Preston to Watford train with Avanti West Coast

Sat 07 Nov
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Avanti West Coast
Lumo
Great Western Railway
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
Avanti West Coast
Lumo
Great Western Railway
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
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Journey information

Overview: Train from Preston to Watford

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
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Trains from Preston to Watford run on average 15 times per day, taking around 2h 37m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £29 if you book in advance.

The earliest train runs at 04:09, the last at 21:45. The fastest train covers the 282 km distance in 2h 9m.

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
282 km
Average train duration
2h 37m
Cheapest ticket price
£29
Trains per day
15
Fastest train
2h 9m
First train
4:09
Last train
21:45
Cheapest Month
Aug
Cheapest Day
Fri
High Season
Jan - Mar
Low Season
Apr - Jun
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

Frequently asked questions about your Preston to Watford trip

Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Preston to Watford.

The cost of a train ticket from Preston to Watford can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £29, while the average price tends to be around £100.
The train journey from Preston to Watford covers a distance of 282 km and takes approximately 2h 9m. Trains run 15 per day.
The train distance from Preston to Watford is 282 km.
The first train from Preston to Watford leaves at 4:09.
The last train from Preston to Watford departs at 21:45.
Trains from Preston to Watford run approximately 15 times per day.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Preston to Watford.

Why should you book Preston to Watford trains with Omio?

Avanti West Coast as well as Lumo offer trains services from Preston to Watford.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Preston to Watford.

Why book with Omio vs Avanti West Coast?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Avanti West Coast, but also compare tickets for the likes of Lumo to find the best option for your trip from Preston to Watford.
  • 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 Avanti West Coast with all available travel options, which are train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Preston to Watford.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Lumo to find the best option for your trip from Preston to Watford.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Preston to Watford.

Train companies: Avanti West Coast, Lumo from Preston to Watford trainsAvanti West Coast, Lumo trains will get you between Preston and Watford from £29. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

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
2h 9m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
£29
Avanti West Coast frequency
18 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

Lumo

About
Lumo are an open access operator launched in 2021 owned by FirstGroup providing train travel from London to Scotland and the North-East of England. It runs between London and Edinburgh along the East Coast Main Line. Lumo trains offer 100% electric travel along with amenities like comforable seating, free WiFi & their LumoEats at-seat catering in their single Standard Class. Lumo offered two ticket types their advance tickets LumoFixed which are only valid on the date and train booked but are exchangeable prior to departure and their Anytime tickets which can be used on any Lumo train on the date of your ticket.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Lumo Duration
2h 38m
Cheapest Lumo Price
£58
Lumo frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
One piece of hand luggage and one piece of hold luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at the end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refunds according to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by operator
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, and light meals. First Class includes complimentary refreshments
Seat reservation
Seat reservation included with all tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces available, accessible toilets, and staff assistance for boarding
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs on leads allowed with fee
Quiet zone

Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Preston and Watford

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 Watford.
There is no night train service from Preston to Watford.

Complete guide to Watford

Things to do in Watford

Discover the best of Watford — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Watford trip today.

  • Must visit

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter

A visitor attraction and working studio where tours reveal how Harry Potter films were made, with original sets and props.

  • Recommended

Watford Museum

Watford's local museum in a historic house, with exhibitions on the town's people, industry and changing streets.

Watford Palace Theatre

An arts centre with galleries, performances and cinema, making it a useful stop for contemporary local visual culture.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for southern England. Hotels can be pricey on London commuter routes, but dining and local transport are usually a little cheaper than central London.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 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
£3-4.50 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Restaurants may add a 10-12.5% service charge; if not, 10% is usual for good service. Taxi fares are often rounded up. Tipping in cafés is optional, usually just small change.

Plan your visit to Watford

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 Watford.

The train journey from Preston to Watford offers a mix of urban and rural views, with scenic highlights including stretches through the rolling countryside of Lancashire and glimpses of the Chiltern Hills closer to Watford.

FAQs: Preston to Watford train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Preston to Watford 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 Watford, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Booking trains from Preston to Watford 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 Watford.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Preston and Watford

Most Preston to Watford trains use the Preston to Watford Junction station pair, with some services arriving at Watford High Street. Use this guide to compare Preston and Watford 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 Watford

Which Preston station do trains to Watford leave from?

Trains from Preston to Watford 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 4950WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
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.

Train stations for Preston to Watford

Check train stations information for Preston and Watford, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.

The train station in Preston that goes to Watford is Preston, and it arrives at Watford Junction.

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