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Travel Information
Compare train and flight for Preston to Watford
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Preston to Watford among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £122 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 50m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £122, while a flight costs an average of £433.
Distance: 282 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£122 Average Price Cheapest | £433 Average Price | £55 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 50m Average total duration Fastest 2h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 48m Average total duration 1h 48m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 3h 41m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
 Most popular train company |  Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Preston to Watford is a train with an average price of £122.
This is compared to other travel options from Preston to Watford:
A train is £311 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Preston to Watford costing on average £433.
The fastest way to travel from Preston to Watford is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 48m.
Other travel options to Watford take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 20m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Preston and Watford including taking a train and flight.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 1h 21m sooner (2h 20m by train vs 3h 41m by car). Tickets start at around £122 compared to roughly £55 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
Compare prices and tickets Preston to Watford by train or flight
Compare train and flight 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 Watford trains with Omio?
Avanti West Coast operates all 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?
- 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?
- 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.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Preston to Watford
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Preston to Watford run on average 18 times per day, taking around 2h 20m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £94 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 13m.
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 20m |
Cheapest ticket price £94 |
Trains per day 18 |
Fastest train 2h 13m |
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
Train companies: Avanti West Coast from Preston to Watford trainsAvanti West Coast trains will get you between Preston and Watford from £94. 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 13m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
£94
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
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.
- 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.
- Must visit
Cassiobury Park
Watford's best-known park, with broad lawns, woodland walks, playgrounds, sports facilities and the Grand Union Canal nearby.
- Recommended
Watford Town Centre Canalside
A regenerated waterside district with canal walks, modern public spaces, events and easy access from the town centre.
- Recommended
Cheslyn House and Gardens
A large nature reserve with lakes, woodland and meadows, popular for quiet walks, birdwatching and family outings.
Toad in the Hole
A classic pub staple from Hertfordshire and nearby counties: sausages in Yorkshire pudding batter, usually served with onion gravy.
Full English Breakfast
Traditional English breakfast with eggs, bacon, sausages, beans, mushrooms and toast; a familiar local weekend favourite in Watford cafés.
Fish and Chips
Beer-battered white fish with chips is a core British takeaway and pub dish, commonly eaten across Watford with mushy peas or curry sauce.
The Grove
Upscale country-house dining just outside Watford, serving refined British dishes in elegant historic surroundings.
Tarboush
Smart modern Indian restaurant known for polished curries, grills and friendly service in central Watford.
Best Turkish Kebab
Popular Turkish restaurant serving charcoal-grilled meats, meze and generous sharing plates in a lively setting.
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.
Intalink
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £3.00
- Day pass
- £6.00
To the city centre
Watford Junction -> Watford Town Centre, Watford
- Distance
- 1 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Contactless bank card payment is available on many Hertfordshire buses, and Intalink also sells mobile tickets in its official app.
- For Watford bus travel, check Intalink for live route changes and buy tickets before boarding where possible.
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.
The cost of a train ticket from Preston to Watford can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £94, while the average price tends to be around £122.
The train journey from Preston to Watford covers a distance of 282 km and takes approximately 2h 13m. Trains run 18 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 18 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Preston to Watford.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Preston to Watford.
There is no night train service from Preston to Watford.
The train station in Preston that goes to Watford is Preston station (PRE), and it arrives at Watford Junction (WFJ).
The cheapest way to get from Preston to Watford is by train, costing approximately £94.
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.
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.
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 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 Watford station do trains from Preston arrive at?
Trains from Preston to Watford most often arrive at Watford Junction. Some services arrive at Watford High Street, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Watford arrival station.
Watford JunctionWatford Junction station, Station Road, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD17 1EU+44 3301235247
City-centre transport
Getting to Watford Junction from Watford city centre
TrainLondon Euston - Watford Junction, Kilburn High Road - Watford Junction, Willesden Junction Low Level - Watford Junction · 5m · £0.90 · every ~9 min
BusW20 · 5m · £2 · every ~1 min
635 · 7m · £4 · every ~2 min
322 · 20m · £2 · every ~6 min
Watford Junction train station facilities and services
Watford Junction has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Watford Junction.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Watford Junction.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Watford Junction. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 0248 997, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Watford Junction: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Watford Junction: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Watford Junction: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are accessible on platform 6, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Ticket Vending Machines are located in the Booking Hall, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Watford High StreetWatford High Street station, 182 Watford High Street, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD17 2NW+44 343 222 1234
City-centre transport
Getting to Watford High Street from Watford city centre
Bus321 · 3m · £4 · every ~10 min
306 · 6m · every ~4 min
Watford High Street train station facilities and services
Watford High Street has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Watford High Street.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Watford High Street. ATMs are available at Watford High Street.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Watford High Street.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Watford High Street: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Watford High Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Watford High Street: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Level access to ticket office from street. Single island platform, accessible from entrance by staircase only, Accessible taxis: Contact taxi operator directly, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
BusheyBushey station, Pinner Road, Watford, Greater London, WD19 4EA+44 343 222 1234
City-centre transport
Getting to Bushey from Watford city centre
Bushey is 1 km from Watford city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainWatford Junction - London Euston, Watford Junction - Willesden Junction Low Level, Watford Junction - Kilburn High Road · 2m · £0.90 · every ~9 min
Bus306, 832 · 9m · £4 · every ~4 min
602 · 11m · £2 · every ~5 min
885 · 14m
Bushey train station facilities and services
Bushey has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Bushey.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Bushey.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Bushey. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point, Helpline Contact: 0343 222 1234, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Bushey: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Bushey: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Bushey: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Accessibility category C. This station does not have step-free access, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible taxis: contact taxi operator directly, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Most popular train connections from Preston
More options for your journey from Preston to Watford
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Watford and Preston
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