- Recommended
Lancaster City Museum
City museum in the old town hall with archaeology, local history, and decorative arts. A strong introduction to Lancaster’s past.
Cheapest price on Sep 19
$7
Average ticket price on Sep 19
$12
Fastest journey on Sep 19
14 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
15 m
Trains on Sep 19
6
Distance
34 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Preston to Lancaster is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Preston to Lancaster will cost around $12 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $7.
On Sat, Sep 19, we found 6 trains from Preston to Lancaster, including 6 direct services.
On Sat, Sep 19 the direct trains cover the 34 km distance in an average of 15 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 14 m .
On Sat, Sep 19 the slowest trains will take 15 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.
G89043
W85166
W85167
W85173
W33542
W33542
W33536
W85166
W85167
W85173Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Preston to Lancaster among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $12 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 45m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.0kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $12, while a train costs an average of $13.
Distance: 21 miles (34 km)
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
$13 Average price | $12 Average price Cheapest |
45m Average total duration Fastest 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 5m Average total duration 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
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 Lancaster:
A bus is $0.50 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Preston to Lancaster costing on average $13.
Other travel options to Lancaster take longer:
Bus takes on average 35m.
The table below shows live departures for Preston to Lancaster trains for today, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W34187 | Delayed 1:48 PM 2:41 PMPreston station (PRE) | 0h14 | 2:02 PM 2:02 PMLancaster station (LAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G89051 | On time 2:45 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0h17 | 3:02 PM Lancaster station (LAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C01372 | Delayed 2:02 PM 2:54 PMPreston station (PRE) | 0h14 | 2:16 PM 2:16 PMLancaster station (LAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W85191 | On time 3:03 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0h15 | 3:18 PM Lancaster station (LAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G89067 | On time 3:33 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0h17 | 3:50 PM Lancaster station (LAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W34007 | On time 3:41 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0h14 | 3:55 PM Lancaster station (LAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W34290 | On time 3:53 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0h14 | 4:07 PM Lancaster station (LAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W85196 | On time 4:04 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0h15 | 4:19 PM Lancaster station (LAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G89053 | On time 4:33 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0h19 | 4:52 PM Lancaster station (LAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W34069 | On time 4:41 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0h16 | 4:57 PM Lancaster station (LAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W34292 | On time 4:53 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0h14 | 5:07 PM Lancaster station (LAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W85197 | On time 5:01 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0h15 | 5:16 PM Lancaster station (LAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W85201 | On time 5:04 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0h17 | 5:21 PM Lancaster station (LAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G89055 | On time 5:34 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0h17 | 5:51 PM Lancaster station (LAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W34082 | On time 5:41 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0h14 | 5:55 PM Lancaster station (LAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W34289 | On time 5:53 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0h16 | 6:09 PM Lancaster station (LAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W85205 | On time 6:03 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0h16 | 6:19 PM Lancaster station (LAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C01318 | On time 6:41 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0h14 | 6:55 PM Lancaster station (LAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G89069 | On time 6:44 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0h18 | 7:02 PM Lancaster station (LAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W34287 | On time 6:53 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0h14 | 7:07 PM Lancaster station (LAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W85208 | On time 7:04 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0h16 | 7:20 PM Lancaster station (LAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G89057 | On time 7:34 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0h17 | 7:51 PM Lancaster station (LAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W34169 | On time 7:42 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0h14 | 7:56 PM Lancaster station (LAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W34291 | On time 7:55 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0h14 | 8:09 PM Lancaster station (LAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C24372 | On time 8:07 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0h15 | 8:22 PM Lancaster station (LAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G89059 | On time 8:33 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0h17 | 8:50 PM Lancaster station (LAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C01321 | On time 8:41 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0h14 | 8:55 PM Lancaster station (LAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W34288 | On time 8:54 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0h15 | 9:09 PM Lancaster station (LAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W84746 | On time 9:00 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0h15 | 9:15 PM Lancaster station (LAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, September 19 | |||||
W85166 | 8:01 AM Preston station (PRE) | 0h15 | 8:16 AM Lancaster station (LAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W33542 | 8:38 AM Preston station (PRE) | 0h14 | 8:52 AM Lancaster station (LAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G89043 | 8:42 AM Preston station (PRE) | 0h17 | 8:59 AM Lancaster station (LAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W33536 | 8:53 AM Preston station (PRE) | 0h14 | 9:07 AM Lancaster station (LAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W85173 | 8:58 AM Preston station (PRE) | 0h15 | 9:13 AM Lancaster station (LAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W85167 | 9:03 AM Preston station (PRE) | 0h15 | 9:18 AM Lancaster station (LAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and train 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 Lancaster run on average 5 times per day, taking around 15m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $7 if you book in advance.
There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:13, the last at 23:26. The fastest train covers the 21 miles (34 km) distance in 14m.
Distance 21 miles (34 km) |
Average train duration 15m |
Cheapest ticket price $7 |
Trains per day 5 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 14m |
First train 5:13 AM |
Last train 11:26 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 3 days |
Discover the best of Lancaster — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Lancaster trip today.
City museum in the old town hall with archaeology, local history, and decorative arts. A strong introduction to Lancaster’s past.
Maritime museum in the old customs house exploring Lancaster’s port history, trade, and seafaring links across Morecambe Bay and beyond.
Period house museum with Gillow furniture, fine interiors, and stories of law and domestic life. One of Lancaster’s best heritage visits.
Hilltop park with woodland walks, city views, and the Ashton Memorial. A favorite green space that combines scenery, heritage, and easy strolling.
Elegant Georgian street with some of Lancaster’s finest architecture. Ideal for appreciating the city’s prosperous 18th-century streetscape.
Tree-lined civic square framed by impressive public buildings and monuments. A central open space often used for events and seasonal displays.
Buttery shortbread-style biscuits linked to nearby market town Garstang. A classic Lancashire teatime treat with a crumbly texture and local heritage.
A robust hotpot of lamb or mutton with onions, often topped with sliced potatoes. It is one of Lancashire’s best-known traditional comfort dishes.
Crumbly white cow’s milk cheese traditionally made in Lancashire. It is prized for its fresh, tangy taste and long-standing regional cheesemaking history.
Refined modern British tasting menus in an elegant, intimate setting. One of Lancaster’s standout fine dining destinations.
Long-established canal-side pub and restaurant known for cask ales, British classics and a traditional atmosphere in a historic setting.
Stylish bistro serving French-inspired and modern European dishes. Popular for polished cooking and a relaxed city-centre atmosphere.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local buses and everyday meals stay fairly reasonable for visitors.
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Taxis are often rounded up. Cafes usually do not require tips, but small change is appreciated.
Official public transport app
Lancaster Railway Station -> Lancaster Bus Station
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Preston to Lancaster 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 Lancaster, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Preston to Lancaster trains use the Preston to Lancaster station pair. Use this guide to compare Preston and Lancaster 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.
Lancaster is 2 km from Lancaster city centre. Public transport options include:
Lancaster has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Lancaster.
Ticket office support is available at Lancaster. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Lancaster: Parking, WC.
Available at Lancaster: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Lancaster: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This station has step-free access to all platforms / the platform Lifts to All Platforms, accessible via taking the right hand entrance to the over bridge from the ticket office, 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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need