- Must visit
Rotunda Museum
Compact gallery and museum space at the Rotunda exploring geology, fossils and the origins of scientific study on the Yorkshire coast.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Preston to Scarborough
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£57
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£57
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
3 h 15 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
3 h 15 m
Trains on 18 Sept
1
Distance
161 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Preston to Scarborough is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Preston to Scarborough will cost around £57 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £57.
Fast trains
On Fri 18 Sept, we found 1 trains from Preston to Scarborough, including 1 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 161 km distance in an average of 3 h 15 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 15 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 15 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.
9:443h15Preston12:59Scarborough£571One-way0 changes
- 9:443h15Preston12:59Scarborough£571One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Preston to Scarborough
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Preston to Scarborough among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £22 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 33m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £22, while a train costs an average of £42.
Distance: 161 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£42 Average Price | £22 Average Price Cheapest | £32 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 33m Average total duration Fastest 3h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 13m Average total duration 7h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 53m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Preston to Scarborough is a coach with an average price of £22.
This is compared to other travel options from Preston to Scarborough:
A coach is £20 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Preston to Scarborough costing on average £42.
The fastest way to travel from Preston to Scarborough is by train with an average journey time of 3h 3m.
Other travel options to Scarborough take longer:
Coach takes on average 7h 43m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Preston and Scarborough including taking a train and coach.
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 £42 compared to roughly £32 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-9.72. The journey takes 3h 3m versus 2h 53m 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.
Compare prices and tickets Preston to Scarborough by train or coach
Compare train and coach 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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18 Sept
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19 Sept
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24 Sept
Why should you book Preston to Scarborough trains with Omio?
Northern Rail as well as TransPennine Express or Northern Trains Limited offer trains services from Preston to Scarborough.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Preston to Scarborough.
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 or Northern Trains Limited to find the best option for your trip from Preston to Scarborough.
- 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 train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Preston to Scarborough.
Why book with Omio over Trip or Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Preston to Scarborough.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Preston to Scarborough
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Preston to Scarborough run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 3m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £29 but you can travel from only £22 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 05:35, the last at 22:45. The fastest train covers the 161 km distance in 3h 15m.
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 £22
Distance 161 km |
Average train duration 3h 3m |
Cheapest ticket price £29 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 3h 15m |
First train 5:35 |
Last train 22:45 |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 6 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 £22
Train companies: Northern Rail, TransPennine Express, Northern Trains Limited from Preston to Scarborough trainsNorthern Rail, TransPennine Express, Northern Trains Limited trains will get you between Preston and Scarborough from £22. 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
3h 15m
Cheapest Northern Rail Price
£29
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
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average TransPennine Express Duration
3h 8m
Cheapest TransPennine Express Price
£76
TransPennine Express frequency
7 a day
Northern Trains Limited
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Northern Trains Limited Duration
3h 11m
Cheapest Northern Trains Limited Price
£71
Northern Trains Limited frequency
12 a day
Complete guide to Scarborough
Things to do in Scarborough
Discover the best of Scarborough — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Scarborough trip today.
- Recommended
Scarborough Museums and Galleries
Local history museum in a former mansion with archaeology, fine art and natural history collections telling Scarborough's story.
- Recommended
Scarborough Art Gallery
Gallery in the Crescent gardens showing paintings, decorative art and changing exhibitions in an elegant Italianate setting.
- Must visit
Castle Headland
Dramatic headland park above the North Bay with coastal paths, castle approaches and some of the best sea views in town.
- Must visit
South Cliff
Popular promenade and gardens area with the spa, cliffs, sea views and an easy walk linking beaches and elegant Victorian terraces.
- Recommended
Eastborough
Historic old town street climbing between the harbour and castle, lined with traditional buildings, shops and local character.
- Gluten-free
Scarborough Crab
Fresh North Sea crab landed on the Yorkshire coast, prized for sweet meat and commonly served simply to showcase Scarborough’s fishing heritage.
Fish and Chips
A classic British fish supper of battered white fish and chips, strongly tied to Scarborough’s seaside culture and promenade takeaways.
- Gluten-free
Kippers
Smoked haddock poached in milk, often served for breakfast. It reflects the long tradition of curing local catches along the Yorkshire coast.
The Golden Grid
Popular seafront seafood restaurant known for fresh fish, shellfish and harbour views in a smart but relaxed setting.
Lookout on the Pier
Well-regarded harbourside restaurant focusing on seafood and classic British cooking with expansive bay views.
Fish Pantry
Long-established seaside favourite for fish and chips, with a busy traditional atmosphere close to the harbour.
Pound sterling (£)
More affordable than many UK seaside resorts; budget stays, casual dining and local buses are fairly priced, though peak summer accommodation costs rise.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £15-25 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £35+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.50-4 for a coffee.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common for good service if not already added. Round up taxi fares. Cafés usually do not expect tips, but small change is appreciated.
Arriva UK Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- .
- Day pass
- .
To the city centre
Scarborough Station -> Scarborough Town Centre, Scarborough
- Distance
- 1 km
- Travel time
- 15 min
- Scarborough Station is about a 15-minute walk from Scarborough Town Centre, so walking is practical for light luggage.
- Bus tickets can be bought in the Arriva UK Bus app. Check the operator before travel, as fare products vary by route and area.
FAQs: Preston to Scarborough train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Preston to Scarborough 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 Scarborough, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Preston to Scarborough can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £29, while the average price tends to be around £42.
The train journey from Preston to Scarborough covers a distance of 161 km and takes approximately 3h 15m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Preston to Scarborough is 161 km.
The first train from Preston to Scarborough leaves at 5:35.
The last train from Preston to Scarborough departs at 22:45.
Trains from Preston to Scarborough run approximately 7 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Preston to Scarborough.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Preston to Scarborough.
To get from Preston to Scarborough, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Preston to Scarborough.
The train station in Preston that goes to Scarborough is Preston station (PRE), and it arrives at Scarborough station (SCA).
The cheapest way to get from Preston to Scarborough is by coach, costing approximately £22.
Booking trains from Preston to Scarborough 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 Scarborough offers scenic views, particularly as it traverses the picturesque landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors. Passengers can enjoy rolling hills, charming villages, and stretches of countryside, making it a pleasant and visually appealing trip.
A day trip from Preston to Scarborough is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 15m. However, there are 6 train services available per day. The distance is 161 km.
Spending 2-3 days in Scarborough is ideal to explore its beaches, historic sites, and local attractions comfortably.
Yes, you can take the train from Preston to Scarborough.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Preston and Scarborough
Most Preston to Scarborough trains use the Preston to Scarborough station pair. Use this guide to compare Preston and Scarborough 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 Scarborough
Which Preston station do trains to Scarborough leave from?
Trains from Preston to Scarborough 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 Scarborough station do trains from Preston arrive at?
Trains from Preston to Scarborough arrive at Scarborough. Scarborough is from Scarborough city centre.
ScarboroughScarborough station, Westborough, Scarborough, North Yorkshire, YO11 1TN+44 1895262122
City-centre transport
Getting to Scarborough from Scarborough city centre
Location for Rail Replacement ServicesPick up /Drop off at the service bus stops on the main road outside of the station
Scarborough train station facilities and services
Scarborough has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Scarborough.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Scarborough.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Scarborough.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Scarborough: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Scarborough: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Scarborough: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Level access is provided from the station entrance to all platforms. This station is staffed for all services. This station is Category A. Station staff can provide assistance throughout the station, and with boarding and alighting the train. Customers requiring assistance should make themselves known to station staff no less than 20 minutes prior to the departure time of their train. Assistance can be requested in advance by contacting the TransPennine Express Assisted Travel Team on 0800 107 2149 (18001 prefix for TextRelay). Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine is located within the Booking Hall, 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 Scarborough
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Scarborough and Preston
Most popular train connections to Scarborough
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