- 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 on Oct 29
$8
Average ticket price on Oct 29
$16
Fastest journey on Oct 29
33 m
Average journey duration on Oct 29
35 m
Trains on Oct 29
34
Distance
45 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Manchester 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 to Preston will cost around $16 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $8.
On Thu, Oct 29, we found 34 trains from Manchester to Preston, including 34 direct services.
On Thu, Oct 29 the direct trains cover the 45 km distance in an average of 35 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 33 m .
On Thu, Oct 29 the slowest trains will take 36 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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G89591
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G89583
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G89060
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W85177
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W85182
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Trains from Manchester to Preston run on average 8 times per day, taking around 43m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $3 (€3) if you book in advance.
There are 8 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:03, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 27 miles (45 km) distance in 31m.
Distance 27 miles (45 km) |
Average train duration 43m |
Cheapest ticket price $3 (€3) |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 8 |
Fastest train 31m |
First train 12:03 AM |
Last train 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 14 days |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Manchester to Preston.
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Preston trains for today, Wednesday, October 28. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G89575 | On time 8:08 PM Deansgate (DGT) | 0h49 | 8:57 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W85210 | On time 8:24 PM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 0h38 | 9:02 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G89579 | On time 8:39 PM Deansgate (DGT) | 0h49 | 9:28 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G89583 | On time 9:08 PM Deansgate (DGT) | 0h44 | 9:52 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W84750 | On time 9:23 PM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 0h44 | 10:07 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G89587 | On time 9:39 PM Deansgate (DGT) | 0h49 | 10:28 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G89591 | On time 10:08 PM Deansgate (DGT) | 0h42 | 10:50 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G89060 | On time 10:24 PM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 0h40 | 11:04 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G89595 | On time 10:40 PM Deansgate (DGT) | 0h49 | 11:29 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G89599 | On time 11:07 PM Deansgate (DGT) | 0h46 | 11:53 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G89604 | On time 11:38 PM Deansgate (DGT) | 0h46 | 12:24 AM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
P23824 · NT029800 | On time 11:40 PM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 2h14 | 1:54 AM Preston station (PRE) | 1 transfer | |
| Thursday, October 29 | |||||
G89556 | 8:08 AM Deansgate (DGT) | 0h49 | 8:57 AM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W85168 | 8:24 AM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 0h38 | 9:02 AM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G89560 | 8:38 AM Deansgate (DGT) | 0h48 | 9:26 AM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G89062 | 8:56 AM Deansgate (DGT) | 0h37 | 9:33 AM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G89564 | 9:08 AM Deansgate (DGT) | 0h49 | 9:57 AM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W85170 | 9:24 AM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 0h36 | 10:00 AM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G89569 | 9:39 AM Deansgate (DGT) | 0h47 | 10:26 AM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G89045 | 9:56 AM Deansgate (DGT) | 0h36 | 10:32 AM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G89573 | 10:08 AM Deansgate (DGT) | 0h48 | 10:56 AM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W85177 | 10:24 AM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 0h33 | 10:57 AM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G89577 | 10:39 AM Deansgate (DGT) | 0h46 | 11:25 AM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G89047 | 10:56 AM Deansgate (DGT) | 0h36 | 11:32 AM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G89581 | 11:08 AM Deansgate (DGT) | 0h49 | 11:57 AM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W85179 | 11:24 AM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 0h35 | 11:59 AM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G89585 | 11:39 AM Deansgate (DGT) | 0h46 | 12:25 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G89071 | 11:56 AM Deansgate (DGT) | 0h49 | 12:45 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G89589 | 12:08 PM Deansgate (DGT) | 0h49 | 12:57 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W85182 | 12:24 PM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 0h34 | 12:58 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G89593 | 12:39 PM Deansgate (DGT) | 0h46 | 1:25 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G89072 | 12:56 PM Deansgate (DGT) | 0h49 | 1:45 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G89597 | 1:08 PM Deansgate (DGT) | 0h49 | 1:57 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W85188 | 1:24 PM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 0h36 | 2:00 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G89602 | 1:39 PM Deansgate (DGT) | 0h46 | 2:25 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G89051 | 1:56 PM Deansgate (DGT) | 0h36 | 2:32 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G89607 | 2:08 PM Deansgate (DGT) | 0h50 | 2:58 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W85191 | 2:24 PM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 0h35 | 2:59 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 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 to Preston trains use the Manchester Airport to Preston station pair. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Preston train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Manchester Airport is 13 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
Manchester Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Manchester Airport.
Wi-Fi is available at Manchester Airport. ATMs are available at Manchester Airport.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Airport. Information desks are information available from staff: ,Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 107 2149, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Available at Manchester Airport: Parking, WC.
Available at Manchester Airport: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Airport: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: re Step free access is provided from the Ground Transport Interchange to all platforms via lifts or ramps. This station is staffed for all services. This station is Category A. Station staff can provide assistance from Meeting Point 1 (adjacent to the Station Booking Office) and throughout the railway station, and with boarding and alighting the train. Customers requiring assistance should make themselves known to station staff no less than 20 minutes prior to the departure time of their train. Customers requiring assistance to access other services or to connect with terminals should request this from their airline or Manchester Airport Group. Assistance can be requested in advance by contacting the TransPennine Express Assisted Travel Team on 0800 107 2149 (18001 prefix for TextRelay). Please be aware that some platforms at this station have no or only partial tactile paving on the platform edge, Accessible public telephones: In the station cafe on platforms 2 and 3, 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.
Manchester Piccadilly has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Burger King, Caffè Nero, Carluccio’s, Hotel Chocolat, Starbucks, The Pasty Shop, Costa Coffee, Pret a Manger, Upper Crust, McDonald's, & more
Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available through BT Wi-Fi. ATMs are there are ATM machines on the main concourse, Platform 10 and on the mezzanine level.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30, Sun: 07:00 - 22:30. Information desks are located near the Fairfield Street entrance on the mezzanine level.
Luggage storage is operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Piccadilly: There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
Nearby hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly, Premier Inn Manchester City, Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly.
Manchester Oxford Road has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Manchester Oxford Road.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Oxford Road.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Manchester Oxford Road: Parking, WC.
Available at Manchester Oxford Road: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Oxford Road: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B Station, please note there are no tactile pavings at this station - There are two lifts at the Piccadilly end of platform 4 and 2/3 which connect the concourse area platform 4 and 5 with 2/3. Note: there is no lift access to platform 1 at all, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, 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.
Check train stations information for Manchester and Preston, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.
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