- 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.
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Manchester Airport to Preston is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester Airport to Preston will cost around $21 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $13.
On Fri, Nov 13, we found 16 trains from Manchester Airport to Preston, including 16 direct services.
On Fri, Nov 13 the direct trains cover the 53 km distance in an average of 57 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 53 m .
On Fri, Nov 13 the slowest trains will take 1 h 3 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.
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Trains from Manchester Airport to Preston run on average 10 times per day, taking around 1h 5m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $6 if you book in advance.
There are 10 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:17, the last at 14:29. The fastest train covers the 32 miles (53 km) distance in 50m.
Distance 32 miles (53 km) |
Average train duration 1h 5m |
Cheapest ticket price $6 |
Trains per day 10 |
Direct trains 10 |
Fastest train 50m |
First train 6:17 AM |
Last train 2:29 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 1 day |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Manchester Airport to Preston.
The table below shows live departures for Manchester Airport to Preston trains for tomorrow, Friday, November 13. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W85168 | 8:04 AM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 0h58 | 9:02 AM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G89560 | 8:17 AM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 1h09 | 9:26 AM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G89062 | 8:29 AM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 1h04 | 9:33 AM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G89564 | 8:48 AM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 1h09 | 9:57 AM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W85170 | 9:04 AM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 0h56 | 10:00 AM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G89569 | 9:17 AM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 1h09 | 10:26 AM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G89045 | 9:29 AM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 1h03 | 10:32 AM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G89573 | 9:48 AM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 1h08 | 10:56 AM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W85177 | 10:04 AM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 0h53 | 10:57 AM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G89577 | 10:17 AM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 1h08 | 11:25 AM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G89047 | 10:29 AM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 1h03 | 11:32 AM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G89581 | 10:48 AM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 1h09 | 11:57 AM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W85179 | 11:04 AM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 0h55 | 11:59 AM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G89585 | 11:17 AM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 1h08 | 12:25 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G89071 | 11:29 AM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 1h16 | 12:45 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G89589 | 11:48 AM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 1h09 | 12:57 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
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
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Preston.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester Airport 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 Manchester Airport to Preston trains use the Manchester Airport to Preston station pair. Use this guide to compare Manchester Airport and Preston train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
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