- 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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The cheapest and fastest trains from Swindon to Preston
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£193
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£240
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
3 h 35 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
3 h 38 m
Trains on 18 Sept
13
Distance
254 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Swindon to Preston is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Swindon to Preston will cost around £240 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £193.
Fast trains
To travel from Swindon to Preston you need to make at least 2 changes.
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6:324h18Swindon10:50Preston£1931One-way2 changes- 8:123h38Swindon11:50Preston£2441One-way2 changes
- 9:103h40Swindon12:50Preston£2441One-way2 changes
- 10:113h39Swindon13:50Preston£2441One-way2 changes
- 11:123h39Swindon14:51Preston£2441One-way2 changes
- 12:153h35Swindon15:50Preston£2441One-way2 changes
- 16:143h37Swindon19:51Preston£2441One-way2 changes
- 8:123h38Swindon11:50Preston£2441One-way2 changes
- 10:113h39Swindon13:50Preston£2441One-way2 changes
- 11:123h39Swindon14:51Preston£2441One-way2 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Swindon to Preston
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Swindon to Preston among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £44 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 49m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £44, while a train costs an average of £141.
Distance: 254 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£141 Average Price | £44 Average Price Cheapest | £50 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 49m Average total duration Fastest 3h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 12m Average total duration 9h 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 37m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Swindon to Preston is a coach with an average price of £44.
This is compared to other travel options from Swindon to Preston:
A coach is £97 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Swindon to Preston costing on average £141.
The fastest way to travel from Swindon to Preston is by train with an average journey time of 3h 19m.
Other travel options to Preston take longer:
Coach takes on average 9h 42m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Swindon 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 18m sooner (3h 19m by train vs 3h 37m by car). Tickets start at around £141 compared to roughly £50 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
Swindon to Preston train times
The table below shows live departures for Swindon to Preston trains for today, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 9:11 Swindon | 3h40 | 12:51 Preston | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Swindon 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.
Fri
18 Sept
18 Sept
Sat
19 Sept
19 Sept
Sun
20 Sept
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
22 Sept
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23 Sept
23 Sept
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24 Sept
24 Sept
Why should you book Swindon to Preston trains with Omio?
CrossCountry as well as Avanti West Coast offer trains services from Swindon to Preston.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Swindon 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 Avanti West Coast to find the best option for your trip from Swindon 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 and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Swindon to Preston.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Avanti West Coast to find the best option for your trip from Swindon to Preston.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Swindon to Preston.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Swindon to Preston
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Swindon to Preston run on average 5 times per day, taking around 3h 19m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £90 but you can travel from only £28 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 05:32, the last at 20:01. The fastest train covers the 254 km distance in 3h 15m.
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 £28
Distance 254 km |
Average train duration 3h 19m |
Cheapest ticket price £90 |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 3h 15m |
First train 5:32 |
Last train 20:01 |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Best time to book 14 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 £28
Train companies: CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast from Swindon to Preston trainsCrossCountry, Avanti West Coast trains will get you between Swindon and Preston from £28. 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
3h 26m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£93
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 Avanti West Coast Duration
3h 15m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
£90
Avanti West Coast frequency
5 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
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: Swindon to Preston train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Swindon 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 Swindon to Preston can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £90, while the average price tends to be around £141.
The train journey from Swindon to Preston covers a distance of 254 km and takes approximately 3h 15m. Trains run 5 per day.
The train distance from Swindon to Preston is 254 km.
The first train from Swindon to Preston leaves at 5:32.
The last train from Swindon to Preston departs at 20:01.
Trains from Swindon to Preston run approximately 5 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Swindon to Preston.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Swindon to Preston.
To get from Swindon to Preston, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Swindon to Preston.
The train station in Swindon that goes to Preston is Swindon station (SWI), and it arrives at Preston station (PRE).
The cheapest way to get from Swindon to Preston is by coach, costing approximately £28.
Booking trains from Swindon 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 Swindon to Preston offers a mix of urban and countryside views, including passing through the picturesque Cotswolds and glimpses of the Pennines, making some stretches quite scenic.
A day trip from Swindon to Preston is not feasible due to the travel duration of 3h 15m. However, there are 5 trains available per day for this route.
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 Swindon to Preston.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Swindon and Preston
Most Swindon to Preston trains use the Swindon to Preston station pair. Use this guide to compare Swindon and Preston train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Swindon
Arrival train stations in Preston
Which Swindon station do trains to Preston leave from?
Trains from Swindon to Preston leave from Swindon. The station is 1 km from Swindon city centre at Swindon station, Station Road, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1 1DQ.
SwindonSwindon station, Station Road, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1 1DQ+44 3451652030
City-centre transport
Getting to Swindon from Swindon city centre
Bus82, 49 · 6m · £4 · every ~6 min
Swindon train station facilities and services
Swindon has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Swindon.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Swindon. ATMs are available at Swindon.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Swindon.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Swindon: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Swindon: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Swindon: 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 via subway and the lifts via the main entrance subway, 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 taxis are available. Please request staff assistance, 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, 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 Swindon arrive at?
Trains from Swindon 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.
More options for your journey from Swindon to Preston
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Preston and Swindon
Most popular train connections to Preston
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