- Must visit
The Harris
Major city museum and library in a landmark building, known for art, history and regular exhibitions in the Harris Quarter.
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Salford to Preston is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Salford to Preston will cost around £18 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £18.
On Mon 02 Nov, we found 1 trains from Salford to Preston, including 1 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 42 km distance in an average of 58 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 58 m .
The slowest trains will take 58 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.

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Trains from Salford to Preston run on average 1 times per day, taking around 40m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £18 but you can travel from only £7 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 05:13, the last at 23:50. The fastest train covers the 42 km distance in 38m.
Distance 42 km |
Average train duration 40m |
Cheapest ticket price £18 |
Trains per day 1 |
Fastest train 38m |
First train 5:13 |
Last train 23:50 |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Best time to book 1 day |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Salford to Preston.
The table below shows live departures for Salford to Preston trains for today, Sunday 1 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 13:48 Salford | 0h45 | 14:33 Preston | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Discover the best of Preston — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Preston trip today.
Major city museum and library in a landmark building, known for art, history and regular exhibitions in the Harris Quarter.
Museum on the University of Central Lancashire campus with Egyptology, archaeology and world cultures collections in a compact gallery.
Volunteer-run transport museum at Ribble Steam Railway, featuring Preston’s industrial and rail heritage with locomotives and exhibits.
Historic city park with terraces, paths and river views. A favourite for walks, photography and access to nearby Miller Park.
Landscaped Victorian park beside the River Ribble, appreciated for open lawns, flower displays and peaceful links to city-centre walks.
Regenerated docklands area with marina views, public art and waterside paths, popular for an easy modern contrast to the historic centre.
A buttery shortcrust pie filled with potatoes and onions. It is Preston and Lancashire’s best-known savoury bake, tied to local mill and farming traditions.
A rich fruit cake packed with currants and topped with almond paste. It is a classic Lancashire celebration cake still eaten across Preston.
A crumbly, mild white cheese from Lancashire often made in creamy, tasty and crumbly layers. It reflects the county’s long dairy heritage.
Stylish modern restaurant serving British and European plates with cocktails. Good for a polished dinner in central Preston.
Established local spot for Neapolitan-style pizza and Italian comfort food in a friendly, informal setting.
Traditional city-centre pub known for cask ales and hearty British dishes in a historic, relaxed setting.
Preston is moderate by UK standards, with cheaper stays and dining than Manchester or London, while local buses, rail and casual meals remain manageable for most visitors.
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual if service is not included. Round up taxi fares. Cafes do not expect tips, but small change is appreciated.
Official public transport app
Preston Railway Station -> Preston Bus Station
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Preston.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Salford to Preston 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 Preston, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Salford to Preston trains use the Salford Crescent to Preston station pair. Use this guide to compare Salford and Preston train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Salford Crescent has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Salford Crescent.
Ticket office support is available at Salford Crescent.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Salford Crescent: Parking, WC.
Available at Salford Crescent: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Salford Crescent: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A station, The station is accessed from the main road ( A6,THE CRESCENT) and the corner of University Road There is a lift available at the end of the overbridge (facing the steps of which there is 36 down onto the platform). The lift is available from first to last train, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Salford Central is 2 km from Salford city centre. Public transport options include:
Salford Central has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Salford Central.
Ticket office support is available at Salford Central.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Salford Central: Parking, Taxis.
Available at Salford Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Salford Central: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category B station, please note there are no tactile pavings at this station - Ramped access to platforms and ticket office. We regret that wheelchair users cannot board or alight here, due to excessive wheelchair ramp gradients between the train and the very low-height platforms, 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.
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.
Check train stations information for Salford and Preston, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.
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