1,000+ travel companies
1,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
The cheapest and fastest trains from Reading to Preston
Showing times and prices for 06 Nov
Cheapest price
£89
Average price
£157
Fastest journey
3 h 36 m
Average duration
5 h 1 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
283 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Reading to Preston is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Reading to Preston will cost around £157 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £89.
Fast trains
Of the 3 trains that leave Reading for Preston every day 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 283 km distance in an average of 5 h 1 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 36 m .
The slowest trains will take 5 h 46 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.
01:245h46
Reading07:10Preston
£891One-way
0 changes
07:153h36
Reading10:51Preston
£1121One-way
0 changes
02:545h40
Reading08:34Preston
£2691One-way
0 changes
07:153h36
Reading10:51Preston
£1121One-way
0 changes
02:545h40
Reading08:34Preston
£2691One-way
0 changes
01:245h46
Reading07:10Preston
£891One-way
0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Reading to Preston
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Reading to Preston among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £34. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 1m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £34, and a flight costs an average of £61.
Distance: 283 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£97 Average Price | £56 Average Price Cheapest | £143 Average Price |
3h 48m Average total duration 3h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 25m Average total duration 7h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 1m Average total duration Fastest 1h 1m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | 0.8 - 1.7kg CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Reading to Preston train times
Showing trains for tomorrow, Thursday 6 November
Last updated at 06:42
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01:24 Reading | 5h46 | 07:10 Preston | 0 changesdirect | |
| 02:54 Reading | 5h40 | 08:34 Preston | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Reading to Preston by train, coach or flight
Thu
06 Nov
06 Nov
Fri
07 Nov
07 Nov
Sat
08 Nov
08 Nov
Sun
09 Nov
09 Nov
Mon
10 Nov
10 Nov
Tue
11 Nov
11 Nov
Wed
12 Nov
12 Nov
Journey information
Overview: Train from Reading to Preston
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Reading to Preston run on average 5 times per day, taking around 3h 18m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £32 if you book in advance.
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 283 km |
Average train duration 3h 18m |
Cheapest ticket price £32 |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 3h 36m |
First train 02:24 |
Last train 21:18 |
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: CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, Cross Country from Reading to Preston trainsCrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, Cross Country trains will get you between Reading and Preston from £32. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
CrossCountry
About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 36m
Cheapest Price
£109
CrossCountry frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone
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 Duration
3h 36m
Cheapest Price
£32
Avanti West Coast frequency
4 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
Cross Country
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 31m
Cheapest Price
£207
Cross Country frequency
12 a day
FAQs: Reading to Preston train
FAQs: Travel by train from Reading to Preston easily. Whether you want fast, cheap or something entirely different, our travel experts have collected everything you need to know so you can find the best option from Reading to Preston.
The train distance from Reading to Preston is 283 km.
Booking trains from Reading to Preston in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
To get from Reading to Preston, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
The train journey from Reading to Preston covers a distance of 283 km and takes approximately 3h 36m. Trains run 5 per day.
The first train from Reading to Preston leaves at 2:24.
The last train from Reading to Preston departs at 21:18.
Trains from Reading to Preston run approximately 5 times per day.
The cost of a train ticket from Reading to Preston can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £32, while the average price tends to be around £97.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Reading to Preston.
There is no night train service from Reading to Preston.
The cheapest way to get from Reading to Preston is by train, costing approximately £32.
The train station in Reading that goes to Preston is Reading station (RDG), and it arrives at Preston station (PRE).
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Reading to Preston.
Yes, you can take the train from Reading to Preston.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Reading and Preston
Reading
Preston
The major train station for departures in Reading is Reading. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Reading for your trip from Reading to Preston.
Amenities at train station
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lounge
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:15 - 22:45 Saturday 05:30 - 22:45 Sunday 07:15 - 22:45 Please note: Reservations and tickets requiring reservations are sold at the following times only: Mon - Sat 08:00 - 20:00 and Sun 09:00 - 20:00
Parking
- Car Park: Multi Storey Car Park
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: platforms can be reached via lift and bridge, ticket office is step free.
- Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station
- Accessible public telephones: Accessible low-level Pay Phone is available at the station main concourse. Please request staff assistance if you need to.
- Accessible taxis: Accessible taxi are available at the station entrance. please request staff assistance if you need to.
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: Accessible ticket machines are located at the station entrance by the ticket office and at the car park.
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: Yes
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes
WC
- Toilets Location: Toilets are located on Station Platforms and in The Brunel Arcade building
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Front of station, underground short stay car park and long stay car park.
- Storage CCTV: No
Public transport options for Reading
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the North side of the station
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningAccessibilityHotel
Lost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parkinginformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:30 - 10:45 Saturday - Sunday Closed
Distance to city center
1 kmParking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access note: Step Free Category B3 - This station has a degree of step free access but only to Platform 1 and only if accessed via Tilehurst Road. Otherwise this station can be classified as Category C. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station.
- Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available. Please request staff assistance.
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Ramp for train access: No
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Bike Parking
- Storage CCTV: No
Public transport options for Reading West
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Towards Reading: Bus Stop on Oxford Road under Railway Bridge. Heading away from Reading Bus Stop on Oxford Road, outside McDonalds.
Amenities at train station
WifiParkingDiningAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parkinginformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:25 - 12:55 Saturday 07:00 - 13:30 Sunday Closed
Distance to city center
4 kmParking
- Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
- Staff help available: No
- Step free access coverage: No
- Step free access note: Step free Category C - This station does not have step free access to operational platforms
- Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station
- Accessible taxis: Accessible Taxis available at this station Please call our free help line for assistance.
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible toilets: No
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes
WC
- Toilets Location: Platforms 2/3
- National key toilets: No
- Baby changing facilities: No
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Adjacent entrance to station
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Tilehurst
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Buses starting/terminate at Tilehurst: Station forecourt All other buses: A329 Oxford Road bus stops near the station
The major train station for arrivals in Preston is Preston. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Preston for your journey to Preston from Reading.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
LockersParkingDiningATM
TaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar Rental
Information Desk
Luggage Cartsinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 5:30 AM - 8:00 PM Monday - Friday
- 6:30 AM - 7:00 PM Saturday
- 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM Sunday
Distance to city center
1 km
Number of platforms
6Wifi
- Free
Parking
- The car park is open 24 hours, located adjacent to the station with access from Butler Street.
Dining
- Rise
- The Olive Tree Brasserie
- Turtle Bay
Taxis
- Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps.
WC
- £0.30
Hotel
- Holiday Inn Express Preston - South
- Delta Hotels Preston
- Macdonald Tickled Trout Hotel
Lost and Found Office
- Located in the main hall
Car Rental
- Enterprise
- Europcar
Information Desk
- Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
- Free
Station Plan
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms 1-3 for long-distance services
- Hall 2: platforms 4-6 for regional and local services
Public transport options for Preston
- Bus: Several lines available
- Train: Northern, Avanti West Coast, TransPennine Express services
More options for your journey from Reading to Preston
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Preston and Reading
Most popular train connections to Preston
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
