MANCHESTER to PRESTON train from $5 (€4) with Northern Rail

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The cheapest and fastest trains from Manchester to Preston

Showing times and prices for Jul 31

Cheapest price

$10

Average price

$16

Fastest journey

33 m

Average duration

35 m

Trains per day

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 $16 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $10.

Fast trains

Of the 21 trains that leave Manchester for Preston on Fri, Jul 31, 21 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 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 Fri, Jul 31 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.

G89564
9:08 AM0h49
Deansgate (DGT)
9:57 AMPreston station (PRE)
$101One-way
0 transfers
G89581
11:08 AM0h49
Deansgate (DGT)
11:57 AMPreston station (PRE)
$101One-way
0 transfers
G89556
8:08 AM0h49
Deansgate (DGT)
8:57 AMPreston station (PRE)
$111One-way
0 transfers
G89569
9:39 AM0h47
Deansgate (DGT)
10:26 AMPreston station (PRE)
$111One-way
0 transfers
G89585
11:39 AM0h46
Deansgate (DGT)
12:25 PMPreston station (PRE)
$111One-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 bus with prices starting from $8. 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 bus costs an average of $8, and a train costs an average of $5.

Distance: 27 miles (45 km)

Compare train with

Most popular Train	Bus	Driving
$11 Average price	$11 Average price Cheapest	$12 Average price (fuel + tolls)
1h 11m Average total duration Fastest 41m Onboard + 30m Additional time*	1h 43m Average total duration 1h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time*	1h 0m Average total duration (door-to-door)
0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest	0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions	- CO2 emissions
Most popular train company	Most popular bus company	Your own car or car rental
Direct Options	Direct Options	Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

The cheapest way to travel from Manchester to Preston is a bus with an average price of $11 (€9).

This is compared to other travel options from Manchester to Preston:

A bus is $0.49 (€0.40) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Manchester to Preston costing on average $11 (€9).

The fastest way to travel from Manchester to Preston is by train with an average journey time of 41m.

Other travel options to Preston take longer:

Bus takes on average 1h 13m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Manchester and Preston including taking a train and bus.

We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Manchester to Preston among Omio's users.

Take the train. On this route, it beats driving on both time and money.

The journey is about 19m faster (41m by train vs 1h 0m by car) and roughly $0.96 (€0.79) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($11 (€9) vs $12 (€10)). 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 Northern Rail, Transpennine Express, TransPennine Express, Northern Trains Limited.

Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.

Live departures

Manchester to Preston train times

The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Preston trains for today, Thursday, July 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at

Provider	Departs	Duration	Arrives	Transfers
G89071	On time 11:56 AM Deansgate (DGT)	0h49	12:45 PM Preston station (PRE)	0 transfersDirect
G89617	On time 3:08 PM Deansgate (DGT)	0h50	3:58 PM Preston station (PRE)	0 transfersDirect
W85196	On time 3:24 PM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)	0h38	4:02 PM Preston station (PRE)	0 transfersDirect
G89541	On time 3:39 PM Deansgate (DGT)	0h46	4:25 PM Preston station (PRE)	0 transfersDirect
G89053	On time 3:56 PM Deansgate (DGT)	0h36	4:32 PM Preston station (PRE)	0 transfersDirect
G89543	On time 4:08 PM Deansgate (DGT)	0h50	4:58 PM Preston station (PRE)	0 transfersDirect
W85201	On time 4:25 PM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)	0h36	5:01 PM Preston station (PRE)	0 transfersDirect
G89546	On time 4:39 PM Deansgate (DGT)	0h49	5:28 PM Preston station (PRE)	0 transfersDirect
G89055	On time 4:56 PM Deansgate (DGT)	0h36	5:32 PM Preston station (PRE)	0 transfersDirect
G89550	On time 5:08 PM Deansgate (DGT)	0h50	5:58 PM Preston station (PRE)	0 transfersDirect
W85206	On time 5:24 PM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)	0h35	5:59 PM Preston station (PRE)	0 transfersDirect
G89554	On time 5:39 PM Deansgate (DGT)	0h49	6:28 PM Preston station (PRE)	0 transfersDirect
Friday, July 31
G89542	6:06 AM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)	0h51	6:57 AM Preston station (PRE)	0 transfersDirect
W85164	6:25 AM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)	0h35	7:00 AM Preston station (PRE)	0 transfersDirect
G89545	6:39 AM Deansgate (DGT)	0h49	7:28 AM Preston station (PRE)	0 transfersDirect
G89548	7:08 AM Deansgate (DGT)	0h51	7:59 AM Preston station (PRE)	0 transfersDirect
W85165	7:25 AM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)	0h34	7:59 AM Preston station (PRE)	0 transfersDirect
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
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.

Fri
Jul 31

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Aug 06

Why should you book Manchester to Preston trains with Omio?

Northern Rail as well as Transpennine Express, TransPennine Express, Northern Trains Limited and more 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?

Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Northern Rail, but also compare tickets for the likes of Transpennine Express, TransPennine Express or Northern Trains Limited 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 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 Trip or Wanderu?

Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Transpennine Express, TransPennine Express or Northern Trains Limited to find the best option for your trip 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 Kingdom

Trains from Manchester to Preston run on average 9 times per day, taking around 41m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $5 (€4) if you book in advance.

There are 9 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 37m.

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

Distance

27 miles (45 km)

Average train duration

41m

Cheapest ticket price

$5 (€4)

Trains per day

Direct trains

Fastest train

37m

First train

12:03 AM

Last train

11:55 PM

Cheapest Month

Jan

Cheapest Day

Sat

High Season

Oct - Dec

Low Season

Apr - Jun

Busiest Day

Sun

Least Busy Day

Thu

Best time to book

14 days

Price information

Train companies: Northern Rail, Transpennine Express, TransPennine Express, Northern Trains Limited from Manchester to Preston trainsNorthern Rail, Transpennine Express, TransPennine Express, Northern Trains Limited trains will get you between Manchester and Preston from $5 (€4). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Northern Rail

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

37m

Cheapest Price

$5 (€4)

Northern Rail frequency

7 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

32m

Cheapest Price

$9 (€7)

Transpennine Express frequency

3 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

Learn more about Transpennine Express

TransPennine Express

Luggage & cancellation policy

Average Duration

33m

Cheapest Price

$35 (€29)

TransPennine Express frequency

6 a day

Northern Trains Limited

Luggage & cancellation policy

Average Duration

35m

Cheapest Price

$11 (€9)

Northern Trains Limited frequency

18 a day

Complete guide to Preston

Things to do in Preston

Discover the best of Preston — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Preston trip today.

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.

View on map Visit website

Recommended

Museum of Lancashire

Museum of Lancashire history with social, military, and industrial displays. A strong introduction to the county's people and stories.

View on map Visit website

Recommended

Harris Museum, Art Gallery and Library

Modern university gallery presenting changing contemporary art exhibitions. Worth visiting for fresh work by regional and national artists.

View on map Visit website

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local buses and casual meals stay fairly affordable for visitors.

Average meal costs

Budget: £8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range: £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining: £45+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee: £3-4 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

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.

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 $5 (€4), while the average price is around $11 (€9).

The train from Manchester to Preston takes 37m and runs 9 per day.

The first train from Manchester to Preston leaves at 12:03 AM.

The distance by train from Manchester to Preston is 27 miles (45 km).

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, Transpennine Express, TransPennine Express, Northern Trains Limited.

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 $5 (€4).

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 37m 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.

Since neither Manchester nor Preston are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United Kingdom and United Kingdom. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.

Popular day trips by train from Preston include London, Bolton, Blackburn, Lancaster, Liverpool.

We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Manchester to Preston among Omio's users.

Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.

Yes, rail passes such as the BritRail Pass are valid on most trains within the United Kingdom, offering unlimited travel on participating train operators for a set period.

The currency used in the United Kingdom is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). For travelers, using a card is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially in cities and for transportation tickets, though carrying some cash can be useful for small purchases or in rural areas.

In Preston, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and petty theft, especially in crowded areas like markets and transport hubs. Common scams include overcharging by taxi drivers and bogus charity collectors. Staying aware of surroundings and using licensed transportation can help ensure safety.

Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Manchester to Preston

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.

Departure train stations in Manchester

Arrival train stations in Preston

Which Manchester station do trains to Preston leave from?

Trains from Manchester to Preston leave from Manchester Airport. The station is 8 miles (13 km) from Manchester city centre at Manchester Airport station, Malaga Avenue, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M90 3RR.

Manchester AirportManchester Airport station, Malaga Avenue, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M90 3RR Wifi

City-centre transport

Getting to Manchester Airport from Manchester city centre

Manchester Airport is 13 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainLiverpool Lime Street - Manchester Airport, Manchester Piccadilly - Crewe, Blackpool North - Manchester Airport, Barrow-in-Furness - Manchester Airport, Windermere - Manchester Airport, Manchester Piccadilly - Wilmslow, Manchester Piccadilly - Manchester Airport, Millom - Manchester Airport, Lancaster - Manchester Airport, Manchester Oxford Road - Manchester Airport, Corkickle - Manchester Airport, Preston - Manchester Airport · 17m · $6 · every ~9 min

BusUk980, Uk076, Uk074, Uk072, Ukn23 · 30m · $1 · every ~2 min

43, 103 · 1h 2m · $2 · every ~29 min

43, 103 · 1h 6m · $2 · every ~29 min

TramNavy Line · 51m · $5 · every ~16 min

Navy Line · 54m · $5 · every ~8 min

Manchester Airport train station facilities and services

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

Food and drink options are available at Manchester Airport.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Manchester Airport. ATMs are available at Manchester Airport.

Tickets and information

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.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Manchester Airport: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Manchester Airport: Bike Parking.

Accessibility

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.

More about Manchester Airport

Manchester PiccadillyPiccadilly Station Approach, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M60 7RA, United Kingdom+44 3457114141 Wifi

City-centre transport

Getting to Manchester Piccadilly from Manchester city centre

Bus201, 203, 202, 205 · 1m · $2 · every ~56 min

TramBlue Line, Red Line, Pink Line, Purple Line, Yellow Line · 3m · $2 · every ~47 min

Manchester Piccadilly train station facilities and services

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.