Manchester to Preston train with Northern Rail (3)

Fri, Dec 12
+ Add return
Northern Rail (3)
TransPennine Express
first_transpennine_express
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
1,000+ travel companies
Northern Rail (3)
TransPennine Express
first_transpennine_express
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Manchester to Preston

Showing times and prices for Dec 12

Cheapest price

$4

Average price

$10

Fastest journey

37 m

Average duration

46 m

Trains per day

5

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 $10 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $4.

Fast trains

Of the 5 trains that leave Manchester for Preston on Fri, Dec 12, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Fri, Dec 12 the direct trains cover the 45 km distance in an average of 46 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 37 m .

On Fri, Dec 12 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.

Northern Rail (3)
04:55AM0h37
Manchester
05:32AMPreston
$41One-way
0 transfers
Northern Rail (3)
05:06AM0h51
Manchester
05:57AMPreston
$111One-way
0 transfers
Northern Rail (3)
07:08AM0h49
Manchester
07:57AMPreston
$111One-way
0 transfers
Northern Rail (3)
08:08AM0h49
Manchester
08:57AMPreston
$111One-way
0 transfers
Northern Rail (3)
05:39PM0h49
Manchester
06:28PMPreston
$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

Northern Rail (3)

Most popular train company

Megabus

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 today, Thursday, December 11. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 9:01 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
northern_railY02162
Delayed
9:15 AM 9:08 AMDeansgate (DGT)
0h49
9:57 AM Preston station (PRE)
0 transfersDirect
transpennine_expressC27294
On time
9:24 AM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)
0h35
9:59 AM Preston station (PRE)
0 transfersDirect
Friday, December 12
northern_rail4:55 AM Manchester
0h37
5:32 AM Preston0 transfersDirect
northern_rail5:06 AM Manchester
0h51
5:57 AM Preston0 transfersDirect
northern_rail7:08 AM Manchester
0h49
7:57 AM Preston0 transfersDirect

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
Dec 12
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Journey information

Overview: Train from Manchester to Preston

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Manchester to Preston run on average 9 times per day, taking around 41m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $7 (€5) 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 36m.

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
$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

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
$16 (€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.

FAQs
To fully experience Preston's main attractions and local culture, spending 2 to 3 days is typically sufficient.
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.
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.
There is no high speed train available from Manchester to Preston.
The last train from Manchester to Preston leaves at 11:55 PM.
The train journey from Manchester to Preston offers views of urban landscapes transitioning into more open countryside, providing a pleasant and varied scenery.
Train ticket prices from Manchester to Preston can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $7 (€5), while the average price is around $12 (€10).
Yes, you can take the train 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.
The cheapest way to get from Manchester to Preston is by train, with a cost of around $7 (€5).
The train from Manchester to Preston takes 36m and runs 9 per day.
The train station in Manchester that goes to Preston is Manchester Airport (MIA), which connects to Preston station (PRE).
Unfortunately, there is no night train available 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 Ardwick. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Ardwick for your trip from Manchester to Preston.
ArdwickParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: No
  • Step free access coverage: No
  • Step free access note: Category C station, please note there are no tactile pavings at this station Through a gate on Blind Lane, along a path (68 paces, 1:10 slope), up 23 steps and along the path (61 paces), up 32 steps across the footbridge (17 paces) and down 31 steps onto the platform.
  • Accessible taxis: contact Customer Relations 08002006060
  • Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
  • Accessible ticket machines note: Station Entrance
  • Ramp for train access: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available: No
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Public transit options for Ardwick
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Junction of Devonshire Street North and Blind Lane
  • Metro: GMPTE 0161 228 7811
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
3 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Dining
Dining
  • Cabral's Restaurant Brazilian Street Food and Grocery Store
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: No
  • Step free access coverage: No
  • Step free access note: Category C station, please note there are no tactile pavings at this station , To Manchester : up 47 steps onto the platform. To Glossop/Sheffield : up 47 steps onto the Manchester platform, turn right and up 31 steps, across the footbridge (15 paces) and down 31 steps onto the platform
  • Accessible taxis: contact Customer Relations 08002006060
  • Ramp for train access: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available: No
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Public transit options for Ashburys
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pick Up / Drop Off at the bus stops on Pottery Lane (A6010) under railway bridge.
  • Metro: GMPTE 0161 228 7811
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
4 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: No
  • Step free access coverage: No
  • Step free access note: Category C station, To Manchester : Through a 3ft wide gate, along a path (80 paces), down a stepped ramp (42 paces, 1:9 slope) to the right of the bridge and through a 3ft wide gate onto the platform. To Sheffield : Through a 3ft wide gate, down a stepped ramp (50 paces, 1:9 slope) to the left of the bridge, along a path (25 paces) and through a 3ft wide gate onto the platform
  • Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
  • Ramp for train access: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available: No
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Public transit options for Belle Vue
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pick Up / Drop Off at the bus stops on Hyde Road (station side towards Manchester & opposite side towards Marple).
  • Metro: GMPTE 0161 228 7811

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