Preston to Manchester train with Northern Rail

Fri, Jun 19
+ Add return
Northern Rail
Transpennine Express
TransPennine Express
Northern Trains Limited
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
Northern Rail
Transpennine Express
TransPennine Express
Northern Trains Limited
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Preston to Manchester

Showing times and prices for Jun 19

Cheapest price

$12

Average price

$17

Fastest journey

33 m

Average duration

36 m

Trains per day

19

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 $17 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $12.

Fast trains

Of the 19 trains that leave Preston for Manchester on Fri, Jun 19, 17 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Fri, Jun 19 the direct trains cover the 45 km distance in an average of 36 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 33 m .

On Fri, Jun 19 the slowest trains will take 39 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 RailG89823
    4:51 PM0h48
    Preston station (PRE)
    5:39 PMDeansgate (DGT)
    $121One-way
    0 transfers
  • Northern RailG89830
    6:22 PM0h48
    Preston station (PRE)
    7:10 PMDeansgate (DGT)
    $121One-way
    0 transfers
  • Northern RailG89827
    5:49 PM0h50
    Preston station (PRE)
    6:39 PMDeansgate (DGT)
    $121One-way
    0 transfers
  • Northern RailG89825
    5:20 PM0h49
    Preston station (PRE)
    6:09 PMDeansgate (DGT)
    $121One-way
    0 transfers
  • Northern RailG89819
    3:50 PM0h49
    Preston station (PRE)
    4:39 PMDeansgate (DGT)
    $121One-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 $8.

Distance: 27 miles (45 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Driving

$11

Average price

Cheapest

$11

Average price

$12

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

1h 10m

Average total duration

Fastest

40m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 37m

Average total duration

1h 7m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 3m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.0 - 0.0kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

Northern Rail

Most popular train company

National Express

Most popular bus company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

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

The cheapest way to travel from Preston to Manchester is a train with an average price of $11 (€9).

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

A train is $0.48 (€0.39) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Preston to Manchester costing on average $11 (€9).

The fastest way to travel from Preston to Manchester is by train with an average journey time of 40m.

Other travel options to Manchester take longer:

Bus takes on average 1h 7m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Preston and Manchester including taking a bus and train.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Preston to Manchester among Omio's users.
Take the train. On this route, it beats driving on both time and money.

The journey is about 23m faster (40m by train vs 1h 3m by car) and roughly $1 (€1) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($11 (€9) vs $12 (€10)). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.

Direct services run with Northern Rail, Transpennine Express, TransPennine Express, Northern Trains Limited.

Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.

Live departures

Preston to Manchester train times

The table below shows live departures for Preston to Manchester trains for today, Thursday, June 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Northern RailG89816
On time
5:25 AM Preston station (PRE)
0h44
6:09 AM Deansgate (DGT)
0 transfersDirect
Northern RailG89818
On time
5:50 AM Preston station (PRE)
0h49
6:39 AM Deansgate (DGT)
0 transfersDirect
Northern RailG89877
On time
6:12 AM Preston station (PRE)
0h39
6:51 AM Deansgate (DGT)
0 transfersDirect
Northern RailG89820
On time
6:21 AM Preston station (PRE)
0h48
7:09 AM Deansgate (DGT)
0 transfersDirect
Transpennine ExpressW848786:47 AM Preston station (PRE)
0h35
7:22 AM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)0 transfersDirect
Northern RailG898226:49 AM Preston station (PRE)
0h50
7:39 AM Deansgate (DGT)0 transfersDirect
Northern RailG89878
On time
7:13 AM Preston station (PRE)
0h38
7:51 AM Deansgate (DGT)
0 transfersDirect
Northern RailG898712:11 PM Preston station (PRE)
0h40
2:51 PM Deansgate (DGT)0 transfersDirect
Northern RailG898652:20 PM Preston station (PRE)
0h49
3:09 PM Deansgate (DGT)0 transfersDirect
Transpennine ExpressW849122:48 PM Preston station (PRE)
0h34
3:22 PM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)0 transfersDirect
Northern RailG898672:52 PM Preston station (PRE)
0h47
3:39 PM Deansgate (DGT)0 transfersDirect
Northern RailG898893:12 PM Preston station (PRE)
0h39
3:51 PM Deansgate (DGT)0 transfersDirect
Northern RailP28507+Avanti West CoastW341243:18 PM Preston station (PRE)
0h50
4:08 PM Manchester Victoria (MCV)1 transfer

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

Compare bus and train 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
Jun 19
Sat
Jun 20
Sun
Jun 21
Mon
Jun 22
Tue
Jun 23
Wed
Jun 24
Thu
Jun 25

Why should you book Preston to Manchester trains with Omio?

Northern Rail as well as Transpennine Express, TransPennine Express, Northern Trains Limited 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?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Northern Rail, but also compare tickets for the likes of Transpennine Express, TransPennine Express or Northern Trains Limited 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 with all available travel options, which are bus and train 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, TransPennine Express or Northern Trains Limited to find the best option for your trip from Preston to Manchester.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train 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 8 times per day, taking around 40m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $5 (€4) if you book in advance.

There are 8 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:03, the last at 23:52. 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
40m
Cheapest ticket price
$5 (€4)
Trains per day
8
Direct trains
8
Fastest train
32m
First train
12:03 AM
Last train
11:52 PM
Cheapest Month
Nov
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Jul - Sep
Busiest Day
Wed
Least Busy Day
Tue
Best time to book
14 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

Train companies: Northern Rail, Transpennine Express, TransPennine Express, Northern Trains Limited from Preston to Manchester trainsNorthern Rail, Transpennine Express, TransPennine Express, Northern Trains Limited trains will get you between Preston and Manchester from $5 (€4). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Northern Rail

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
37m
Cheapest Price
$5 (€4)
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
32m
Cheapest Price
$9 (€7)
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

TransPennine Express

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
30m
Cheapest Price
$23 (€19)
TransPennine Express frequency
8 a day

Northern Trains Limited

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
37m
Cheapest Price
$27 (€22)
Northern Trains Limited frequency
17 a day

Complete guide to Manchester

Things to do in Manchester

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

  • Must visit

Science and Industry Museum

Major museum exploring Manchester’s role in science, technology and industry, with historic machinery and railway heritage on the oldest surviving passenger railway station site.

  • Must visit

Manchester Museum

University museum with acclaimed natural history, archaeology and cultural collections, recently refreshed and especially popular for its dinosaur and ancient Egypt displays.

  • Must visit

Manchester Art Gallery

Central city gallery with fine art, design and decorative arts collections, plus changing exhibitions in a landmark civic building.

Pound sterling

Moderate by UK standards. Budget eats are easy to find, but central hotels and nightlife can be pricey.

Average meal costs

Budget
GBP 8-15 for street food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
GBP 20-35 per person at a casual restaurant.
Fine dining
GBP 60+ per person at upscale restaurants.
Coffee
GBP 3-4.50 for a regular coffee.

Tipping culture

Service is often included in restaurants. If not, tip 10-12.5% for good service. Round up in taxis. Tipping is not expected for counter service, but small tips are appreciated.

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 $5 (€4), while the average price is around $11 (€9).
The train from Preston to Manchester takes 32m and runs 8 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 11:52 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 8 times per day, provided by Northern Rail, Transpennine Express, TransPennine Express, Northern Trains Limited.
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 $5 (€4).
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.
Since neither Preston nor Manchester 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 Manchester include Liverpool, Leeds, Sheffield, Newton-le-Willows, Chester.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Preston to Manchester 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 Manchester, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like markets, public transport, and popular tourist spots. Common scams include fake charity collectors and overcharging by unofficial taxi drivers. It is advisable to use licensed taxis and keep personal belongings secure to avoid theft. Staying aware of surroundings, particularly at night, helps reduce safety risks.
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 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.
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
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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