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4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Exeter to Preston
Cheapest price
$371
Average price
$392
Fastest journey
4 h 23 m
Average duration
4 h 23 m
Trains per day
13
Distance
343 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Exeter to Preston is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Exeter to Preston will cost around $392 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $371.
It's difficult to get from Exeter to Preston without transferring at least once.
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10:43 PM11h07Exeter9:50 AMPreston$3711One-way2 transfers
6:25 AM4h25Exeter10:50 AMPreston$3941One-way1 transfer- 7:20 AM4h30Exeter11:50 AMPreston$3941One-way1 transfer
- 8:27 AM4h23Exeter12:50 PMPreston$3941One-way1 transfer
- 9:27 AM4h23Exeter1:50 PMPreston$3941One-way1 transfer
- 8:27 AM4h23Exeter12:50 PMPreston$3941One-way1 transfer
- 9:27 AM4h23Exeter1:50 PMPreston$3941One-way1 transfer
- 11:27 AM4h23Exeter3:50 PMPreston$3941One-way1 transfer
- 12:27 PM4h23Exeter4:50 PMPreston$3941One-way1 transfer
- 2:27 PM4h23Exeter6:50 PMPreston$3941One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Exeter to Preston
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Exeter to Preston among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $36. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 0m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $36, and a flight costs an average of $147.
Distance: 213 miles (343 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$117 Average price | $45 Average price Cheapest | $178 Average price | $95 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 42m Average total duration 4h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 42m Average total duration 8h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 0m Average total duration Fastest 1h 0m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 56m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Exeter to Preston:
A bus is $73 (€60) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Exeter to Preston costing on average $117 (€96).
A bus is $133 (€109) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Exeter to Preston costing on average $178 (€146).
Other travel options to Preston take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 12m.
Bus takes on average 8h 12m.
You'll arrive about 44m sooner (4h 12m by train vs 4h 56m by car). Tickets start at around $117 (€96) compared to roughly $95 (€78) 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
Exeter to Preston train times
The table below shows live departures for Exeter to Preston trains for today, Tuesday, July 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 12:27 PM Exeter | 4h24 | 4:51 PM Preston | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Wednesday, July 22 | |||||
| 6:25 AM Exeter | 4h25 | 10:50 AM Preston | 1 transfer | |
| 7:20 AM Exeter | 4h30 | 11:50 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 Exeter to Preston by bus, train, or flight
Compare bus, train, 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.
Jul 22
Jul 23
Jul 24
Jul 25
Jul 26
Jul 27
Jul 28
Why should you book Exeter to Preston trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs CrossCountry?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for CrossCountry, but also compare tickets for the likes of Cross Country or Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Exeter 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 CrossCountry with all available travel options, which are bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Exeter to Preston.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Exeter to Preston.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Exeter to Preston
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Exeter to Preston run on average 15 times per day, taking around 4h 12m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $66 (€54) but you can travel from only $36 (€30) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 05:25, the last at 19:27. The fastest train covers the 213 miles (343 km) distance in 4h 23m.
Distance 213 miles (343 km) |
Average train duration 4h 12m |
Cheapest ticket price $66 (€54) |
Trains per day 15 |
Fastest train 4h 23m |
First train 5:25 AM |
Last train 7:27 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 28 days |
Train companies: CrossCountry, Cross Country, Great Western Railway (GWR) from Exeter to Preston trainsCrossCountry, Cross Country, Great Western Railway (GWR) trains will get you between Exeter and Preston from $36 (€30). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
CrossCountry
Cross Country
Great Western Railway (GWR)
FAQs: Trains from Exeter to Preston
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Exeter 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 Exeter to Preston
Most Exeter to Preston trains use the Exeter St Davids to Preston station pair. Use this guide to compare Exeter and Preston train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Exeter station do trains to Preston leave from?
Getting to Exeter St Davids from Exeter city centre
Exeter St Davids is 1 km from Exeter city centre. Public transport options include:
Exeter St Davids train station facilities and services
Exeter St Davids has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Exeter St Davids.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Exeter St Davids. ATMs are available at Exeter St Davids.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Exeter St Davids.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Exeter St Davids: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Exeter St Davids: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Exeter St Davids: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step free Category A station - All platforms can be accessed via Lifts from the sole main station entrance. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not accessible, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accessible ticket machines are located at the station entrance by the ticket office, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Getting to Exeter St Thomas from Exeter city centre
Exeter St Thomas is 1 km from Exeter city centre. Public transport options include:
Exeter St Thomas train station facilities and services
Exeter St Thomas has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Exeter St Thomas.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Exeter St Thomas.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Exeter St Thomas: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Exeter St Thomas: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Exeter St Thomas: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Step free Category C Station - This station does not have step free access to any platform. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are not available, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Getting to Exeter Central from Exeter city centre
Exeter Central train station facilities and services
Exeter Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Exeter Central.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Exeter Central.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Exeter Central.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Exeter Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Exeter Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Exeter Central: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step free Category A station - Both platforms can be accessed via lifts from the main station entrance, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available, 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.
Which Preston station do trains from Exeter 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 Exeter
More options for your journey from Exeter to Preston
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Preston and Exeter
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