- Must visit
The Box
Plymouth’s main museum and gallery, covering local history, art, natural history and archives in a modern city-centre building.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Preston to Plymouth
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 08 Sept
Cheapest price on 08 Sept
£82
Average ticket price on 08 Sept
£82
Fastest journey on 08 Sept
7 h 29 m
Average journey duration on 08 Sept
7 h 29 m
Trains on 08 Sept
1
Distance
390 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Preston to Plymouth is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Preston to Plymouth will cost around £82 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £82.
Fast trains
On Tue 08 Sept, we found 1 trains from Preston to Plymouth, including 1 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 390 km distance in an average of 7 h 29 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 7 h 29 m .
The slowest trains will take 7 h 29 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.
9:197h29Preston16:48Plymouth£821One-way0 changes
- 9:197h29Preston16:48Plymouth£821One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Preston to Plymouth
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Preston to Plymouth among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £70 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 6h 1m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £70, while a train costs an average of £184.
Distance: 390 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£184 Average Price | £70 Average Price Cheapest | £83 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 1m Average total duration Fastest 5h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 39m Average total duration 9h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 6m 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 Plymouth is a coach with an average price of £70.
This is compared to other travel options from Preston to Plymouth:
A coach is £113 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Preston to Plymouth costing on average £184.
The fastest way to travel from Preston to Plymouth is by train with an average journey time of 5h 31m.
Other travel options to Plymouth take longer:
Coach takes on average 9h 9m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Preston and Plymouth 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 £184 compared to roughly £83 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-100.66. The journey takes 5h 31m versus 5h 6m 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 Plymouth train times
The table below shows live departures for Preston to Plymouth trains for tomorrow, Tuesday 8 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9:19 Preston | 7h29 | 16:48 Plymouth | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Preston to Plymouth 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.
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Why should you book Preston to Plymouth trains with Omio?
CrossCountry as well as Transport for Wales, Caledonian Sleeper, Avanti West Coast and more offer trains services from Preston to Plymouth.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Preston to Plymouth.
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 Transport for Wales, Caledonian Sleeper or Avanti West Coast to find the best option for your trip from Preston to Plymouth.
- 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 Plymouth.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Transport for Wales, Caledonian Sleeper or Avanti West Coast to find the best option for your trip from Preston to Plymouth.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Preston to Plymouth.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Preston to Plymouth
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Preston to Plymouth run on average 6 times per day, taking around 5h 31m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £183 but you can travel from only £70 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 05:24, the last at 17:27. The fastest train covers the 390 km distance in 5h 25m.
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 £70
Distance 390 km |
Average train duration 5h 31m |
Cheapest ticket price £183 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 5h 25m |
First train 5:24 |
Last train 17:27 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
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 £70
Train companies: CrossCountry, Transport for Wales, Caledonian Sleeper, Avanti West Coast from Preston to Plymouth trainsCrossCountry, Transport for Wales, Caledonian Sleeper, Avanti West Coast trains will get you between Preston and Plymouth from £70. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
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
8h 31m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£81
CrossCountry frequency
4 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
Transport for Wales
About
Transport for Wales is a public transport provider in Wales, UK. It operates a comprehensive network of trains, buses and ferries across the country. The trains are modern and comfortable, with a range of different types including InterCity Express Trains, Regional Trains, and Metro Trains. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. There are a variety of ticket types available, including single and return tickets, season tickets, and group tickets. The most popular routes include Cardiff to Swansea, Cardiff to Newport, and Cardiff to Manchester.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Transport for Wales Duration
6h 28m
Cheapest Transport for Wales Price
£82
Transport for Wales frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policy depends on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most routes with snacks and drinks. Some stations have cafes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations recommended but not mandatory. Free of charge when booking tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs allowed with ticket (£5 per day). Guide dogs free
Quiet zone
Caledonian Sleeper
About
The Caledonian Sleeper is a train service operating in the United Kingdom. It offers overnight journeys between London, Scotland, the North of England and Wales. The service is operated by Serco and consists of two types of trains: the Classic Sleeper and the Lowland Sleeper. The Classic Sleeper offers comfortable sleeping berths, while the Lowland Sleeper offers reclining seats. Both trains offer onboard facilities such as Wi-Fi, power sockets, and complimentary tea and coffee.Ticket types include Standard, First Class and Solo. Standard tickets offer access to the lounge car, while First Class tickets include access to the lounge car and complimentary breakfast. Solo tickets are available for single travellers and offer access to the lounge car and a private sleeping berth. The most popular routes for the Caledonian Sleeper are London to Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness. Passengers can also travel from London to Aberdeen, Fort William and Dundee.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Caledonian Sleeper Duration
6h 25m
Cheapest Caledonian Sleeper Price
£185
Caledonian Sleeper frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage per person included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Dedicated luggage storage areas in each carriage and under beds in sleeping compartments
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies vary by ticket type and timing before departure
Refund
Full refund provided if service is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Complimentary breakfast for all guests. Club Car serves dinner and drinks. Room service available for sleeping car passengers
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for sleeping car passengers. Optional seat reservations available for seated carriages
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Accessible rooms available, wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and staff assistance
Pets
Small pets allowed in sleeping compartments for a fee. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone
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
5h 25m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
£183
Avanti West Coast frequency
16 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
Complete guide to Plymouth
Things to do in Plymouth
Discover the best of Plymouth — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Plymouth trip today.
- Recommended
Plymouth Gin Distillery
Independent museum exploring Plymouth’s role in gin distilling, set in a historic Barbican building with tours and original features.
- Recommended
Mayflower Museum
Small local museum on the Barbican focused on migration, seafaring and Plymouth’s links with transatlantic departures.
- Must visit
The Barbican
Historic waterfront quarter with cobbled lanes, independent shops, harbour views and many of Plymouth’s best-known heritage sights.
- Must visit
Plymouth Hoe
Large open seafront promenade and parkland with lawns, monuments and views over Plymouth Sound; ideal for walks and sunset stops.
- Recommended
West Hoe Park
Peaceful landscaped park beside the Hoe with formal planting, a lido nearby and excellent sea views across Plymouth Sound.
- Vegetarian
Devon Cream Tea
A Devon cream tea pairs scones with clotted cream and jam. In Devon, the cream goes on first, making it a proud local ritual across Plymouth and the county.
- Gluten-free
South Devon Crab
Fresh crab landed on the South Devon coast, often served simply dressed or in sandwiches. It is prized in Plymouth for its sweet flavour and strong fishing heritage.
Stargazy Pie
This traditional pie of pilchards, eggs and potatoes is linked to nearby Cornwall and often found in Plymouth. It reflects the area's historic reliance on coastal fishing.
Quay 33
Long-established seafood restaurant on the Barbican, popular for fresh fish, shellfish and harbour atmosphere close to the historic waterfront.
The Mission
Relaxed bistro in the Barbican area serving British and European dishes with seafood options. Well suited to an easy meal near the waterfront.
The Harbourside Fish & Chips
Historic Barbican pub known for seafood, pies and harbour views. A lively traditional setting for classic Plymouth fare and local ales.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK: dining and buses are reasonable, while hotels rise in summer and at weekends. Costs are usually lower than London but similar to other regional waterfront cities.
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 may be included in restaurants; otherwise tip around 10% for good service. Taxi tips are usually by rounding up. Tipping in cafés is optional.
Plymouth Citybus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £3
- Day pass
- £7
To the city centre
Plymouth Railway Station -> Royal Parade, Plymouth
- Distance
- 2.5 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Cash, contactless and mobile payments are accepted on local buses in Plymouth.
- For unlimited travel, an Adult 24 Hr Plymouth ticket is £7.50 in the app, while the operator also states Plymouth day travel is £7 from the driver or app.
FAQs: Preston to Plymouth train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Preston to Plymouth 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 Plymouth, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Preston to Plymouth can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £183, while the average price tends to be around £184.
The train journey from Preston to Plymouth covers a distance of 390 km and takes approximately 5h 25m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Preston to Plymouth is 390 km.
The first train from Preston to Plymouth leaves at 5:24.
The last train from Preston to Plymouth departs at 17:27.
Trains from Preston to Plymouth run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Preston to Plymouth.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Preston to Plymouth.
To get from Preston to Plymouth, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
Yes, there is a night train from Preston to Plymouth.
The train station in Preston that goes to Plymouth is Preston station (PRE), and it arrives at Plymouth station (PLY).
The cheapest way to get from Preston to Plymouth is by coach, costing approximately £70.
Booking trains from Preston to Plymouth 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 Plymouth offers some scenic views, especially as it passes through the rolling landscapes of the Midlands and the picturesque countryside of the South West, including glimpses of the coastline as it approaches Devon and Cornwall.
A day trip from Preston to Plymouth is not feasible as the journey takes 5h 25m. Trains operate 4 times per day. The distance is 390 km.
To fully experience Plymouth's historic sites, waterfront attractions, and vibrant cultural scene, a stay of 2 to 3 days is ideal.
Yes, you can take the train from Preston to Plymouth.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Preston and Plymouth
Most Preston to Plymouth trains use the Preston to Plymouth station pair, with some services arriving at Devonport. Use this guide to compare Preston and Plymouth 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 Plymouth
Which Preston station do trains to Plymouth leave from?
Trains from Preston to Plymouth 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 Plymouth station do trains from Preston arrive at?
Trains from Preston to Plymouth most often arrive at Plymouth. Some services arrive at Devonport, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Plymouth arrival station.
PlymouthPlymouth station, North Road, Plymouth, Devon, PL4 6AB+44 3451652030
City-centre transport
Getting to Plymouth from Plymouth city centre
Bus13, 2, 170 · 4m · £2 · every ~11 min
Plymouth train station facilities and services
Plymouth has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Plymouth.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Plymouth. ATMs are available at Plymouth.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Plymouth.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Plymouth: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Plymouth: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Plymouth: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step Free Category A Station - This station has step free access to all platforms via lifts and the station subway. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: Station pay phones are not accessible, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available. Please request staff assistance, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accessible ticket machines are located at the station entrance by the ticket office, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
DevonportDevonport station, Portland Road, Devonport, Plymouth, Devon, PL1 4QN
City-centre transport
Getting to Devonport from Plymouth city centre
Devonport is 2 km from Plymouth city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainExeter St Davids - Penzance, Plymouth - Penzance, Plymouth - Gunnislake, Plymouth - Liskeard · 3m · £0.90 · every ~2 min
BusDc7 · 8m · £2
Dc7 · 9m · £2
21, 34, 21A · 13m · £4 · every ~23 min
Devonport train station facilities and services
Devonport has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Devonport.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Devonport: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Devonport: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Devonport: Staff help available: No, Step free access note: Step-free category B3 station – “Some step-free access, may be in one direction only.” Step free access possible to South bound platform, there is no step free access for services to Plymouth. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are not available, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Most popular train connections from Preston
More options for your journey from Preston to Plymouth
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Plymouth and Preston
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