- 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
$15
Average price
$39
Fastest journey
2 h 23 m
Average duration
2 h 23 m
Trains per day
15
Distance
245 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Edinburgh to Preston is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Edinburgh to Preston will cost around $39 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $15.
Of the 15 trains that leave Edinburgh for Preston on Mon, Aug 24, 13 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Aug 24 the direct trains cover the 245 km distance in an average of 2 h 23 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 23 m .
On Mon, Aug 24 the slowest trains will take 2 h 24 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.
W34026+
L88274 · L87092
W33861
W34265
W33933
W00587
W34060
W33933
W34124
W34265
W00587Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Edinburgh to Preston among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $18. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 11m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $18, and a flight costs an average of $144.
Distance: 152 miles (245 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$45 Average price | $29 Average price Cheapest | $213 Average price | $111 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 41m Average total duration Fastest 3h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 54m Average total duration 5h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 49m Average total duration 4h 49m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 46m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | 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 Edinburgh to Preston:
A bus is $16 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Edinburgh to Preston costing on average $45.
A bus is $183 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Edinburgh to Preston costing on average $213.
Other travel options to Preston take longer:
Flight takes on average 4h 49m.
Bus takes on average 5h 24m.
The journey is about 35m faster (3h 11m by train vs 3h 46m by car) and roughly $65 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($45 vs $111). 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 Edinburgh to Preston trains for tomorrow, Monday, August 24. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W84896 | 6:12 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h34 | 8:46 AM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W34265 | 6:52 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h24 | 9:16 AM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W84901 | 8:12 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h32 | 10:44 AM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W33933 | 8:52 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h23 | 11:15 AM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W84907 | 10:11 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h34 | 12:45 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W34060 | 10:52 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h23 | 1:15 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W84888+ L88244 · L88490 | 10:59 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h42 | 2:41 PM Preston station (PRE) | 2 transfers | |
W84912 | 12:12 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h34 | 2:46 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W34124 | 12:52 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h23 | 3:15 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W84918 | 2:12 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h34 | 4:46 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W00587 | 2:52 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h24 | 5:16 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W84928 | 6:12 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h33 | 8:45 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W33861 | 6:52 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h24 | 9:16 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W34026+ L88274 · L87092 | 7:00 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 3h37 | 10:37 PM Preston station (PRE) | 2 transfers | |
W84877 | 8:12 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 2h32 | 10:44 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, and flight 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 Edinburgh to Preston run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 11m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $28 but you can travel from only $18 by bus.
There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:30, the last at 22:50. The fastest train covers the 152 miles (245 km) distance in 2h 23m.
Distance 152 miles (245 km) |
Average train duration 3h 11m |
Cheapest ticket price $28 |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 2h 23m |
First train 4:30 AM |
Last train 10:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 42 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 Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh to Preston trains use the Edinburgh Waverley to Preston station pair. Use this guide to compare Edinburgh and Preston train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Edinburgh Waverley 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, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Bagel Factory, Burger King, Caffè Nero, Costa Coffee, JD Wetherspoon, The Pasty Shop, The Beer House, M&S, Pret a Manger
Free public Wi-Fi available. ATMs are there are a few ATM machines around the station.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 05:00 - 23:59, Sun: 07:00 - 23:59. Information desks are information booths are located on the concourse. .
Luggage storage is you can leave luggage at Excessive Baggage Company on Platform 2. . Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Edinburgh Waverley: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Edinburgh Waverley: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh Waverley: Entrances are step free. Station is equipped with an elevator. Staffed with guide communicators for the deaf. Tactile warning strips are on the platform edges for the blind.
Nearby hotels include Old Waverley Hotel, Jurys Inn Edinburgh, The Scotsman Hotel.
Haymarket is 1 km from Edinburgh city centre. Public transport options include:
Haymarket 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 Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Haymarket.
Wi-Fi is available at Haymarket. ATMs are available at Haymarket.
Ticket office support is available at Haymarket. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: Tel: 0800 046 1634 and 18001 0800 046 1634 (Deaf and customers who are hard of hearing), Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Haymarket: Parking, WC.
Available at Haymarket: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Haymarket: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station. This station has step-free access to all platforms. The Passenger Assist meeting point is at the automatic ticket gates Blue Badge parking bays: 2, 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.
Edinburgh Park is 7 km from Edinburgh city centre. Public transport options include:
Edinburgh Park has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Edinburgh Park.
Wi-Fi is available at Edinburgh Park.
Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: Tel: 0800 046 1634 and 18001 0800 046 1634 (Deaf and customers who are hard of hearing), Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Edinburgh Park: Parking.
Available at Edinburgh Park: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh Park: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station. This station has step-free access to both platforms, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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