1,000+ travel companies
1,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
The cheapest and fastest trains from Manchester to Preston
Showing times and prices for Jan 26
Cheapest price
$12
Average price
$18
Fastest journey
36 m
Average duration
42 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
45 km
Cheap tickets
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 $18 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $12.
Fast trains
Of the 6 trains that leave Manchester for Preston on Mon, Jan 26, 6 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jan 26 the direct trains cover the 45 km distance in an average of 42 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 36 m .
On Mon, Jan 26 the slowest trains will take 49 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.
L0826208:08AM0h49
Deansgate (DGT)08:57AMPreston station (PRE)
$121One-way
0 transfers
L0823309:08AM0h49
Deansgate (DGT)09:57AMPreston station (PRE)
$121One-way
0 transfers
L0863808:38AM0h48
Deansgate (DGT)09:26AMPreston station (PRE)
$171One-way
0 transfers
C7407708:24AM0h38
Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)09:02AMPreston station (PRE)
$211One-way
0 transfers
C7407909:24AM0h36
Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)10:00AMPreston station (PRE)
$211One-way
0 transfers
C7407909:24AM0h36
Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)10:00AMPreston station (PRE)
$211One-way
0 transfers
L0839308:56AM0h37
Deansgate (DGT)09:33AMPreston station (PRE)
$241One-way
0 transfers
C7407708:24AM0h38
Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)09:02AMPreston station (PRE)
$211One-way
0 transfers
L0863808:38AM0h48
Deansgate (DGT)09:26AMPreston station (PRE)
$171One-way
0 transfers
L0826208:08AM0h49
Deansgate (DGT)08:57AMPreston station (PRE)
$121One-way
0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Manchester to Preston
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Preston among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from €5. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 41m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.0kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €5, and a bus costs an average of €6.
Distance: 27 miles (45 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
€10 Average price Cheapest | €10 Average price |
1h 11m Average total duration Fastest 41m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 42m Average total duration 1h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Manchester to Preston train times
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Preston trains for tomorrow, Monday, January 26. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 11:23 PM
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L08262 | On time 8:08 AM Deansgate (DGT) | 0h49 | 8:57 AM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| C74077 | On time 8:24 AM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 0h38 | 9:02 AM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| L08638 | On time 8:38 AM Deansgate (DGT) | 0h48 | 9:26 AM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| L08393 | On time 8:56 AM Deansgate (DGT) | 0h37 | 9:33 AM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| L08233 | On time 9:08 AM Deansgate (DGT) | 0h49 | 9:57 AM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| C74079 | On time 9:24 AM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 0h36 | 10:00 AM Preston station (PRE) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Manchester to Preston by train or bus
Compare train and bus 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.
Mon
Jan 26
Jan 26
Tue
Jan 27
Jan 27
Wed
Jan 28
Jan 28
Thu
Jan 29
Jan 29
Fri
Jan 30
Jan 30
Sat
Jan 31
Jan 31
Sun
Feb 01
Feb 01
Mon
Feb 02
Feb 02
Tue
Feb 03
Feb 03
Wed
Feb 04
Feb 04
Thu
Feb 05
Feb 05
Fri
Feb 06
Feb 06
Sat
Feb 07
Feb 07
Sun
Feb 08
Feb 08
Why should you book Manchester to Preston trains with Omio?
Northern Rail (3) as well as TransPennine Express and first_transpennine_express offer trains services from Manchester to Preston. Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Manchester to Preston.
Why book with Omio vs Northern Rail (3)?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Northern Rail (3), but also compare tickets for the likes of TransPennine Express and first_transpennine_express to find the best option for your trip from Manchester 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 Northern Rail (3) with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Manchester to Preston.
Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?
- Multiple travel company options: While Northern Rail (3) tickets can be bought on Northern Rail (3)'s website or third party sellers, Omio allows you to compare with the likes of TransPennine Express and first_transpennine_express to help you choose the right option for your journey from Manchester to Preston.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Manchester to Preston.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Manchester to Preston
United KingdomUnited KingdomTrain Ticket Prices
- Budget Options: Train tickets from Manchester to Preston start from as low as $7 (€5) if booked well in advance.
- Standard Fares: Typically, trains cost $12 (€10) depending on the train type and class.
Journey Duration & Frequency
- On average there are 9 daily trains from Manchester to Preston with 9 direct service.
- The fastest trains can take as little as 36m but the average duration is 41m
Train Operators
- Travel from Manchester to Preston with Northern Rail (3), TransPennine Express, and first_transpennine_express
- The most booked train company for this route on Omio is Northern Rail (3).
Stations & Schedule
- Most trains depart from Manchester Airport (MIA) and arrive in Preston station (PRE)
- First train typically departs at 12:03 AM and the last at 11:55 PM
Distance 27 miles (45 km) |
Average train duration 41m |
Cheapest ticket price $7 (€5) |
Trains per day 9 |
Direct trains 9 |
Fastest train 36m |
First train 00:03 |
Last train 23:55 |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Train companies: Northern Rail (3), TransPennine Express, first_transpennine_express from Manchester to Preston trainsNorthern Rail (3), TransPennine Express, first_transpennine_express trains will get you between Manchester and Preston from $7 (€5). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Northern Rail (3)
About
Northern Trains is a publicly owned train operating company in the United Kingdom, headquartered in York. It runs local and commuter services across the north of England, connecting regions including the North East, North West, East Midlands, Staffordshire, Yorkshire, and the Humber coastline. As part of the National Rail network, Northern operates under a coordinated fare and ticketing system alongside other UK train companies.Ticket types include Advance, Off-Peak, Anytime Day, single, return, and season tickets, with only one class option available: Standard. Onboard amenities may include comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and refreshments on select services. Popular routes include connections between major northern cities such as Manchester, Liverpool, and Leeds.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
36m
Cheapest Price
$4 (€3)
Northern Rail (3) frequency
6 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
See refund policy for ticket types
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most services with drinks and snacks. Some stations have cafes and shops
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available but not mandatory. Free of charge when booking advance tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, passenger assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone
TransPennine Express
About
Transpennine Express is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from Manchester and Liverpool to Scotland, the North East and Yorkshire. It offers a range of services, including express, regional and local trains. Express trains are the fastest, with journey times of up to three hours. Regional trains are slower, but offer more stops and a more relaxed atmosphere. Local trains are the slowest, but offer the most stops. Transpennine Express offers a range of ticket types, including single, return, group and season tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for Transpennine Express are Manchester to Edinburgh, Liverpool to Leeds and Manchester to York. These routes offer a convenient and comfortable way to travel between the cities.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
41m
Cheapest Price
$17 (€13)
TransPennine Express frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 large items and 1 small hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if service is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks, plus a small selection of hot and cold food items
Seat reservation
Seat reservations are free of charge and recommended for busy routes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance booking service
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone
first_transpennine_express
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
32m
Cheapest Price
$34 (€27)
first_transpennine_express frequency
5 a day
FAQs: Trains from Manchester to 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.
Train ticket prices from Manchester to Preston can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $7 (€5), while the average price is around $12 (€10).
The train from Manchester to Preston takes 36m and runs 9 per day.
The distance by train from Manchester to Preston is 27 miles (45 km).
The first train from Manchester to Preston leaves at 12:03 AM.
The last train from Manchester to Preston leaves at 11:55 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Manchester to Preston.
Yes, there is a direct train from Manchester to Preston. This service operates 9 times per day, provided by Northern Rail (3), TransPennine Express, first_transpennine_express.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Manchester to Preston.
The train station in Manchester that goes to Preston is Manchester Airport (MIA), which connects to Preston station (PRE).
The cheapest way to get from Manchester to Preston is by train, with a cost of around $7 (€5).
The train journey from Manchester to Preston offers views of urban landscapes transitioning into more open countryside, providing a pleasant and varied scenery.
Yes, a day trip from Manchester to Preston is feasible, with a travel duration of 36m each way, covering a distance of 27 miles (45 km). Trains run 9 times per day.
To fully experience Preston's main attractions and local culture, spending 2 to 3 days is typically sufficient.
Yes, you can take the train from Manchester to Preston.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Manchester to Preston
Manchester
Preston
The major train station for departures in Manchester is Manchester Airport. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Manchester Airport for your trip from Manchester to Preston.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Accessibility
WC
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Sunday 06:30 - 22:30
Distance to city center
13 kmShopping
- Type of shops available: Passport Photo Booth
Parking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- 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
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located at platform level, behind the lifts. The Ladies toilets are located at the end of Platform 3. The Gents toilets are located at the end of Platform 2. The National key toilets are located at platform level, behind the lifts, at the end of Platform 2; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: The National key toilets are located at platform level, behind the lifts, at the end of Platform 2; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: No cycle storage
- Storage CCTV: No
Information Desk
- 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
Public transit options for Manchester Airport
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Rail Replacement bus services depart from stands L & M of the adjacent Bus Station which is situated close to the ticket office.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
LockersParkingDiningATM
TaxisAccessibilityWC
HotelTicket OfficeBike Parking
Bike Rental
Car RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
- Sun: 07:00 - 22:30
Wifi
- Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available through BT Wi-Fi.
Lockers
- Operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
Dining
- Burger King
- Caffè Nero
- Carluccio’s
- Hotel Chocolat
- Starbucks
- The Pasty Shop
- Costa Coffee
- Pret a Manger
- Upper Crust
- McDonald's
- & more
Accessibility
- There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
Hotel
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly
- Premier Inn Manchester City
- Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly
Ticket Office
- Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
- Sun: 07:00 - 22:30
Information Desk
- Located near the Fairfield Street entrance on the mezzanine level.
Public transit options for Manchester Piccadilly
- Bus lines: 1, 2, 3, 147
- Train lines: Northern, TransPennine Express, Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, East Midlands Trains, Transport for Wales
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningAccessibilityWCHotel
Lost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 06:30 - 22:40 Sunday 07:30 - 22:00
Parking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- 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
WC
- Toilets Location: There will be no toilet provision at Manchester Oxford Road from 15th July to 25th July to allow for existing toilets to be refurbished
- Baby changing facilities: No
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: on Platform 4/5
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transit options for Manchester Oxford Road
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pick Up / Drop Off at the bus stops on Whitworth St West (200 yards from station) (station side for Liverpool, opposite side for Piccadilly)
The major train station for arrivals in Preston is Preston. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Preston for your journey to Preston from Manchester.
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar RentalInformation Desk
Luggage Cartsinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 5:30 AM - 8:00 PM Monday - Friday
- 6:30 AM - 7:00 PM Saturday
- 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM Sunday
Distance to city center
1 km
Number of platforms
6Wifi
- Free
Parking
- The car park is open 24 hours, located adjacent to the station with access from Butler Street.
Dining
- Rise
- The Olive Tree Brasserie
- Turtle Bay
Taxis
- Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps.
WC
- £0.30
Hotel
- Holiday Inn Express Preston - South
- Delta Hotels Preston
- Macdonald Tickled Trout Hotel
Lost and Found Office
- Located in the main hall
Car Rental
- Enterprise
- Europcar
Information Desk
- Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
- Free
Station Plan
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms 1-3 for long-distance services
- Hall 2: platforms 4-6 for regional and local services
Public transit options for Preston
- Bus: Several lines available
- Train: Northern, Avanti West Coast, TransPennine Express services
Most popular train connections from Manchester
More options for your journey from Manchester to Preston
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Preston and Manchester
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
