- Must visit
The British Museum
World-class collection spanning ancient civilisations, the Rosetta Stone and global treasures with free permanent galleries.
Cheapest price
£33
Average price
£85
Fastest journey
2 h 12 m
Average duration
2 h 12 m
Trains per day
38
Distance
306 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Preston to London is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Preston to London will cost around £85 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £33.
Of the 38 trains that leave Preston for London every day 28 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 306 km distance in an average of 2 h 12 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 12 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 12 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.
W33999
W34020
C00568
W34004_W34251
C00578
W34063
W33970
W34039
W34181
W34028Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Preston to London among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £18. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 8m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £18, and a flight costs an average of £75.
Distance: 306 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£53 Average Price | £25 Average Price Cheapest | £129 Average Price |
2h 38m Average total duration Fastest 2h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 14m Average total duration 6h 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 39m Average total duration 1h 39m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions | 0.9 - 1.8kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The table below shows live departures for Preston to London trains for today, Thursday 27 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W34202+ NT254700 | Delayed 4:03 0:05Preston station (PRE) | 7h22 | 7:27 London Euston (EUS) | 1 change | |
W34218+ G89818 | Delayed 6:00 5:50Preston station (PRE) | 3h09 | 8:59 London Euston (EUS) | 1 change | |
C00568 | On time 6:41 Preston station (PRE) | 2h47 | 9:28 London Euston (EUS) | 0 changesdirect | |
W33939 | On time 6:58 Preston station (PRE) | 2h14 | 9:12 London Euston (EUS) | 0 changesdirect | |
W34207 | On time 7:18 Preston station (PRE) | 3h20 | 10:38 London Euston (EUS) | 0 changesdirect | |
W34207 · W33878 | On time 7:18 Preston station (PRE) | 2h45 | 10:03 London Euston (EUS) | 1 change | |
W34029 | On time 8:01 Preston station (PRE) | 2h13 | 10:14 London Euston (EUS) | 0 changesdirect | |
W34271 | On time 8:17 Preston station (PRE) | 3h21 | 11:38 London Euston (EUS) | 0 changesdirect | |
W34271 · W34170 | On time 8:17 Preston station (PRE) | 2h46 | 11:03 London Euston (EUS) | 1 change | |
W34181 | On time 9:00 Preston station (PRE) | 2h12 | 11:12 London Euston (EUS) | 0 changesdirect | |
W34265 | On time 9:19 Preston station (PRE) | 3h19 | 12:38 London Euston (EUS) | 0 changesdirect | |
C00579 | On time 9:28 Preston station (PRE) | 2h29 | 11:57 London Euston (EUS) | 0 changesdirect | |
W34028 | On time 10:00 Preston station (PRE) | 2h12 | 12:12 London Euston (EUS) | 0 changesdirect | |
W33903 | On time 10:18 Preston station (PRE) | 3h20 | 13:38 London Euston (EUS) | 0 changesdirect | |
W33903 · W34182 | On time 10:18 Preston station (PRE) | 2h45 | 13:03 London Euston (EUS) | 1 change | |
W34039 | On time 11:00 Preston station (PRE) | 2h12 | 13:12 London Euston (EUS) | 0 changesdirect | |
W33933 · W34094 | On time 11:18 Preston station (PRE) | 2h45 | 14:03 London Euston (EUS) | 1 change | |
W33933 | On time 11:18 Preston station (PRE) | 3h20 | 14:38 London Euston (EUS) | 0 changesdirect | |
W33970 | On time 12:00 Preston station (PRE) | 2h12 | 14:12 London Euston (EUS) | 0 changesdirect | |
C00578 | On time 12:05 Preston station (PRE) | 2h55 | 15:00 London Euston (EUS) | 0 changesdirect | |
C01362 · W33894 | On time 12:18 Preston station (PRE) | 2h45 | 15:03 London Euston (EUS) | 1 change | |
C01362 | On time 12:18 Preston station (PRE) | 3h22 | 15:40 London Euston (EUS) | 0 changesdirect | |
W33973 | On time 12:59 Preston station (PRE) | 2h13 | 15:12 London Euston (EUS) | 0 changesdirect | |
W34060 · W33949 | On time 13:17 Preston station (PRE) | 2h48 | 16:05 London Euston (EUS) | 1 change | |
W34060 | On time 13:17 Preston station (PRE) | 3h23 | 16:40 London Euston (EUS) | 0 changesdirect | |
W34172 | On time 14:00 Preston station (PRE) | 2h14 | 16:14 London Euston (EUS) | 0 changesdirect | |
W34160 | On time 14:18 Preston station (PRE) | 3h22 | 17:40 London Euston (EUS) | 0 changesdirect | |
W34160 · W34165 | On time 14:18 Preston station (PRE) | 2h46 | 17:04 London Euston (EUS) | 1 change | |
W34063 | On time 15:00 Preston station (PRE) | 2h12 | 17:12 London Euston (EUS) | 0 changesdirect | |
W34124 | On time 15:18 Preston station (PRE) | 3h26 | 18:44 London Euston (EUS) | 0 changesdirect | |
Y14762 | On time 15:27 Preston station (PRE) | 2h33 | 18:00 London Euston (EUS) | 0 changesdirect | |
W33889 | On time 16:00 Preston station (PRE) | 2h14 | 18:14 London Euston (EUS) | 0 changesdirect | |
C01365 | On time 16:18 Preston station (PRE) | 3h26 | 19:44 London Euston (EUS) | 0 changesdirect | |
C01365 · W33877 | On time 16:18 Preston station (PRE) | 2h45 | 19:03 London Euston (EUS) | 1 change | |
W34050 | On time 16:59 Preston station (PRE) | 2h13 | 19:12 London Euston (EUS) | 0 changesdirect | |
W00587 · W33917 | On time 17:18 Preston station (PRE) | 2h45 | 20:03 London Euston (EUS) | 1 change | |
W00587 | On time 17:18 Preston station (PRE) | 3h36 | 20:54 London Euston (EUS) | 0 changesdirect | |
W34020 | On time 18:00 Preston station (PRE) | 2h14 | 20:14 London Euston (EUS) | 0 changesdirect | |
W33999 · W34121 | On time 18:18 Preston station (PRE) | 2h45 | 21:03 London Euston (EUS) | 1 change | |
W33999 | On time 18:18 Preston station (PRE) | 3h36 | 21:54 London Euston (EUS) | 0 changesdirect | |
W34200 | On time 19:07 Preston station (PRE) | 2h13 | 21:20 London Euston (EUS) | 0 changesdirect | |
| Friday 28 August | |||||
W34004_W34251 | 6:00 Preston station (PRE) | 2h35 | 8:35 London Euston (EUS) | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Preston to London run on average 9 times per day, taking around 2h 8m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £21 but you can travel from only £18 by coach.
There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:39, the last at 23:08. The fastest train covers the 306 km distance in 2h 12m.
Distance 306 km |
Average train duration 2h 8m |
Cheapest ticket price £21 |
Trains per day 9 |
Direct trains 6 |
Fastest train 2h 12m |
First train 0:39 |
Last train 23:08 |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of London — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect London trip today.
World-class collection spanning ancient civilisations, the Rosetta Stone and global treasures with free permanent galleries.
National collection of European painting from Van Gogh to Turner in a landmark Trafalgar Square setting.
Vast museum of art, design and performance, loved for fashion, sculpture and major temporary exhibitions.
Lively pedestrian riverside route linking major sights, street performers, markets and excellent views across the Thames.
West End square famous for lions, fountains and events, surrounded by galleries and central to many first-time visits.
Grand royal park with Serpentine lake, broad paths and easy walks to Kensington Palace and Buckingham Palace.
A classic breakfast of sausages, bacon, eggs, beans, mushrooms and toast. A staple of British cafés and weekend dining across London.
Pale ale battered fish with chips, usually served with mushy peas and tartare sauce. A long-standing favourite in London pubs and chippies.
Slow-cooked beef in rich gravy topped with mashed potato. This hearty pie is closely associated with East London working-class food culture.
Luxury hotel venue renowned for formal afternoon tea with fine pastries, sandwiches and impeccable service in grand surroundings.
Refined Indian restaurant with a Michelin star, celebrated for polished cooking and a landmark role in London’s modern dining scene.
Historic dining room famed for traditional British pies, roast meats and classic puddings in elegant, old-school surroundings.
Very costly by European standards; hotels, dining and transport are notably pricier than in most UK and EU city breaks.
Restaurants often add a 12.5% service charge; if not, tip 10-12%. Taxis: round up or 10%. Cafés: no obligation, small change optional.
Official public transport app
London Waterloo -> London Charing Cross, London
Trains from Preston to London cover a distance of 189 miles (305 km) and will take about 2h 43min to complete. There are an average of 25 trains which leave from Preston heading to London each day. The amount might vary depending on the day and time of the year. For example, more trains leave on weekdays than weekends, and on some of the major holidays, you will find fewer trains making the journey.
There are about 25 direct trains per day from Preston to London, and about 15 trains that have at least one change, leaving daily. There are two direct trains per hour at peak times between Preston and London. The trains that include a changeover leave every two hours. The train times and services may differ on weekends and holidays compared to weekdays.
Direct train journies between Preston and London take 2h 16min and will cover 189 miles (305 km). You might prefer to book a train that has a change over in the route. You will find the trains that include a stop take 2h 40min. The travel time might vary depending on the number of stops you make. Mainly you will find the change over for one-stop train rides happens in Crewe.

Trains from Preston to London: Harris Museum in Preston. Source: Shutterstock
Departure train station: All trains to London from Preston leave from Preston Station, which is on Fishergate. Getting to the station from the city centre, you can easily make the journey on foot if you are not carrying too much luggage. You might prefer to catch a bus which will take only 3 min. You might prefer to catch a taxi if you are travelling with larger amounts of luggage.
Arrival train station: Trains running into London from Preston will arrive at London Euston exclusively. Euston is in Camden, which is north of London city centre. There are several ways to reach the city centre from the station, including catching the tube on the Victoria or Northern Lines. You might prefer to catch a bus if the tube system seems confusing. Buses are another option, operated by Eurostar and leave every 15min. Catching a taxi will be the most direct and quickest way to make the trip to the city centre, though it's usually the most expensive option.
When looking for cheap train tickets from Preston to London, you will be travelling by trains on Avanti West Coast Trains. Avanti train services have taken over Virgin Trains and now operate all Virgin's previously covered routes. You can take a direct train or a train that includes at least one stop with Avanti trains. The number of stops will be the only factor determining your travel time variation.
You will be able to take a train on Avanti that travels through the night, from Preston to London. The nighttime trains generally do not have a connection along the route. The latest departing train leaves at 8:58 pm. Travelling with Avanti West Coast at night will be a comfortable trip, as you can order dinner to be brought straight to your seat if you fancy a light meal to pass the time.
Services offered by Avanti West Coast trains which make travelling by train a convenient hassle-free mode of public transport include live train status tracking. This tool allows you to follow the train's route as it goes. It's also convenient to keep an eye out for any departure delays. If a train is more than 15min delayed, the tracking app will notify you. You can download it on your smartphone. Another service offered by the company available on the app is an updated list of the train timetable. Due to the company's electric trains, you will find your journey smooth and quick.
Avanti West Coast has green travel at the top of their priority list. Taking the train is the most environmentally friendly way of travelling if you are not walking or riding your bike. Trains emit between 66% and 75% less carbon than cars and planes. Trains are also the leaders in reducing the amount of energy consumed. The amount of space needed to operate the service and the level of contribution to noise pollution than any other means of transport.
When travelling to London from Preston on Avanti West Coast, you will have the option to upgrade your seats from the standard seating category to the near tier up called the standard premium. The highest class of tickets available on these trains is a first-class ticket. This ticket includes complimentary food and drinks which access to the first-class lounge. Onboard you are allowed three bags. One is carry-on, and the others must go in the luggage storage cabin. You will be allowed to travel with cats, dogs, rabbits and other furry friends on Avanti West Coast trains. Remember that travelling with your dog during busy periods such as early mornings can be stressful for your pet. You are allowed to bring your bike onto the train. You will need to make a reservation when you book your train ticket in advance to ensure there is available space. Travellers with a disability will be well looked after when travelling on Avanti West Coast Trains. The trains and bathrooms onboard are designed for wheelchair access. Staff members will assist with on and off platforms for you to access the trains. You might also need to request a travel assistant for the duration of your trip, which you can easily do before you travel.
If you're planning on taking a train from Preston to London and you're travelling on a budget, the easiest way to ensure you get the cheapest tickets is to book as far in advance as possible. Ticket prices increase the closer you get to the departure dates. Searching for tickets with flexible dates is another way to pick up cheap tickets. Companies offer different deals on different days, and being flexible gives you a chance to take advantage of the cheaper offers. Typically, trains with changeovers en route are less expensive than direct trains, so choose carefully. Check out the Omio Magazine to pick up extra tips on travelling efficiently.

Trains from Preston to London: friends in London. Source: Shutterstock
The real question when considering a trip to London is why wouldn't you go? Visiting the diverse city of London means overloading your senses with architecture, food, culture, fashion, history, football, nightlife, bars and world-class living. One of the favourite activities for newcomers to London is to tour the Tower of London. An architectural odyssey, the tower is also home to the world's largest diamond and will transport you into a time of medieval grandeur. London is famous for its fish and chips wrapped in newspapers. Stroll the streets, try this traditional delight, or book a table at the famous Poppies Fish & Chips. Here you can also indulge in other treats such as Yorkshire pudding and a variety of homemade pies. Take a stroll along with the South Bank and catch a ride on the London eye to get a birds-eye view of the entire city. A truly magical sight, especially at night when the cities energy bustles with activity and twinkling lights.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Preston to London 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 London, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Preston to London trains use the Preston to London Euston station pair, with some services arriving at Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3. Use this guide to compare Preston and London train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
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.
London Euston has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food options include: Burger King, Caffè Nero, Nando's, The Signal Box, Delice de France, Tortilla, Starbucks, AMT Coffee, Upper Crust, Camden Food Co., & many more
Free public Wi-Fi available. ATMs are located in various points in the station.
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 06:00 - 00:00, Sat: 06:00 - 23:00, Sun: 07:00 - 00:00. Information desks are located near the center of the station's main concourse.
Luggage storage is excess Baggage Co luggage storage is located near the entrance to Platform 16 and is open daily from 08:00 to 21:00. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at London Euston: Taxis, WC.
Available at London Euston: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at London Euston: Station is fully accessible, and passengers can request assistance at the mobility assistance reception desk.
Nearby hotels include Hilton London Euston, The Wesley Euston Hotel, Travelodge London Central Euston.
Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 is 23 km from London city centre. Public transport options include:
Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3. ATMs are available at Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3.
Ticket office support is available at Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3: Parking, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Level access to platforms, lifts to airport facilities. Ticket Office is step free. Wheelchair users can board trains with ease as the platforms are level with the trains, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
London Kings Cross has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food options include: Caffè Nero, Starbucks, The Pasty Shop, Upper Crust, Giraffe World Kitchen, Black Sheep Coffee, Hotel Chocolat, Leon, Pret a Manger, Wasabi, & more
Free, unlimited Wi-Fi in the station. . ATMs are located near Platforms 11 and 10, just past Caffé Nero.
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:00 - 01:36, Sat: 05:00 - 00:36, Sun: 05:30 - 01:36. Information desks are located near the main entrance.
Luggage storage is located by the entrance of Platform 9 provided by Excess Baggage Co, open daily from 08:00 until 21:00. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at London Kings Cross: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at London Kings Cross: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at London Kings Cross: There is step-free access in the whole station to all platforms. There are elevators between the concourse and Mezzanine and London Underground ticket hall.
Nearby hotels include Point A Hotel, London Kings Cross St Pancras, Premier Inn London Kings Cross Hotel, St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel London.
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