- Must visit
Queen Street Mill Textile Museum
A textile museum in Burnley exploring Lancashire’s weaving heritage with working looms and hands-on interpretation of mill life.
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Compare prices and tickets Preston to Nelson by train
Compare train 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.
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Why should you book Preston to Nelson trains with Omio?
Northern Rail operates all trains services from Preston to Nelson.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Preston to Nelson.
Why book with Omio vs Northern Rail?
- 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.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Preston to Nelson
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Take a train from Preston to Nelson and enjoy the approximately 35 km long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:33, the last at 23:00.
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 35 km |
Average train duration 1h 3m |
Trains per day 5 |
Direct trains 5 |
First train 4:33 |
Last train 23:00 |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 3 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
Train companies: Northern Rail from Preston to Nelson trainsNorthern Rail trains will get you between Preston and Nelson. 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
1h 4m
Cheapest Northern Rail Price
£9
Northern Rail frequency
5 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
Complete guide to Nelson
Things to do in Nelson
Discover the best of Nelson — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Nelson trip today.
- Recommended
Pendle Heritage Centre
A local history museum and art gallery in nearby Barrowford, with displays on Pendle life, archaeology, textiles and changing exhibitions.
- Recommended
Towneley Hall Art Gallery & Museum
A museum in nearby Burnley telling the story of local people, industry and decorative arts inside a historic country house setting.
- Recommended
Marsden Park
A large Victorian park with formal gardens, open lawns, a lake and sports facilities. It is one of Nelson’s best places for a relaxed walk.
- Recommended
Walverden Reservoir
A scenic reservoir and waterside path just outside Nelson, popular for walking, birdwatching and wide views across the surrounding hills.
- Recommended
The Coppice
A green hilltop area above the town with walking routes and broad views. It is a local favourite for fresh air and a short uphill ramble.
- Gluten-free
Lancashire hotpot
A hearty Lancashire hotpot of lamb or mutton, onions and sliced potatoes, slow-cooked and closely tied to East Lancashire home cooking.
Black pudding
Traditional black pudding made with pork, fat and oats or barley. It is a classic Lancashire breakfast staple with a strong regional identity.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Lancashire cheese
A crumbly Lancashire cheese with a fresh, tangy taste. It is one of the county’s best-known foods and commonly eaten with bread or pies.
Balti Mahal
Well-known modern South Asian venue in the Nelson area, popular for richly spiced curries, starters and an upbeat dining room.
Rajas
Reliable local Indian restaurant known for curries, grilled dishes and a relaxed town-centre setting popular with regulars.
USA Fried Chicken & Pizza
Established casual restaurant serving Italian-American favourites such as pizzas, pasta and grills in a family-friendly atmosphere.
Pound sterling (£)
Nelson is generally cheaper than major UK tourist cities, with modest dining and transport costs and budget accommodation options nearby.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £6-10 for fast food or a basic meal.
- Mid-range
- £12-25 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £35+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.50-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual for good service if not already added. Taxi fares may be rounded up. Cafes do not expect tips, but small change is appreciated.
FAQs: Preston to Nelson train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Preston to Nelson 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 Nelson, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The train distance from Preston to Nelson is 35 km.
The first train from Preston to Nelson leaves at 4:33.
The last train from Preston to Nelson departs at 23:00.
Trains from Preston to Nelson run approximately 5 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Preston to Nelson.
Yes, there is a direct train between Preston and Nelson. The service operates 5 times per day, provided by Northern Rail.
To travel from Preston to Nelson, you can take a .
There is no night train service from Preston to Nelson.
The train station in Preston that goes to Nelson is Preston station (PRE), and it arrives at Nelson station (NEL).
Booking trains from Preston to Nelson 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 Nelson offers scenic views as it passes through the picturesque landscapes of Lancashire, featuring rolling hills and charming countryside vistas.
You typically need 2 to 3 days in Nelson to explore its main attractions, including Abel Tasman National Park, the Centre of New Zealand, and local art galleries.
Yes, you can take the train from Preston to Nelson.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Preston and Nelson
Most Preston to Nelson trains use the Preston to Nelson station pair. Use this guide to compare Preston and Nelson 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 Nelson
Which Preston station do trains to Nelson leave from?
Trains from Preston to Nelson 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 Nelson station do trains from Preston arrive at?
Trains from Preston to Nelson arrive at Nelson. Nelson is 1 km from Nelson city centre.
NelsonNelson station, Hibson Road, Nelson, Lancashire, BB9 9SF+44 8002006060
City-centre transport
Getting to Nelson from Nelson city centre
Onward travel informationBusline 0871 200 2233
Location for Rail Replacement ServicesPick Up / Drop Off at bus stand 10 in the interchange. (adjacent to the station)
Nelson train station facilities and services
Nelson has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Nelson.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Nelson: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Nelson: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Nelson: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A station, Level access available. Lift to platform, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: The highest operating part of the telephone is 1140 mm above floor level, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Most popular train connections from Preston
More options for your journey from Preston to Nelson
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Nelson and Preston
Most popular train connections to Nelson
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