Preston to Manchester train with Northern Rail (3)

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The cheapest and fastest trains from Preston to Manchester

Showing times and prices for Jul 20

Cheapest price

$11

Average price

$21

Fastest journey

37 m

Average duration

54 m

Trains per day

Distance

45 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Preston to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Preston to Manchester will cost around $21 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $11.

Fast trains

Of the 4 trains that leave Preston for Manchester on Sun, Jul 20, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Sun, Jul 20 the direct trains cover the 45 km distance in an average of 54 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 37 m .

On Sun, Jul 20 the slowest trains will take 1 h 23 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.

Y02882 · Y04003

08:15AM1h23

Preston station (PRE)

09:38AMManchester Victoria (MCV)

$111One-way

1 transfer

Y05707

09:25AM0h48

Preston station (PRE)

10:13AMDeansgate (DGT)

$191One-way

0 transfers

Y05704

10:24AM0h49

Preston station (PRE)

11:13AMDeansgate (DGT)

$271One-way

0 transfers

Y03835

10:09AM0h37

Preston station (PRE)

10:46AMManchester Oxford Road (MCO)

$271One-way

0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus and train for Preston to Manchester

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Preston to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from €5. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 40m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.0kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €5, and a bus costs an average of €7.

Distance: 27 miles (44 km)

Compare train with

Most popular Train	Bus
€9 Average price Cheapest	€9 Average price
1h 10m Average total duration Fastest 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time*	1h 48m Average total duration 1h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time*
0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest	0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions
Most popular train company	Most popular bus company
Direct Options	Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Preston to Manchester train times

Showing trains for tomorrow, Sunday, July 20

Last updated at 9:26 AM

Provider	Departs	Duration	Arrives	Transfers
Y02882 · Y04003	On time 7:15 AM Preston station (PRE)	1h23	8:38 AM Manchester Victoria (MCV)	1 transfer
Y05707	On time 8:25 AM Preston station (PRE)	0h48	9:13 AM Deansgate (DGT)	0 transfersDirect
Y03835	On time 9:09 AM Preston station (PRE)	0h37	9:46 AM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)	0 transfersDirect
Y05704	On time 9:24 AM Preston station (PRE)	0h49	10:13 AM Deansgate (DGT)	0 transfersDirect
This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Preston to Manchester by bus or train

Sat
Jul 19

Sun
Jul 20

Mon
Jul 21

Tue
Jul 22

Wed
Jul 23

Thu
Jul 24

Fri
Jul 25

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Preston to Manchester?

The best time to book your train from Preston to Manchester is 49 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Preston to Manchester route.

Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Preston to Manchester per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Preston to Manchester.

Trains

from $7

Buses

from $11

Journey information

Overview: Train from Preston to Manchester

United Kingdom

Trains from Preston to Manchester run on average 7 times per day, taking around 40m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $6 (€5) if you book in advance.

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

27 miles (44 km)

Average train duration

40m

Cheapest ticket price

$6 (€5)

Trains per day

Direct trains

Fastest train

33m

First train

00:03

Last train

23:51

Price information

Train companies: Northern Rail (3), TransPennine Express and first_transpennine_express from Preston to Manchester trains

Northern Rail (3), TransPennine Express and first_transpennine_express trains will get you to Manchester from Preston from $6 (€5). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Northern Trains is a publicly owned train operating company in the United Kingdom, headquartered in York. The company operates local and commuter trains across the entire north of England connecting regions of the North East, North West, East Midlands, Staffordshire, Yorkshire and the Humber coast line. The rail network in the UK has been run by over 20 train companies, but they work together as National Rail with coordinated fares and ticketing. Tickets such as Advance, Off-Peak and Anytime Day are available to purchase for routes with Northern. There is only one class option on Northern trains: Standard.

Preston to Manchester train information with Northern Rail (3):

Average Duration: 38 min
Cheapest Price: $6
Northern Rail (3) frequency: 20 a day

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.. 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.

Preston to Manchester train information with TransPennine Express:

Average Duration: 31 min
Cheapest Price: $12

FAQs: Trains from Preston to Manchester

FAQs: Travel by train from Preston to Manchester easily. Whether you want fast, cheap or something entirely different, our travel experts have collected everything you need to know so you can find the best option from Preston to Manchester.

Yes, you can take a train from Preston to Manchester. Additionally, buses are also available as a travel option between the two cities.

The cheapest way to travel from Preston to Manchester is by train, with prices starting at €4.

Yes, you can do a day trip from Preston to Manchester. The train journey takes approximately 47 minutes and there are around seven trains running per day, covering a distance of 44 km between the two cities.

The number of days needed to explore Manchester depends on personal interests and itinerary, but many visitors find that two to three days are sufficient to experience the city's key attractions, museums, and vibrant culture.

Yes, there is a direct train between Preston and Manchester. The direct frequency is 7 times, and the providers offering these services include Northern Rail with 3 services and TransPennine Express.

The train journey from Preston to Manchester typically takes 47 minutes.

The first train from Preston to Manchester leaves at 5:25.

There is no indication of a high-speed train service specifically running between Preston and Manchester over the distance of 44 km, with a travel duration of 47 minutes.

The last train from Preston to Manchester leaves at 23:49.

There is no sleeper train service available between Preston and Manchester. The last train on this route departs at 23:49.

The train journey from Preston to Manchester offers glimpses of the picturesque English countryside, with green fields and views of the Lancashire landscapes, making it a generally pleasant and scenic ride.

Old Trafford is the iconic football stadium and home to Manchester United, offering tours and a museum dedicated to the club's history. Discover The Northern Quarter, a vibrant district known for its independent shops, cafes, and street art. For a captivating performance, visit the Manchester Opera House, or explore the vibrant nightlife at Deansgate Locks with its selection of popular bars and clubs. Heaton Park offers one of the largest municipal parks in Europe, where you can enjoy beautiful landscapes and recreational activities. For cultural insights, the Manchester Art Gallery houses an extensive collection of fine and decorative art, while the Science and Industry Museum provides an interactive exploration of Manchester's industrial heritage. Marvel at the architecture of Manchester Cathedral, a historic Gothic-style landmark, and discover rare books at the John Rylands Library. Castlefield, with its Roman ruins and picturesque canals, is perfect for a leisurely stroll.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Preston to Manchester

Preston

Manchester

The major train station for departures in Preston is Preston. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Preston for your trip from Preston to Manchester.

Preston

Amenities at train station

Wifi

Lockers

Parking

Dining

ATM

Taxis

Accessibility

Hotel

Lost and Found Office

Ticket Office

Bike Parking

Car Rental

Information Desk

Luggage Carts

information

Address

Fishergate, Preston PR1 8AP, United Kingdom

Phone Number

+44 345 748 4950

Ticket Office Hours

5:30 AM - 8:00 PM Monday - Friday
6:30 AM - 7:00 PM Saturday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM Sunday

Distance to city center

1 km

Number of platforms

Wifi

Free

Parking

The car park is open 24 hours, located adjacent to the station with access from Butler Street.

Dining

Rise
The Olive Tree Brasserie
Turtle Bay

Taxis

Outside the main entrance.

Accessibility

Elevators, ramps.

£0.30

Hotel

Holiday Inn Express Preston - South
Delta Hotels Preston
Macdonald Tickled Trout Hotel

Lost and Found Office

Located in the main hall

Car Rental

Enterprise
Europcar

Information Desk

Located in the main hall

Luggage Carts

Free

Station Plan

Hall 1: main entrance, platforms 1-3 for long-distance services
Hall 2: platforms 4-6 for regional and local services

Public transit options for Preston

Bus: Several lines available
Train: Northern, Avanti West Coast, TransPennine Express services

The major train station for arrivals in Manchester is East Didsbury. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at East Didsbury for your journey to Manchester from Preston.

East Didsbury Wifi

Amenities at train station

Wifi

Lockers

Parking

Dining

Taxis

Accessibility

Hotel

Ticket Office

Bike Parking

Information Desk

Luggage Carts

information

Address

Wilmslow Road, East Didsbury, Manchester M20 5WZ, United Kingdom

Phone Number

+44 345 748 4950

Ticket Office Hours

6:00 AM - 8:00 PM Monday - Friday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Sunday

Distance to city center

8 km

Number of platforms

Wifi

Free

Parking

The car park is open 24/7, accessible via Wilmslow Road.

Dining

The Didsbury
The Gateway

Taxis

Outside the main entrance.

Accessibility

Ramps.

£0.30

Hotel

Travelodge Manchester Didsbury
Premier Inn Manchester Didsbury
Eleven Didsbury Park Hotel

Information Desk

Located near the ticket office

Luggage Carts

Free

Station Plan

Hall 1: entrance and ticket office
Hall 2: access to platforms

Public transit options for East Didsbury

Tram: Metrolink East Didsbury Line
Bus: Several lines available including 42, 142, 50

Manchester Piccadilly Wifi

Amenities at train station

Wifi

Lockers

Parking

Dining

ATM

Taxis

Accessibility

Hotel

Ticket Office

Bike Parking

Bike Rental

Car Rental

Information Desk

information

Address

Piccadilly Station Approach, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M60 7RA, United Kingdom

Phone Number

+44 3457114141

Ticket Office Hours

Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
Sun: 07:00 - 22:30

Wifi

Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available through BT Wi-Fi.

Lockers

Operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.

Dining

Burger King
Caffè Nero
Carluccio’s
Hotel Chocolat
Starbucks
The Pasty Shop
Costa Coffee
Pret a Manger
Upper Crust
McDonald's
& more

Accessibility

There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.

Hotel

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly
Premier Inn Manchester City
Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly

Ticket Office

Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
Sun: 07:00 - 22:30

Information Desk

Located near the Fairfield Street entrance on the mezzanine level.

Public transit options for Manchester Piccadilly

Bus lines: 1, 2, 3, 147
Train lines: Northern, TransPennine Express, Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, East Midlands Trains, Transport for Wales

Manchester Oxford Road Parking

Amenities at train station

Parking

Dining

Accessibility

Hotel

Lost and Found Office

Ticket Office

Bike Parking

Bike Rental

Car Rental

information

Address

Manchester Oxford Road station, Station Approach, Oxford Road, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M1 6FU

Ticket Office Hours

Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 06:30 - 22:40 Sunday 07:30 - 22:00

Parking

Car Park: No

Accessibility

Staff help available: Yes
Step free access coverage: No
Step free access note: Category B Station, please note there are no tactile pavings at this station - There are two lifts at the Piccadilly end of platform 4 and 2/3 which connect the concourse area platform 4 and 5 with 2/3. Note: there is no lift access to platform 1 at all
Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards
Accessible toilets: Yes
Ramp for train access: Yes
Wheelchairs available: No
Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No

Toilets Location: There will be no toilet provision at Manchester Oxford Road from 15th July to 25th July to allow for existing toilets to be refurbished
Baby changing facilities: No

Bike Parking

Storage sheltered: Yes
Storage location: on Platform 4/5
Storage CCTV: Yes

Public transit options for Manchester Oxford Road

Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pick Up / Drop Off at the bus stops on Whitworth St West (200 yards from station) (station side for Liverpool, opposite side for Piccadilly)

Deansgate

Amenities at train station

Parking

Dining

Taxis

Accessibility

Hotel

Lost and Found Office

Ticket Office

Bike Parking

Bike Rental

information

Address

Deansgate station, Whitworth Street West, Deansgate, Manchester, M3 4LG

Ticket Office Hours

Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 06:20 - 23:40 Sunday 08:10 - 23:30

Distance to city center

1 km

Parking

Car Park: No

Accessibility

Staff help available: Yes
Step free access coverage: Yes
Step free access note: Category A station, please note there are no tactile pavings at this station From Whitworth Street, up a ramp (43 paces, 1:25 slope) and level access through the entrance into the foyer. Or from the junction of Chester Road, Whitworth Street and Deansgate, level access through the entrance, along the corridor and up 21 steps into the foyer. Then, to Manchester: Past the ticket office, via the lift in the foyer. Or up a ramp (34 paces), up 17 steps onto the platform. To Bolton, Warrington and Wigan : Via the lift in the foyer or along the subway (26 paces), up a ramp (32 paces) and up 18 steps onto the platform. Level access to Manchester platform also via overbridge from Metrolink G-Mex Metrolink stop. Lift available first to last train, currently 06:20 - 23:40 Monday to Saturday. 08:10 - 23:30 Sunday.
Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
Ramp for train access: Yes
Wheelchairs available: No
Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No

Bike Parking

Storage sheltered: No
Storage CCTV: Yes

Public transit options for Deansgate

Onward travel information: Free Metro shuttle bus link from station front serving Manchester City centre including Victoria Station On both sides of Whitworth Street, Deansgate and Chester Road for buses to Piccadilly Gardens, Altrincham or Sale. Contact Busline 0871 200 2233
Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pick Up / Drop Off at bus stops on Whitworth St.
Metro: Metrolink G-Mex tram stop linked by footbridge from Manchester platform. 0161 228 7811

Manchester Airport Wifi

Amenities at train station

Wifi

Shopping

Parking

Dining

ATM

Accessibility

Ticket Office

Bike Parking

Information Desk

information

Address

Manchester Airport station, Malaga Avenue, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M90 3RR

Ticket Office Hours

Opening hours: Monday - Sunday 06:30 - 22:30

Distance to city center

13 km

Shopping

Type of shops available: Passport Photo Booth

Parking

Car Park: No

Accessibility

Staff help available: Yes
Step free access coverage: Yes
Step free access note: re Step free access is provided from the Ground Transport Interchange to all platforms via lifts or ramps. This station is staffed for all services. This station is Category A. Station staff can provide assistance from Meeting Point 1 (adjacent to the Station Booking Office) and throughout the railway station, and with boarding and alighting the train. Customers requiring assistance should make themselves known to station staff no less than 20 minutes prior to the departure time of their train. Customers requiring assistance to access other services or to connect with terminals should request this from their airline or Manchester Airport Group. Assistance can be requested in advance by contacting the TransPennine Express Assisted Travel Team on 0800 107 2149 (18001 prefix for TextRelay). Please be aware that some platforms at this station have no or only partial tactile paving on the platform edge.
Accessible public telephones: In the station cafe on platforms 2 and 3
Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
Accessible toilets: Yes
Ramp for train access: Yes
Wheelchairs available: Yes
Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes

Toilets Location: The toilets are located at platform level, behind the lifts. The Ladies toilets are located at the end of Platform 3. The Gents toilets are located at the end of Platform 2. The National key toilets are located at platform level, behind the lifts, at the end of Platform 2; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
National key toilets: Yes
National key toilets location: The National key toilets are located at platform level, behind the lifts, at the end of Platform 2; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
Baby changing facilities: Yes

Bike Parking

Storage sheltered: No
Storage location: No cycle storage
Storage CCTV: No

Information Desk

Information available from staff: ,Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office
Helpline Contact: 0800 107 2149
Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements

Public transit options for Manchester Airport

Location for Rail Replacement Services: Rail Replacement bus services depart from stands L & M of the adjacent Bus Station which is situated close to the ticket office.

Manchester Victoria Parking

Amenities at train station

Parking

Dining

Accessibility

Hotel

Lost and Found Office

Ticket Office

Bike Parking

Bike Rental

Car Rental

information

Address

Manchester Victoria station, Station Approach, Todd Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M3 1WY

Ticket Office Hours

Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 06:30 - 22:00 Sunday 08:00 - 22:15

Parking

Car Park: No

Accessibility

Staff help available: Yes
Step free access coverage: Yes
Step free access note: Category A station, Scooter Friendly Station - Step free access around the whole station via use of lifts between platforms 3-6, connection with Manchester Metrolink using ramps
Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards Located near the ticket office.
Accessible toilets: Yes
Ramp for train access: Yes
Wheelchairs available: Yes
Wheelchairs available open hours: As per ticket office opening hours
Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No

Toilets Location: A key is available in the Duty's Manager's office.
Baby changing facilities: No

Bike Parking

Storage sheltered: No
Storage location: on platform and approach
Storage CCTV: Yes

Public transit options for Manchester Victoria

Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pick up point is on Station Approach (M3 1WY) directly outside the station main entrance, outside the M & S shop.