Cambridge to Preston train with Northern Rail (3)

Thu, Nov 06
+ Add return
Northern Rail (3)
Avanti West Coast
East Midlands Trains
Cross Country
Regionale
1,000+ travel companies
Northern Rail (3)
Avanti West Coast
East Midlands Trains
Cross Country
Regionale
1,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest trains from Cambridge to Preston

Showing times and prices for Nov 06

Cheapest price

$88

Average price

$88

Fastest journey

5 h 23 m

Average duration

5 h 23 m

Trains per day

1

Distance

257 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Cambridge to Preston will cost around $88 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $88.

Fast trains

Of the 1 trains that leave Cambridge for Preston on Thu, Nov 06, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Thu, Nov 06 the direct trains cover the 257 km distance in an average of 5 h 23 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 23 m .

On Thu, Nov 06 the slowest trains will take 5 h 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.

Northern Rail (3)
04:15AM5h23
Cambridge
09:38AMPreston
$881One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Cambridge to Preston

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cambridge to Preston among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €31. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 5m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €31, and a train costs an average of €56.

Distance: 159 miles (257 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus

€90

Average price

€38

Average price

Cheapest

4h 35m

Average total duration

Fastest

4h 5m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

10h 25m

Average total duration

9h 55m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

Direct Options

Direct Options

Live departures

Cambridge to Preston train times

The table below shows live departures for Cambridge to Preston trains for tomorrow, Thursday, November 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 8:53 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
northern_rail4:15 AM Cambridge
5h23
9:38 AM Preston0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Cambridge to Preston by train or bus

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.

Thu
Nov 06
Fri
Nov 07
Sat
Nov 08
Sun
Nov 09
Mon
Nov 10
Tue
Nov 11
Wed
Nov 12

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cambridge to Preston

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train
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
Bus from $38 (€31)
Distance
159 miles (257 km)
Average train duration
4h 5m
Cheapest ticket price
$69 (€56)
Trains per day
6
Fastest train
3h 55m
First train
05:11
Last train
20:59

Key Takeaways

Train Ticket Prices
  • Budget Options: Train tickets from Cambridge to Preston start from as low as $69 (€56) if booked well in advance.
  • Standard Fares: Typically, trains cost $110 (€90) depending on the train type and class.
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
Bus from $38 (€31)

Train companies: Northern Rail (3), Avanti West Coast, East Midlands Trains, Cross Country from Cambridge to Preston trainsNorthern Rail (3), Avanti West Coast, East Midlands Trains, Cross Country trains will get you between Cambridge and Preston from $38 (€31). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Northern Rail (3)

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
5h 23m
Cheapest Price
$69 (€56)
Northern Rail (3) frequency
2 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

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 Duration
3h 55m
Cheapest Price
$160 (€131)
Avanti West Coast frequency
2 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

East Midlands Trains

About
East Midlands Trains is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London to the East Midlands, Yorkshire, and the North West. East Midlands Trains operates a fleet of Class 158, Class 156, Class 170, Class 222 and Class 180 diesel multiple units, as well as Class 222 Meridian electric multiple units. East Midlands Trains also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for East Midlands Trains are London to Nottingham, Sheffield, and Leeds.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 10m
Cheapest Price
$102 (€84)
East Midlands Trains frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 piece of hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee. Free for Advance ticket holders
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs must be on lead and require a ticket (£6 for day ticket)
Quiet zone

Cross Country

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 59m
Cheapest Price
$203 (€166)
Cross Country frequency
25 a day

FAQs: Trains from Cambridge to Preston

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cambridge 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
The distance by train from Cambridge to Preston is 159 miles (257 km).
To fully experience Preston's main attractions and local culture, spending 2 to 3 days is typically sufficient.
Train ticket prices from Cambridge to Preston can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $69 (€56), while the average price is around $110 (€90).
The cheapest way to get from Cambridge to Preston is by bus, with a cost of around $38 (€31).
A day trip from Cambridge to Preston is not feasible as the one-way journey takes 3h 55m. Trains run 6 times per day, covering a distance of 159 miles (257 km).
The first train from Cambridge to Preston leaves at 5:11 AM.
The train from Cambridge to Preston takes 3h 55m and runs 6 per day.
The last train from Cambridge to Preston leaves at 8:59 PM.
The train journey from Cambridge to Preston offers a mix of urban and countryside views, passing through historic towns, rolling fields, and parts of the scenic Peak District, making it a pleasant experience for travelers.
There is no direct train service currently available from Cambridge to Preston.
The train station in Cambridge that goes to Preston is Cambridge station (CBG), which connects to Preston station (PRE).
Yes, there is a high-speed train from Cambridge to Preston.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Cambridge to Preston.
Yes, you can take the train from Cambridge to Preston.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Cambridge to Preston

Cambridge
Preston
The major train station for departures in Cambridge is Cambridge. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cambridge for your trip from Cambridge to Preston.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Car RentalCar Rental
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:10 - 23:00 Saturday 05:10 - 23:00 Sunday 07:00 - 22:55
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Premium Bay
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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 taxis: Details of nearest taxis are shown on station information poster
  • 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: No
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platform 4. The accessible toilets are on platform 4
  • National key toilets: Yes
  • Baby changing facilities: Yes
Lounge
Lounge
  • Waiting rooms location: Platforms 1, 4 and 7
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: Cycle point is by the Car Park
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transit options for Cambridge
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Rail replacement buses depart from the front of the station
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
3 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: Yes
  • Step free access coverage: Yes
  • Accessible taxis: Details of the nearest taxi will be supplied by station staff
  • 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
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: Station foyer
  • National key toilets: Yes
  • Baby changing facilities: Yes
Lounge
Lounge
  • Waiting rooms location: Waiting rooms are available on each platform
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: Adjacent station building.
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Information available from staff: Yes - from information point
  • Helpline Contact: 0800 028 2878
Public transit options for Cambridge North
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: From bus stop on station forecourt.

More options for your journey from Cambridge to Preston

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone