Preston to Liverpool train with Northern Rail

Wed, Aug 05
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Northern Rail
Transpennine Express
Mersey Rail
Avanti West Coast
Northern Trains Limited
2,000+ travel companies
Northern Rail
Transpennine Express
Mersey Rail
Avanti West Coast
Northern Trains Limited
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Preston to Liverpool

Showing times and prices for Aug 05

Cheapest price

$14

Average price

$22

Fastest journey

51 m

Average duration

1 h 3 m

Trains per day

6

Distance

43 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Preston to Liverpool will cost around $22 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $14.

Fast trains

Of the 6 trains that leave Preston for Liverpool on Wed, Aug 05, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Wed, Aug 05 the direct trains cover the 43 km distance in an average of 1 h 3 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 51 m .

On Wed, Aug 05 the slowest trains will take 1 h 8 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 RailG89165
    9:28 AM0h51
    Preston station (PRE)
    10:19 AMLiverpool Lime Street (LIV)
    $141One-way
    0 transfers
  • Northern RailG85359
    8:28 AM1h15
    Preston station (PRE)
    9:43 AMLiverpool Lime Street (LIV)
    $141One-way
    0 transfers
  • Northern RailG85372+Avanti West CoastW34028
    10:00 AM1h08
    Preston station (PRE)
    11:08 AMLiverpool Lime Street (LIV)
    $271One-way
    1 transfer
  • Northern RailG85356+Avanti West CoastW34029
    8:01 AM1h07
    Preston station (PRE)
    9:08 AMLiverpool Lime Street (LIV)
    $271One-way
    1 transfer
  • Northern RailG89159+Avanti West CoastW34271
    8:17 AM1h02
    Preston station (PRE)
    9:19 AMLiverpool Lime Street (LIV)
    $271One-way
    1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare bus and train for Preston to Liverpool

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Preston to Liverpool among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $9. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 57m. 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 $9, and a bus costs an average of $14.

Distance: 26 miles (43 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Driving

$13

Average price

Cheapest

$21

Average price

$11

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

1h 27m

Average total duration

Fastest

57m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 25m

Average total duration

1h 55m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 14m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.0 - 0.0kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

Northern Rail

Most popular train company

Megabus

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 Liverpool is a train with an average price of $13.

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

A train is $8 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Preston to Liverpool costing on average $21.

The fastest way to travel from Preston to Liverpool is by train with an average journey time of 57m.

Other travel options to Liverpool take longer:

Bus takes on average 1h 55m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Preston and Liverpool including taking a bus and train.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Preston to Liverpool 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 17m sooner (57m by train vs 1h 14m by car). Tickets start at around $13 compared to roughly $11 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 Northern Rail, Transpennine Express, Northern Trains Limited, TransPennine Express.

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 Liverpool train times

The table below shows live departures for Preston to Liverpool trains for tomorrow, Wednesday, August 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Avanti West CoastW34029+Northern RailG853568:01 AM Preston station (PRE)
1h07
9:08 AM Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)1 transfer
Avanti West CoastW34271+Northern RailG891598:17 AM Preston station (PRE)
1h02
9:19 AM Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)1 transfer
Northern RailG853598:28 AM Preston station (PRE)
1h15
9:43 AM Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)0 transfersDirect
Avanti West CoastW34181+Northern RailG853639:00 AM Preston station (PRE)
1h08
10:08 AM Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)1 transfer
Northern RailG891659:28 AM Preston station (PRE)
0h51
10:19 AM Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)0 transfersDirect
Avanti West CoastW34028+Northern RailG8537210:00 AM Preston station (PRE)
1h08
11:08 AM Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)1 transfer

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Preston to Liverpool by bus or train

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.

Wed
Aug 05
Thu
Aug 06
Fri
Aug 07
Sat
Aug 08
Sun
Aug 09
Mon
Aug 10
Tue
Aug 11

Why should you book Preston to Liverpool trains with Omio?

Northern Rail as well as Transpennine Express, Mersey Rail, Avanti West Coast, Northern Trains Limited and more offer trains services from Preston to Liverpool.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Preston to Liverpool.

Why book with Omio vs Northern Rail?

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

Why book with Omio over Trip, Wanderu or Raileurope?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Transpennine Express, Mersey Rail, Avanti West Coast or Northern Trains Limited to find the best option for your trip from Preston to Liverpool.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Preston to Liverpool.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Preston to Liverpool

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Preston to Liverpool run on average 8 times per day, taking around 57m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $9 if you book in advance.

There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:30, the last at 23:24. The fastest train covers the 26 miles (43 km) distance in 50m.

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
26 miles (43 km)
Average train duration
57m
Cheapest ticket price
$9
Trains per day
8
Direct trains
4
Fastest train
50m
First train
5:30 AM
Last train
11:24 PM
Cheapest Month
Sep
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Sat
Least Busy Day
Fri
Best time to book
21 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: Northern Rail, Transpennine Express, Mersey Rail, Avanti West Coast, Northern Trains Limited, TransPennine Express from Preston to Liverpool trainsNorthern Rail, Transpennine Express, Mersey Rail, Avanti West Coast, Northern Trains Limited, TransPennine Express trains will get you between Preston and Liverpool from $9. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

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 Duration
51m
Cheapest Price
$9
Northern Rail frequency
7 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
50m
Cheapest Price
$9
Transpennine Express frequency
1 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

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
1h 2m
Cheapest Price
$29
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

Mersey Rail

About
Mersey Rail is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates a network of commuter and regional services in the North West of England. Mersey Rail operates a variety of train types, including the Class 507 and Class 508 electric multiple units, and the Class 142 and Class 150 diesel multiple units. It also operates the Merseyrail Electrics, a fleet of electric multiple units. Mersey Rail offers a range of ticket types, including single, return, and season tickets. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power sockets, and air conditioning. The most popular routes for Mersey Rail are Liverpool to Southport, Liverpool to Chester, and Liverpool to Ormskirk.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Mersey Rail frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
Refunds available according to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund available if service is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and ramps for boarding
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs must be leashed
Quiet zone

Northern Trains Limited

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
51m
Cheapest Price
$27
Northern Trains Limited frequency
13 a day

TransPennine Express

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
45m
Cheapest Price
$23
TransPennine Express frequency
9 a day

Complete guide to Liverpool

Things to do in Liverpool

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

  • Must visit

The Beatles Story

Acclaimed branch of the Imperial War Museums covering modern conflict, personal stories, and the impact of war in a dramatic dock building.

  • Must visit

World Museum

Large free museum covering archaeology, natural history, world cultures, and planetarium shows. Excellent for broad insight into the region.

  • Must visit

Museum of Liverpool

Modern museum telling Liverpool’s story from port city to pop culture capital, with social history, transport, and riverfront galleries.

British pound sterling (£)

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

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
£18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£60+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£3-4 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Tipping is optional. Restaurants: 10-12.5% if service is not included. Taxis: round up or add about 10%. Cafes and pubs: no tip expected, small change appreciated.

FAQs: Trains from Preston to Liverpool

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

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Preston to Liverpool can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $9, while the average price is around $13.
The train from Preston to Liverpool takes 50m and runs 8 per day.
The distance by train from Preston to Liverpool is 26 miles (43 km).
The first train from Preston to Liverpool leaves at 5:30 AM.
The last train from Preston to Liverpool leaves at 11:24 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Preston to Liverpool.
Yes, there is a direct train from Preston to Liverpool. This service operates 4 times per day, provided by Northern Rail, Transpennine Express, Northern Trains Limited, TransPennine Express.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Preston to Liverpool.
The train station in Preston that goes to Liverpool is Preston station (PRE), which connects to Liverpool Lime Street (LIV).
The cheapest way to get from Preston to Liverpool is by train, with a cost of around $9.
The train journey from Preston to Liverpool offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, with views of the Lancashire countryside and glimpses of the Mersey River as you approach Liverpool.
Yes, a day trip from Preston to Liverpool is feasible with a travel time of 50m and a distance of 26 miles (43 km). Trains run 7 times per day.
In Liverpool, explore the vibrant Baltic Triangle for street art, bars, and music venues, and take a ferry across the Mersey River for scenic views. Visit the Walker Art Gallery and enjoy performances at the Liverpool Empire Theatre. Discover the city's history at the Museum of Liverpool. Don't miss The Beatles Story, Royal Albert Dock, Liverpool Cathedral, Anfield Stadium, and St George's Hall for iconic sights and experiences.
A stay of 2 to 3 days in Liverpool is ideal to explore its key attractions such as The Beatles Story, the Royal Albert Dock, and the Liverpool Cathedral, while also allowing time to enjoy the local culture and dining.
Yes, you can take the train from Preston to Liverpool.
Since neither Preston nor Liverpool 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 Liverpool include Manchester, Birmingham, Chester, Leeds, Warrington.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Preston to Liverpool 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 Liverpool, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in busy areas like the city center and around popular attractions such as the Albert Dock and Liverpool ONE shopping center. Scams involving overcharging in taxis can occur, so it's advisable to use licensed cabs or pre-book rides. Additionally, travelers should be aware of nightlife-related safety, avoiding unlicensed venues and staying in well-lit, populated areas at night.
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 Liverpool

Most Preston to Liverpool trains use the Preston to Liverpool Lime Street station pair, with some services arriving at Moorfields. Use this guide to compare Preston and Liverpool 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 Liverpool

Which Preston station do trains to Liverpool leave from?

Trains from Preston to Liverpool 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.

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

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