Manchester to Preston train with Northern Rail

Fri, 14 Aug
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Northern Rail
Transpennine Express
TransPennine Express
Northern Trains Limited
Deutsche Bahn
2,000+ travel companies
Northern Rail
Transpennine Express
TransPennine Express
Northern Trains Limited
Deutsche Bahn
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Manchester to Preston

Showing times and prices for 14 Aug

Cheapest price

7RM

Average price

13RM

Fastest journey

34 m

Average duration

35 m

Trains per day

33

Distance

45 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Manchester to Preston is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Manchester to Preston will cost around 13RM if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only 7RM.

Fast trains

Of the 33 trains that leave Manchester for Preston every day 33 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct trains cover the 45 km distance in an average of 35 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 34 m .

The slowest trains will take 36 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.

  • Northern RailG89597
    1:08 PM0h49
    Deansgate (DGT)
    1:57 PMPreston station (PRE)
    7 RM1One-way
    0 changes
  • Northern RailG89589
    12:08 PM0h49
    Deansgate (DGT)
    12:57 PMPreston station (PRE)
    9 RM1One-way
    0 changes
  • Northern RailG89593
    12:39 PM0h46
    Deansgate (DGT)
    1:25 PMPreston station (PRE)
    9 RM1One-way
    0 changes
  • Northern RailG89564
    9:08 AM0h49
    Deansgate (DGT)
    9:57 AMPreston station (PRE)
    9 RM1One-way
    0 changes
  • Northern RailG89581
    11:08 AM0h49
    Deansgate (DGT)
    11:57 AMPreston station (PRE)
    9 RM1One-way
    0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Manchester to Preston

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Preston among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from 6RM. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 41m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.0kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of 6RM, and a train costs an average of 4RM.

Distance: 45 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach

9RM

Average Price

9RM

Average Price

Cheapest

1h 11m

Average total duration

Fastest

41m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 43m

Average total duration

1h 13m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.0 - 0.0kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Northern Rail

Most popular train company

Megabus

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Manchester to Preston train times

The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Preston trains for tomorrow, Friday, 14 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Northern RailG895426:06 AM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)
0h51
6:57 AM Preston station (PRE)0 changesdirect
Transpennine ExpressW851646:25 AM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)
0h35
7:00 AM Preston station (PRE)0 changesdirect
Northern RailG895456:39 AM Deansgate (DGT)
0h49
7:28 AM Preston station (PRE)0 changesdirect
Northern RailG895487:08 AM Deansgate (DGT)
0h51
7:59 AM Preston station (PRE)0 changesdirect
Transpennine ExpressW851657:25 AM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)
0h34
7:59 AM Preston station (PRE)0 changesdirect
Northern RailG895568:08 AM Deansgate (DGT)
0h49
8:57 AM Preston station (PRE)0 changesdirect
Transpennine ExpressW851688:24 AM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)
0h38
9:02 AM Preston station (PRE)0 changesdirect
Northern RailG895608:38 AM Deansgate (DGT)
0h48
9:26 AM Preston station (PRE)0 changesdirect
Northern RailG890628:56 AM Deansgate (DGT)
0h38
9:34 AM Preston station (PRE)0 changesdirect
Northern RailG895649:08 AM Deansgate (DGT)
0h49
9:57 AM Preston station (PRE)0 changesdirect
Transpennine ExpressW851709:24 AM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)
0h36
10:00 AM Preston station (PRE)0 changesdirect
Northern RailG895699:39 AM Deansgate (DGT)
0h47
10:26 AM Preston station (PRE)0 changesdirect
Northern RailG890459:56 AM Deansgate (DGT)
0h36
10:32 AM Preston station (PRE)0 changesdirect
Northern RailG8957310:08 AM Deansgate (DGT)
0h48
10:56 AM Preston station (PRE)0 changesdirect
Northern RailG8957710:39 AM Deansgate (DGT)
0h46
11:25 AM Preston station (PRE)0 changesdirect
Northern RailG8904710:56 AM Deansgate (DGT)
0h36
11:32 AM Preston station (PRE)0 changesdirect
Northern RailG8958111:08 AM Deansgate (DGT)
0h49
11:57 AM Preston station (PRE)0 changesdirect
Northern RailG8958511:39 AM Deansgate (DGT)
0h46
12:25 PM Preston station (PRE)0 changesdirect
Northern RailG8907111:56 AM Deansgate (DGT)
0h49
12:45 PM Preston station (PRE)0 changesdirect
Northern RailG8958912:08 PM Deansgate (DGT)
0h49
12:57 PM Preston station (PRE)0 changesdirect
Transpennine ExpressW8518212:24 PM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)
0h34
12:58 PM Preston station (PRE)0 changesdirect
Northern RailG8959312:39 PM Deansgate (DGT)
0h46
1:25 PM Preston station (PRE)0 changesdirect
Northern RailG8907212:56 PM Deansgate (DGT)
0h49
1:45 PM Preston station (PRE)0 changesdirect
Northern RailG895971:08 PM Deansgate (DGT)
0h49
1:57 PM Preston station (PRE)0 changesdirect
Northern RailG896021:39 PM Deansgate (DGT)
0h46
2:25 PM Preston station (PRE)0 changesdirect
Northern RailG890511:56 PM Deansgate (DGT)
0h36
2:32 PM Preston station (PRE)0 changesdirect
Northern RailG896072:08 PM Deansgate (DGT)
0h50
2:58 PM Preston station (PRE)0 changesdirect
Transpennine ExpressW851912:24 PM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)
0h35
2:59 PM Preston station (PRE)0 changesdirect
Northern RailG896142:39 PM Deansgate (DGT)
0h46
3:25 PM Preston station (PRE)0 changesdirect
Northern RailG890672:56 PM Deansgate (DGT)
0h36
3:32 PM Preston station (PRE)0 changesdirect
Northern RailG896173:08 PM Deansgate (DGT)
0h50
3:58 PM Preston station (PRE)0 changesdirect
Transpennine ExpressW851963:24 PM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)
0h38
4:02 PM Preston station (PRE)0 changesdirect
Northern RailG895413:39 PM Deansgate (DGT)
0h46
4:25 PM Preston station (PRE)0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Manchester 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
14 Aug
Sat
15 Aug
Sun
16 Aug
Mon
17 Aug
Tue
18 Aug
Wed
19 Aug
Thu
20 Aug

Why should you book Manchester to Preston trains with Omio?

Northern Rail as well as Transpennine Express, TransPennine Express, Northern Trains Limited and more offer trains services from Manchester to Preston.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Manchester 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 Transpennine Express, TransPennine Express or Northern Trains Limited to find the best option for your trip from Manchester 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 Manchester to Preston.

Why book with Omio over Trip or Wanderu?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Transpennine Express, TransPennine Express or Northern Trains Limited to find the best option for your trip from Manchester to Preston.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Manchester to Preston.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Manchester to Preston

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Manchester to Preston run on average 9 times per day, taking around 41m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at 4RM if you book in advance.

There are 9 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:03, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 45 km distance in 37m.

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
Distance
45 km
Average train duration
41m
Cheapest ticket price
4RM
Trains per day
9
Direct trains
9
Fastest train
37m
First train
12:03 AM
Last train
11:55 PM
Cheapest Month
Jan
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Sun
Least Busy Day
Thu
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

Train companies: Northern Rail, Transpennine Express, TransPennine Express, Northern Trains Limited from Manchester to Preston trainsNorthern Rail, Transpennine Express, TransPennine Express, Northern Trains Limited trains will get you between Manchester and Preston from 4RM. 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 Duration
37m
Cheapest Price
4RM
Northern Rail frequency
7 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

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
Average Duration
32m
Cheapest Price
7RM
Transpennine Express frequency
3 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

TransPennine Express

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
33m
Cheapest Price
29RM
TransPennine Express frequency
6 a day

Northern Trains Limited

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
35m
Cheapest Price
9RM
Northern Trains Limited frequency
18 a day

FAQs: Manchester to Preston train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester 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
Cheap train tickets from Manchester to Preston can start from as little as 4RM when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Manchester to Preston is 9RM; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by train from Manchester to Preston is 37m to travel the 45 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest train from Manchester to Preston leaves at 12:03 am. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest train from Manchester to Preston leaves at 11:55 pm.
Yes, there are 9 direct trains a day from Manchester to Preston with Northern Rail, Transpennine Express, TransPennine Express, Northern Trains Limited. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct trains.
When taking a train from Manchester to Preston, you can count on Northern Rail, Transpennine Express, TransPennine Express, Northern Trains Limited for the best way to get you to Preston. You can also check all possible train companies who offer a service between Manchester and Preston and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.
A day trip to Preston from Manchester is worth doing with a journey time of 37m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a train from Manchester to Preston is January.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Manchester and Preston including taking a train and coach.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Manchester and Preston

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

Departure train stations in Manchester
Arrival train stations in Preston

Which Manchester station do trains to Preston leave from?

Trains from Manchester to Preston leave from Manchester Airport. The station is 13 km from Manchester city centre at Manchester Airport station, Malaga Avenue, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M90 3RR.
Manchester AirportManchester Airport station, Malaga Avenue, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M90 3RRWifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Manchester Airport from Manchester city centre

Manchester Airport is 13 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainLiverpool Lime Street - Manchester Airport, Manchester Piccadilly - Crewe, Blackpool North - Manchester Airport, Barrow-in-Furness - Manchester Airport, Windermere - Manchester Airport, Manchester Piccadilly - Wilmslow, Manchester Piccadilly - Manchester Airport, Millom - Manchester Airport, Lancaster - Manchester Airport, Manchester Oxford Road - Manchester Airport, Corkickle - Manchester Airport, Preston - Manchester Airport · 17m · 5RM · every ~9 min
BusUk980, Uk076, Uk074, Uk072, Ukn23 · 30m · 1RM · every ~2 min
43, 103 · 1h 2m · 2RM · every ~29 min
43, 103 · 1h 6m · 2RM · every ~29 min
TramNavy Line · 51m · 4RM · every ~16 min
Navy Line · 54m · 4RM · every ~8 min

Manchester Airport train station facilities and services

Manchester Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Manchester Airport.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Manchester Airport. ATMs are available at Manchester Airport.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Manchester Airport. Information desks are information available from staff: ,Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 107 2149, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Manchester Airport: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Manchester Airport: Bike Parking.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Airport: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: re Step free access is provided from the Ground Transport Interchange to all platforms via lifts or ramps. This station is staffed for all services. This station is Category A. Station staff can provide assistance from Meeting Point 1 (adjacent to the Station Booking Office) and throughout the railway station, and with boarding and alighting the train. Customers requiring assistance should make themselves known to station staff no less than 20 minutes prior to the departure time of their train. Customers requiring assistance to access other services or to connect with terminals should request this from their airline or Manchester Airport Group. Assistance can be requested in advance by contacting the TransPennine Express Assisted Travel Team on 0800 107 2149 (18001 prefix for TextRelay). Please be aware that some platforms at this station have no or only partial tactile paving on the platform edge, Accessible public telephones: In the station cafe on platforms 2 and 3, Accessible ticket machines: There are 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.

Manchester PiccadillyPiccadilly Station Approach, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M60 7RA, United Kingdom+44 3457114141WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Manchester Piccadilly from Manchester city centre

Bus201, 203, 202, 205 · 1m · 2RM · every ~56 min
TramBlue Line, Red Line, Pink Line, Purple Line, Yellow Line · 3m · 2RM · every ~47 min

Manchester Piccadilly train station facilities and services

Manchester Piccadilly has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food options include: Burger King, Caffè Nero, Carluccio’s, Hotel Chocolat, Starbucks, The Pasty Shop, Costa Coffee, Pret a Manger, Upper Crust, McDonald's, & more

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available through BT Wi-Fi. ATMs are there are ATM machines on the main concourse, Platform 10 and on the mezzanine level.

Tickets and information

The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30, Sun: 07:00 - 22:30. Information desks are located near the Fairfield Street entrance on the mezzanine level.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Piccadilly: There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly, Premier Inn Manchester City, Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly.

Manchester Oxford RoadManchester Oxford Road station, Station Approach, Oxford Road, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M1 6FUParkingDiningAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Manchester Oxford Road from Manchester city centre

Bus42A, 43, 42, 101, 85, 85A, 111, 263, 142, 143, 87, 41, 18, 86, 15, 250, 42B, 42C, 103, 102 · 5m · 2RM · every ~224 min
T1 · 1h 7m

Manchester Oxford Road train station facilities and services

Manchester Oxford Road has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Manchester Oxford Road.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Manchester Oxford Road.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Manchester Oxford Road: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Manchester Oxford Road: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Oxford Road: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B Station, please note there are no tactile pavings at this station - There are two lifts at the Piccadilly end of platform 4 and 2/3 which connect the concourse area platform 4 and 5 with 2/3. Note: there is no lift access to platform 1 at all, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.

HomeTrainsManchester to Preston train

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