Stoke-on-Trent to Preston train with Northern Rail

Thu 03 Sept
+ Add return
Northern Rail
Avanti West Coast
Transpennine Express
CrossCountry
east_midlands_trains
2,000+ travel companies
Northern Rail
Avanti West Coast
Transpennine Express
CrossCountry
east_midlands_trains
2,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
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
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Stoke-on-Trent to Preston

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Stoke-on-Trent to Preston among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £17 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 53m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £17, while a train costs an average of £66.

Distance: 92 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Driving

£66

Average Price

£17

Average Price

Cheapest

£18

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

1h 53m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 23m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 45m

Average total duration

2h 15m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 18m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Northern Rail

Most popular train company

National Express

Most popular bus company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Stoke-on-Trent to Preston is a coach with an average price of £17.

This is compared to other travel options from Stoke-on-Trent to Preston:

A coach is £49 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Stoke-on-Trent to Preston costing on average £66.

The fastest way to travel from Stoke-on-Trent to Preston is by train with an average journey time of 1h 23m.

Other travel options to Preston take longer:

Coach takes on average 2h 15m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Stoke-on-Trent and Preston including taking a train and coach.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.

Tickets start at around £66 compared to roughly £18 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-47.73. The journey takes 1h 23m versus 1h 18m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.

Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.

Compare prices and tickets Stoke-on-Trent 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.

Thu
03 Sept
Fri
04 Sept
Sat
05 Sept
Sun
06 Sept
Mon
07 Sept
Tue
08 Sept
Wed
09 Sept

Why should you book Stoke-on-Trent to Preston trains with Omio?

Northern Rail as well as Avanti West Coast, Transpennine Express, CrossCountry, east_midlands_trains and more offer trains services from Stoke-on-Trent to Preston.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Stoke-on-Trent to Preston.

Why book with Omio vs Northern Rail?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Northern Rail, but also compare tickets for the likes of Avanti West Coast, Transpennine Express, CrossCountry or east_midlands_trains to find the best option for your trip from Stoke-on-Trent 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 Northern Rail with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Stoke-on-Trent to Preston.

Why book with Omio over Trip, Wanderu or Raileurope?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Avanti West Coast, Transpennine Express, CrossCountry or east_midlands_trains to find the best option for your trip from Stoke-on-Trent to Preston.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Stoke-on-Trent to Preston.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Stoke-on-Trent to Preston

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Stoke-on-Trent to Preston run on average 9 times per day, taking around 1h 23m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £17 but you can travel from only £9 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 05:23, the last at 23:10. The fastest train covers the 92 km distance in 1h 29m.

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 £9
Distance
92 km
Average train duration
1h 23m
Cheapest ticket price
£17
Trains per day
9
Fastest train
1h 29m
First train
5:23
Last train
23:10
Cheapest Month
Apr
Cheapest Day
Mon
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Wed
Least Busy Day
Wed
Best time to book
1 day
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 £9

Train companies: Northern Rail, Avanti West Coast, Transpennine Express, CrossCountry, east_midlands_trains, Cross Country, West Midlands Trains, Northern Trains Limited from Stoke-on-Trent to Preston trainsNorthern Rail, Avanti West Coast, Transpennine Express, CrossCountry, east_midlands_trains, Cross Country, West Midlands Trains, Northern Trains Limited trains will get you between Stoke-on-Trent and Preston from £9. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Northern Rail

About
Northern Trains is a publicly owned train operating company in the United Kingdom, headquartered in York. It runs local and commuter services across the north of England, connecting regions including the North East, North West, East Midlands, Staffordshire, Yorkshire, and the Humber coastline. As part of the National Rail network, Northern operates under a coordinated fare and ticketing system alongside other UK train companies.Ticket types include Advance, Off-Peak, Anytime Day, single, return, and season tickets, with only one class option available: Standard. Onboard amenities may include comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and refreshments on select services. Popular routes include connections between major northern cities such as Manchester, Liverpool, and Leeds.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Northern Rail Duration
2h 2m
Cheapest Northern Rail Price
£20
Northern Rail frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
See refund policy for ticket types
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most services with drinks and snacks. Some stations have cafes and shops
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available but not mandatory. Free of charge when booking advance tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, passenger assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
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 Avanti West Coast Duration
1h 29m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
£89
Avanti West Coast frequency
11 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

Transpennine Express

About
Transpennine Express is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from Manchester and Liverpool to Scotland, the North East and Yorkshire. It offers a range of services, including express, regional and local trains. Express trains are the fastest, with journey times of up to three hours. Regional trains are slower, but offer more stops and a more relaxed atmosphere. Local trains are the slowest, but offer the most stops. Transpennine Express offers a range of ticket types, including single, return, group and season tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for Transpennine Express are Manchester to Edinburgh, Liverpool to Leeds and Manchester to York. These routes offer a convenient and comfortable way to travel between the cities.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Transpennine Express frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 large items and 1 small hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if service is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks, plus a small selection of hot and cold food items
Seat reservation
Seat reservations are free of charge and recommended for busy routes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance booking service
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone

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
CrossCountry frequency
2 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

east_midlands_trains

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average east_midlands_trains Duration
1h 33m
Cheapest east_midlands_trains Price
£78
east_midlands_trains frequency
13 a day

Cross Country

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Cross Country Duration
1h 35m
Cheapest Cross Country Price
£50
Cross Country frequency
24 a day

West Midlands Trains

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average West Midlands Trains Duration
1h 36m
West Midlands Trains frequency
1 a day

Northern Trains Limited

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Northern Trains Limited Duration
2h 3m
Cheapest Northern Trains Limited Price
£17
Northern Trains Limited frequency
1 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.

  • Must visit

The Harris

Major city museum and library in a landmark building, known for art, history and regular exhibitions in the Harris Quarter.

  • 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.

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.

FAQs: Stoke-on-Trent to Preston train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Stoke-on-Trent 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.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Stoke-on-Trent to Preston can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £17, while the average price tends to be around £66.
The train journey from Stoke-on-Trent to Preston covers a distance of 92 km and takes approximately 1h 29m. Trains run 9 per day.
The train distance from Stoke-on-Trent to Preston is 92 km.
The first train from Stoke-on-Trent to Preston leaves at 5:23.
The last train from Stoke-on-Trent to Preston departs at 23:10.
Trains from Stoke-on-Trent to Preston run approximately 9 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Stoke-on-Trent to Preston.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Stoke-on-Trent to Preston.
To get from Stoke-on-Trent to Preston, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Stoke-on-Trent to Preston.
The train station in Stoke-on-Trent that goes to Preston is Stoke-on-Trent station (SOT), and it arrives at Preston station (PRE).
The cheapest way to get from Stoke-on-Trent to Preston is by coach, costing approximately £9.
Booking trains from Stoke-on-Trent 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 Stoke-on-Trent to Preston offers varied scenery, including views of the picturesque countryside, rolling hills, and charming towns, providing a pleasant travel experience.
Yes, you can do a day trip from Stoke-on-Trent to Preston. The journey takes 1h 29m, covers 92 km, and has a frequency of 7 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 Stoke-on-Trent to Preston.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Stoke-on-Trent and Preston

Most Stoke-on-Trent to Preston trains use the Stoke-on-Trent to Preston station pair. Use this guide to compare Stoke-on-Trent and Preston train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Stoke-on-Trent
Arrival train stations in Preston

Which Stoke-on-Trent station do trains to Preston leave from?

Trains from Stoke-on-Trent to Preston leave from Stoke-on-Trent. The station is 1 km from Stoke-on-Trent city centre at Stoke-on-Trent station, Station Road, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST4 2AA.
Stoke-on-TrentStoke-on-Trent station, Station Road, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST4 2AA+44 345 328 0253WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Stoke-on-Trent from Stoke-on-Trent city centre

Bus25, 23, 40A · 9m · every ~18 min

Stoke-on-Trent train station facilities and services

Stoke-on-Trent has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Stoke-on-Trent.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Stoke-on-Trent. ATMs are available at Stoke-on-Trent.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Stoke-on-Trent. 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 Stoke-on-Trent: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Stoke-on-Trent: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Stoke-on-Trent: 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 taxis: By the North end of platform 1, 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.

LongportLongport station, Station Street, Longport, Staffordshire, ST6 4NDParkingDiningAccessibilityBike Parking
City-centre transport

Getting to Longport from Stoke-on-Trent city centre

Longport is 4 km from Stoke-on-Trent city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainNottingham - Crewe, Newark Castle - Crewe · 4m · £2
Bus94 · 10m · every ~2 min

Longport train station facilities and services

Longport has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility and Bike Parking.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Longport.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Longport: Parking.

Bike and car services

Available at Longport: Bike Parking.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Longport: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category B. This station has a degree of step free access to the platform which may be in both directions or in one direction only - please check for details. Wheelchair users may need assistance on Platform 1 as there are no lowered kerbs on the pavements and the gradient of the ramp to the platform is steep. The gradient of the ramp to Platform 2 is moderate. This station has tactile paving at the edge of each platform, Accessible taxis: Euro 01782 314444, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.

More options for your journey from Stoke-on-Trent to Preston

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

HomeTrainsTrain Times to Preston Stoke-on-Trent to Preston train

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.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone