Preston to Birmingham train with Avanti West Coast

Sat, Sep 19
+ Add return
Avanti West Coast
Northern Rail
Caledonian Sleeper
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
2,000+ travel companies
Avanti West Coast
Northern Rail
Caledonian Sleeper
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Preston to Birmingham

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 19

Cheapest price on Sep 19

$23

Average ticket price on Sep 19

$36

Fastest journey on Sep 19

1 h 46 m

Average journey duration on Sep 19

1 h 48 m

Trains on Sep 19

6

Distance

153 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Preston to Birmingham is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Preston to Birmingham will cost around $36 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $23.

Fast trains

On Sat, Sep 19, we found 6 trains from Preston to Birmingham, including 6 direct services.

On Sat, Sep 19 the direct trains cover the 153 km distance in an average of 1 h 48 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 46 m .

On Sat, Sep 19 the slowest trains will take 1 h 48 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.

  • Avanti West CoastW33751
    7:18 AM1h48
    Preston station (PRE)
    9:06 AMBirmingham New Street (BHM)
    $231One-way
    0 transfers
  • Avanti West CoastW33630
    6:18 AM1h46
    Preston station (PRE)
    8:04 AMBirmingham New Street (BHM)
    $231One-way
    0 transfers
  • Avanti West CoastW33649
    8:17 AM1h49
    Preston station (PRE)
    10:06 AMBirmingham New Street (BHM)
    $241One-way
    0 transfers
  • Avanti West CoastW33776
    10:18 AM1h48
    Preston station (PRE)
    12:06 PMBirmingham New Street (BHM)
    $331One-way
    0 transfers
  • Avanti West CoastW33686
    9:18 AM1h48
    Preston station (PRE)
    11:06 AMBirmingham New Street (BHM)
    $361One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Preston to Birmingham

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Preston to Birmingham among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $33 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 32m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $33, while a train costs an average of $58.

Distance: 95 miles (153 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Driving

$58

Average price

$33

Average price

Cheapest

$51

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

2h 32m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 2m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 25m

Average total duration

3h 55m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 8m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.2 - 0.4kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

Avanti West Coast

Most popular train company

National Express

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 Preston to Birmingham is a bus with an average price of $33 (€27).

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

A bus is $25 (€21) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Preston to Birmingham costing on average $58 (€48).

The fastest way to travel from Preston to Birmingham is by train with an average journey time of 2h 2m.

Other travel options to Birmingham take longer:

Bus takes on average 3h 55m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Preston and Birmingham including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Preston to Birmingham among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.

You'll arrive about 6m sooner (2h 2m by train vs 2h 8m by car). Tickets start at around $58 (€48) compared to roughly $51 (€41) in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.

Direct services run with Avanti West Coast.

Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.

Live departures

Preston to Birmingham train times

The table below shows live departures for Preston to Birmingham trains for today, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Avanti West Coast10:18 AM Preston
1h48
12:06 PM Birmingham0 transfersDirect
CrossCountry10:20 AM Preston
2h36
12:56 PM Birmingham0 transfersDirect
Avanti West Coast2:18 PM Preston
1h48
4:06 PM Birmingham0 transfersDirect
Avanti West Coast6:18 PM Preston
1h48
8:06 PM Birmingham0 transfersDirect
CrossCountry7:24 PM Preston
2h32
9:56 PM Birmingham0 transfersDirect
Avanti West Coast9:18 PM Preston
1h49
11:07 PM Birmingham0 transfersDirect
Saturday, September 19
Avanti West CoastW336306:18 AM Preston station (PRE)
1h46
8:04 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM)0 transfersDirect
Avanti West CoastW337517:18 AM Preston station (PRE)
1h48
9:06 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM)0 transfersDirect
Avanti West CoastW336498:17 AM Preston station (PRE)
1h49
10:06 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM)0 transfersDirect
Avanti West CoastW336869:18 AM Preston station (PRE)
1h48
11:06 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM)0 transfersDirect
Avanti West CoastW3377610:18 AM Preston station (PRE)
1h48
12:06 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM)0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Preston to Birmingham 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.

Sat
Sep 19
Sun
Sep 20
Mon
Sep 21
Tue
Sep 22
Wed
Sep 23
Thu
Sep 24
Fri
Sep 25

Why should you book Preston to Birmingham trains with Omio?

Avanti West Coast as well as Northern Rail or Caledonian Sleeper offer trains services from Preston to Birmingham.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Preston to Birmingham.

Why book with Omio vs Avanti West Coast?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Avanti West Coast, but also compare tickets for the likes of Northern Rail or Caledonian Sleeper to find the best option for your trip from Preston to Birmingham.
  • 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 Avanti West Coast with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Preston to Birmingham.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu, Raileurope or Trip?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Northern Rail or Caledonian Sleeper to find the best option for your trip from Preston to Birmingham.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Preston to Birmingham.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Preston to Birmingham

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Preston to Birmingham run on average 8 times per day, taking around 2h 2m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $18 (€15) but you can travel from only $16 (€13) by bus.

There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 01:21, the last at 22:30. The fastest train covers the 95 miles (153 km) distance in 1h 30m.

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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $16 (€13)
Distance
95 miles (153 km)
Average train duration
2h 2m
Cheapest ticket price
$18 (€15)
Trains per day
8
Direct trains
3
Fastest train
1h 30m
First train
1:21 AM
Last train
10:30 PM
Cheapest Month
Nov
Cheapest Day
Mon
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Wed
Least Busy Day
Sun
Best time to book
1 day
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $16 (€13)

Train companies: Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, Lumo, Northern Rail, West Midlands Trains from Preston to Birmingham trainsAvanti West Coast, CrossCountry, Lumo, Northern Rail, West Midlands Trains trains will get you between Preston and Birmingham from $18 (€15). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Avanti West Coast

About
Avanti West Coast is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates high-speed trains between London and major cities in the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, First Class and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drinks. The most popular routes for Avanti West Coast are London to Birmingham, London to Manchester and London to Glasgow. The company operates a fleet of Pendolino and Super Voyager trains, which offer a smooth and comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Avanti West Coast Duration
1h 30m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
$18 (€15)
Avanti West Coast frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
First Class: Complimentary meals and drinks. Standard Class: Onboard shop with drinks and snacks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Standard Class: Optional reservation for £8-12
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/alighting available
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs £30 per single journey. Guide dogs free
Quiet zone

CrossCountry

About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average CrossCountry Duration
2h 6m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
$44 (€36)
CrossCountry frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone

Lumo

About
Lumo are an open access operator launched in 2021 owned by FirstGroup providing train travel from London to Scotland and the North-East of England. It runs between London and Edinburgh along the East Coast Main Line. Lumo trains offer 100% electric travel along with amenities like comforable seating, free WiFi & their LumoEats at-seat catering in their single Standard Class. Lumo offered two ticket types their advance tickets LumoFixed which are only valid on the date and train booked but are exchangeable prior to departure and their Anytime tickets which can be used on any Lumo train on the date of your ticket.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Lumo Duration
1h 52m
Cheapest Lumo Price
$48 (€40)
Lumo frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One piece of hand luggage and one piece of hold luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at the end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refunds according to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by operator
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, and light meals. First Class includes complimentary refreshments
Seat reservation
Seat reservation included with all tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces available, accessible toilets, and staff assistance for boarding
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs on leads allowed with fee
Quiet zone

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 Northern Rail Duration
2h 35m
Cheapest Northern Rail Price
$63 (€52)
Northern Rail frequency
1 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

West Midlands Trains

About
West Midlands Trains is a train operator based in the United Kingdom, providing services across the West Midlands region. It operates a variety of train types, including the Class 350 Desiro, Class 323 Electrostar, Class 170 Turbostar, and Class 172 Turbostar. These trains offer a range of onboard facilities, such as free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and air conditioning. Passengers can purchase a range of tickets, including single, return, and season tickets. The most popular routes operated by West Midlands Trains include Birmingham to London Euston, Birmingham to Wolverhampton, and Birmingham to Coventry.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average West Midlands Trains Duration
1h 41m
Cheapest West Midlands Trains Price
$75 (€61)
West Midlands Trains frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for an additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs require a ticket at 50% of adult fare. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone

Complete guide to Birmingham

Things to do in Birmingham

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

  • Must visit

Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery

Major city museum and gallery with fine art, Birmingham history and global collections in a landmark building.

  • Must visit

Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum

Science museum with interactive galleries, engines and family-friendly exhibits in Millennium Point.

  • Recommended

The Barber Institute of Fine Arts

Historic home of the Pre-Raphaelite artists, showing furnished rooms, artworks and craft details.

British pound sterling (£)

Moderate for UK city breaks: hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local transit and casual meals are fairly manageable for tourists.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or casual takeaway.
Mid-range
£20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£60+ per person for upscale restaurants.
Coffee
£3-4.50 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Service may be included in restaurants; otherwise tip 10-12.5% for good service. Taxis are often rounded up or tipped about 10%. Tipping in cafes is optional.

FAQs: Trains from Preston to Birmingham

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Preston to Birmingham 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 Birmingham, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Preston to Birmingham can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $18 (€15), while the average price is around $58 (€48).
The train from Preston to Birmingham takes 1h 30m and runs 8 per day.
The distance by train from Preston to Birmingham is 95 miles (153 km).
The first train from Preston to Birmingham leaves at 1:21 AM.
The last train from Preston to Birmingham leaves at 10:30 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Preston to Birmingham.
Yes, there is a direct train from Preston to Birmingham. This service operates 3 times per day, provided by Avanti West Coast.
Yes, there is a night train from Preston to Birmingham.
The train station in Preston that goes to Birmingham is Preston station (PRE), which connects to Birmingham New Street (BHM).
The cheapest way to get from Preston to Birmingham is by train, with a cost of around $18 (€15).
The train journey from Preston to Birmingham offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes, featuring views of the English countryside, rolling hills, and small towns, making parts of the journey scenic.
Yes, a day trip from Preston to Birmingham is feasible. The journey takes 1h 30m and covers a distance of 95 miles (153 km). There are 7 trains per day.
In Birmingham, you can explore the historic Jewellery Quarter, take a canal boat tour, and visit the National SEA LIFE Centre. Enjoy performances at the Birmingham Hippodrome and discover history at the Birmingham Back to Backs. Must-see sights include the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Cadbury World, Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Symphony Hall, and The Bullring shopping center.
Two to three days are generally sufficient to explore Birmingham's key attractions, including its museums, culinary scene, and shopping areas.
Yes, you can take the train from Preston to Birmingham.
Since neither Preston nor Birmingham 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 Birmingham include Leicester, Leamington Spa, Coventry, Wolverhampton, Derby.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Preston to Birmingham 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 Birmingham, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in busy areas like shopping districts and public transport hubs. Common scams include overcharging by taxi drivers and fake charity collectors. It's advisable to use licensed taxis, keep valuables secure, and remain alert in crowded places to avoid these risks.
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 Preston to Birmingham

Most Preston to Birmingham trains use the Preston to Birmingham New Street station pair, with some services arriving at Birmingham Snow Hill. Use this guide to compare Preston and Birmingham train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Preston
Arrival train stations in Birmingham

Which Preston station do trains to Birmingham leave from?

Trains from Preston to Birmingham leave from Preston. The station is 0 miles (1 km) from Preston city centre at Fishergate, Preston PR1 8AP, United Kingdom.
PrestonFishergate, Preston PR1 8AP, United Kingdom+44 345 748 4950WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
City-centre transport

Getting to Preston from Preston city centre

Preston is 1 km from Preston city centre. Public transport options include:

Bus3, 2, 2A, 111, 111C · 13m · $11 · every ~36 min

Preston train station facilities and services

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 and drink

Food options include: Rise, The Olive Tree Brasserie, Turtle Bay

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free. ATMs are available in the train station.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Preston. Information desks are located in the main hall.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Preston. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Preston: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Preston: Bike Parking, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Preston: Elevators, ramps.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Holiday Inn Express Preston - South, Delta Hotels Preston, Macdonald Tickled Trout Hotel.

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