- Must visit
The Harris
Major city museum and library in a landmark building, known for art, history and regular exhibitions in the Harris Quarter.
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Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Stafford to Preston
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Stafford to Preston among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £22 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 34m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £22, while a train costs an average of £28.
Distance: 114 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£28 Average Price | £22 Average Price Cheapest | £21 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 34m Average total duration Fastest 1h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 30m Average total duration 6h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 34m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
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 Stafford to Preston is a coach with an average price of £22.
This is compared to other travel options from Stafford to Preston:
A coach is £6 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Stafford to Preston costing on average £28.
The fastest way to travel from Stafford to Preston is by train with an average journey time of 1h 4m.
Other travel options to Preston take longer:
Coach takes on average 6h 0m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Stafford and Preston including taking a train and coach.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 30m sooner (1h 4m by train vs 1h 34m by car). Tickets start at around £28 compared to roughly £21 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.
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.
Compare prices and tickets Stafford to Preston by train or coach
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.
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Why should you book Stafford to Preston trains with Omio?
Avanti West Coast as well as Cross Country offer trains services from Stafford to Preston.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Stafford to Preston.
Why book with Omio vs Avanti West Coast?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Avanti West Coast, but also compare tickets for the likes of Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from Stafford 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 Avanti West Coast with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Stafford to Preston.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Stafford to Preston.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Stafford to Preston
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Stafford to Preston run on average 7 times per day, taking around 1h 4m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £28 but you can travel from only £22 by coach.
There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:23, the last at 23:04. The fastest train covers the 114 km distance in 1h 14m.
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 £22
Distance 114 km |
Average train duration 1h 4m |
Cheapest ticket price £28 |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 6 |
Fastest train 1h 14m |
First train 5:23 |
Last train 23:04 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 28 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 £22
Train companies: Avanti West Coast, Cross Country from Stafford to Preston trainsAvanti West Coast, Cross Country trains will get you between Stafford and Preston from £22. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
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 Avanti West Coast Duration
1h 14m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
£28
Avanti West Coast frequency
25 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 Cross Country Duration
1h 51m
Cheapest Cross Country Price
£69
Cross Country frequency
25 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: Stafford to Preston train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Stafford 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 Stafford to Preston can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £28, while the average price tends to be around £28.
The train journey from Stafford to Preston covers a distance of 114 km and takes approximately 1h 14m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Stafford to Preston is 114 km.
The first train from Stafford to Preston leaves at 5:23.
The last train from Stafford to Preston departs at 23:04.
Trains from Stafford to Preston run approximately 7 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Stafford to Preston.
Yes, there is a direct train between Stafford and Preston. The service operates 6 times per day, provided by Avanti West Coast.
To get from Stafford to Preston, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Stafford to Preston.
The train station in Stafford that goes to Preston is Stafford station (STA), and it arrives at Preston station (PRE).
The cheapest way to get from Stafford to Preston is by coach, costing approximately £22.
Booking trains from Stafford 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 Stafford to Preston offers pleasant views of the English countryside, with stretches of lush greenery, rolling fields, and charming villages, making it a moderately scenic route.
Yes, a day trip from Stafford to Preston is feasible with a journey time of 1h 14m and a frequency of 4 per day for trains. The distance is 114 km.
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 Stafford to Preston.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Stafford and Preston
Most Stafford to Preston trains use the Stafford to Preston station pair. Use this guide to compare Stafford and Preston train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Stafford
Arrival train stations in Preston
Which Stafford station do trains to Preston leave from?
Trains from Stafford to Preston leave from Stafford. The station is from Stafford city centre at Stafford station, Station Road, Stafford, Staffordshire, ST16 2AA.
StaffordStafford station, Station Road, Stafford, Staffordshire, ST16 2AA
City-centre transport
Getting to Stafford from Stafford city centre
Location for Rail Replacement ServicesRail replacement coach services can be found at the front of the station on the left hand side.
Stafford train station facilities and services
Stafford has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Stafford.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Stafford.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Stafford. 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, Arrival screens.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Stafford: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Stafford: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Stafford: 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.
Which Preston station do trains from Stafford arrive at?
Trains from Stafford 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 Stafford
More options for your journey from Stafford to Preston
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Preston and Stafford
Most popular train connections to Preston
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