- Must visit
Captain Cook Memorial Museum
Harbour museum in a historic building exploring Whitby’s seafaring past, fishing, shipbuilding and Captain Cook connections.
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Preston to Whitby among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £20. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 5h 42m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £20, and a train costs an average of £87.
Distance: 159 km
| Train | Most popular Coach |
|---|---|
£87 Average Price | £20 Average Price Cheapest |
6h 12m Average total duration Fastest 5h 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 53m Average total duration 9h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
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.
Trains from Preston to Whitby run on average 2 times per day, taking around 5h 42m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £87 but you can travel from only £20 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 05:44, the last at 16:51. The fastest train covers the 159 km distance in 5h 42m.
Distance 159 km |
Average train duration 5h 42m |
Cheapest ticket price £87 |
Trains per day 2 |
Fastest train 5h 42m |
First train 5:44 |
Last train 16:51 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Whitby — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Whitby trip today.
Harbour museum in a historic building exploring Whitby’s seafaring past, fishing, shipbuilding and Captain Cook connections.
Town museum with maritime, social and archaeological displays, including local fossils, art and objects tied to Whitby life.
Compact heritage centre charting Whitby’s lifeboat service, rescues and RNLI work through exhibits and volunteer knowledge.
Harbourfront promenade and beach area with broad sea views, colourful beach huts and one of Whitby’s classic walks.
Long sandy beach below the cliffs, popular for walks, views and a traditional seaside atmosphere close to town.
Harbour piers and waterside path offering classic views of the town, boats and the open sea beyond the river mouth.
Whitby scampi is breaded langoustine tail, long linked to the town’s fishing trade and a classic Yorkshire coast seafood supper.
Fish and chips made with fresh North Sea cod or haddock are a Whitby staple, tied to the harbour, fishing fleet and seaside tradition.
Kippers are herring split, salted and cold-smoked. They are a famous breakfast and tea-time speciality on the Yorkshire coast.
Busy harbourside fish and chip restaurant known for classic seaside portions and views over Whitby’s waterfront.
Traditional fish and chip venue near the bridge, popular for fresh seafood, quick service and a lively old-town setting.
Modern restaurant serving refined British cooking with local seafood, set in a calm space overlooking the harbour.
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.
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.
Official public transport app
Whitby railway station -> Whitby town centre, Whitby
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.

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.
Preston is 1 km from Preston city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: Rise, The Olive Tree Brasserie, Turtle Bay
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Preston. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Preston. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Preston: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Preston: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Preston: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Holiday Inn Express Preston - South, Delta Hotels Preston, Macdonald Tickled Trout Hotel.
Whitby has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Whitby.
Ticket office support is available at Whitby.
Available at Whitby: Parking, Taxis.
Available at Whitby: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
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.
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