- Recommended
Touchstones Rochdale
Rochdale’s main museum explores local history, art and natural heritage inside a restored historic building in the town centre.
Cheapest price on 17 Sept
£10
Average ticket price on 17 Sept
£17
Fastest journey on 17 Sept
1 h 15 m
Average journey duration on 17 Sept
1 h 20 m
Trains on 17 Sept
6
Distance
41 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Preston to Rochdale is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Preston to Rochdale will cost around £17 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £10.
To travel from Preston to Rochdale you need to make at least one change.
G89857 · P24143
G89854 · L89262
G88981 · L89704
G89885 · L89332
G89857 · P28801 · G89223
W84907+
C32626
G89857 · P28801 · G89223
G89885 · L89332
G89857 · P24143
G88981 · L89704Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Preston to Rochdale among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £9 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 35m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £9, while a train costs an average of £9.
Distance: 41 km
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
£9 Average Price Cheapest | £8 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 35m Average total duration Fastest 1h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 1m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Tickets start at around £9 compared to roughly £8 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-1.03. The journey takes 1h 5m versus 1h 1m 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.
The table below shows live departures for Preston to Rochdale trains for tomorrow, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G89885 · L89332 | 12:11 Preston station (PRE) | 1h18 | 13:29 Rochdale station (RCD) | 1 change | |
G89854 · L89262 | 12:20 Preston station (PRE) | 1h29 | 13:49 Rochdale station (RCD) | 1 change | |
G88981 · L89704 | On time 12:44 Preston station (PRE) | 1h25 | 14:09 Rochdale station (RCD) | 1 change | |
C32626+ W84907 | 12:47 Preston station (PRE) | 1h15 | 14:02 Rochdale station (RCD) | 1 change | |
G89857 · P24143 | 12:52 Preston station (PRE) | 1h24 | 14:16 Rochdale station (RCD) | 1 change | |
G89857 · P28801 · G89223 | 12:52 Preston station (PRE) | 1h17 | 14:09 Rochdale station (RCD) | 2 changes | |
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 Rochdale run on average 9 times per day, taking around 1h 5m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £9 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 05:25, the last at 23:16. The fastest train covers the 41 km distance in 1h 18m.
Distance 41 km |
Average train duration 1h 5m |
Cheapest ticket price £9 |
Trains per day 9 |
Fastest train 1h 18m |
First train 5:25 |
Last train 23:16 |
Cheapest Month Sept |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Rochdale — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Rochdale trip today.
Rochdale’s main museum explores local history, art and natural heritage inside a restored historic building in the town centre.
A working heritage railway with exhibitions, restored carriages and station displays, popular for scenic steam journeys from Heywood.
A local heritage venue covering the co-operative movement and social history linked with nearby Toad Lane and Rochdale pioneers.
A dramatic reservoir and moorland landscape popular for walks, birdwatching and broad Pennine views not far from central Rochdale.
A landscaped town-centre square by the town hall, used for events and a practical stop for architecture, photos and people-watching.
A historic street associated with the co-operative movement, worth visiting for its heritage buildings and role in social history.
A black pudding linked to nearby Bury and eaten across Greater Manchester. This blood sausage is a classic breakfast and market staple in the Rochdale area.
A hearty beef and vegetable stew long associated with Lancashire mill towns. It is traditional comfort food in Rochdale and the wider historic county.
Crumbly cow’s milk cheese from Lancashire, often eaten with oatcakes or pies. It is one of the region’s best-known traditional foods.
Long-established Indian restaurant in Rochdale, popular for curries, grills and a relaxed dining room suited to groups and families.
Smart restaurant and bar in the town centre serving modern British and European dishes, cocktails and a polished but approachable atmosphere.
Traditional pub on Rochdale’s historic square, known for cask ales and classic British pub food in a characterful setting.
Moderate for the UK. Rochdale is usually cheaper than Manchester for hotels, meals and local transport, making it good value for day trips and short stays.
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up for taxis; cafés usually do not expect tips, but spare change is appreciated.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Preston to Rochdale 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 Rochdale, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Preston to Rochdale trains use the Preston to Rochdale station pair. Use this guide to compare Preston and Rochdale 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.
Rochdale has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Rochdale.
Ticket office support is available at Rochdale.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Rochdale: Parking, WC.
Available at Rochdale: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Rochdale: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A station, Scooter Friendly Station - Level access to the station and platforms via lifts, which are available during station staffing hours, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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