Preston to Luton train with Avanti West Coast

Fri, Sep 18
+ Add return
Avanti West Coast
Lumo
Caledonian Sleeper
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
2,000+ travel companies
Avanti West Coast
Lumo
Caledonian Sleeper
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Preston to Luton

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 18

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

Cheap tickets

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.

Fast trains

It's difficult to get from Preston to Luton without transferring at least 2 times.

  • Avanti West CoastW34029+ThameslinkW45375+TubeTube from London Euston to London St Pancras International
    8:01 AM3h26
    Preston station (PRE)
    11:27 AMLuton station (LUT)
    $871One-way
    2 transfers
  • Avanti West CoastW34181+ThameslinkW45548+TubeTube from London Euston to London St Pancras International
    9:00 AM3h27
    Preston station (PRE)
    12:27 PMLuton station (LUT)
    $1011One-way
    2 transfers
  • LumoC00579+West Midlands TrainsW88055 · W70305+ThameslinkW45561
    9:28 AM3h43
    Preston station (PRE)
    1:11 PMLuton station (LUT)
    $1161One-way
    3 transfers
  • Avanti West CoastW34028+TubeTube from London Euston to London St Pancras International+ThameslinkW45565
    10:00 AM3h27
    Preston station (PRE)
    1:27 PMLuton station (LUT)
    $1171One-way
    2 transfers
  • LumoC00579+East Midlands RailwayC41892+TubeTube from London Euston to London St Pancras International
    9:28 AM3h42
    Preston station (PRE)
    1:10 PMLuton station (LUT)
    $1441One-way
    2 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus, train, and flight for Preston to Luton

Omio 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)

Compare train with

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)

Avanti West Coast

Most popular train company

National Express

Most popular bus company

British Airways

Most popular airline

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Preston to Luton is a bus with an average price of $72.

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.

The fastest way to travel from Preston to Luton is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 51m.

Other travel options to Luton take longer:

Train takes on average 3h 1m.

Bus takes on average 5h 54m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Preston and Luton including taking a bus, train, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Preston to Luton 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 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.

Live departures

Preston to Luton train times

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.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Avanti West CoastW34029+TubeTube from London Euston to London St Pancras International+ThameslinkW453758:01 AM Preston station (PRE)
3h26
11:27 AM Luton station (LUT)2 transfers
Avanti West CoastW34271 · W34170+TubeTube from London Euston to London St Pancras International+East Midlands RailwayC418848:17 AM Preston station (PRE)
3h53
12:10 PM Luton station (LUT)3 transfers
Avanti West CoastW34181+TubeTube from London Euston to London St Pancras International+ThameslinkW455489:00 AM Preston station (PRE)
3h27
12:27 PM Luton station (LUT)2 transfers
LumoC00579+TubeTube from London Euston to London St Pancras International+East Midlands RailwayC418929:28 AM Preston station (PRE)
3h42
1:10 PM Luton station (LUT)2 transfers
LumoC00579+ThameslinkW45561+West Midlands TrainsW70305 · W880559:28 AM Preston station (PRE)
3h43
1:11 PM Luton station (LUT)3 transfers
Avanti West CoastW34028+TubeTube from London Euston to London St Pancras International+ThameslinkW4556510:00 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 prices and tickets Preston to Luton by bus, train, or flight

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.

Fri
Sep 18
Sat
Sep 19
Sun
Sep 20
Mon
Sep 21
Tue
Sep 22
Wed
Sep 23
Thu
Sep 24

Why should you book Preston to Luton trains with Omio?

Avanti West Coast as well as Lumo or Caledonian Sleeper offer trains services from Preston to Luton.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Preston to Luton.

Why book with Omio vs Avanti West Coast?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Avanti West Coast, but also compare tickets for the likes of Lumo or Caledonian Sleeper to find the best option for your trip from Preston to Luton.
  • 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 Avanti West Coast with all available travel options, which are bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Preston to Luton.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Lumo or Caledonian Sleeper to find the best option for your trip from Preston to Luton.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Preston to Luton.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Preston to Luton

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

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.

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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $27
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
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $27

Train companies: Avanti West Coast, Lumo, West Midlands Trains from Preston to Luton trainsAvanti West Coast, Lumo, West Midlands Trains trains will get you between Preston and Luton from $27. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

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 Avanti West Coast Duration
2h 44m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
$86
Avanti West Coast frequency
4 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

Lumo

About
Lumo are an open access operator launched in 2021 owned by FirstGroup providing train travel from London to Scotland and the North-East of England. It runs between London and Edinburgh along the East Coast Main Line. Lumo trains offer 100% electric travel along with amenities like comforable seating, free WiFi & their LumoEats at-seat catering in their single Standard Class. Lumo offered two ticket types their advance tickets LumoFixed which are only valid on the date and train booked but are exchangeable prior to departure and their Anytime tickets which can be used on any Lumo train on the date of your ticket.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Lumo Duration
2h 59m
Cheapest Lumo Price
$48
Lumo frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
One piece of hand luggage and one piece of hold luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at the end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refunds according to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by operator
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, and light meals. First Class includes complimentary refreshments
Seat reservation
Seat reservation included with all tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces available, accessible toilets, and staff assistance for boarding
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs on leads allowed with fee
Quiet zone

West Midlands Trains

About
West Midlands Trains is a train operator based in the United Kingdom, providing services across the West Midlands region. It operates a variety of train types, including the Class 350 Desiro, Class 323 Electrostar, Class 170 Turbostar, and Class 172 Turbostar. These trains offer a range of onboard facilities, such as free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and air conditioning. Passengers can purchase a range of tickets, including single, return, and season tickets. The most popular routes operated by West Midlands Trains include Birmingham to London Euston, Birmingham to Wolverhampton, and Birmingham to Coventry.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average West Midlands Trains Duration
3h 6m
Cheapest West Midlands Trains Price
$114
West Midlands Trains frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for an additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs require a ticket at 50% of adult fare. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone

Complete guide to Luton

Things to do in Luton

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

  • 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.

  • Must visit

Stockwood Discovery Centre

Museum complex with rural life displays, carriages, gardens, and archaeology, making it one of Luton's strongest family-friendly heritage sites.

  • Recommended

The Hat Factory at Stockwood Discovery Centre

Working hat factory museum explaining Luton's famous hat-making trade through machinery, displays, and guided tours in an authentic setting.

British Pound Sterling (£)

Moderate for the UK. Hotels near the airport can be pricey, but dining and local transit are usually cheaper than central London.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
£18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£50+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£2.80-4 for coffee.

Tipping culture

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.

FAQs: Trains from Preston to Luton

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.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Preston to Luton can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $48, while the average price is around $164.
The train from Preston to Luton takes 2h 44m and runs 8 per day.
The distance by train from Preston to Luton is 162 miles (261 km).
The first train from Preston to Luton leaves at 3:40 AM.
The last train from Preston to Luton leaves at 9:40 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Preston to Luton.
There is no direct train service currently available from Preston to Luton.
Yes, there is a night train from Preston to Luton.
The train station in Preston that goes to Luton is Preston station (PRE), which connects to Luton station (LUT).
The cheapest way to get from Preston to Luton is by bus, with a cost of around $27.
The train journey from Preston to Luton offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes, including views of the rolling hills and countryside of the Midlands, but it is not typically considered one of the most scenic routes in the UK.
A day trip from Preston to Luton is not feasible as the travel duration is 2h 44m. The distance is 162 miles (261 km), and there are 5 trains per day.
In Luton, visitors can explore The Mall Luton for shopping and dining, enjoy family-friendly activities at Woodside Animal Farm, and shop for fresh produce and crafts at Luton Indoor Market. For outdoor activities, Stockwood Park offers a space for picnics and sports. For entertainment, The Galaxy provides a cinema and bowling alley. Key sights include the Stockwood Discovery Centre with its local history exhibits and gardens, Wardown House Museum and Gallery, Luton Hoo Estate with its gardens and golf course, Whipsnade Zoo, and The Hat Factory Arts Centre, which hosts performances and art exhibitions.
Visitors typically find that spending one to two days in Luton is sufficient to explore its main attractions, such as the Stockwood Discovery Centre, Wardown House, and the charming local parks.
Yes, you can take the train from Preston to Luton.
Since neither Preston nor Luton 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 Luton include London, Bedford, St Albans, Wellingborough, Harpenden.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Preston to Luton 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 Luton, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas such as Luton Airport and the town center. Taxi scams can occur, so using licensed cabs or pre-booked transportation is advised. Be wary of unofficial currency exchange services offering poor rates or counterfeit notes. Staying vigilant in busy spots and securing personal belongings helps ensure a safe visit.
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 Luton

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.

Departure train stations in Preston
Arrival train stations in Luton

Which Preston station do trains to Luton leave from?

Trains from Preston to Luton 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.

More options for your journey from Preston to Luton

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

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