Preston to Luton train with Avanti West Coast

Tue, Aug 04
+ Add return
Avanti West Coast
Caledonian Sleeper
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
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2,000+ travel companies
Avanti West Coast
Caledonian Sleeper
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Preston to Luton

Showing times and prices for Aug 04

Cheapest price

€88

Average price

€92

Fastest journey

3 h 27 m

Average duration

3 h 44 m

Trains per day

3

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 €92 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €88.

Fast trains

Of the 3 trains that leave Preston for Luton on Tue, Aug 04, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Tue, Aug 04 the direct trains cover the 261 km distance in an average of 3 h 44 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 27 m .

On Tue, Aug 04 the slowest trains will take 3 h 52 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.

  • Avanti West Coast
    8:00 AM3h27
    Preston
    11:27 AMLuton
    881One-way
    0 transfers
  • Avanti West Coast
    9:19 AM3h52
    Preston
    1:11 PMLuton
    941One-way
    0 transfers
  • Avanti West Coast
    8:19 AM3h52
    Preston
    12:11 PMLuton
    951One-way
    0 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 prices starting from €18. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 20m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €18, and a flight costs an average of €70.

Distance: 162 miles (261 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Flight
Driving

€90

Average price

€34

Average price

Cheapest

€164

Average price

€69

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

3h 53m

Average total duration

3h 23m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

7h 2m

Average total duration

6h 32m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 20m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 20m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

3h 28m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

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 €34.

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

A bus is €56 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Preston to Luton costing on average €90.

A bus is €131 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Preston to Luton costing on average €164.

The fastest way to travel from Preston to Luton is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 20m.

Other travel options to Luton take longer:

Train takes on average 3h 23m.

Bus takes on average 6h 32m.

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 5m sooner (3h 23m by train vs 3h 28m by car). Tickets start at around €90 compared to roughly €69 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, Tuesday, August 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Avanti West Coast8:00 AM Preston
3h27
11:27 AM Luton0 transfersDirect
Avanti West Coast8:19 AM Preston
3h52
12:11 PM Luton0 transfersDirect
Avanti West Coast9:19 AM Preston
3h52
1:11 PM Luton0 transfersDirect

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.

Tue
Aug 04
Wed
Aug 05
Thu
Aug 06
Fri
Aug 07
Sat
Aug 08
Sun
Aug 09
Mon
Aug 10

Why should you book Preston to Luton trains with Omio?

Avanti West Coast as well as 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 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 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 6 times per day, taking around 3h 23m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €63 but you can travel from only €18 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 3h 26m.

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 €18
Distance
162 miles (261 km)
Average train duration
3h 23m
Cheapest ticket price
€63
Trains per day
6
Fastest train
3h 26m
First train
3:40 AM
Last train
9:40 PM
Cheapest Month
Apr
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Jul - Sep
Best time to book
35 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 €18

Train companies: Avanti West Coast, Caledonian Sleeper from Preston to Luton trainsAvanti West Coast, Caledonian Sleeper trains will get you between Preston and Luton from €18. 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 Duration
3h 26m
Cheapest Price
€63
Avanti West Coast frequency
15 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

Caledonian Sleeper

About
The Caledonian Sleeper is a train service operating in the United Kingdom. It offers overnight journeys between London, Scotland, the North of England and Wales. The service is operated by Serco and consists of two types of trains: the Classic Sleeper and the Lowland Sleeper. The Classic Sleeper offers comfortable sleeping berths, while the Lowland Sleeper offers reclining seats. Both trains offer onboard facilities such as Wi-Fi, power sockets, and complimentary tea and coffee.Ticket types include Standard, First Class and Solo. Standard tickets offer access to the lounge car, while First Class tickets include access to the lounge car and complimentary breakfast. Solo tickets are available for single travellers and offer access to the lounge car and a private sleeping berth. The most popular routes for the Caledonian Sleeper are London to Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness. Passengers can also travel from London to Aberdeen, Fort William and Dundee.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 57m
Cheapest Price
€112
Caledonian Sleeper frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage per person included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Dedicated luggage storage areas in each carriage and under beds in sleeping compartments
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies vary by ticket type and timing before departure
Refund
Full refund provided if service is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Complimentary breakfast for all guests. Club Car serves dinner and drinks. Room service available for sleeping car passengers
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for sleeping car passengers. Optional seat reservations available for seated carriages
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Accessible rooms available, wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and staff assistance
Pets
Small pets allowed in sleeping compartments for a fee. 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 €63, while the average price is around €90.
The train from Preston to Luton takes 3h 26m and runs 6 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 €18.
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 3h 26m. 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 · €9 · 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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