- Must visit
The Harris
Preston's leading museum and gallery, known for fine art, history, and architecture. A cornerstone cultural attraction in the city centre.
Cheapest price
$33
Average price
$49
Fastest journey
1 h 43 m
Average duration
1 h 43 m
Trains per day
10
Distance
153 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Birmingham to Preston is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Birmingham to Preston will cost around $49 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $33.
Of the 10 trains that leave Birmingham for Preston on Fri, Jul 31, 10 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jul 31 the direct trains cover the 153 km distance in an average of 1 h 43 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 43 m .
On Fri, Jul 31 the slowest trains will take 1 h 44 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.
W34144
C01369
W34287
W34289
W34292
W33935
C01369
W34292
W34144
W34286Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Birmingham to Preston among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $16. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 54m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $16, and a train costs an average of $16.
Distance: 95 miles (153 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$39 Average price | $25 Average price Cheapest | $50 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 24m Average total duration Fastest 1h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 9m Average total duration 3h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 5m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Birmingham to Preston:
A bus is $14 (€12) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Birmingham to Preston costing on average $39 (€32).
Other travel options to Preston take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 39m.
The journey is about 11m faster (1h 54m by train vs 2h 5m by car) and roughly $10 (€9) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($39 (€32) vs $50 (€41)). 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.
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 Birmingham to Preston trains for today, Thursday, July 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W33935 | On time 11:07 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h43 | 12:50 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W34286 | On time 12:07 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h44 | 1:51 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C01372 | On time 1:07 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h45 | 2:52 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W34290 | On time 2:07 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h44 | 3:51 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W34292 | On time 3:07 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h43 | 4:50 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W34289 | On time 4:07 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h44 | 5:51 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W34287 | On time 5:07 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h44 | 6:51 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W34291 | On time 6:07 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h45 | 7:52 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W34288 | On time 7:07 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h44 | 8:51 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Friday, July 31 | |||||
W34144 | 8:07 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h44 | 9:51 AM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C01369 | 9:07 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h43 | 10:50 AM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W33941 | 10:07 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h44 | 11:51 AM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus 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 Birmingham to Preston run on average 7 times per day, taking around 1h 54m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $16 (€13) but you can travel from only $16 (€13) by bus.
There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:56, the last at 22:30. The fastest train covers the 95 miles (153 km) distance in 1h 37m.
Distance 95 miles (153 km) |
Average train duration 1h 54m |
Cheapest ticket price $16 (€13) |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 1h 37m |
First train 4:56 AM |
Last train 10:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Preston — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Preston trip today.
Preston's leading museum and gallery, known for fine art, history, and architecture. A cornerstone cultural attraction in the city centre.
Museum of Lancashire history with social, military, and industrial displays. A strong introduction to the county's people and stories.
Modern university gallery presenting changing contemporary art exhibitions. Worth visiting for fresh work by regional and national artists.
Main civic square framed by major buildings and regular events. A central meeting point and one of Preston's most recognisable public spaces.
Canal-side walking and cycling route with locks, boats, and long views. Ideal for a relaxed local ramble away from the busiest streets.
Extensive riverside and wetland area popular for walking, birdlife, and broad open views. A lesser-known escape close to the city.
Lancashire hotpot is a slow-cooked lamb and onion stew topped with sliced potatoes, long linked with Lancashire home cooking and nearby mill towns.
Butter pie is Preston's best-known savoury pie, filled with potato, onion and butter. It became a Friday staple for local Catholics avoiding meat.
Parkin is a dark oat, treacle and ginger cake popular across Lancashire, especially in colder months and around Bonfire Night.
Elegant fine dining by chef Lisa Goodwin-Allen, known for refined modern British tasting menus and polished service in a country house setting.
Long-established city centre restaurant serving classic Italian dishes in a smart yet relaxed setting. Popular for pasta, seafood and pre-theatre meals.
Traditional Lancashire pub atmosphere with cask ales and hearty British plates. A good place to try regional comfort food in central Preston.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local buses and casual meals stay fairly affordable for visitors.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common for good service if not already added. Round up for taxis. Cafes usually do not require tips.
Official public transport app
Preston Railway Station -> Preston Bus Station
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Birmingham 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 Birmingham to Preston trains use the Birmingham New Street to Preston station pair. Use this guide to compare Birmingham and Preston train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Birmingham New Street has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, 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: All Bar One, Leon, Caffè Nero, Five Guys, Krispy Kreme, The Pasty Shop, Upper Crust, Wasabi, Starbucks, Hotel Chocolat
Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available from Sky Wi-Fi The Cloud. ATMs are aTM machines are located on the paid concourse.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 05:15 - 23:00, Sun: 07:30 - 23:00. Information desks are in the middle of the station.
Luggage storage is you can leave bags with Excess Baggage Co inside the entrance off Hill Street. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Birmingham New Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Birmingham New Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham New Street: Step-free access in the whole station and ramps available for train access. All platforms have elevators and escalators.
Nearby hotels include Holiday Inn Birmingham City Center, Premier Inn Birmingham City Center (New St Station), Radisson Blue Hotel, Birmingham.
Birmingham International is 12 km from Birmingham city centre. Public transport options include:
Birmingham International 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, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Birmingham International.
Wi-Fi is available at Birmingham International. ATMs are available at Birmingham International.
Ticket office support is available at Birmingham International. 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.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Birmingham International: Parking, WC.
Available at Birmingham International: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham International: 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 can use car park equipment at this station unaided, 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.
Selly Oak is 4 km from Birmingham city centre. Public transport options include:
Selly Oak has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Selly Oak.
Ticket office support is available at Selly Oak. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 0248998, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Available at Selly Oak: Parking, WC.
Available at Selly Oak: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Selly Oak: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not accessible, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are not available, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: A Ticket Vending Machine is available in the Booking Hall and on Platform One, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, 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