- Must visit
National Science and Media Museum
World-leading museum of photography, film and television with major galleries, exhibitions, and IMAX. One of Bradford’s essential cultural visits.
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Preston to Bradford among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $4. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 24m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $4, and a bus costs an average of $15.
Distance: 39 miles (63 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$15 Average price Cheapest | $22 Average price | $18 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 54m Average total duration Fastest 1h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 28m Average total duration 1h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 21m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Preston to Bradford:
A train is $7 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Preston to Bradford costing on average $22.
Other travel options to Bradford take longer:
Bus takes on average 1h 58m.
Tickets start at around $15 compared to roughly $18 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $3. The journey takes 1h 24m versus 1h 21m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Direct services run with Northern Rail, Northern Trains Limited.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
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.
Trains from Preston to Bradford run on average 7 times per day, taking around 1h 24m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $4 if you book in advance.
There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:41, the last at 22:33. The fastest train covers the 39 miles (63 km) distance in 1h 21m.
Distance 39 miles (63 km) |
Average train duration 1h 24m |
Cheapest ticket price $4 |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 4 |
Fastest train 1h 21m |
First train 5:41 AM |
Last train 10:33 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Bradford — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bradford trip today.
World-leading museum of photography, film and television with major galleries, exhibitions, and IMAX. One of Bradford’s essential cultural visits.
A small museum and archive devoted to the author of Wuthering Heights. Valuable for literary pilgrims exploring the Brontë connection near Bradford.
Art gallery and civic museum in Lister Park, known for Bradford collections and David Hockney works. A strong introduction to local culture and art.
UNESCO World Heritage village of grand mills, workers’ housing, and riverside walks. Bradford’s most celebrated historic district and a must-see area.
Elegant quarter of Victorian warehouses and merchant buildings. Great for architecture walks and understanding Bradford’s commercial golden age.
Large Victorian park with boating lake, formal gardens, and space for events. A favorite local green escape paired well with Cartwright Hall.
A rich slow-cooked lamb or mutton curry linked to Bradford's South Asian heritage and famous curry-house culture.
A fragrant rice dish layered with spiced meat or vegetables, widely enjoyed in Bradford's Pakistani and Indian communities.
A crisp semolina and syrup sweet popular in Bradford's Asian sweet shops, especially for celebrations and family gatherings.
Refined dining room in the city centre offering modern British tasting menus and polished service for a special meal.
Celebrated Kashmiri restaurant known for authentic curries in a simple, bustling setting. A Bradford institution.
Well-known for grilled meats, curries and generous portions in a casual setting loved by Bradford locals.
Budget-friendly for UK city breaks, with lower hotel, dining, and local transport costs than London, Manchester, or Edinburgh.
Service is often included at some restaurants; otherwise 10-12.5% is typical for good service. Taxi fares are often rounded up. Tipping in cafes is optional.
Official public transport app
Bradford Interchange -> Bradford City Park, Bradford
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Preston to Bradford 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 Bradford, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Preston to Bradford trains use the Preston to Bradford Interchange station pair, with some services arriving at Frizinghall. Use this guide to compare Preston and Bradford train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
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.
Bradford Interchange has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Bradford Interchange.
ATMs are available at Bradford Interchange.
Ticket office support is available at Bradford Interchange.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Bradford Interchange: Parking, WC.
Available at Bradford Interchange: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bradford Interchange: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A Station, Scooter Friendly Station - There is level access to all the platforms and a wheelchair is available if pre-booked via 0800 138 5560, or by asking for help at the Station Supervisors office next to platform 1. There are also escalators and lifts available from the bus station below up to the rail station. Please note that escalators and lifts are not operated by Northern or Network Rail, Accessible public telephones: in the interchange, 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: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: As per ticket office opening hours, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Frizinghall is 3 km from Bradford city centre. Public transport options include:
Frizinghall has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Frizinghall.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Frizinghall: Parking.
Available at Frizinghall: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Frizinghall: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category B station, Station is unstaffed. However no problems for disabled or wheelchair users as the access to the platforms is via the road and a ramp. Step free access from car park to platforms, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible ticket machines: There are no accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
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