- Must visit
Northampton Museum and Art Gallery
Main town museum with collections on Northampton's shoe industry, archaeology and art, plus family-friendly galleries.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Preston to Northampton
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 13 Sept
Cheapest price on 13 Sept
£35
Average ticket price on 13 Sept
£35
Fastest journey on 13 Sept
2 h 42 m
Average journey duration on 13 Sept
2 h 42 m
Trains on 13 Sept
1
Distance
209 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Preston to Northampton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Preston to Northampton will cost around £35 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £35.
Fast trains
On Sun 13 Sept, we found 1 trains from Preston to Northampton, including 1 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 209 km distance in an average of 2 h 42 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 42 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 42 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.
20:052h42Preston22:47Northampton£351One-way0 changes
- 20:052h42Preston22:47Northampton£351One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Preston to Northampton
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Preston to Northampton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £31 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 42m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £31, while a train costs an average of £93.
Distance: 209 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£93 Average Price | £31 Average Price Cheapest | £43 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 42m Average total duration Fastest 2h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 20m Average total duration 4h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 52m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
 Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Preston to Northampton is a coach with an average price of £31.
This is compared to other travel options from Preston to Northampton:
A coach is £62 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Preston to Northampton costing on average £93.
The fastest way to travel from Preston to Northampton is by train with an average journey time of 2h 12m.
Other travel options to Northampton take longer:
Coach takes on average 4h 50m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Preston and Northampton including taking a train and coach.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 40m sooner (2h 12m by train vs 2h 52m by car). Tickets start at around £93 compared to roughly £43 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Direct services run with Avanti West Coast.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
Compare prices and tickets Preston to Northampton 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.
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13 Sept
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Why should you book Preston to Northampton trains with Omio?
Avanti West Coast as well as West Midlands Trains offer trains services from Preston to Northampton.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Preston to Northampton.
Why book with Omio vs Avanti West Coast?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Avanti West Coast, but also compare tickets for the likes of West Midlands Trains to find the best option for your trip from Preston to Northampton.
- 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 Avanti West Coast with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Preston to Northampton.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of West Midlands Trains to find the best option for your trip from Preston to Northampton.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Preston to Northampton.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Preston to Northampton
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Preston to Northampton run on average 7 times per day, taking around 2h 12m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £93 but you can travel from only £27 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 05:13, the last at 21:41. The fastest train covers the 209 km distance in 2h 47m.
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £27
Distance 209 km |
Average train duration 2h 12m |
Cheapest ticket price £93 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 2h 47m |
First train 5:13 |
Last train 21:41 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 6 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £27
Train companies: Avanti West Coast, West Midlands Trains from Preston to Northampton trainsAvanti West Coast, West Midlands Trains trains will get you between Preston and Northampton from £27. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
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
2h 47m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
£93
Avanti West Coast frequency
12 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
West Midlands Trains
About
West Midlands Trains is a train operator based in the United Kingdom, providing services across the West Midlands region. It operates a variety of train types, including the Class 350 Desiro, Class 323 Electrostar, Class 170 Turbostar, and Class 172 Turbostar. These trains offer a range of onboard facilities, such as free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and air conditioning. Passengers can purchase a range of tickets, including single, return, and season tickets. The most popular routes operated by West Midlands Trains include Birmingham to London Euston, Birmingham to Wolverhampton, and Birmingham to Coventry.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average West Midlands Trains Duration
2h 42m
Cheapest West Midlands Trains Price
£35
West Midlands Trains frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for an additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs require a ticket at 50% of adult fare. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone
Complete guide to Northampton
Things to do in Northampton
Discover the best of Northampton — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Northampton trip today.
- Recommended
Northampton Battlefield Society Resource Centre
Independent museum at Delapré Abbey exploring the Battle of Northampton and local medieval history through immersive displays.
- Recommended
Abington Park Museum
Community museum preserving village and manor history in a traditional setting, offering a quieter local-history visit near Northampton.
- Must visit
Abington Park
Popular town park with a lake, museum, broad lawns and tree-lined paths, ideal for a relaxed walk close to the centre.
- Recommended
Racecourse Park
Major urban park with gardens, sports facilities and open green space, good for walking and seeing local daily life.
- Recommended
Market Square
Historic market square at the heart of Northampton, useful for shopping, events and soaking up the town-centre atmosphere.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Northamptonshire Cheese
A crumbly hard cheese made in Northamptonshire since the 18th century. Its rich, nutty flavour makes it one of the county’s best-known traditional foods.
Northamptonshire Sausage
A traditional British sausage strongly associated with Northamptonshire, usually made with seasoned pork and herbs and served with mash or in breakfasts.
Northamptonshire Pork Pie
A local style of pork pie linked to Northamptonshire’s boot and market town heritage, with hot-water crust pastry and seasoned pork filling.
Saffron
Well-known town centre restaurant focused on Turkish and Mediterranean cooking, with generous portions and a lively atmosphere.
Phipps NBC Western House
Historic riverside pub and brewery tap for Phipps NBC ales, with hearty British food and a relaxed traditional atmosphere.
Hibiscus at Delapré Abbey
Elegant restaurant in Delapré Abbey serving modern British dishes in a refined heritage setting suited to a longer meal.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for England: rooms and dining cost less than London, while buses and casual meals are manageable for most visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.80-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual if service is not included. Round up taxi fares. Tipping in cafés is optional, though spare change is appreciated.
Smart Mover
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.00
- Day pass
- £6.90
To the city centre
Northampton Station -> Northampton Town Centre
- Distance
- 0.8 km
- Travel time
- 15 min
- Adult Buzz Card day travel in Northampton is £6.90 and is sold by the driver on most town bus services.
- Contactless payment is available on many local buses, but availability can vary by operator, so check before boarding if you need to pay by card.
FAQs: Preston to Northampton train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Preston to Northampton 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 Northampton, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Preston to Northampton can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £93, while the average price tends to be around £93.
The train journey from Preston to Northampton covers a distance of 209 km and takes approximately 2h 47m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Preston to Northampton is 209 km.
The first train from Preston to Northampton leaves at 5:13.
The last train from Preston to Northampton departs at 21:41.
Trains from Preston to Northampton run approximately 7 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Preston to Northampton.
Yes, there is a direct train between Preston and Northampton. The service operates 0 times per day, provided by Avanti West Coast.
To get from Preston to Northampton, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Preston to Northampton.
The train station in Preston that goes to Northampton is Preston station (PRE), and it arrives at Northampton station (NMP).
The cheapest way to get from Preston to Northampton is by coach, costing approximately £27.
Booking trains from Preston to Northampton 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 Northampton offers varied scenery, including glimpses of the Lancashire countryside and the rolling landscapes of the Midlands, though it is not typically renowned as a scenic route.
A day trip from Preston to Northampton is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 47m. Trains run 5 times per day.
Typically, spending 2-3 days in Northampton allows visitors to explore its main attractions, such as the Northampton Museum and Art Gallery, Delapré Abbey, and the historical sites in the town centre.
Yes, you can take the train from Preston to Northampton.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Preston and Northampton
Most Preston to Northampton trains use the Preston to Northampton station pair. Use this guide to compare Preston and Northampton 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 Northampton
Which Preston station do trains to Northampton leave from?
Trains from Preston to Northampton 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 Northampton station do trains from Preston arrive at?
Trains from Preston to Northampton most often arrive at Northampton. Some services arrive at Wellingborough, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Northampton arrival station.
NorthamptonNorthampton station, Black Lion Hill, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1SP+44 3301235247
City-centre transport
Getting to Northampton from Northampton city centre
Northampton is 2 km from Northampton city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus8, 8A · 14m · £2 · every ~8 min
Northampton train station facilities and services
Northampton has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Northampton.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Northampton.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Northampton. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 0248 997, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Northampton: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Northampton: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Northampton: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available, 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.
Most popular train connections from Preston
More options for your journey from Preston to Northampton
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Northampton and Preston
Most popular train connections to Northampton
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