- 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
$20
Average price
$49
Fastest journey
2 h 15 m
Average duration
2 h 18 m
Trains per day
30
Distance
253 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Glasgow to Preston is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Glasgow to Preston will cost around $49 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $20.
Of the 30 trains that leave Glasgow for Preston on Fri, Jul 31, 29 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jul 31 the direct trains cover the 253 km distance in an average of 2 h 18 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 15 m .
On Fri, Jul 31 the slowest trains will take 2 h 19 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.
W33939
W34029
W84893
W84890
W84873
W33903
W34063
W34039
W33999
W34020Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Glasgow to Preston among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $14. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 32m. 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 $14, and a flight costs an average of $133.
Distance: 157 miles (253 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$48 Average price | $31 Average price Cheapest | $286 Average price | $109 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 2m Average total duration Fastest 2h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 15m Average total duration 3h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 34m Average total duration 5h 34m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 9m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 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 Glasgow to Preston:
A bus is $17 (€14) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Glasgow to Preston costing on average $48 (€39).
A bus is $255 (€209) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Glasgow to Preston costing on average $286 (€234).
Other travel options to Preston take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 45m.
Flight takes on average 5h 34m.
The journey is about 37m faster (2h 32m by train vs 3h 9m by car) and roughly $61 (€50) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($48 (€39) vs $109 (€89)). 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 Glasgow to Preston trains for today, Thursday, July 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 3:38 PM Glasgow | 2h18 | 5:56 PM Preston | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 4:07 PM Glasgow | 2h40 | 6:47 PM Preston | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Friday, July 31 | |||||
W33939 | 4:28 AM Glasgow Central (GLC) | 2h27 | 6:55 AM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W84893 | 4:52 AM Glasgow Central (GLC) | 2h50 | 7:42 AM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W34029 | 5:33 AM Glasgow Central (GLC) | 2h25 | 7:58 AM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W34271 | 5:48 AM Glasgow Central (GLC) | 2h27 | 8:15 AM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W34181 | 6:29 AM Glasgow Central (GLC) | 2h29 | 8:58 AM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W84899 | 7:11 AM Glasgow Central (GLC) | 2h36 | 9:47 AM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W34028 | 7:36 AM Glasgow Central (GLC) | 2h21 | 9:57 AM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W84884 | 7:45 AM Glasgow Central (GLC) | 2h55 | 10:40 AM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W33903 | 8:00 AM Glasgow Central (GLC) | 2h15 | 10:15 AM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C00578+ C15400 | 8:34 AM Glasgow Central (GLC) | 3h20 | 11:54 AM Preston station (PRE) | 1 transfer | |
W34039 | 8:38 AM Glasgow Central (GLC) | 2h19 | 10:57 AM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W84903 | 9:09 AM Glasgow Central (GLC) | 2h40 | 11:49 AM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W33970 | 9:36 AM Glasgow Central (GLC) | 2h22 | 11:58 AM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C01362 | 9:40 AM Glasgow Central (GLC) | 2h34 | 12:14 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W33973 | 10:36 AM Glasgow Central (GLC) | 2h22 | 12:58 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W84908 | 11:10 AM Glasgow Central (GLC) | 2h36 | 1:46 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W34172 | 11:36 AM Glasgow Central (GLC) | 2h22 | 1:58 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
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 Glasgow to Preston run on average 7 times per day, taking around 2h 32m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $17 (€14) but you can travel from only $14 (€12) by bus.
There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:22, the last at 21:44. The fastest train covers the 157 miles (253 km) distance in 2h 15m.
Distance 157 miles (253 km) |
Average train duration 2h 32m |
Cheapest ticket price $17 (€14) |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 6 |
Fastest train 2h 15m |
First train 4:22 AM |
Last train 9:44 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 2 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 Glasgow 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 Glasgow to Preston trains use the Glasgow Central to Preston station pair. Use this guide to compare Glasgow and Preston train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Glasgow Central 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, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Burger King, Krispy Kreme, Gordon St Coffee, Starbucks, Upper Crust, The Beer House, Patisserie Valerie, Alston Bar & Beef
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are there is an ATM machine located on the concourse.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 05:30 - 21:30, Sun: 09:15 - 21:30. Information desks are there is a customer service center in the station located next to the ticket office.
Luggage storage is luggage storage facilities are located near Platform 1 operated by Excess Baggage Co. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Glasgow Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Glasgow Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Glasgow Central: There is step-free access in the whole station via elevators and ramps for train access. There are also escalators.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Indigo Glasgow, Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow, voco Grand Central Glasgow.
Glasgow Queen Street has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Glasgow Queen Street.
Wi-Fi is available at Glasgow Queen Street.
Ticket office support is available at Glasgow Queen Street. 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 Glasgow Queen Street: Parking, WC.
Available at Glasgow Queen Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Glasgow Queen Street: 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 Information Desk on Concourse, 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.
Argyle Street has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Argyle Street.
Ticket office support is available at Argyle Street.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Argyle Street: Parking.
Available at Argyle Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Argyle Street: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: This is a Category C station. No step free access - escalators & stairs to below ground Island platform, 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