetables and tickets when comparing and booking the most convenient route for you.

Northern Trains is one of many publicly owned train providers in the United Kingdom. Headquartered in York, Northern operates local and regional trains across the entire north of England connecting regions of the North East, North West, East Midlands, Staffordshire, Yorkshire and the Humber coast line. Advance, Off-Peak and Anytime Day tickets can be purchased for Northern train journeys between Preston and Manchester. There is only one class option on Northern trains: Standard.

Train information from Preston to Manchester with Northern Rail (3):

  • Average Duration: 38 min
  • Cheapest Price: £5
  • Northern Rail (3) frequency: 20 a day

Trains from Preston to Manchester

There are frequent trains from Preston to Manchester, with departures several times a day, seven days a week. Direct service takes from 35-45min, while services with at least one connection take about 1h.

Preston to Manchester Train Time: Daily Departures

From Monday to Friday, first services generally depart at around 04:00, with last services at about 23:45. On Saturdays, service equally begins around 04:00 but finishes earlier at around 22:30. On Sundays, trains normally depart from 08:00, with service ending at around 22:00. Times and schedules on this route are subject to change, but generally, trains depart every 20-30min, although this can reduce to once per hour, depending on the time of day.

How long is the journey by train from Preston to Manchester?

Most direct services to Manchester Oxford Road take about 35-45min, while non-stop services to Manchester Deansgate Station or Manchester Piccadilly Station take around 50min. Trains to Manchester Victoria with at least one change in Bolton take roughly 1 hour. All services from Bamber Bridge Station necessitate at least one change, commonly in Preston Station (for trains heading to Manchester Oxford Road). Less frequently, there are services to Manchester Victoria connecting at Blackburn Station. Services connecting in Preston and Blackburn normally take about 1h 15min. However, sometimes services with a change at Blackburn can take about 1h 50min to reach their destination, due to longer waiting times between connections.

Preston Town Hall. Source: Shutterstock

What are the departure and arrival stations for trains from Preston to Manchester?

Departure train stations: Most trains depart from Preston Railway Station, although some leave from Bamber Bridge Station. Preston Railway Station is close to Fishergate High Street, a short walk from Fishergate Shopping Centre and St. George's Shopping Centre, about 5-10min away. Preston Station has accessible toilets and seating areas, baby-changing facilities and bike storage. There is step-free access throughout, and wheelchairs are available on request. Bamber Bridge Station is located about 4 miles (6.5km) from Preston Station, with regular daily train connections operated by Northern Rail. There aren't any facilities at Bamber Bridge except for a ticket machine and a seating area.

Arrival train stations:Most trains arrive at Manchester Deansgate and Manchester Oxford Road. Both stations are located in the city centre and only a 10-min walk from each other. Deansgate is the most central location, just a short distance from John Rylands Library. There are also some services to Manchester Victoria and Piccadilly, although these are less frequent. Piccadilly Station is roughly 1 mile (1.6 km) from the city centre, a short 7-min train or 15-min bus ride, while Victoria Station is 2 miles (3.2km) from Deansgate, about 15min by train or 20min by bus. All these stations offer accessible toilets, seating areas and food and drink outlets.

Which train companies travel from Preston to Manchester?

Northern Rail and TransPennine Express are the main providers on this route, with direct and one-connection trains available from Preston to Manchester. Both companies operate similar schedules, departure times, and first and last trains.

Night trains Preston

Although there aren't any trains running from Preston to Manchester throughout the night, the first trains depart early in the morning, from 03:30-04:00. Last trains normally depart around 23:45 and arrive in Manchester around 01:00.

Northern Rail trains from Preston to Manchester

Northern Rail trains usually leave from Preston Railway Station, with most direct services heading to Deansgate and Oxford Road and one-connection services heading to Victoria. Trains are frequent, usually at roughly 30-min intervals.

TransPennine Express trains from Preston to Manchester

TransPennine Express trains to Manchester Oxford Road normally depart from Bamber Street Station and connect in either Preston or Blackburn. There are also some direct services a few times a day from Preston Railway Station.

Trains from Preston to Manchester: A sustainable way to travel

In addition to being efficient and affordable, trains are the most environmentally-friendly way to travel. Offset your carbon footprint by opting for a train journey instead of travelling by car or bus. In addition to reducing carbon emissions, train journeys are also quite enjoyable; you will find yourself with lots of free time that you would otherwise spend in traffic or driving to read a book or watch an episode of your favourite series. If you get tired of sitting in your seat, you can walk around to the refreshments carriage and stretch your legs. If you're willing to splash out on a First-Class ticket, you can also enjoy more comfortable seats, free Wi-Fi and catering services. With frequent trains servicing this route, it is an efficient and practical way to get around. You can find affordable fares for trains from Preston to Manchester right here with Omio.

Train Preston to Manchester: Services on Board

Northern Rail and TransPennine Express trains offer similar conditions, including Standard-and First-Class cabins, with First-Class services including free Wi-Fi and catering on most journeys. Luggage racks are available throughout the train, as well as overhead racks for smaller items. With both rail companies, you can take your pet or bike on board. However, there are certain requirements, including making a reservation for your bike (due to limited availability) and bringing a maximum of two animals per passenger. Both providers have a dedicated assistance service for the elderly and passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility. You can book this directly with your provider in advance of your journey.

How to find cheap train tickets from Preston to Manchester?

In general, travelling outside peak hours is the best tip to save money on train fares. This usually means travelling from 10:00-15:00 and after 19:00. Very early and late departures tend to be more affordable, too. Additionally, you can find good deals on your train tickets to Manchester by keeping your dates flexible and booking in advance. Avoid travelling at weekends and around major holidays and look instead for midweek journeys. For more inspiration on where to go in the UK, visit our online magazine, The Window Seat.

woman on a train to Manchester. Source: Shutterstock

To Manchester by train—travel tips

Manchester is a diverse and vibrant city with plenty of options for entertainment, nightlife, international cuisine and culture for you to enjoy. If you want to have fun on a night out, head to the Northern Quarter; it's the Bohemian part of the city and full of bars and restaurants. The area around Oxford Road is also popular with locals and visitors alike. Booklovers should not miss the opportunity to visit some of the most renowned libraries in the city, including The Portico, the John Rylands Library and the Manchester Central Library. If you're looking for a bit of culture, there are several museums in the city, such as the Science and Industry Museum, the Manchester Museum and the Manchester Art Gallery. Manchester Cathedral is another important point of interest. Football enthusiasts might want to pay a visit to the Etihad Stadium, home of Manchester City FC, Old Trafford Stadium, home to Manchester United or the National Football Museum. Manchester is also home to several events and festivals throughout the year:

  • Manchester Food and Drink Festival, in September and October;
  • Manchester Christmas Markets, in November and December;
  • Parklife Music Festival, in June;
  • Manchester Pride, in August;
  • Manchester Literature Festival, in October and November.

FAQs: Preston to Manchester train

FAQs: Travel by train from Preston to Manchester easily. Whether you want fast, cheap or something entirely different, our travel experts have collected everything you need to know so you can find the best option from Preston to Manchester.
FAQs
Cheap train tickets from Preston to Manchester can start from as little as £4 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Preston to Manchester is £7; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by train from Preston to Manchester is 32 min   to travel the 27 mile long route, with around there are 7 trains per day. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays.
The first train from Preston to Manchester leaves at 00: 05. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last train from Preston to Manchester leaves at 23: 57.
Yes, it is possible to travel from Preston to Manchester without having to change trains with Northern Rail (3), TransPennine Express or first_transpennine_express. There are 7 direct trains from Preston to Manchester each day. There may be fewer direct services available on weekends or holidays.
When taking a train from Preston to Manchester, you can count on Northern Rail (3), TransPennine Express or first_transpennine_express for the best way to get you to Manchester. You can also check all possible train providers who offer a service to Manchester from Preston and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.
No, there are no night trains, the latest train for this route is 23: 57.

Passengers board the train most frequently from Preston, which is located around 1.4 miles (2.2 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the train at Manchester Piccadilly, located 0.5 miles (767 m) away from the city centre.

A day trip to Manchester from Preston is worth doing with a journey time of 32 min each way. Check with Omio app   the best way to travel.
The cheapest month to travel from Preston to Manchester by train is December.
You have options as you can travel between Preston and Manchester 2 different ways: coach or train.

Important Stations and Airports in Preston and Manchester

Preston
Manchester
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 Manchester.
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
The major train station for arrivals in Manchester is Manchester Piccadilly. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Manchester Piccadilly for your journey to Manchester from Preston.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
  • Sun: 07:00 - 22:30
Wifi
Wifi
  • Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available through BT Wi-Fi.
Lockers
Lockers
  • Operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
Dining
Dining
  • Burger King
  • Caffè Nero
  • Carluccio’s
  • Hotel Chocolat
  • Starbucks
  • The Pasty Shop
  • Costa Coffee
  • Pret a Manger
  • Upper Crust
  • McDonald's
  • & more
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
Hotel
Hotel
  • DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly
  • Premier Inn Manchester City
  • Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly
Ticket Office
Ticket Office
  • Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
  • Sun: 07:00 - 22:30
Public transport options for Manchester Piccadilly
  • Bus lines: 1, 2, 3, 147
  • Train lines: Northern, TransPennine Express, Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, East Midlands Trains, Transport for Wales
Amenities at train station
DiningDining
ATMATM
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
7 km
DeansgateParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityHotelTicket Office
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 06:20 - 23:40 Sunday 08:10 - 23:30
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: Yes
  • Step free access coverage: Yes
  • Step free access note: Category A station, please note there are no tactile pavings at this station From Whitworth Street, up a ramp (43 paces, 1:25 slope) and level access through the entrance into the foyer. Or from the junction of Chester Road, Whitworth Street and Deansgate, level access through the entrance, along the corridor and up 21 steps into the foyer. Then, to Manchester: Past the ticket office, via the lift in the foyer. Or up a ramp (34 paces), up 17 steps onto the platform. To Bolton, Warrington and Wigan : Via the lift in the foyer or along the subway (26 paces), up a ramp (32 paces) and up 18 steps onto the platform. Level access to Manchester platform also via overbridge from Metrolink G-Mex Metrolink stop. Lift available first to last train, currently 06:20 - 23:40 Monday to Saturday. 08:10 - 23:30 Sunday.
  • Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
  • Ramp for train access: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available: No
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Public transport options for Deansgate
  • Onward travel information: Free Metro shuttle bus link from station front serving Manchester City centre including Victoria Station On both sides of Whitworth Street, Deansgate and Chester Road for buses to Piccadilly Gardens, Altrincham or Sale. Contact Busline 0871 200 2233
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pick Up / Drop Off at bus stops on Whitworth St.
  • Metro: Metrolink G-Mex tram stop linked by footbridge from Manchester platform. 0161 228 7811
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 06:30 - 22:40 Sunday 07:30 - 22:00
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: Yes
  • Step free access coverage: No
  • Step free access note: Category B Station, please note there are no tactile pavings at this station - There are two lifts at the Piccadilly end of platform 4 and 2/3 which connect the concourse area platform 4 and 5 with 2/3. Note: there is no lift access to platform 1 at all
  • 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: No
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: There will be no toilet provision at Manchester Oxford Road from 15th July to 25th July to allow for existing toilets to be refurbished
  • Baby changing facilities: No
Public transport options for Manchester Oxford Road
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pick Up / Drop Off at the bus stops on Whitworth St West (200 yards from station) (station side for Liverpool, opposite side for Piccadilly)
Manchester AirportWifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCTicket Office
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Sunday 06:30 - 22:30
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
13 km
Shopping
Shopping
  • Type of shops available: Passport Photo Booth
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: Yes
  • Step free access coverage: Yes
  • Step free access note: re Step free access is provided from the Ground Transport Interchange to all platforms via lifts or ramps. This station is staffed for all services. This station is Category A. Station staff can provide assistance from Meeting Point 1 (adjacent to the Station Booking Office) and throughout the railway station, and with boarding and alighting the train. Customers requiring assistance should make themselves known to station staff no less than 20 minutes prior to the departure time of their train. Customers requiring assistance to access other services or to connect with terminals should request this from their airline or Manchester Airport Group. Assistance can be requested in advance by contacting the TransPennine Express Assisted Travel Team on 0800 107 2149 (18001 prefix for TextRelay). Please be aware that some platforms at this station have no or only partial tactile paving on the platform edge.
  • Accessible public telephones: In the station cafe on platforms 2 and 3
  • 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
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: The toilets are located at platform level, behind the lifts. The Ladies toilets are located at the end of Platform 3. The Gents toilets are located at the end of Platform 2. The National key toilets are located at platform level, behind the lifts, at the end of Platform 2; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
  • National key toilets: Yes
  • National key toilets location: The National key toilets are located at platform level, behind the lifts, at the end of Platform 2; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
  • Baby changing facilities: Yes
Public transport options for Manchester Airport
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Rail Replacement bus services depart from stands L & M of the adjacent Bus Station which is situated close to the ticket office.
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 06:30 - 22:00 Sunday 08:00 - 22:15
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: Yes
  • Step free access coverage: Yes
  • Step free access note: Category A station, Scooter Friendly Station - Step free access around the whole station via use of lifts between platforms 3-6, connection with Manchester Metrolink using ramps
  • Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
  • Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards Located near the ticket office.
  • 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: No
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: A key is available in the Duty's Manager's office.
  • Baby changing facilities: No
Public transport options for Manchester Victoria
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pick up point is on Station Approach (M3 1WY) directly outside the station main entrance, outside the M & S shop.​​​​​​​

More options for your journey from Preston to Manchester

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