- Must visit
Captain Cook Memorial Museum
Harbour museum in a historic building exploring Whitby’s seafaring past, fishing, shipbuilding and Captain Cook connections.
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Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Preston to Whitby
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Preston to Whitby 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 6h 30m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £22, while a train costs an average of £57.
Distance: 159 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£57 Average Price | £22 Average Price Cheapest | £33 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 30m Average total duration Fastest 6h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 12h 33m Average total duration 12h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 58m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Preston to Whitby is a coach with an average price of £22.
This is compared to other travel options from Preston to Whitby:
A coach is £35 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Preston to Whitby costing on average £57.
The fastest way to travel from Preston to Whitby is by train with an average journey time of 6h 0m.
Other travel options to Whitby take longer:
Coach takes on average 12h 3m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Preston and Whitby including taking a coach and train.
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 £57 compared to roughly £33 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-23.55. The journey takes 6h 0m versus 2h 58m 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 Whitby by coach or train
Compare coach and 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 Whitby trains with Omio?
Northern Rail operates all trains services from Preston to Whitby.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Preston to Whitby.
Why book with Omio vs Northern Rail?
- 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 Whitby.
Why book with Omio over Trip or Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Preston to Whitby.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Preston to Whitby
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Preston to Whitby run on average 2 times per day, taking around 6h 0m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £42 but you can travel from only £21 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 05:44, the last at 16:51. The fastest train covers the 159 km distance in 5h 50m.
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 £21
Distance 159 km |
Average train duration 6h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price £42 |
Trains per day 2 |
Fastest train 5h 50m |
First train 5:44 |
Last train 16:51 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Best time to book 28 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 £21
Train companies: Northern Rail from Preston to Whitby trainsNorthern Rail trains will get you between Preston and Whitby from £21. 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
5h 50m
Cheapest Northern Rail Price
£42
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
Complete guide to Whitby
Things to do in Whitby
Discover the best of Whitby — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Whitby trip today.
- Recommended
Whitby Museum
Town museum with maritime, social and archaeological displays, including local fossils, art and objects tied to Whitby life.
Whitby Lifeboat Museum
Compact heritage centre charting Whitby’s lifeboat service, rescues and RNLI work through exhibits and volunteer knowledge.
- Must visit
West Cliff
Harbourfront promenade and beach area with broad sea views, colourful beach huts and one of Whitby’s classic walks.
- Must visit
Whitby Beach
Long sandy beach below the cliffs, popular for walks, views and a traditional seaside atmosphere close to town.
- Must visit
Whitby Harbour
Harbour piers and waterside path offering classic views of the town, boats and the open sea beyond the river mouth.
Whitby scampi
Whitby scampi is breaded langoustine tail, long linked to the town’s fishing trade and a classic Yorkshire coast seafood supper.
Fish and chips
Fish and chips made with fresh North Sea cod or haddock are a Whitby staple, tied to the harbour, fishing fleet and seaside tradition.
- Gluten-free
Kippers
Kippers are herring split, salted and cold-smoked. They are a famous breakfast and tea-time speciality on the Yorkshire coast.
Trenchers
Busy harbourside fish and chip restaurant known for classic seaside portions and views over Whitby’s waterfront.
Magpie Cafe
Traditional fish and chip venue near the bridge, popular for fresh seafood, quick service and a lively old-town setting.
The Star Inn The Harbour
Modern restaurant serving refined British cooking with local seafood, set in a calm space overlooking the harbour.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for a UK seaside town. Rooms rise in peak season, dining is fairly priced, and local buses are reasonable, but tourist areas can cost more than nearby inland towns.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fish and chips, cafés, or fast food.
- Mid-range
- £15-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £45+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.80-4 for a cappuccino or latte.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual if service is not included. Round up for taxis. In cafés, tipping is optional, such as small change or rounding up.
Arriva UK Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.00
- Day pass
- £3.00
To the city centre
Whitby railway station -> Whitby town centre, Whitby
- Distance
- 0.2 km
- Travel time
- 2 min
- Whitby Park and Ride is the clearest official local fare source: adult Single £2.00 and Day ticket £3.00 on P1 and P2 services.
- Tickets for Whitby Park and Ride are bought on the bus from the driver. Check with the operator before travel if you need contactless payment confirmation.
FAQs: Preston to Whitby train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Preston to Whitby 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 Whitby, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Preston to Whitby can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £42, while the average price tends to be around £57.
The train journey from Preston to Whitby covers a distance of 159 km and takes approximately 5h 50m. Trains run 2 per day.
The train distance from Preston to Whitby is 159 km.
The first train from Preston to Whitby leaves at 5:44.
The last train from Preston to Whitby departs at 16:51.
Trains from Preston to Whitby run approximately 2 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Preston to Whitby.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Preston to Whitby.
To get from Preston to Whitby, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Preston to Whitby.
The train station in Preston that goes to Whitby is Preston station (PRE), and it arrives at Whitby station (WTB).
The cheapest way to get from Preston to Whitby is by coach, costing approximately £21.
Booking trains from Preston to Whitby in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
Yes, the train journey from Preston to Whitby offers scenic views, particularly as it passes through the North York Moors, providing passengers with picturesque landscapes and charming countryside vistas.
A day trip from Preston to Whitby is not feasible as the journey duration is 5h 50m. However, trains run twice per day. The distance between the two locations is 159 km.
A stay of 2 to 3 days in Whitby is typically sufficient to explore its historic sites, scenic views, and enjoy local attractions.
Yes, you can take the train from Preston to Whitby.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Preston and Whitby
Most Preston to Whitby trains use the Preston to Whitby station pair. Use this guide to compare Preston and Whitby 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 Whitby
Which Preston station do trains to Whitby leave from?
Trains from Preston to Whitby 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 Whitby station do trains from Preston arrive at?
Trains from Preston to Whitby arrive at Whitby. Whitby is from Whitby city centre.
WhitbyWhitby station, Station Square, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO21 1YN
City-centre transport
Getting to Whitby from Whitby city centre
Onward travel informationBusline 0871 200 2233
Location for Rail Replacement ServicesPick Up/Drop Off on Langbourne Road running adjacent to station.
Whitby train station facilities and services
Whitby has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Whitby.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Whitby.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Whitby: Parking, Taxis.
Bike and car services
Available at Whitby: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Whitby: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A station, Both platforms are step free, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, 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.
Most popular train connections from Preston
More options for your journey from Preston to Whitby
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Whitby and Preston
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