- Must visit
Wardown House, Museum and Gallery
Luton's main museum in a Victorian mansion, covering local history, hats, lace, and changing exhibitions in a well-kept park setting.
Cheapest price on Sep 18
$87
Average ticket price on Sep 18
$118
Fastest journey on Sep 18
3 h 26 m
Average journey duration on Sep 18
3 h 33 m
Trains on Sep 18
6
Distance
261 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Preston to Luton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Preston to Luton will cost around $118 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $87.
It's difficult to get from Preston to Luton without transferring at least 2 times.
W34029+
W45375+
Tube from London Euston to London St Pancras International
W34181+
W45548+
Tube from London Euston to London St Pancras International
C00579+
W88055 · W70305+
W45561
W34028+
Tube from London Euston to London St Pancras International+
W45565
C00579+
C41892+
Tube from London Euston to London St Pancras International
W34029+
W45375+
Tube from London Euston to London St Pancras International
W34028+
Tube from London Euston to London St Pancras International+
W45565
W34181+
W45548+
Tube from London Euston to London St Pancras International
C00579+
C41892+
Tube from London Euston to London St Pancras International
C00579+
W88055 · W70305+
W45561Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Preston to Luton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $72 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 31m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $72, while a flight costs an average of $413.
Distance: 162 miles (261 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$164 Average price | $72 Average price Cheapest | $413 Average price | $85 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 31m Average total duration Fastest 3h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 24m Average total duration 5h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 51m Average total duration 1h 51m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 3h 28m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Preston to Luton:
A bus is $92 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Preston to Luton costing on average $164.
A bus is $340 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Preston to Luton costing on average $413.
Other travel options to Luton take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 1m.
Bus takes on average 5h 54m.
You'll arrive about 27m sooner (3h 1m by train vs 3h 28m by car). Tickets start at around $164 compared to roughly $85 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.
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.
The table below shows live departures for Preston to Luton trains for tomorrow, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W34029+ Tube from London Euston to London St Pancras International+ W45375 | 8:01 AM Preston station (PRE) | 3h26 | 11:27 AM Luton station (LUT) | 2 transfers | |
W34271 · W34170+ Tube from London Euston to London St Pancras International+ C41884 | 8:17 AM Preston station (PRE) | 3h53 | 12:10 PM Luton station (LUT) | 3 transfers | |
W34181+ Tube from London Euston to London St Pancras International+ W45548 | 9:00 AM Preston station (PRE) | 3h27 | 12:27 PM Luton station (LUT) | 2 transfers | |
C00579+ Tube from London Euston to London St Pancras International+ C41892 | 9:28 AM Preston station (PRE) | 3h42 | 1:10 PM Luton station (LUT) | 2 transfers | |
C00579+ W45561+ W70305 · W88055 | 9:28 AM Preston station (PRE) | 3h43 | 1:11 PM Luton station (LUT) | 3 transfers | |
W34028+ Tube from London Euston to London St Pancras International+ W45565 | 10:00 AM Preston station (PRE) | 3h27 | 1:27 PM Luton station (LUT) | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, 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.
Trains from Preston to Luton run on average 8 times per day, taking around 3h 1m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $48 but you can travel from only $27 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 03:40, the last at 21:40. The fastest train covers the 162 miles (261 km) distance in 2h 44m.
Distance 162 miles (261 km) |
Average train duration 3h 1m |
Cheapest ticket price $48 |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 2h 44m |
First train 3:40 AM |
Last train 9:40 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 3 days |
Discover the best of Luton — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Luton trip today.
Luton's main museum in a Victorian mansion, covering local history, hats, lace, and changing exhibitions in a well-kept park setting.
Museum complex with rural life displays, carriages, gardens, and archaeology, making it one of Luton's strongest family-friendly heritage sites.
Working hat factory museum explaining Luton's famous hat-making trade through machinery, displays, and guided tours in an authentic setting.
Large formal park with lakes, bridges, museum, and broad lawns, ideal for relaxing walks and one of Luton's best-loved green spaces.
Historic town centre square beside St Mary's Church, valued for events, heritage surroundings, and an authentic sense of old Luton.
Extensive parkland with gardens, play areas, and museum access, popular for family walks and exploring Luton's former estate landscape.
A Bedfordshire pastry with chopped meat, suet, onions and seasoning. It is closely tied to the county around Luton and is a classic local comfort food.
A suet dumpling stuffed with currants or jam. Long associated with Bedfordshire home cooking, it is a traditional local pudding served warm.
A rich fruit cake packed with dried fruit and spices. It is a historic Bedfordshire bake often made for family gatherings and festive occasions.
Established Turkish restaurant known for grilled meats, meze and generous portions. Casual atmosphere and dependable local favourite.
Well-known Indian restaurant with polished service and a long-standing reputation. Popular for classic curries in a smart but relaxed setting.
Popular South Indian venue serving dosas, idli and vegetarian dishes. Simple setting, strong reputation and reliable regional flavours.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels near the airport can be pricey, but dining and local transit are usually cheaper than central London.
Service may be included. If not, tip 10-12.5% in restaurants for good service. Taxis are often rounded up. Tipping in cafes is optional.
Official public transport app
Luton Airport Parkway -> Luton Station Interchange
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Preston to Luton 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 Luton, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Preston to Luton trains use the Preston to Luton station pair, with some services arriving at Luton Airport Parkway. Use this guide to compare Preston and Luton 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.
Luton has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Luton.
Wi-Fi is available at Luton. ATMs are available at Luton.
Ticket office support is available at Luton.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Luton: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Luton: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Luton: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category B3 station: Step free access via lift to platform 5 only (some trains to Bedford/ the East Midlands) only. Steps to all other platforms. Assistance Meeting Point is the Ticket Office. This station doesn't have tactile surfaces along all platform edges. Please pay attention to where the platform surface changes from smooth to paved or contact us for assistance, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All Thameslink ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. Ticket machines are of an accessible design, however their location and the station itself may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Wheelchairs may only be available when the station is staffed, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Luton Airport Parkway is 1 km from Luton city centre. Public transport options include:
Luton Airport Parkway has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Luton Airport Parkway.
Wi-Fi is available at Luton Airport Parkway. ATMs are available at Luton Airport Parkway.
Ticket office support is available at Luton Airport Parkway.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Luton Airport Parkway: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Luton Airport Parkway: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Luton Airport Parkway: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station: This station has step-free level access to all platforms via lifts. Assistance Meeting Point is the Ticket Office, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All Thameslink ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. Ticket machines are of an accessible design, however their location and the station itself may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Wheelchairs may only be available when the station is staffed, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Luton DART Parkway has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Luton DART Parkway: The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need