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National Museum of Scotland
Scotland's flagship museum covers science, design, natural history, and world cultures in a landmark building with excellent family appeal.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Preston to Edinburgh
Showing times and prices for Jul 17
Cheapest price
$35
Average price
$73
Fastest journey
2 h 24 m
Average duration
2 h 26 m
Trains per day
13
Distance
245 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Preston to Edinburgh is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Preston to Edinburgh will cost around $73 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $35.
Fast trains
Of the 13 trains that leave Preston for Edinburgh on Fri, Jul 17, 13 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jul 17 the direct trains cover the 245 km distance in an average of 2 h 26 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 24 m .
On Fri, Jul 17 the slowest trains will take 2 h 27 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.
W342917:55 PM2h26Preston station (PRE)10:21 PMEdinburgh Waverley (EDB)$351One-way0 transfers
W852109:05 PM2h36Preston station (PRE)11:41 PMEdinburgh Waverley (EDB)$351One-way0 transfers- W342895:53 PM2h31Preston station (PRE)8:24 PMEdinburgh Waverley (EDB)$411One-way0 transfers
- W342903:53 PM2h27Preston station (PRE)6:20 PMEdinburgh Waverley (EDB)$571One-way0 transfers
- W852087:04 PM2h34Preston station (PRE)9:38 PMEdinburgh Waverley (EDB)$611One-way0 transfers
- W342861:54 PM2h24Preston station (PRE)4:18 PMEdinburgh Waverley (EDB)$1271One-way0 transfers
- W3394111:53 AM2h26Preston station (PRE)2:19 PMEdinburgh Waverley (EDB)$1271One-way0 transfers
- W341449:54 AM2h26Preston station (PRE)12:20 PMEdinburgh Waverley (EDB)$781One-way0 transfers
- W342917:55 PM2h26Preston station (PRE)10:21 PMEdinburgh Waverley (EDB)$351One-way0 transfers
- W342903:53 PM2h27Preston station (PRE)6:20 PMEdinburgh Waverley (EDB)$571One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Preston to Edinburgh
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Preston to Edinburgh among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $18. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 14m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $18, and a flight costs an average of $111.
Distance: 152 miles (245 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$53 Average price | $32 Average price Cheapest | $202 Average price | $109 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 44m Average total duration Fastest 3h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 17m Average total duration 4h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 35m Average total duration 5h 35m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 46m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions | 0.7 - 1.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | 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 Edinburgh is a bus with an average price of $32 (€26).
This is compared to other travel options from Preston to Edinburgh:
A bus is $21 (€17) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Preston to Edinburgh costing on average $53 (€43).
A bus is $170 (€140) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Preston to Edinburgh costing on average $202 (€166).
The fastest way to travel from Preston to Edinburgh is by train with an average journey time of 3h 14m.
Other travel options to Edinburgh take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 47m.
Flight takes on average 5h 35m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Preston and Edinburgh including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Preston to Edinburgh among Omio's users.
Take the train. On this route, it beats driving on both time and money.
The journey is about 32m faster (3h 14m by train vs 3h 46m by car) and roughly $56 (€46) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($53 (€43) vs $109 (€89)). 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 Avanti West Coast, Transpennine Express, Caledonian Sleeper, TransPennine Express.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
Live departures
Preston to Edinburgh train times
The table below shows live departures for Preston to Edinburgh trains for today, Thursday, July 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| W85182 | Delayed 12:02 PM 12:59 PMPreston station (PRE) | 2h37 | 3:36 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| W34286 | Delayed 12:59 PM 1:54 PMPreston station (PRE) | 2h24 | 4:18 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| W85191 | On time 3:03 PM Preston station (PRE) | 2h37 | 5:40 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| W34290 | On time 3:53 PM Preston station (PRE) | 2h27 | 6:20 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| W85201 | On time 5:04 PM Preston station (PRE) | 2h36 | 7:40 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| W34289 | On time 5:53 PM Preston station (PRE) | 2h31 | 8:24 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Friday, July 17 | |||||
| W85168 | 9:03 AM Preston station (PRE) | 2h34 | 11:37 AM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| W34144 | 9:54 AM Preston station (PRE) | 2h26 | 12:20 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| W85177 | 10:59 AM Preston station (PRE) | 2h33 | 1:32 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| W33941 | 11:53 AM Preston station (PRE) | 2h26 | 2:19 PM Edinburgh Waverley (EDB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Preston to Edinburgh by train, bus, or flight
Compare train, bus, and flight 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 17
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Why should you book Preston to Edinburgh trains with Omio?
Avanti West Coast as well as Transpennine Express, London North Eastern Railway, Caledonian Sleeper, TransPennine Express and more offer trains services from Preston to Edinburgh.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Preston to Edinburgh.
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 Transpennine Express, London North Eastern Railway, Caledonian Sleeper or TransPennine Express to find the best option for your trip from Preston to Edinburgh.
- 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, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Preston to Edinburgh.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Transpennine Express, London North Eastern Railway, Caledonian Sleeper or TransPennine Express to find the best option for your trip from Preston to Edinburgh.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Preston to Edinburgh.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Preston to Edinburgh
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Preston to Edinburgh run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 14m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $18 (€15) if you book in advance.
There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:30, the last at 22:30. The fastest train covers the 152 miles (245 km) distance in 2h 24m.
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 152 miles (245 km) |
Average train duration 3h 14m |
Cheapest ticket price $18 (€15) |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 2h 24m |
First train 4:30 AM |
Last train 10:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 4 days |
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: Avanti West Coast, Transpennine Express, London North Eastern Railway, Caledonian Sleeper, TransPennine Express from Preston to Edinburgh trainsAvanti West Coast, Transpennine Express, London North Eastern Railway, Caledonian Sleeper, TransPennine Express trains will get you between Preston and Edinburgh 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 Duration
2h 24m
Cheapest Price
$18 (€15)
Avanti West Coast frequency
3 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
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
2h 34m
Cheapest Price
$50 (€41)
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
London North Eastern Railway
About
LNER is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates a wide range of services, from high-speed intercity trains to local services. Its most popular routes include London to Edinburgh, London to Leeds, and London to York. LNER offers a variety of train types, including the Azuma, InterCity 225, and HST. The Azuma is a modern, high-speed train that offers comfortable seating and onboard Wi-Fi. The InterCity 225 is a classic train that offers a more traditional experience. The HST is a high-speed train that offers a smooth ride and plenty of legroom. LNER offers a variety of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak. Advance tickets are the cheapest option and must be booked in advance. Anytime tickets are more expensive but can be used at any time. Off-Peak tickets are the most affordable option for travelling during off-peak times. Onboard facilities include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. LNER also offers a range of discounts and special offers, making it an affordable and convenient way to travel.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 43m
Cheapest Price
$59 (€49)
London North Eastern Railway 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
Refund policies apply as per ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund available if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, and light meals. First Class passengers receive complimentary refreshments
Seat reservation
Seat reservations are included with Advance tickets. Optional for other ticket types at £0-£2 per person depending on route
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 pets per passenger
Quiet zone
Caledonian Sleeper
About
The Caledonian Sleeper is a train service operating in the United Kingdom. It offers overnight journeys between London, Scotland, the North of England and Wales. The service is operated by Serco and consists of two types of trains: the Classic Sleeper and the Lowland Sleeper. The Classic Sleeper offers comfortable sleeping berths, while the Lowland Sleeper offers reclining seats. Both trains offer onboard facilities such as Wi-Fi, power sockets, and complimentary tea and coffee.Ticket types include Standard, First Class and Solo. Standard tickets offer access to the lounge car, while First Class tickets include access to the lounge car and complimentary breakfast. Solo tickets are available for single travellers and offer access to the lounge car and a private sleeping berth. The most popular routes for the Caledonian Sleeper are London to Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness. Passengers can also travel from London to Aberdeen, Fort William and Dundee.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 45m
Cheapest Price
$79 (€65)
Caledonian Sleeper frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage per person included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Dedicated luggage storage areas in each carriage and under beds in sleeping compartments
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies vary by ticket type and timing before departure
Refund
Full refund provided if service is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Complimentary breakfast for all guests. Club Car serves dinner and drinks. Room service available for sleeping car passengers
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for sleeping car passengers. Optional seat reservations available for seated carriages
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Accessible rooms available, wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and staff assistance
Pets
Small pets allowed in sleeping compartments for a fee. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone
TransPennine Express
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 33m
Cheapest Price
$134 (€110)
TransPennine Express frequency
6 a day
Complete guide to Edinburgh
Things to do in Edinburgh
Discover the best of Edinburgh — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Edinburgh trip today.
- Must visit
National Gallery of Scotland
Major art gallery with Scottish and international works from the Renaissance onward, set dramatically on The Mound in the city centre.
- Recommended
Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art
Gallery of modern and contemporary art in a neoclassical building with sculpture park, strong changing exhibitions, and a peaceful setting.
- Must visit
Royal Mile
Historic spine of the Old Town linking the castle and palace, lined with closes, landmarks, performers, shops, and layered city history.
- Must visit
Princes Street
Elegant shopping boulevard in the New Town with castle views, gardens below, major monuments, and strong access to central attractions.
- Must visit
Arthur's Seat
Extinct volcano in Holyrood Park climbed for sweeping city views, sunrise walks, and one of Edinburgh's most memorable outdoor experiences.
Haggis
A rich savoury pudding of sheep offal, oats, suet, onion and spices, traditionally served with neeps and tatties. Scotland’s national dish and central to Burns Suppers.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Neeps And Tatties
Mashed turnips and potatoes, usually served with haggis. This classic Scottish side is a staple of traditional Edinburgh meals.
- Gluten-free
Cullen Skink
A hearty soup of smoked haddock, potatoes and onions in milk or cream. Strongly linked to Scotland’s fishing heritage and widely loved in Edinburgh.
Number One
Refined Scottish fine dining in the Balmoral Hotel, known for seasonal tasting menus and polished service in an elegant setting.
The Cafe Royal
Historic oyster bar and restaurant serving Scottish seafood, shellfish and game in a lively, classic Victorian dining room.
The Scran And Scallie
Celebrated modern Scottish restaurant focused on local produce, creative small plates and a relaxed but high-quality neighbourhood feel.
British pound sterling (£)
Edinburgh is pricier than many UK cities. Hotels surge in festival season, dining is mid-to-high, and transit is reasonable but not especially cheap for visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or casual takeaway.
- Mid-range
- £20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £70+ per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for coffee.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if no service charge is added. Round up for taxis. Cafes usually do not expect tips.
FAQs: Trains from Preston to Edinburgh
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Preston to Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Train ticket prices from Preston to Edinburgh can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $18 (€15), while the average price is around $53 (€43).
The train from Preston to Edinburgh takes 2h 24m and runs 6 per day.
The distance by train from Preston to Edinburgh is 152 miles (245 km).
The first train from Preston to Edinburgh leaves at 4:30 AM.
The last train from Preston to Edinburgh leaves at 10:30 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Preston to Edinburgh.
Yes, there is a direct train from Preston to Edinburgh. This service operates 5 times per day, provided by Avanti West Coast, Transpennine Express, Caledonian Sleeper, TransPennine Express.
Yes, there is a night train from Preston to Edinburgh.
The train station in Preston that goes to Edinburgh is Preston station (PRE), which connects to Edinburgh Waverley (EDB).
The cheapest way to get from Preston to Edinburgh is by train, with a cost of around $18 (€15).
Yes, the train journey from Preston to Edinburgh is considered scenic, offering views of the rolling countryside, picturesque coastlines, and historic landmarks along the route.
A day trip from Preston to Edinburgh is not feasible as the one-way journey duration is 2h 24m. Trains run 6 times per day over a distance of 152 miles (245 km).
In Edinburgh, visitors can explore the vibrant atmosphere of Grassmarket, enjoy a ghost tour of the haunted streets, attend shows at the Edinburgh Festival Theatre, and visit the Royal Botanic Garden. Discover hidden gems at the Stockbridge Market. Key sights include Edinburgh Castle, Arthur's Seat, The Royal Mile, Holyrood Palace, and The National Museum of Scotland.
For a fulfilling experience, spending 2 to 3 days in Edinburgh allows you to explore its historic sites, such as Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile, enjoy cultural attractions, and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere.
Yes, you can take the train from Preston to Edinburgh.
Since neither Preston nor Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh include Glasgow, Newcastle, St Andrews, Stirling, Dundee.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Preston to Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like the Royal Mile and public transport. Common scams include fake charity collectors and overcharging by taxi drivers who don’t use the meter. It’s advisable to use licensed taxis and keep belongings secure in busy spots. Avoid unlicensed ticket sellers near popular attractions to prevent fraud.
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.
Most popular train connections from Preston
More options for your journey from Preston to Edinburgh
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Edinburgh and Preston
Most popular train connections to Edinburgh
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