- Must visit
The World of Glass
Leading local museum and gallery exploring glassmaking, social history and art, with engaging displays in the town centre.
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Compare prices and tickets Preston to St Helens by train
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.
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Why should you book Preston to St Helens trains with Omio?
Northern Rail as well as Transpennine Express, Avanti West Coast, Northern Trains Limited, TransPennine Express and more offer trains services from Preston to St Helens.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Preston to St Helens.
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, Avanti West Coast, Northern Trains Limited or TransPennine Express to find the best option for your trip from Preston to St Helens.
- 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.
Why book with Omio over Trip, Wanderu or Raileurope?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Transpennine Express, Avanti West Coast, Northern Trains Limited or TransPennine Express to find the best option for your trip from Preston to St Helens.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Preston to St Helens
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Preston to St Helens run on average 4 times per day, taking around 30m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £17 if you book in advance.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:27, the last at 23:44. The fastest train covers the 35 km distance in 33m.
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
Distance 35 km |
Average train duration 30m |
Cheapest ticket price £17 |
Trains per day 4 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 33m |
First train 0:27 |
Last train 23:44 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 3 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
Train companies: Northern Rail, Transpennine Express, Avanti West Coast, Northern Trains Limited, TransPennine Express from Preston to St Helens trainsNorthern Rail, Transpennine Express, Avanti West Coast, Northern Trains Limited, TransPennine Express trains will get you between Preston and St Helens from £17. 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 Duration
33m
Cheapest Price
£17
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 Duration
26m
Cheapest Price
£15
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
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 Duration
33m
Cheapest Price
£14
Avanti West Coast frequency
9 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
Northern Trains Limited
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
31m
Cheapest Price
£15
Northern Trains Limited frequency
12 a day
TransPennine Express
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
25m
Cheapest Price
£13
TransPennine Express frequency
4 a day
Complete guide to St Helens
Things to do in St Helens
Discover the best of St Helens — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect St Helens trip today.
- Recommended
The Godfrey Pilkington Art Gallery
Art-focused venue within The World of Glass campus, showing changing exhibitions alongside local collections and creative displays.
Billinge Hill Windmill and Heritage Centre
Community-run heritage site with displays on local history and a preserved windmill, offering a quieter alternative to larger museums.
- Recommended
Taylor Park
Large Victorian park with lakes, formal planting, play areas and broad paths, ideal for a relaxed walk near the centre.
- Recommended
Sherdley Park
Popular urban park with open lawns, a lake and woodland edges, offering an easy local escape for walking and picnics.
- Recommended
Sankey Valley Park
Canal-side route with towpath walks, heritage features and peaceful stretches that reveal the area's industrial landscape.
- Gluten-free
Lancashire Hotpot
A rich hotpot of lamb or mutton with onions and sliced potatoes, long linked with Lancashire mill towns and a staple comfort food across St Helens.
Fish and Chips with Mushy Peas
A local chip-shop favourite from Merseyside and west Lancashire: fish, chips, mushy peas and gravy, prized as classic Friday comfort food.
Full English Breakfast
A hearty breakfast of pork sausage, bacon, eggs, black pudding, beans and toast, widely eaten in the North West as a traditional start to the day.
Istanbul Grill
Popular grill and Turkish restaurant known for charcoal meats, generous portions and a lively modern setting in St Helens town centre.
Spice Heaven
Well-known Indian restaurant serving classic curries, tandoori dishes and friendly sit-down dining for groups and families.
Texas Smokers
Established casual spot for steaks, burgers and grilled favourites, with a relaxed atmosphere suited to everyday dining.
British pound sterling (£)
Generally cheaper than major UK cities. Accommodation, dining and local travel usually cost less than in Liverpool or Manchester, making it practical for budget-conscious visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £15-25 per person for a casual restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.50-4 for a cappuccino or latte.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual if service is good and not already added. Round up taxi fares. Cafés usually do not expect tips, but small change is welcome.
FAQs: Preston to St Helens train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Preston to St Helens 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 St Helens, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Preston to St Helens can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £17, while the average price tends to be around £17.
The train journey from Preston to St Helens covers a distance of 35 km and takes approximately 33m. Trains run 4 per day.
The train distance from Preston to St Helens is 35 km.
The first train from Preston to St Helens leaves at 0:27.
The last train from Preston to St Helens departs at 23:44.
Trains from Preston to St Helens run approximately 4 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Preston to St Helens.
Yes, there is a direct train between Preston and St Helens. The service operates 2 times per day, provided by Transpennine Express, Northern Trains Limited, TransPennine Express.
To travel from Preston to St Helens, you can take a train.
There is no night train service from Preston to St Helens.
The train station in Preston that goes to St Helens is Preston station (PRE), and it arrives at St Helens Central (SNH).
The cheapest way to get from Preston to St Helens is by train, costing approximately £17.
Booking trains from Preston to St Helens 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 St Helens offers a mix of urban and rural views, passing through areas of natural beauty and charming villages, making it a moderately scenic route.
Yes, a day trip from Preston to St Helens is feasible. The journey takes 33m and covers 35 km. Trains run 3 times per day.
To fully experience St Helens, a stay of 2 to 3 days is ideal, allowing time to explore local attractions, parks, and cultural sites.
Yes, you can take the train from Preston to St Helens.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Preston and St Helens
Most Preston to St Helens trains use the Preston to St Helens Central station pair, with some services arriving at Thatto Heath. Use this guide to compare Preston and St Helens 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 St Helens
Which Preston station do trains to St Helens leave from?
Trains from Preston to St Helens 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 St Helens station do trains from Preston arrive at?
Trains from Preston to St Helens most often arrive at St Helens Central. Some services arrive at Thatto Heath, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your St Helens arrival station.
St Helens CentralSt Helens Central station, Shaw Street, St Helens, Merseyside, WA10 1DQ
City-centre transport
Getting to St Helens Central from St Helens city centre
Bus921 · 3m · every ~1 min
17, 153, 152 · 7m · £2 · every ~3 min
12 · 15m · every ~2 min
St Helens Central train station facilities and services
St Helens Central has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at St Helens Central.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at St Helens Central.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at St Helens Central: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at St Helens Central: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at St Helens Central: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A station, Scooter Friendly Station - Level access to Wigan bound platform. Access by underground subway to Liverpool platform with steep ramps. Lift open for all services, 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 toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: As per ticket office opening hours, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Thatto HeathThatto Heath station, Thatto Heath Road, St Helens, Merseyside, WA9 5PE
City-centre transport
Getting to Thatto Heath from St Helens city centre
Thatto Heath is 2 km from St Helens city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainBlackpool North - Liverpool Lime Street, Wigan North Western - Liverpool Lime Street, St Helens Central - Liverpool Lime Street · 3m · £0.90 · every ~4 min
Bus33, 10A, 920 · 9m · £2 · every ~31 min
289 · 11m · £2 · every ~2 min
Thatto Heath train station facilities and services
Thatto Heath has practical services for this route, including Parking, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office and Ticket Office.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Thatto Heath.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Thatto Heath: Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Thatto Heath: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category B station, This station only has tactile paving on platform 1 - Access to both platforms via road footbridge. Wigan bound platform accessed via long slope. Liverpool bound platform accessed via a graded slope with rest landings, 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, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
St Helens JunctionSt Helens Junction station, Station Road, St Helens, Merseyside, WA9 3LA+44 800 200 6060
City-centre transport
Getting to St Helens Junction from St Helens city centre
St Helens Junction is 3 km from St Helens city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus35 · 16m · £2 · every ~5 min
C40 · 18m
774 · 20m · £4
39 · 26m · every ~2 min
St Helens Junction train station facilities and services
St Helens Junction has practical services for this route, including Parking, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at St Helens Junction.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at St Helens Junction: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at St Helens Junction: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at St Helens Junction: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category B station, Level access to the Manchester platform including tactile guidance path from main street, car park and bus interchange. Alternative access to Manchester platform is up stepped ramp from Helena Road. Access to the Liverpool bound platform has a long severe ramp and is via a locked gate. Station staff have a key. The access ramp is cobbled and has a safety barrier at the bottom in Helena Road. Alternative access is via an open step bridge with 27 steps to each platform, 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: Accepts Cash & Cards, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Most popular train connections from Preston
More options for your journey from Preston to St Helens
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from St Helens and Preston
Most popular train connections to St Helens
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