- Must visit
Nottingham Castle
Historic castle museum on Castle Rock with galleries, caves and exhibitions exploring rebellion, art and the city’s long story.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Preston to Nottingham
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 23 Sept
Cheapest price on 23 Sept
£47
Average ticket price on 23 Sept
£66
Fastest journey on 23 Sept
2 h 42 m
Average journey duration on 23 Sept
2 h 55 m
Trains on 23 Sept
4
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 £66 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £47.
Fast trains
To travel from Preston to Nottingham you need to make at least one change.
W84878+
C043446:472h43Preston station (PRE)9:30Nottingham station (NOT)£471One-way1 change- W84893+C043477:482h42Preston station (PRE)10:30Nottingham station (NOT)£531One-way1 change
W34207+C213037:182h59Preston station (PRE)10:17Nottingham station (NOT)£831One-way1 change- W34004_W34251+C213046:003h17Preston station (PRE)9:17Nottingham station (NOT)£831One-way1 change
- W84893+C043477:482h42Preston station (PRE)10:30Nottingham station (NOT)£531One-way1 change
- W84878+C043446:472h43Preston station (PRE)9:30Nottingham station (NOT)£471One-way1 change
- W34207+C213037:182h59Preston station (PRE)10:17Nottingham station (NOT)£831One-way1 change
- W34004_W34251+C213046:003h17Preston station (PRE)9:17Nottingham station (NOT)£831One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Preston to Nottingham
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Preston to Nottingham among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £32 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 1m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £32, while a train costs an average of £49.
Distance: 138 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£49 Average Price | £32 Average Price Cheapest | £29 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 1m Average total duration Fastest 2h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 55m Average total duration 5h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 26m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Preston to Nottingham is a coach with an average price of £32.
This is compared to other travel options from Preston to Nottingham:
A coach is £18 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Preston to Nottingham costing on average £49.
The fastest way to travel from Preston to Nottingham is by train with an average journey time of 2h 31m.
Other travel options to Nottingham take longer:
Coach takes on average 5h 25m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Preston and Nottingham including taking a coach and train.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around £49 compared to roughly £29 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-20.42. The journey takes 2h 31m versus 2h 26m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
Preston to Nottingham train times
The table below shows live departures for Preston to Nottingham trains for tomorrow, Wednesday 23 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C21304+W34004_W34251 | 6:00 Preston station (PRE) | 3h17 | 9:17 Nottingham station (NOT) | 1 change | |
| C04344+W84878 | 6:47 Preston station (PRE) | 2h43 | 9:30 Nottingham station (NOT) | 1 change | |
| C21303+W34207 | 7:18 Preston station (PRE) | 2h59 | 10:17 Nottingham station (NOT) | 1 change | |
| C04347+W84893 | 7:48 Preston station (PRE) | 2h42 | 10:30 Nottingham station (NOT) | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Preston to Nottingham by coach or train
Compare coach and 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.
Wed
23 Sept
23 Sept
Thu
24 Sept
24 Sept
Fri
25 Sept
25 Sept
Sat
26 Sept
26 Sept
Sun
27 Sept
27 Sept
Mon
28 Sept
28 Sept
Tue
29 Sept
29 Sept
Why should you book Preston to Nottingham trains with Omio?
CrossCountry as well as East Midlands Railway 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 CrossCountry?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for CrossCountry, but also compare tickets for the likes of East Midlands Railway 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 CrossCountry 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 or Rome2rio?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of East Midlands Railway 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.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Preston to Nottingham
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Preston to Nottingham run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 31m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £33 but you can travel from only £27 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 £27
Distance 138 km |
Average train duration 2h 31m |
Cheapest ticket price £33 |
Trains per day 6 |
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 £27
Train companies: East Midlands Railway, CrossCountry from Preston to Nottingham trainsEast Midlands Railway, CrossCountry trains will get you between Preston and Nottingham from £27. 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 22m
Cheapest East Midlands Railway Price
£33
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
£61
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
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.
- 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.
- Must visit
Lace Market
Historic quarter of warehouses, churches and creative venues, ideal for walking, architecture, independent shops and hidden courtyards.
- Must visit
Old Market Square
Central square framed by major civic buildings, fountains and seasonal events, serving as Nottingham’s main gathering place.
- Recommended
Wollaton Park
Victorian public park with formal gardens, boating lake, deer park and woodland walks beside the dramatic hall.
- Vegetarian
Chip Cob
A soft white cob filled with chips, often with salt, vinegar or curry sauce. It is a classic East Midlands fast-food staple tied to local cob culture.
- Vegetarian
Nottingham Cob
A local bread roll from Nottingham and the East Midlands, known for its flour-dusted crust and soft centre. It is central to regional sandwich and bakery traditions.
- Gluten-free
Stilton
A hard, crumbly blue cheese traditionally made in Nottinghamshire. It is one of England’s best-known historic cheeses and a strong local dairy speciality.
alchemilla
Modern British tasting menus in an intimate, elegant setting. A strong choice for refined dining in the city centre.
Bar Iberico
Well-known city-centre steakhouse and bar in a historic lace-market cellar. Lively atmosphere with grilled meats and cocktails.
4550 Miles From Delhi
Popular restaurant serving southern Indian dishes and street-food favourites. Casual, colourful and dependable for bold flavours.
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.
NCTX Buses
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.00
- Day pass
- £6.70
To the city centre
Nottingham Station -> Old Market Square, Nottingham
- Distance
- 0.8 km
- Travel time
- 9 min
- Contactless Tap & Go works on NCT buses and NET trams, with automatic daily capping across both networks.
- For city-centre travel, Old Market Square is a key tram stop and interchange point for central Nottingham.
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.
The cost of a train ticket from Preston to Nottingham can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £33, while the average price tends to be around £49.
The train journey from Preston to Nottingham covers a distance of 138 km and takes approximately 2h 18m. Trains run 6 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 6 times per day.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Preston to Nottingham.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Preston to Nottingham.
There is no night train service from Preston to Nottingham.
The train station in Preston that goes to Nottingham is Preston station (PRE), and it arrives at Nottingham station (NOT).
The cheapest way to get from Preston to Nottingham is by coach, costing approximately £27.
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.
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.
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 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 Nottingham station do trains from Preston arrive at?
Trains from Preston to Nottingham arrive at Nottingham. Nottingham is 1 km from Nottingham city centre.
NottinghamNottingham station, Carrington Street, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG2 3AQ+44 800 200 6060
City-centre transport
Getting to Nottingham from Nottingham city centre
Bus9B, 8, 11, 6, 10, 9, 11C, 10C, 10X, 7, 5, 5A, 11B, 12, 12C, 12E, 10A · 3m · every ~58 min
48, 1, 3, 48X, 1A, 48A, 3A, N4, 1B, 1E · 4m · every ~24 min
Kc · 5m · £4 · every ~12 min
20 · 10m
TramTram · 4m · £4 · every ~58 min
Nottingham train station facilities and services
Nottingham has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Nottingham.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Nottingham.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Nottingham. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 08000 11 33 23, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Nottingham: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Nottingham: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Nottingham: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a category A access station. There are lifts available to all platforms and there is level and ramp access to the concourse and ticket office/machines. This station has tactile paving at the edge of each platform, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible public telephones: none, Accessible taxis: Taxi number displayed on useful information poster at station, 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 Nottingham
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Nottingham and Preston
Most popular train connections to Nottingham
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