- Recommended
Museum of Wigan Life
A local history museum with collections on Wigan life, archaeology and industry in a prominent town-centre building.
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£4
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£8
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
11 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
11 m
Trains on 18 Sept
16
Distance
25 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Preston to Wigan is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Preston to Wigan will cost around £8 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £4.
On Fri 18 Sept, we found 16 trains from Preston to Wigan, including 16 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 25 km distance in an average of 11 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 11 m .
The slowest trains will take 11 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
G89147
G85359
G89165
G89153
G89171
W34207
W84881
W34004_W34251
W34029
W33939Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Preston to Wigan among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £10 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 44m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £10, while a train costs an average of £10.
Distance: 25 km
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
£10 Average Price Cheapest | £6 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
44m Average total duration Fastest 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 43m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Other travel options to Wigan take longer:
Coach takes on average 1h 2m.
You'll arrive about 29m sooner (14m by train vs 43m by car). Tickets start at around £10 compared to roughly £6 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.
Direct services run with Avanti West Coast, Northern Rail, Transpennine Express, Northern Trains Limited, TransPennine Express.
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.
The table below shows live departures for Preston to Wigan trains for today, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W34259 | On time 21:00 Preston station (PRE) | 0h11 | 21:11 Wigan North Western (WGN) | 0 changesdirect | |
W33861 | Delayed 20:26 21:18Preston station (PRE) | 0h12 | 20:37 20:37Wigan North Western (WGN) | 0 changesdirect | |
G89178 | On time 21:32 Preston station (PRE) | 0h19 | 21:51 Wigan North Western (WGN) | 0 changesdirect | |
W34026 | On time 22:39 Preston station (PRE) | 0h12 | 22:51 Wigan North Western (WGN) | 0 changesdirect | |
G85500 | On time 22:43 Preston station (PRE) | 0h19 | 23:02 Wigan North Western (WGN) | 0 changesdirect | |
W34004_W34251 | 6:00 Preston station (PRE) | 0h11 | 6:11 Wigan North Western (WGN) | 0 changesdirect | |
G89147 | 6:28 Preston station (PRE) | 0h18 | 6:46 Wigan North Western (WGN) | 0 changesdirect | |
W33939 | 6:58 Preston station (PRE) | 0h11 | 7:09 Wigan North Western (WGN) | 0 changesdirect | |
W84881 | 7:05 Preston station (PRE) | 0h11 | 7:16 Wigan North Western (WGN) | 0 changesdirect | |
W34207 | 7:18 Preston station (PRE) | 0h11 | 7:29 Wigan North Western (WGN) | 0 changesdirect | |
G89153 | 7:28 Preston station (PRE) | 0h18 | 7:46 Wigan North Western (WGN) | 0 changesdirect | |
W34029 | 8:01 Preston station (PRE) | 0h11 | 8:12 Wigan North Western (WGN) | 0 changesdirect | |
W34271 | 8:17 Preston station (PRE) | 0h12 | 8:29 Wigan North Western (WGN) | 0 changesdirect | |
G85359 | 8:28 Preston station (PRE) | 0h18 | 8:46 Wigan North Western (WGN) | 0 changesdirect | |
W34181 | 9:00 Preston station (PRE) | 0h11 | 9:11 Wigan North Western (WGN) | 0 changesdirect | |
W34265 | 9:19 Preston station (PRE) | 0h11 | 9:30 Wigan North Western (WGN) | 0 changesdirect | |
G89165 | 9:28 Preston station (PRE) | 0h19 | 9:47 Wigan North Western (WGN) | 0 changesdirect | |
W34028 | 10:00 Preston station (PRE) | 0h11 | 10:11 Wigan North Western (WGN) | 0 changesdirect | |
W33903 | 10:18 Preston station (PRE) | 0h11 | 10:29 Wigan North Western (WGN) | 0 changesdirect | |
G89171 | 10:28 Preston station (PRE) | 0h19 | 10:47 Wigan North Western (WGN) | 0 changesdirect | |
W84884 | 10:51 Preston station (PRE) | 0h11 | 11:02 Wigan North Western (WGN) | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and coach 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 Wigan run on average 7 times per day, taking around 14m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £9 if you book in advance.
There are 7 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 25 km distance in 10m.
Distance 25 km |
Average train duration 14m |
Cheapest ticket price £9 |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 7 |
Fastest train 10m |
First train 0:02 |
Last train 23:55 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 3 days |
Discover the best of Wigan — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Wigan trip today.
A local history museum with collections on Wigan life, archaeology and industry in a prominent town-centre building.
A preserved mill engine and industrial heritage site where steam days bring Wigan’s engineering past to life.
A visitor centre and exhibition space telling the story of local canals, coal mining and urban regeneration.
A major heritage area of canals, warehouses and waterside walks linked to Wigan’s industrial story.
A large country park with woodland trails, gardens, family activities and broad views close to the town.
A scenic canal corridor popular for walking and cycling, with locks, wildlife and classic industrial-era views.
A savoury pie filled with diced potato, onion and corned beef. It is Wigan’s best-known local bake and a staple of north-west pie shop culture.
A buttered bread roll filled with a meat-and-potato pie. The playful local classic is strongly associated with Wigan and nearby Greater Manchester.
Slow-cooked tripe, usually from beef, traditionally served with onions and seasoning. Once common in Lancashire, it remains a notable old-fashioned regional dish.
Popular Turkish restaurant with charcoal-grilled meats, meze and warm service in a lively modern dining room.
Smart modern Indian restaurant serving curries, grills and small plates in a polished yet relaxed atmosphere.
Stylish restaurant and bar offering contemporary British and European dishes, cocktails and an upbeat evening ambience.
Moderate for England. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than Manchester or London, while local buses and trains are fairly priced for visitors.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual for good service if not already added. Taxi fares can be rounded up. In cafés, small change is appreciated but not expected.
Official public transport app
Wigan North Western -> Wigan Bus Station
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Preston to Wigan 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 Wigan, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Preston to Wigan trains use the Preston to Wigan North Western station pair, with some services arriving at Bryn. Use this guide to compare Preston and Wigan 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.
Wigan North Western is 1 km from Wigan city centre. Public transport options include:
Wigan North Western has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Wigan North Western.
Wi-Fi is available at Wigan North Western.
Ticket office support is available at Wigan North Western. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Wigan North Western: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Wigan North Western: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Wigan North Western: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This station has step-free access to all platforms / the platform, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible ticket machines: There are no accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Bryn is 4 km from Wigan city centre. Public transport options include:
Bryn has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility and Lost and Found Office.
Food and drink options are available at Bryn.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Bryn: Parking, Taxis.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bryn: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category C Station, To Liverpool : Down a stepped ramp (40 paces, 1:10 slope) to the left of the bridge onto the platform. To Wigan : Down a ramp (44 paces, 1:10 slope) to the right of the bridge onto the platform, Accessible ticket machines: There are no accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need