- Must visit
The British Museum
One of the world's great museums, known for its vast collections spanning ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, Asia, and the Middle East. A London essential for first-time visitors.
Cheapest price
$36
Average price
$36
Fastest journey
1 h 16 m
Average duration
1 h 16 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
129 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Preston to London is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Preston to London will cost around $36 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $36.
Of the 1 trains that leave Preston for London on Wed, Jun 03, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jun 03 the direct trains cover the 129 km distance in an average of 1 h 16 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 16 m .
On Wed, Jun 03 the slowest trains will take 1 h 16 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.


Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Preston to London among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $7. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 13m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $7, and a train costs an average of $26.
Distance: 80 miles (129 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$31 Average price | $10 Average price Cheapest | $81 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 43m Average total duration Fastest 1h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 48m Average total duration 2h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 32m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Preston to London:
A bus is $21 (€17) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Preston to London costing on average $31 (€25).
Other travel options to London take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 18m.
The journey is about 1h 19m faster (1h 13m by train vs 2h 32m by car) and roughly $50 (€40) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($31 (€25) vs $81 (€65)). 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 Caledonian Sleeper, Avanti West Coast.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Preston to London trains for tomorrow, Wednesday, June 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 2:06 PM Preston | 1h16 | 3:22 PM London | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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 London run on average 18 times per day, taking around 1h 13m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $26 (€21) but you can travel from only $7 (€5) by bus.
There are 8 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:32, the last at 23:54. The fastest train covers the 80 miles (129 km) distance in 1h 12m.
Distance 80 miles (129 km) |
Average train duration 1h 13m |
Cheapest ticket price $26 (€21) |
Trains per day 18 |
Direct trains 8 |
Fastest train 1h 12m |
First train 4:32 AM |
Last train 11:54 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Discover the best of London — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect London trip today.
One of the world's great museums, known for its vast collections spanning ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, Asia, and the Middle East. A London essential for first-time visitors.
Major art museum on Trafalgar Square with masterpieces by Van Gogh, Turner, Monet, and da Vinci. Excellent choice for European painting in a central location.
Leading modern and contemporary art museum housed in a former power station on the Thames. Popular for its collection, architecture, and riverfront setting.
Bustling central district known for street performers, elegant market buildings, shopping, and lively atmosphere. Very popular with first-time visitors.
Riverside walking area with major views of the Thames, street life, and easy access to landmarks such as the London Eye and Tate Modern.
Charming neighborhood known for colorful houses, Portobello Road, and strong visual appeal. Especially popular for photography and casual walks.
Battered white fish, usually cod or haddock, fried and served with chips. It is one of London’s most iconic comfort foods and a classic pub and chippy staple.
A traditional roast meal with meat, roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables, gravy, and Yorkshire pudding. It is a beloved weekend institution across London pubs.
A hearty breakfast of eggs, sausages, bacon, beans, mushrooms, tomatoes, and toast. It is a longstanding British classic served in cafes, pubs, and hotels.
A popular, well-established restaurant inspired by Bombay cafes, loved for breakfast, grills, curries, and lively atmosphere.
A Michelin-starred pub in Fulham celebrated for refined British pub food, seasonal game, and an elegant but relaxed atmosphere.
A highly regarded Smithfield restaurant known for nose-to-tail British cooking, roast dishes, and a simple, iconic dining style.
London is among Europe’s priciest cities. Hotels, transport, and dining cost more than in most UK and European destinations.
Service charge of 12.5% is often added in restaurants; if not, tip 10-12.5%. Round up in taxis. Tipping is optional in pubs and cafés.
Official public transport app
London Waterloo -> Charing Cross, London
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Preston to London 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 London, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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