The cheapest and fastest trains from Cambridge to Preston
Cheapest price
$130
Average price
$130
Fastest journey
5 h 40 m
Average duration
5 h 40 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
257 km
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 $130 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $130.
Of the 1 trains that leave Cambridge for Preston on Sun, Jun 21, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 21 the direct trains cover the 257 km distance in an average of 5 h 40 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 40 m .
On Sun, Jun 21 the slowest trains will take 5 h 40 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.
11:01 AM5h40Cambridge4:41 PMPreston$1301One-way0 transfers
11:01 AM5h40Cambridge4:41 PMPreston$1301One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus and train 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 $45. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 49m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $45, and a train costs an average of $103.
Distance: 159 miles (257 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$131 Average price | $79 Average price Cheapest | $71 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 19m Average total duration Fastest 3h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 16h 22m Average total duration 15h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 48m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Cambridge to Preston:
A bus is $52 (€43) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cambridge to Preston costing on average $131 (€107).
Other travel options to Preston take longer:
Bus takes on average 15h 52m.
Tickets start at around $131 (€107) compared to roughly $71 (€58) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-60.03 (€-49.11). The journey takes 3h 49m versus 3h 48m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
Cambridge to Preston train times
The table below shows live departures for Cambridge to Preston trains for today, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tube from London Kings Cross to London Euston+ W33574+ G77011 | On time 1:42 PM Cambridge station (CBG) | 3h57 | 5:39 PM Preston station (PRE) | 2 transfers | |
Tube from Finsbury Park to London Euston+ W33574+ X63967 | On time 1:51 PM Cambridge station (CBG) | 3h48 | 5:39 PM Preston station (PRE) | 2 transfers | |
G00972+ W33796 | On time 2:00 PM Cambridge station (CBG) | 4h51 | 6:51 PM Preston station (PRE) | 1 transfer | |
C04470+ G89058+ P66839 | Delayed 1:48 PM 2:30 PMCambridge North (CMB) | 5h02 | 7:32 PM Preston station (PRE) | 2 transfers | |
Tube from Finsbury Park to London Euston+ W33543+ X63965 | On time 2:51 PM Cambridge station (CBG) | 3h48 | 6:39 PM Preston station (PRE) | 2 transfers | |
G00976+ Y14782 | On time 3:00 PM Cambridge station (CBG) | 3h59 | 6:59 PM Preston station (PRE) | 1 transfer | |
C04473+ G89059+ P01768 | Delayed 2:48 PM 3:30 PMCambridge North (CMB) | 5h02 | 8:32 PM Preston station (PRE) | 2 transfers | |
Tube from Finsbury Park to London Euston+ W33717+ X63963 | On time 3:51 PM Cambridge station (CBG) | 3h48 | 7:39 PM Preston station (PRE) | 2 transfers | |
G00979+ W33674 | On time 4:00 PM Cambridge station (CBG) | 4h52 | 8:52 PM Preston station (PRE) | 1 transfer | |
G00979+ G89016+ G08137 | On time 4:00 PM Cambridge station (CBG) | 5h38 | 9:38 PM Preston station (PRE) | 2 transfers | |
C04475+ G89016+ P66851+ G08137 | Delayed 3:48 PM 4:30 PMCambridge North (CMB) | 5h08 | 9:38 PM Preston station (PRE) | 3 transfers | |
C04475+ G89583+ P66851 | Delayed 3:48 PM 4:30 PMCambridge North (CMB) | 5h22 | 9:52 PM Preston station (PRE) | 2 transfers | |
Tube from Finsbury Park to London Euston+ W33709+ X63961 | On time 4:51 PM Cambridge station (CBG) | 3h48 | 8:39 PM Preston station (PRE) | 2 transfers | |
Tube from Finsbury Park to London Euston+ W33759+ X63959 | On time 5:51 PM Cambridge station (CBG) | 4h04 | 9:55 PM Preston station (PRE) | 2 transfers | |
G00983+ W84733+ G89061+ G80186 | On time 6:00 PM Cambridge station (CBG) | 5h03 | 11:03 PM Preston station (PRE) | 3 transfers | |
C04477+ W84733+ G89061+ G80186 | Delayed 5:53 PM 6:26 PMCambridge North (CMB) | 4h37 | 11:03 PM Preston station (PRE) | 4 transfers | |
Tube from London Kings Cross to London Euston+ W33705+ G77067 | On time 6:42 PM Cambridge station (CBG) | 4h37 | 11:19 PM Preston station (PRE) | 2 transfers | |
G00986+ C31720+ G08147 | On time 7:00 PM Cambridge station (CBG) | 4h38 | 11:38 PM Preston station (PRE) | 2 transfers | |
| Sunday, June 21 | |||||
![]() | 11:01 AM Cambridge | 5h40 | 4:41 PM Preston | 0 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 bus or train
Compare bus and train 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.
Jun 21
Jun 22
Jun 23
Jun 24
Jun 25
Jun 26
Jun 27
Why should you book Cambridge to Preston trains with Omio?
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 Avanti West Coast or Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from Cambridge 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 bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cambridge to Preston.
Why book with Omio over Trip, Wanderu or Raileurope?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Avanti West Coast or Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from Cambridge to Preston.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Cambridge to Preston.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cambridge to Preston
Trains from Cambridge to Preston run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 49m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $103 (€84) but you can travel from only $45 (€37) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 05:11, the last at 22:47. The fastest train covers the 159 miles (257 km) distance in 5h 17m.
Distance 159 miles (257 km) |
Average train duration 3h 49m |
Cheapest ticket price $103 (€84) |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 5h 17m |
First train 5:11 AM |
Last train 10:47 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 35 days |
Train companies: Northern Rail, Avanti West Coast, Cross Country from Cambridge to Preston trainsNorthern Rail, Avanti West Coast, Cross Country trains will get you between Cambridge and Preston from $45 (€37). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Northern Rail
Avanti West Coast
Cross Country
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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Cambridge to Preston
Most Cambridge to Preston trains use the Cambridge to Preston station pair. Use this guide to compare Cambridge and Preston train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Cambridge station do trains to Preston leave from?
Getting to Cambridge from Cambridge city centre
Cambridge is 1 km from Cambridge city centre. Public transport options include:
Cambridge train station facilities and services
Cambridge has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Cambridge.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Cambridge. ATMs are available at Cambridge.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cambridge.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cambridge: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cambridge: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cambridge: 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.
Getting to Cambridge North from Cambridge city centre
Cambridge North is 3 km from Cambridge city centre. Public transport options include:
Cambridge North train station facilities and services
Cambridge North has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Cambridge North.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Cambridge North.
Tickets and information
Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point, Helpline Contact: 0800 028 2878.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cambridge North: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cambridge North: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cambridge North: 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.
Which Preston station do trains from Cambridge arrive at?
Getting to Preston from Preston city centre
Preston is 1 km from Preston city centre. Public transport options include:
Preston train station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: Rise, The Olive Tree Brasserie, Turtle Bay
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Preston. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Preston. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Preston: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Preston: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Preston: Elevators, ramps.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Holiday Inn Express Preston - South, Delta Hotels Preston, Macdonald Tickled Trout Hotel.
Most popular train connections from Cambridge
More options for your journey from Cambridge to Preston
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