- 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
kr100
Average price
kr122
Fastest journey
1 h 5 m
Average duration
1 h 9 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
126 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Carlisle to Preston is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Carlisle to Preston will cost around kr122 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only kr100.
Of the 6 trains that leave Carlisle for Preston on Tue, Aug 04, 6 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Aug 04 the direct trains cover the 126 km distance in an average of 1 h 9 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 5 m .
On Tue, Aug 04 the slowest trains will take 1 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.
W84884
W34028
W34265
W33903
W84899
W33903
W34028
W34265
C00579
W84899Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Carlisle to Preston among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from kr102. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 13m. 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 train costs an average of kr102, and a bus costs an average of kr84.
Distance: 78 miles (126 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
kr155 Average price Cheapest | kr210 Average price | kr209 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 43m Average total duration Fastest 1h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 48m Average total duration 2h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 42m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.3kg 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 Carlisle to Preston:
A train is kr55 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Carlisle to Preston costing on average kr210.
Other travel options to Preston take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 18m.
The journey is about 29m faster (1h 13m by train vs 1h 42m by car) and roughly kr54 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls (kr155 vs kr209). 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, Transpennine Express, Caledonian Sleeper, TransPennine Express.
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 Carlisle to Preston trains for today, Monday, August 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 4:31 PM Carlisle | 1h14 | 5:45 PM Preston | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:33 PM Carlisle | 1h11 | 10:44 PM Preston | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Tuesday, August 4 | |||||
C00579 | 8:04 AM Carlisle station (CAR) | 1h10 | 9:14 AM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W34265 | 8:08 AM Carlisle station (CAR) | 1h08 | 9:16 AM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W84899 | 8:35 AM Carlisle station (CAR) | 1h12 | 9:47 AM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W34028 | 8:49 AM Carlisle station (CAR) | 1h08 | 9:57 AM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W33903 | 9:10 AM Carlisle station (CAR) | 1h05 | 10:15 AM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W84884 | 9:25 AM Carlisle station (CAR) | 1h15 | 10:40 AM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Carlisle to Preston run on average 7 times per day, taking around 1h 13m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at kr102 but you can travel from only kr84 by bus.
There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:15, the last at 23:15. The fastest train covers the 78 miles (126 km) distance in 1h 5m.
Distance 78 miles (126 km) |
Average train duration 1h 13m |
Cheapest ticket price kr102 |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 6 |
Fastest train 1h 5m |
First train 4:15 AM |
Last train 11:15 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 1 day |
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 Carlisle 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 Carlisle to Preston trains use the Carlisle to Preston station pair. Use this guide to compare Carlisle and Preston train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Carlisle has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Carlisle.
ATMs are available at Carlisle.
Ticket office support is available at Carlisle. 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 Carlisle: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Carlisle: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Carlisle: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This station has step-free access to all platforms / the platform Lifts available to platforms via subway. Alternatively there is a ramped footbridge. Staff are available to assist on request, 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.
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