- Must visit
Imperial War Museum North
A leading war museum with powerful exhibitions on conflict and its impact on people. The waterside building is impressive inside and out.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Preston to Salford
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 02 Nov
- Cheapest price on 02 Nov
- £18
- Average ticket price on 02 Nov
- £18
- Fastest journey on 02 Nov
- 1 h 4 m
- Average journey duration on 02 Nov
- 1 h 6 m
- Trains on 02 Nov
- 2
- Distance
- 42 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Preston to Salford is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Preston to Salford will cost around £18 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £18.
Fast trains
On Mon 02 Nov, we found 2 trains from Preston to Salford, including 2 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 42 km distance in an average of 1 h 6 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 4 m .
The slowest trains will take 1 h 8 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.
4:25 1h04 Preston 5:29 Salford £18 1 One-way 0 changes9:21 1h08 Preston 10:29 Salford £18 1 One-way 0 changes
4:25 1h04 Preston 5:29 Salford £18 1 One-way 0 changes9:21 1h08 Preston 10:29 Salford £18 1 One-way 0 changes
Journey information
Overview: Train from Preston to Salford
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Preston to Salford run on average 6 times per day, taking around 43m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £10 but you can travel from only £6 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 05:13, the last at 23:49. The fastest train covers the 42 km distance in 32m.
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 £6
Distance 42 km |
Average train duration 43m |
Cheapest ticket price £10 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 32m |
First train 5:13 |
Last train 23:49 |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Best time to book 14 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 £6
Frequently asked questions about your Preston to Salford trip
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Preston to Salford.
The cost of a train ticket from Preston to Salford can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £10, while the average price tends to be around £16.
The train journey from Preston to Salford covers a distance of 42 km and takes approximately 32m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Preston to Salford is 42 km.
The first train from Preston to Salford leaves at 5:13.
The last train from Preston to Salford departs at 23:49.
Trains from Preston to Salford run approximately 6 times per day.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Preston to Salford.
Live departures
Preston to Salford train times
The table below shows live departures for Preston to Salford trains for today, Sunday 1 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 9:25 Preston | 0h44 | 10:09 Salford | 0 changesdirect | |
| 10:09 Preston | 0h59 | 11:08 Salford | 1 change | |
| 10:24 Preston | 0h44 | 11:08 Salford | 0 changesdirect | |
| 11:22 Preston | 0h45 | 12:07 Salford | 0 changesdirect | |
| 12:11 Preston | 1h01 | 13:12 Salford | 1 change | |
 | 12:48 Preston | 0h43 | 13:31 Salford | 1 change | |
| 13:21 Preston | 0h45 | 14:06 Salford | 0 changesdirect | |
| 14:21 Preston | 0h45 | 15:06 Salford | 0 changesdirect | |
| 14:48 Preston | 0h44 | 15:32 Salford | 1 change | |
| 15:21 Preston | 0h45 | 16:06 Salford | 0 changesdirect | |
| 15:48 Preston | 1h22 | 17:10 Salford | 1 change | |
| 16:48 Preston | 0h44 | 17:32 Salford | 1 change | |
| 17:21 Preston | 0h45 | 18:06 Salford | 0 changesdirect | |
| 18:21 Preston | 0h45 | 19:06 Salford | 0 changesdirect | |
| 18:49 Preston | 0h43 | 19:32 Salford | 1 change | |
| 19:21 Preston | 0h45 | 20:06 Salford | 0 changesdirect | |
| 20:11 Preston | 0h59 | 21:10 Salford | 1 change | |
| 21:21 Preston | 0h45 | 22:06 Salford | 0 changesdirect | |
| 22:21 Preston | 0h45 | 23:06 Salford | 0 changesdirect | |
| 22:51 Preston | 0h45 | 23:36 Salford | 0 changesdirect | |
| 4:25 Preston | 1h04 | 5:29 Salford | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Preston to Salford trains with Omio?
Northern Rail as well as Transpennine Express offer trains services from Preston to Salford.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Preston to Salford.
Why book with Omio vs Northern Rail?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Northern Rail, but also compare tickets for the likes of Transpennine Express to find the best option for your trip from Preston to Salford.
- 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 Northern Rail with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Preston to Salford.
Why book with Omio over Trip or Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Transpennine Express to find the best option for your trip from Preston to Salford.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Preston to Salford.
Train companies: Northern Rail, Transpennine Express from Preston to Salford trainsNorthern Rail, Transpennine Express trains will get you between Preston and Salford from £6. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
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
37m
Cheapest Northern Rail Price
£10
Northern Rail frequency
5 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
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
32m
Cheapest Transpennine Express Price
£18
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
Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Preston and Salford
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 Salford.
There is no night train service from Preston to Salford.
Complete guide to Salford
Things to do in Salford
Discover the best of Salford — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Salford trip today.
- Must visit
The Lowry
A major gallery beside the canal with changing exhibitions, installations and performances. Good for contemporary art in a dramatic space.
- Recommended
Salford Museum and Art Gallery
A small local museum in Buile Hill Park covering Salford history, art and community stories. A quieter stop with a neighbourhood feel.
- Must visit
Salford Quays
Waterside district with modern plazas, canalside walks, cultural venues and skyline views. A top area for strolling and photography.
- Must visit
MediaCity
A major creative and broadcasting district with public art, waterfront paths and regular events. Popular for contemporary city views.
- Recommended
Buile Hill Park
Large historic park with open lawns, woodland, a lake and museum. A pleasant green escape that feels more local than touristy.
- Gluten-free
Manchester Tart
A hearty Greater Manchester stew of corned beef, potatoes, onions and root veg, long linked with mills and working-class homes across Salford.
- Vegetarian
Manchester Tart
A sweet local pudding tart with raspberry jam, custard, coconut and a cherry. It is a classic school-dinner dessert in Greater Manchester.
- Vegetarian
Eccles Cake
A spiced fruit loaf from nearby Eccles in Salford, filled with currants and peel. It is one of the area’s best-known traditional baked specialities.
Vintage Ambassadors
Lively independent pizzeria in Monton, well regarded for Neapolitan-style pizzas, small plates and an upbeat neighbourhood feel.
The Lowry Outlet
Popular waterside pub and restaurant at The Lowry Outlet, serving British classics, drinks and relaxed canal-side views.
Marco's New York Italian MediaCityUK
Smart steakhouse at MediaCity with steaks, seafood and cocktails in a polished but approachable setting.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK. Dining and local transport are manageable, while hotel prices can rise near Manchester events and weekends.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Restaurants: 10-12.5% if service is not included. Cafés: rounding up is optional. Taxis: round up or add about 10% for good service.
Plan your visit to Salford
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 Salford.
The train journey from Preston to Salford offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes, with views of the Lancashire countryside and glimpses of the River Ribble, making it moderately scenic.
FAQs: Preston to Salford train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Preston to Salford 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 Salford, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Booking trains from Preston to Salford 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 Salford.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Preston and Salford
Most Preston to Salford trains use the Preston to Salford Crescent station pair, with some services arriving at Salford Central. Use this guide to compare Preston and Salford 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 Salford
Which Preston station do trains to Salford leave from?
Trains from Preston to Salford 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 Salford station do trains from Preston arrive at?
Trains from Preston to Salford most often arrive at Salford Crescent. Some services arrive at Salford Central, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Salford arrival station.
Salford CrescentSalford Crescent station, University Road West, Salford, Greater Manchester, M5 4BR
City-centre transport
Getting to Salford Crescent from Salford city centre
Onward travel informationLocated on The Crescent for buses to Piccadilly Gardens, Eccles and Bolton. Maximum distance 300 yards/274m. Busline 0871 200 2233
Location for Rail Replacement ServicesPick Up / Drop Off outside the station near to the roundabout.
MetroGMPTE 0161 228 7811
Salford Crescent train station facilities and services
Salford Crescent has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Salford Crescent.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Salford Crescent.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Salford Crescent: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Salford Crescent: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Salford Crescent: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A station, The station is accessed from the main road ( A6,THE CRESCENT) and the corner of University Road There is a lift available at the end of the overbridge (facing the steps of which there is 36 down onto the platform). The lift is available from first to last train, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Salford CentralSalford Central station, New Bailey Street, Salford, Greater Manchester, M3 5ET
City-centre transport
Getting to Salford Central from Salford city centre
Salford Central is 2 km from Salford city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus100, 67A, 67 · 9m · £2 · every ~28 min
50, 8, 36, 38, 37, 67, 100, 35, 67A · 13m · £2 · every ~118 min
38, 35, 37, 36 · 17m · £2 · every ~54 min
Salford Central train station facilities and services
Salford Central has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Salford Central.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Salford Central.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Salford Central: Parking, Taxis.
Bike and car services
Available at Salford Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Salford Central: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category B station, please note there are no tactile pavings at this station - Ramped access to platforms and ticket office. We regret that wheelchair users cannot board or alight here, due to excessive wheelchair ramp gradients between the train and the very low-height platforms, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Train stations for Preston to Salford
Check train stations information for Preston and Salford, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.
The train station in Preston that goes to Salford is Preston, and it arrives at Salford Crescent.
Most popular train connections from Preston
More options for your journey from Preston to Salford
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Salford and Preston
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