The cheapest and fastest trains from Chester to Preston
Cheapest price
$18
Average price
$95
Fastest journey
1 h 1 m
Average duration
1 h 2 m
Trains per day
33
Distance
65 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chester to Preston is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Chester to Preston will cost around $95 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $18.
It's difficult to get from Chester to Preston without transferring at least once.
11:00 AM2h19Chester1:19 PMPreston$181One-way1 transfer
3:00 PM2h19Chester5:19 PMPreston$181One-way1 transfer
7:00 PM2h19Chester9:19 PMPreston$181One-way1 transfer
9:00 PM2h19Chester11:19 PMPreston$181One-way1 transfer
11:00 PM8h32Chester7:32 AMPreston$181One-way1 transfer
4:36 PM1h01Chester5:37 PMPreston$931One-way1 transfer
10:37 AM1h02Chester11:39 AMPreston$931One-way1 transfer
12:36 PM1h02Chester1:38 PMPreston$931One-way1 transfer
5:36 PM1h02Chester6:38 PMPreston$931One-way1 transfer
7:36 PM1h02Chester8:38 PMPreston$931One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Chester to Preston
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chester to Preston among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $20. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 0m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $20, and a train costs an average of $30.
Distance: 40 miles (65 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$42 Average price | $20 Average price Cheapest | $20 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 30m Average total duration Fastest 1h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 45m Average total duration 5h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 12m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Chester to Preston:
A bus is $22 (€18) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chester to Preston costing on average $42 (€34).
Other travel options to Preston take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 15m.
You'll arrive about 12m sooner (1h 0m by train vs 1h 12m by car). Tickets start at around $42 (€34) compared to roughly $20 (€16) in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
Live departures
Chester to Preston train times
The table below shows live departures for Chester 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 9:26 AM Chester | 1h13 | 10:39 AM Preston | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Sunday, June 21 | |||||
![]() | 8:57 AM Chester | 1h25 | 10:22 AM Preston | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 9:00 AM Chester | 1h58 | 10:58 AM Preston | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Chester 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.
Jun 21
Jun 22
Jun 23
Jun 24
Jun 25
Jun 26
Jun 27
Why should you book Chester to Preston trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Avanti West Coast?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Avanti West Coast, but also compare tickets for the likes of Transport for Wales, Northern Rail, Merseyrail or Transport for Wales to find the best option for your trip from Chester 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 Avanti West Coast with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Chester to Preston.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu, Raileurope or Trip?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Transport for Wales, Northern Rail, Merseyrail or Transport for Wales to find the best option for your trip from Chester to Preston.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Chester to Preston.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Chester to Preston
Trains from Chester to Preston run on average 6 times per day, taking around 1h 0m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $30 (€24) but you can travel from only $20 (€16) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 03:51, the last at 22:50. The fastest train covers the 40 miles (65 km) distance in 58m.
Distance 40 miles (65 km) |
Average train duration 1h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price $30 (€24) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 58m |
First train 3:51 AM |
Last train 10:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 4 days |
Train companies: Avanti West Coast, Transport for Wales, Northern Rail, Merseyrail, Northern Trains Limited from Chester to Preston trainsAvanti West Coast, Transport for Wales, Northern Rail, Merseyrail, Northern Trains Limited trains will get you between Chester and Preston from $20 (€16). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Avanti West Coast
Transport for Wales
Northern Rail
Merseyrail
Northern Trains Limited
FAQs: Trains from Chester to Preston
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chester 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 Chester to Preston
Most Chester to Preston trains use the Chester to Preston station pair. Use this guide to compare Chester and Preston train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Chester station do trains to Preston leave from?
Getting to Chester from Chester city centre
Chester is 1 km from Chester city centre. Public transport options include:
Chester train station facilities and services
Chester has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Chester.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Chester.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Chester. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Chester: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Chester: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Chester: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A. Step free access is available to all platforms via lifts, 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.
Which Preston station do trains from Chester 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 Chester
More options for your journey from Chester to Preston
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

