Preston to Liverpool train with Northern Rail

Sat, Sep 19
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Northern Rail
Transpennine Express
Mersey Rail
East Midlands Railway
Avanti West Coast
2,000+ travel companies
Northern Rail
Transpennine Express
Mersey Rail
East Midlands Railway
Avanti West Coast
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Preston to Liverpool

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 19

Cheapest price on Sep 19

CHF11

Average ticket price on Sep 19

CHF20

Fastest journey on Sep 19

51 m

Average journey duration on Sep 19

54 m

Trains on Sep 19

11

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 CHF20 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only CHF11.

Fast trains

On Sat, Sep 19, we found 11 trains from Preston to Liverpool, including 5 direct services.

On Sat, Sep 19 the direct trains cover the 43 km distance in an average of 54 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 51 m .

On Sat, Sep 19 the slowest trains will take 1 h 2 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 RailG85359
    8:28 AM1h15
    Preston station (PRE)
    9:43 AMLiverpool Lime Street (LIV)
    CHF111One-way
    0 transfers
  • Transpennine ExpressW84883
    10:52 AM0h54
    Preston station (PRE)
    11:46 AMLiverpool Lime Street (LIV)
    CHF121One-way
    0 transfers
  • Northern RailG89171
    10:28 AM0h52
    Preston station (PRE)
    11:20 AMLiverpool Lime Street (LIV)
    CHF171One-way
    0 transfers
  • Avanti West CoastW33545+Northern RailG85356
    8:01 AM1h07
    Preston station (PRE)
    9:08 AMLiverpool Lime Street (LIV)
    CHF221One-way
    1 transfer
  • Northern RailG89165
    9:28 AM0h51
    Preston station (PRE)
    10:19 AMLiverpool Lime Street (LIV)
    CHF221One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus 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 an average ticket price of CHF16 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 27m. 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 train costs an average of CHF16, while a bus costs an average of CHF18.

Distance: 26 miles (43 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Driving

CHF16

Average price

Cheapest

CHF18

Average price

CHF9

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

1h 27m

Average total duration

Fastest

57m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 43m

Average total duration

2h 13m

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

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 Liverpool is a train with an average price of CHF16.

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

A train is CHF2 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Preston to Liverpool costing on average CHF18.

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 2h 13m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Preston and Liverpool including taking a train and bus.
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 CHF16 compared to roughly CHF9 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, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Avanti West CoastW33545+Northern RailG853568:01 AM Preston station (PRE)
1h07
9:08 AM Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)1 transfer
Avanti West CoastW33649+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 CoastW33548+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 CoastW33694+Northern RailG8537210:00 AM Preston station (PRE)
1h08
11:08 AM Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)1 transfer
Northern RailG8917110:28 AM Preston station (PRE)
0h52
11:20 AM Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)0 transfersDirect
Transpennine ExpressW8488310:52 AM Preston station (PRE)
0h54
11:46 AM Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)0 transfersDirect
Avanti West CoastW33472+Northern RailG8538211:00 AM Preston station (PRE)
1h08
12:08 PM Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)1 transfer
Northern RailG8915611:28 AM Preston station (PRE)
0h51
12:19 PM Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)0 transfersDirect
Avanti West CoastW33452+Northern RailG8539212:00 PM Preston station (PRE)
1h11
1:11 PM 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 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 Liverpool trains with Omio?

Northern Rail as well as Transpennine Express, Mersey Rail, East Midlands Railway, Avanti West Coast 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, East Midlands Railway or Avanti West Coast 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 train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Preston to Liverpool.

Why book with Omio over Trip, Wanderu or Rome2rio?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Transpennine Express, Mersey Rail, East Midlands Railway or Avanti West Coast to find the best option for your trip from Preston to Liverpool.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus 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 CHF4 if you book in advance.

There are 3 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 47m.

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
CHF4
Trains per day
8
Direct trains
3
Fastest train
47m
First train
5:30 AM
Last train
11:24 PM
Cheapest Month
Sep
Cheapest Day
Mon
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Sat
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

Train companies: Northern Rail, Transpennine Express, Mersey Rail from Preston to Liverpool trainsNorthern Rail, Transpennine Express, Mersey Rail trains will get you between Preston and Liverpool from CHF4. 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 Northern Rail Duration
47m
Cheapest Northern Rail Price
CHF4
Northern Rail frequency
6 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 Transpennine Express Duration
47m
Cheapest Transpennine Express Price
CHF7
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

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
Average Mersey Rail Duration
1h 3m
Cheapest Mersey Rail Price
CHF13
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

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 CHF4, while the average price is around CHF16.
The train from Preston to Liverpool takes 47m 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.
Yes, there is a high-speed train from Preston to Liverpool.
Yes, there is a direct train from Preston to Liverpool. This service operates 3 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 CHF4.
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 47m 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 · CHF9 · 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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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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