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Preston to Manchester train with Northern Rail (3)

Sat, Jan 31
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Northern Rail (3)
TransPennine Express
first_transpennine_express
Avanti West Coast
Deutsche Bahn
1,000+ travel companies
Northern Rail (3)
TransPennine Express
first_transpennine_express
Avanti West Coast
Deutsche Bahn
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Preston to Manchester

Showing times and prices for Jan 31

Cheapest price

$12

Average price

$21

Fastest journey

32 m

Average duration

33 m

Trains per day

40

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 $12.

Fast trains

Of the 40 trains that leave Preston for Manchester on Sat, Jan 31, 40 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Sat, Jan 31 the direct trains cover the 45 km distance in an average of 33 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 32 m .

On Sat, Jan 31 the slowest trains will take 34 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.

Northern Rail (3)Y25258
01:21PM0h48
Preston station (PRE)
02:09PMDeansgate (DGT)
$121One-way
0 transfers
Northern Rail (3)L10911
08:51AM0h48
Preston station (PRE)
09:39AMDeansgate (DGT)
$121One-way
0 transfers
Northern Rail (3)L07272
05:20PM0h49
Preston station (PRE)
06:09PMDeansgate (DGT)
$121One-way
0 transfers
Northern Rail (3)L07248
05:49PM0h50
Preston station (PRE)
06:39PMDeansgate (DGT)
$131One-way
0 transfers
Northern Rail (3)Y25253
08:20AM0h49
Preston station (PRE)
09:09AMDeansgate (DGT)
$131One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus 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 €2. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 41m. 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 €2, and a bus costs an average of €6.

Distance: 27 miles (45 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus

€9

Average price

Cheapest

€10

Average price

1h 11m

Average total duration

Fastest

41m

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

Northern Rail (3)

Most popular train company

Megabus

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

The table below shows live departures for Preston to Manchester trains for today, Friday, January 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 2:04 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
northern_rail3:51 PM Preston
0h48
4:39 PM Manchester0 transfersDirect
Saturday, January 31
northern_railL07210
On time
8:11 AM Preston station (PRE)
0h40
8:51 AM Deansgate (DGT)		0 transfersDirect
northern_railY25253
On time
8:20 AM Preston station (PRE)
0h49
9:09 AM Deansgate (DGT)		0 transfersDirect
transpennine_expressC73798
On time
8:49 AM Preston station (PRE)
0h33
9:22 AM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)		0 transfersDirect
northern_railL10911
On time
8:51 AM Preston station (PRE)
0h48
9:39 AM Deansgate (DGT)		0 transfersDirect
northern_railL07197
On time
9:11 AM Preston station (PRE)
0h40
9:51 AM Deansgate (DGT)		0 transfersDirect
northern_railL10921
On time
9:21 AM Preston station (PRE)
0h48
10:09 AM Deansgate (DGT)		0 transfersDirect
transpennine_expressC73800
On time
9:50 AM Preston station (PRE)
0h32
10:22 AM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)		0 transfersDirect
northern_railY25311
On time
9:52 AM Preston station (PRE)
0h47
10:39 AM Deansgate (DGT)		0 transfersDirect
northern_railL07193
On time
10:11 AM Preston station (PRE)
0h40
10:51 AM Deansgate (DGT)		0 transfersDirect
northern_railL10136
On time
10:20 AM Preston station (PRE)
0h49
11:09 AM Deansgate (DGT)		0 transfersDirect
transpennine_expressC73802
On time
10:47 AM Preston station (PRE)
0h35
11:22 AM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)		0 transfersDirect
northern_railL11058
On time
10:52 AM Preston station (PRE)
0h47
11:39 AM Deansgate (DGT)		0 transfersDirect
northern_railL07265
On time
11:11 AM Preston station (PRE)
0h40
11:51 AM Deansgate (DGT)		0 transfersDirect
northern_railY25252
On time
11:20 AM Preston station (PRE)
0h49
12:09 PM Deansgate (DGT)		0 transfersDirect
northern_railL10924
On time
11:51 AM Preston station (PRE)
0h48
12:39 PM Deansgate (DGT)		0 transfersDirect
northern_railL11039
On time
12:11 PM Preston station (PRE)
0h40
12:51 PM Deansgate (DGT)		0 transfersDirect
northern_railY25309
On time
12:20 PM Preston station (PRE)
0h49
1:09 PM Deansgate (DGT)		0 transfersDirect
transpennine_expressC73807
On time
12:47 PM Preston station (PRE)
0h35
1:22 PM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)		0 transfersDirect
northern_railY25260
On time
12:52 PM Preston station (PRE)
0h47
1:39 PM Deansgate (DGT)		0 transfersDirect
northern_railL07234
On time
1:11 PM Preston station (PRE)
0h40
1:51 PM Deansgate (DGT)		0 transfersDirect
northern_railY25258
On time
1:21 PM Preston station (PRE)
0h48
2:09 PM Deansgate (DGT)		0 transfersDirect
transpennine_expressC73810
On time
1:49 PM Preston station (PRE)
0h33
2:22 PM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)		0 transfersDirect
northern_railY25312
On time
1:52 PM Preston station (PRE)
0h47
2:39 PM 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 train or bus

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.

Sat
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Why should you book Preston to Manchester trains with Omio?

Northern Rail (3) as well as TransPennine Express, Avanti West Coast, first_transpennine_express and more offer trains services from Preston to Manchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Preston to Manchester.

Why book with Omio vs Northern Rail (3)?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Northern Rail (3), but also compare tickets for the likes of TransPennine Express, Avanti West Coast or first_transpennine_express to find the best option for your trip from Preston to Manchester.
  • 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 Northern Rail (3) with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Preston to Manchester.

Why book with Omio over Trip or Wanderu?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of TransPennine Express, Avanti West Coast or first_transpennine_express to find the best option for your trip from Preston to Manchester.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Preston to Manchester.

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.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Preston to Manchester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Preston to Manchester run on average 7 times per day, taking around 41m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $3 (€2) if you book in advance.

There are 7 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:03, the last at 23:51. The fastest train covers the 27 miles (45 km) distance in 32m.

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 (45 km)
Average train duration
41m
Cheapest ticket price
$3 (€2)
Trains per day
7
Direct trains
7
Fastest train
32m
First train
00:03
Last train
23:51
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

Train companies: Northern Rail (3), TransPennine Express, first_transpennine_express, Avanti West Coast from Preston to Manchester trainsNorthern Rail (3), TransPennine Express, first_transpennine_express, Avanti West Coast trains will get you between Preston and Manchester from $3 (€2). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Northern Rail (3)

About
Northern Trains is a publicly owned train operating company in the United Kingdom, headquartered in York. It runs local and commuter services across the north of England, connecting regions including the North East, North West, East Midlands, Staffordshire, Yorkshire, and the Humber coastline. As part of the National Rail network, Northern operates under a coordinated fare and ticketing system alongside other UK train companies.Ticket types include Advance, Off-Peak, Anytime Day, single, return, and season tickets, with only one class option available: Standard. Onboard amenities may include comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and refreshments on select services. Popular routes include connections between major northern cities such as Manchester, Liverpool, and Leeds.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
38m
Cheapest Price
$6 (€4)
Northern Rail (3) frequency
6 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
See refund policy for ticket types
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most services with drinks and snacks. Some stations have cafes and shops
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available but not mandatory. Free of charge when booking advance tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, passenger assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone

TransPennine Express

About
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. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drink options. 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.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 0m
Cheapest Price
$21 (€17)
TransPennine Express frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 large items and 1 small hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if service is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks, plus a small selection of hot and cold food items
Seat reservation
Seat reservations are free of charge and recommended for busy routes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance booking service
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone
Learn more about TransPennine Express

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
56m
Cheapest Price
$79 (€62)
Avanti West Coast frequency
2 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
Learn more about Avanti West Coast

first_transpennine_express

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
31m
Cheapest Price
$34 (€27)
first_transpennine_express frequency
10 a day

FAQs: Trains from Preston to Manchester

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Preston to Manchester 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 Manchester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Preston to Manchester can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $3 (€2), while the average price is around $12 (€9).
The train from Preston to Manchester takes 32m and runs 7 per day.
The distance by train from Preston to Manchester is 27 miles (45 km).
The first train from Preston to Manchester leaves at 12:03 AM.
The last train from Preston to Manchester leaves at 11:51 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Preston to Manchester.
Yes, there is a direct train from Preston to Manchester. This service operates 7 times per day, provided by Northern Rail (3), TransPennine Express, first_transpennine_express.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Preston to Manchester.
The train station in Preston that goes to Manchester is Preston station (PRE), which connects to Manchester Airport (MIA).
The cheapest way to get from Preston to Manchester is by train, with a cost of around $3 (€2).
The train journey from Preston to Manchester offers pleasant views of the English countryside, with stretches of fields and occasional glimpses of quaint villages, but it is not typically described as particularly scenic compared to routes through more dramatic landscapes.
Yes, a day trip from Preston to Manchester is feasible with a travel time of 32m and a distance of 27 miles (45 km). Trains run 7 times per day.
In Manchester, you can explore Old Trafford, the home of Manchester United, with its tours and museum. Discover the Northern Quarter, known for its independent shops and street art, or enjoy a captivating performance at the Manchester Opera House. For nightlife, check out Deansgate Locks' bars and clubs. Spend a relaxing day at Heaton Park, one of Europe's largest municipal parks. Visit the Manchester Art Gallery, Science and Industry Museum, and see the stunning architecture of Manchester Cathedral. The John Rylands Library offers a look at rare manuscripts, while Castlefield invites leisurely strolls through its historic ruins and canals.
To fully experience Manchester, including its cultural landmarks, museums, and vibrant nightlife, spending 2 to 3 days is typically sufficient.
Yes, you can take the train from Preston to Manchester.

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.
PrestonWifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
address
Address
Fishergate, Preston PR1 8AP, United Kingdom
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
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
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
6
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • The car park is open 24 hours, located adjacent to the station with access from Butler Street.
Dining
Dining
  • Rise
  • The Olive Tree Brasserie
  • Turtle Bay
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps.
WC
WC
  • £0.30
Hotel
Hotel
  • Holiday Inn Express Preston - South
  • Delta Hotels Preston
  • Macdonald Tickled Trout Hotel
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Car Rental
Car Rental
  • Enterprise
  • Europcar
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
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

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