Preston to Nottingham train with East Midlands Railway

Sat 07 Nov
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East Midlands Railway
CrossCountry
Transpennine Express
Northern Rail
Avanti West Coast
2,000+ travel companies
East Midlands Railway
CrossCountry
Transpennine Express
Northern Rail
Avanti West Coast
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Preston to Nottingham

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 07 Nov
Cheapest price on 07 Nov
£36
Average ticket price on 07 Nov
£53
Fastest journey on 07 Nov
2 h 43 m
Average journey duration on 07 Nov
3 h 18 m
Trains on 07 Nov
3
Distance
138 km
Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Preston to Nottingham will cost around £53 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £36.

Fast trains

On Sat 07 Nov, we found 3 trains from Preston to Nottingham, including 3 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 138 km distance in an average of 3 h 18 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 43 m .

The slowest trains will take 4 h 10 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.

  • East Midlands Railway
    0 changes
  • East Midlands Railway
    0 changes
  • Northern Rail
    0 changes

Journey information

Overview: Train from Preston to Nottingham

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Preston to Nottingham run on average 5 times per day, taking around 2h 31m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £25 but you can travel from only £25 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 04:55, the last at 21:47. The fastest train covers the 138 km distance in 2h 18m.

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 £25
Distance
138 km
Average train duration
2h 31m
Cheapest ticket price
£25
Trains per day
5
Fastest train
2h 18m
First train
4:55
Last train
21:47
Cheapest Month
May
Cheapest Day
Fri
High Season
Jan - Mar
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Tue
Least Busy Day
Thu
Best time to book
35 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 £25

Frequently asked questions about your Preston to Nottingham trip

Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Preston to Nottingham.

The cost of a train ticket from Preston to Nottingham can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £25, while the average price tends to be around £48.
The train journey from Preston to Nottingham covers a distance of 138 km and takes approximately 2h 18m. Trains run 5 per day.
The train distance from Preston to Nottingham is 138 km.
The first train from Preston to Nottingham leaves at 4:55.
The last train from Preston to Nottingham departs at 21:47.
Trains from Preston to Nottingham run approximately 5 times per day.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Preston to Nottingham.

Live departures

Preston to Nottingham train times

The table below shows live departures for Preston to Nottingham trains for tomorrow, Saturday 7 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Northern Rail8:20 Preston
4h10
12:30 Nottingham0 changesdirect
East Midlands Railway9:47 Preston
2h43
12:30 Nottingham0 changesdirect
East Midlands Railway13:17 Preston
3h00
16:17 Nottingham0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Preston to Nottingham trains with Omio?

East Midlands Railway as well as CrossCountry, Transpennine Express, Northern Rail and more offer trains services from Preston to Nottingham.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Preston to Nottingham.

Why book with Omio vs East Midlands Railway?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for East Midlands Railway, but also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry, Transpennine Express or Northern Rail to find the best option for your trip from Preston to Nottingham.
  • 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 East Midlands Railway with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Preston to Nottingham.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu, Rome2rio or Trip?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry, Transpennine Express or Northern Rail to find the best option for your trip from Preston to Nottingham.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Preston to Nottingham.

Train companies: East Midlands Railway, CrossCountry, Transpennine Express, Northern Rail from Preston to Nottingham trainsEast Midlands Railway, CrossCountry, Transpennine Express, Northern Rail trains will get you between Preston and Nottingham from £25. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

East Midlands Railway

About
East Midlands Trains is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London to the East Midlands, Yorkshire, and the North West. East Midlands Trains operates a fleet of Class 158, Class 156, Class 170, Class 222 and Class 180 diesel multiple units, as well as Class 222 Meridian electric multiple units. East Midlands Trains also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for East Midlands Trains are London to Nottingham, Sheffield, and Leeds.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average East Midlands Railway Duration
2h 20m
Cheapest East Midlands Railway Price
£25
East Midlands Railway frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 piece of hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee. Free for Advance ticket holders
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs must be on lead and require a ticket (£6 for day ticket)
Quiet zone

CrossCountry

About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average CrossCountry Duration
2h 18m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£60
CrossCountry frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
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 Transpennine Express Duration
2h 35m
Cheapest Transpennine Express Price
£52
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

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
3h 21m
Cheapest Northern Rail Price
£46
Northern Rail frequency
1 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

Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Preston and Nottingham

Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.

Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Preston to Nottingham.
There is no night train service from Preston to Nottingham.

Complete guide to Nottingham

Things to do in Nottingham

Discover the best of Nottingham — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Nottingham trip today.

  • Must visit

Nottingham Castle

Historic castle museum on Castle Rock with galleries, caves and exhibitions exploring rebellion, art and the city’s long story.

  • Recommended

National Justice Museum

National museum dedicated to justice, crime and punishment, with immersive courts, cells and law galleries in former legal buildings.

  • Recommended

Nottingham Contemporary

Independent contemporary art gallery in the Lace Market showing changing exhibitions, talks and events in a distinctive modern building.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while buses and local transport stay fairly affordable for tourists.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
£18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£50+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£3-4 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Service is sometimes included. If not, tip about 10% in restaurants for good service. Taxis are often rounded up. Tipping in cafés is optional.

Plan your visit to Nottingham

Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Nottingham.

The train journey from Preston to Nottingham offers a mix of urban and rural views, with sections featuring picturesque countryside, rolling hills, and quaint villages, particularly as the route passes through the scenic landscapes of the Midlands.

FAQs: Preston to Nottingham train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Preston to Nottingham 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 Nottingham, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Booking trains from Preston to Nottingham in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
Yes, you can take the train from Preston to Nottingham.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Preston and Nottingham

Most Preston to Nottingham trains use the Preston to Nottingham station pair. Use this guide to compare Preston and Nottingham 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 Nottingham

Which Preston station do trains to Nottingham leave from?

Trains from Preston to Nottingham 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 4950WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
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.

Train stations for Preston to Nottingham

Check train stations information for Preston and Nottingham, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.

The train station in Preston that goes to Nottingham is Preston, and it arrives at Nottingham.

More options for your journey from Preston to Nottingham

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

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