- Must visit
The Harris
Major city museum and library in a landmark building, known for art, history and regular exhibitions in the Harris Quarter.
Cheapest price on 17 Sept
£4
Average ticket price on 17 Sept
£5
Fastest journey on 17 Sept
21 m
Average journey duration on 17 Sept
22 m
Trains on 17 Sept
4
Distance
25 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Wigan to Preston is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Wigan to Preston will cost around £5 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £4.
On Thu 17 Sept, we found 4 trains from Wigan to Preston, including 4 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 25 km distance in an average of 22 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 21 m .
The slowest trains will take 23 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.








Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Wigan to Preston among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £4 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 48m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £4, while a train costs an average of £4.
Distance: 25 km
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
£4 Average Price Cheapest | £6 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
48m Average total duration Fastest 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 40m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Other travel options to Preston take longer:
Coach takes on average 45m.
The journey is about 22m faster (18m by train vs 40m by car) and roughly £2 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls (£4 vs £6). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with Avanti West Coast, Transpennine Express, TransPennine Express, Northern Trains Limited.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Wigan to Preston trains for tomorrow, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 10:11 Wigan | 0h22 | 10:33 Preston | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 17:50 Wigan | 0h21 | 18:11 Preston | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 18:10 Wigan | 0h23 | 18:33 Preston | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 22:00 Wigan | 0h22 | 22:22 Preston | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Wigan to Preston run on average 7 times per day, taking around 18m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £4 if you book in advance.
There are 7 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:54. The fastest train covers the 25 km distance in 24m.
Distance 25 km |
Average train duration 18m |
Cheapest ticket price £4 |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 7 |
Fastest train 24m |
First train 0:02 |
Last train 23:54 |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 35 days |
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
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Wigan 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 Wigan to Preston trains use the Wigan North Western to Preston station pair. Use this guide to compare Wigan and Preston train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Wigan North Western is 1 km from Wigan city centre. Public transport options include:
Wigan North Western has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Wigan North Western.
Wi-Fi is available at Wigan North Western.
Ticket office support is available at Wigan North Western. 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.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Wigan North Western: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Wigan North Western: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Wigan North Western: 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.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need