- Must visit
The Harris
Major city museum and library in a landmark building, known for art, history and regular exhibitions in the Harris Quarter.
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ 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 Southampton to Preston
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 03 Sept
Cheapest price on 03 Sept
£120
Average ticket price on 03 Sept
£201
Fastest journey on 03 Sept
4 h 36 m
Average journey duration on 03 Sept
5 h 20 m
Trains on 03 Sept
4
Distance
331 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Southampton to Preston is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Southampton to Preston will cost around £201 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £120.
Fast trains
To travel from Southampton to Preston you need to make at least one change.
G00847+
W341445:154h36Southampton Central (SOU)9:51Preston station (PRE)£1201One-way1 change
C00581+
L78743+
G07184+
LT2202005:557h14Southampton Central (SOU)13:09Preston station (PRE)£1201One-way5 changes- W34254+L78743+
Tube from London Waterloo to London Euston5:554h44Southampton Central (SOU)10:39Preston station (PRE)£2821One-way2 changes - W34177+Tube from London Waterloo to London Euston+L804714:524h47Southampton Central (SOU)9:39Preston station (PRE)£2821One-way2 changes
- G00847+W341445:154h36Southampton Central (SOU)9:51Preston station (PRE)£1201One-way1 change
- W34254+L78743+Tube from London Waterloo to London Euston5:554h44Southampton Central (SOU)10:39Preston station (PRE)£2821One-way2 changes
- W34177+Tube from London Waterloo to London Euston+L804714:524h47Southampton Central (SOU)9:39Preston station (PRE)£2821One-way2 changes
- C00581+L78743+G07184+LT2202005:557h14Southampton Central (SOU)13:09Preston station (PRE)£1201One-way5 changes
Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Southampton to Preston
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Southampton to Preston among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £47 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 0m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.3kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £47, while a flight costs an average of £138.
Distance: 331 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£97 Average Price | £47 Average Price Cheapest | £138 Average Price | £65 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 52m Average total duration 4h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 14m Average total duration 9h 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 0m Average total duration Fastest 1h 0m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 4h 45m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Southampton to Preston is a coach with an average price of £47.
This is compared to other travel options from Southampton to Preston:
A coach is £49 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Southampton to Preston costing on average £97.
A coach is £91 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Southampton to Preston costing on average £138.
The fastest way to travel from Southampton to Preston is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 0m.
Other travel options to Preston take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 22m.
Coach takes on average 9h 44m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Southampton and Preston including taking a train, coach and flight.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 23m sooner (4h 22m by train vs 4h 45m by car). Tickets start at around £97 compared to roughly £65 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.
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.
Live departures
Southampton to Preston train times
The table below shows live departures for Southampton to Preston trains for tomorrow, Thursday 3 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L80471+Tube from London Waterloo to London Euston+W34177 | 4:52 Southampton Central (SOU) | 4h47 | 9:39 Preston station (PRE) | 2 changes | |
| G00847+W34144 | 5:15 Southampton Central (SOU) | 4h36 | 9:51 Preston station (PRE) | 1 change | |
| L78743+Tube from London Waterloo to London Euston+W34254 | 5:55 Southampton Central (SOU) | 4h44 | 10:39 Preston station (PRE) | 2 changes | |
| L78743+G07184+LT220200+C34129 | 5:55 Southampton Central (SOU) | 7h14 | 13:09 Preston station (PRE) | 5 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Southampton to Preston by train, coach or flight
Compare train, coach and flight 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.
Thu
03 Sept
03 Sept
Fri
04 Sept
04 Sept
Sat
05 Sept
05 Sept
Sun
06 Sept
06 Sept
Mon
07 Sept
07 Sept
Tue
08 Sept
08 Sept
Wed
09 Sept
09 Sept
Why should you book Southampton to Preston trains with Omio?
CrossCountry as well as Cross Country offer trains services from Southampton to Preston.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Southampton to Preston.
Why book with Omio vs CrossCountry?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for CrossCountry, but also compare tickets for the likes of Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from Southampton to Preston.
- 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 CrossCountry with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Southampton to Preston.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Southampton to Preston.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Southampton to Preston
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Southampton to Preston run on average 6 times per day, taking around 4h 22m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £70 but you can travel from only £42 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 04:49, the last at 21:18. The fastest train covers the 331 km distance in 4h 35m.
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 £42
Distance 331 km |
Average train duration 4h 22m |
Cheapest ticket price £70 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 4h 35m |
First train 4:49 |
Last train 21:18 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Best time to book 4 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 £42
Train companies: CrossCountry, Cross Country from Southampton to Preston trainsCrossCountry, Cross Country trains will get you between Southampton and Preston from £42. 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 CrossCountry Duration
4h 35m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£70
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
Cross Country
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Cross Country Duration
4h 31m
Cheapest Cross Country Price
£218
Cross Country frequency
12 a day
Complete guide to Preston
Things to do in Preston
Discover the best of Preston — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Preston trip today.
- Recommended
The Egypt Centre
Museum on the University of Central Lancashire campus with Egyptology, archaeology and world cultures collections in a compact gallery.
- Recommended
Ribble Steam Railway and Museum
Volunteer-run transport museum at Ribble Steam Railway, featuring Preston’s industrial and rail heritage with locomotives and exhibits.
- Must visit
Avenham Park
Historic city park with terraces, paths and river views. A favourite for walks, photography and access to nearby Miller Park.
- Recommended
Miller Park
Landscaped Victorian park beside the River Ribble, appreciated for open lawns, flower displays and peaceful links to city-centre walks.
- Recommended
Preston Docklands
Regenerated docklands area with marina views, public art and waterside paths, popular for an easy modern contrast to the historic centre.
- Vegetarian
Butter Pie
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.
- Vegetarian
Simnel Cake
A rich fruit cake packed with currants and topped with almond paste. It is a classic Lancashire celebration cake still eaten across Preston.
- Gluten-free
Lancashire Cheese
A crumbly, mild white cheese from Lancashire often made in creamy, tasty and crumbly layers. It reflects the county’s long dairy heritage.
263 Restaurant
Stylish modern restaurant serving British and European plates with cocktails. Good for a polished dinner in central Preston.
Angelo's
Established local spot for Neapolitan-style pizza and Italian comfort food in a friendly, informal setting.
The Continental
Traditional city-centre pub known for cask ales and hearty British dishes in a historic, relaxed setting.
Pound sterling (£)
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.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.80-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
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.
Preston Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £3.00
- Day pass
- £6.50
To the city centre
Preston Railway Station -> Preston Bus Station
- Distance
- 1 km
- Travel time
- 13 min
- Most local buses in Preston support contactless Tap and Go; fares are capped at the Day Ticket price on participating Preston Bus services.
- Check the operator before boarding. Preston fares and app tickets may differ from other bus operators in the city.
FAQs: Southampton to Preston train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Southampton 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.
The cost of a train ticket from Southampton to Preston can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £70, while the average price tends to be around £97.
The train journey from Southampton to Preston covers a distance of 331 km and takes approximately 4h 35m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Southampton to Preston is 331 km.
The first train from Southampton to Preston leaves at 4:49.
The last train from Southampton to Preston departs at 21:18.
Trains from Southampton to Preston run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Southampton to Preston.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Southampton to Preston.
To get from Southampton to Preston, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
There is no night train service from Southampton to Preston.
The train station in Southampton that goes to Preston is Southampton Central (SOU), and it arrives at Preston station (PRE).
The cheapest way to get from Southampton to Preston is by coach, costing approximately £42.
Booking trains from Southampton to Preston in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Southampton to Preston offers varied scenery, including glimpses of the English countryside, charming villages, and industrial landscapes, providing a pleasant visual experience, especially in rural areas.
A day trip from Southampton to Preston is not feasible as the journey takes 4h 35m one way. There are 5 trains per day.
To fully explore Preston's key attractions, such as the Harris Museum, Avenham and Miller Parks, and the Ribble Steam Railway, a stay of two to three days is recommended.
Yes, you can take the train from Southampton to Preston.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Southampton and Preston
Most Southampton to Preston trains use the Southampton Central to Preston station pair. Use this guide to compare Southampton and Preston train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Southampton
Arrival train stations in Preston
Which Southampton station do trains to Preston leave from?
Trains from Southampton to Preston leave from Southampton Central. The station is 1 km from Southampton city centre at Southampton Central station, Blechynden Terrace, Southampton, Hampshire, SO15 1AL.
Southampton CentralSouthampton Central station, Blechynden Terrace, Southampton, Hampshire, SO15 1AL+44 345 600 0650
City-centre transport
Getting to Southampton Central from Southampton city centre
BusX4, X5 · 5m · £2 · every ~20 min
Southampton Central train station facilities and services
Southampton Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Southampton Central.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Southampton Central. ATMs are available at Southampton Central.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Southampton Central.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Southampton Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Southampton Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Southampton Central: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step-free category A Station - This station has step-free access to all platforms. Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All South Western Railway ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. All machines are accessible, however the station may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Southampton Airport ParkwaySouthampton Airport Parkway station, Wide Lane, Southampton, Hampshire, SO18 2HW+44 345 600 0650
City-centre transport
Getting to Southampton Airport Parkway from Southampton city centre
Southampton Airport Parkway is 5 km from Southampton city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainSalisbury - Romsey, Weymouth - London Waterloo, Bournemouth - Winchester, Poole - London Waterloo, Southampton Central - London Waterloo, Weymouth - Woking, Bournemouth - Basingstoke, Poole - Winchester, Southampton Central - Basingstoke, Bournemouth - London Waterloo, Poole - Eastleigh, Weymouth - Eastleigh, Romsey - Romsey, Southampton Central - Woking, Salisbury - Salisbury, Salisbury - Eastleigh, Southampton Central - Eastleigh, Southampton Central - Romsey · 10m · £3 · every ~8 min
BusU1a, U1e · 34m · £2 · every ~21 min
U1a, U1e · 40m · £2 · every ~37 min
Southampton Airport Parkway train station facilities and services
Southampton Airport Parkway has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Southampton Airport Parkway.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Southampton Airport Parkway. ATMs are available at Southampton Airport Parkway.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Southampton Airport Parkway.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Southampton Airport Parkway: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Southampton Airport Parkway: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Southampton Airport Parkway: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step-free category A Station - This station has step-free access to all platforms. Please be aware that some platforms at this station have no or only partial tactile paving on the platform edge, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All South Western Railway ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. All machines are accessible, however the station may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Which Preston station do trains from Southampton arrive at?
Trains from Southampton to Preston arrive at Preston. Preston is 1 km from Preston city centre.
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.
Most popular train connections from Southampton
More options for your journey from Southampton to Preston
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Preston and Southampton
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.
