- 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.
Cheapest price
£9
Average price
£9
Fastest journey
1 h 4 m
Average duration
1 h 4 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
35 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Preston to Nelson is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Preston to Nelson will cost around £9 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £9.
Of the 1 trains that leave Preston for Nelson every day 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 35 km distance in an average of 1 h 4 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 4 m .
The slowest trains will take 1 h 4 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.


The table below shows live departures for Preston to Nelson trains for tomorrow, Friday 31 July. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 11:24 Preston | 1h04 | 12:28 Nelson | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Preston to Nelson run on average 4 times per day, taking around 1h 3m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £9 if you book in advance.
There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:33, the last at 23:00. The fastest train covers the 35 km distance in 1h 4m.
Distance 35 km |
Average train duration 1h 3m |
Cheapest ticket price £9 |
Trains per day 4 |
Direct trains 4 |
Fastest train 1h 4m |
First train 4:33 |
Last train 23:00 |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 3 days |
Discover the best of Nelson — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Nelson trip today.
A textile museum in Burnley exploring Lancashire’s weaving heritage with working looms and hands-on interpretation of mill life.
A local history museum and art gallery in nearby Barrowford, with displays on Pendle life, archaeology, textiles and changing exhibitions.
A museum in nearby Burnley telling the story of local people, industry and decorative arts inside a historic country house setting.
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.
A scenic reservoir and waterside path just outside Nelson, popular for walking, birdwatching and wide views across the surrounding hills.
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.
A hearty Lancashire hotpot of lamb or mutton, onions and sliced potatoes, slow-cooked and closely tied to East Lancashire home cooking.
Traditional black pudding made with pork, fat and oats or barley. It is a classic Lancashire breakfast staple with a strong regional identity.
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.
Well-known modern South Asian venue in the Nelson area, popular for richly spiced curries, starters and an upbeat dining room.
Reliable local Indian restaurant known for curries, grilled dishes and a relaxed town-centre setting popular with regulars.
Established casual restaurant serving Italian-American favourites such as pizzas, pasta and grills in a family-friendly atmosphere.
Nelson is generally cheaper than major UK tourist cities, with modest dining and transport costs and budget accommodation options nearby.
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.
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.

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.
Preston is 1 km from Preston city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: Rise, The Olive Tree Brasserie, Turtle Bay
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Preston. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Preston. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Preston: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Preston: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Preston: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Holiday Inn Express Preston - South, Delta Hotels Preston, Macdonald Tickled Trout Hotel.
Nelson has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Nelson.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Nelson: Parking, WC.
Available at Nelson: Bike Parking.
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.
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