- Must visit
The Atkinson
Local history museum covering Southport's seaside growth, social history, and notable residents. Compact, informative, and central.
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Preston to Southport is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Preston to Southport will cost around $22 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $22.
On Thu, Nov 05, we found 1 trains from Preston to Southport, including 1 direct services.
On Thu, Nov 05 the direct trains cover the 23 km distance in an average of 1 h 15 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 15 m .
On Thu, Nov 05 the slowest trains will take 1 h 15 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.

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Trains from Preston to Southport run on average 3 times per day, taking around 51m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $21 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 05:33, the last at 23:16. The fastest train covers the 14 miles (23 km) distance in 44m.
Plan this route
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Preston to Southport.
The table below shows live departures for Preston to Southport trains for today, Wednesday, November 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
P28621+ W34207 | Delayed 7:54 AM 7:18 AMPreston station (PRE) | 1h15 | 8:33 AM Southport station (SOP) | 1 transfer | |
G89153 · P28625 | On time 7:28 AM Preston station (PRE) | 1h15 | 8:43 AM Southport station (SOP) | 1 transfer | |
P28629+ W34271 | Delayed 8:52 AM 8:17 AMPreston station (PRE) | 1h08 | 9:25 AM Southport station (SOP) | 1 transfer | |
G85359 · P28633 | On time 8:28 AM Preston station (PRE) | 1h15 | 9:43 AM Southport station (SOP) | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Trains from Preston to Southport with Northern Rail. Regional trains available on this route with Northern Rail. Use the details below to compare onboard facilities.
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Discover the best of Southport — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Southport trip today.
Local history museum covering Southport's seaside growth, social history, and notable residents. Compact, informative, and central.
Art gallery within The Atkinson showing changing exhibitions and works linked to the region. A strong cultural stop in the town centre.
Museum displays within The Atkinson exploring archaeology, natural history, and local heritage. Good for understanding Southport and Sefton.
Southport's grand tree-lined boulevard with canopies, historic shops, and elegant architecture. Essential for strolling and town-centre atmosphere.
Wide sandy beach and coastal walking area known for open views and dramatic tides. Best for fresh air and seaside photography.
Long seafront promenade linking the pier, gardens, and marine lake. Excellent for an easy walk with classic resort views.
Traditional Lancashire stew of lamb or mutton, onions and root vegetables, long-cooked for rich flavour. A classic comfort dish across the region.
Crumbly cow’s milk cheese from Lancashire, often sold as creamy, tasty or mature. It is one of the county’s best-known traditional foods.
A lightly spiced fruit loaf packed with currants and citrus peel, traditionally sliced and buttered. Strongly associated with nearby Eccles in Greater Manchester.
Elegant fine dining restaurant known for modern British tasting menus, polished service and a refined atmosphere for special occasions.
Well-regarded Indian restaurant offering classic curries and tandoori dishes in a smart yet relaxed dining room.
Popular traditional fish and chip shop with casual seating, known for classic seaside portions and reliable local favourites.
Moderate for a UK seaside town. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London; local transit is manageable, but peak summer stays can raise costs.
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up for taxis. Cafe tipping is optional.
Official public transport app
Southport Station -> Southport Station
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Southport.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Preston to Southport 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 Southport, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Preston to Southport trains use the Preston to Southport station pair, with some services arriving at Hillside. Use this guide to compare Preston and Southport train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Preston is 1 km from Preston city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: Rise, The Olive Tree Brasserie, Turtle Bay
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Preston. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Preston. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Preston: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Preston: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Preston: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Holiday Inn Express Preston - South, Delta Hotels Preston, Macdonald Tickled Trout Hotel.
Southport has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Southport.
ATMs are available at Southport.
Ticket office support is available at Southport. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0151 555 1111, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Southport: Parking, WC.
Available at Southport: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Southport: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A: “This station has step free access to all platforms / the platform” Ticket office is step free. Both platforms accessed via concourse, Accessible ticket machines: There are no accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Hillside is 3 km from Southport city centre. Public transport options include:
Hillside has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Hillside.
Ticket office support is available at Hillside. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0151 555 1111, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Hillside: Parking, WC.
Available at Hillside: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Hillside: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category C: “This station does not have step-free access to any platform.” The nearest station with disabled access is Ainsdale, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Birkdale is 1 km from Southport city centre. Public transport options include:
Birkdale has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Birkdale.
Ticket office support is available at Birkdale. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0151 555 1111, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Birkdale: Parking, WC.
Available at Birkdale: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Birkdale: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A: “This station has step free access to all platforms / the platform.” Although a footbridge links platforms, both platforms can be accessed via a level crossing. Staff are on hand to assist those passengers requiring it, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Check train stations information for Preston and Southport, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.