- Must visit
National Railway Museum
Major railway museum with iconic locomotives, royal trains, and engineering exhibits. One of Britain's best family-friendly museums.
Cheapest price
$17
Average price
$31
Fastest journey
2 h 13 m
Average duration
2 h 31 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
109 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Preston to York is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Preston to York will cost around $31 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $17.
Of the 4 trains that leave Preston for York on Tue, Aug 04, 4 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 109 km distance in an average of 2 h 31 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 13 m .
On Tue, Aug 04 the slowest trains will take 2 h 49 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.








Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Preston to York among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $26. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 25m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $26, and a train costs an average of $17.
Distance: 67 miles (109 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$34 Average price | $28 Average price Cheapest | $29 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 55m Average total duration Fastest 2h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 45m Average total duration 3h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 59m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() 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.
This is compared to other travel options from Preston to York:
A bus is $6 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Preston to York costing on average $34.
Other travel options to York take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 15m.
Tickets start at around $34 compared to roughly $29 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-4.76. The journey takes 2h 25m versus 1h 59m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Preston to York trains for today, Monday, August 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:50 AM Preston | 2h46 | 10:36 AM York | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:44 AM Preston | 2h13 | 10:57 AM York | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:44 AM Preston | 2h13 | 12:57 PM York | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:44 AM Preston | 2h13 | 1:57 PM York | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:43 PM Preston | 2h40 | 12:23 AM York | 0 transfersDirect |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Preston to York run on average 7 times per day, taking around 2h 25m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $17 if you book in advance.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 01:30, the last at 23:49. The fastest train covers the 67 miles (109 km) distance in 2h 13m.
Distance 67 miles (109 km) |
Average train duration 2h 25m |
Cheapest ticket price $17 |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 2h 13m |
First train 1:30 AM |
Last train 11:49 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of York — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect York trip today.
Major railway museum with iconic locomotives, royal trains, and engineering exhibits. One of Britain's best family-friendly museums.
Immersive walk-through museum recreating Victorian streets, shops, and homes. Brilliant for understanding everyday life in historic York.
York's main city museum with archaeology, Roman finds, and local history. Set in beautiful gardens beside abbey ruins.
Narrow medieval street with overhanging timber-framed buildings and many independent shops. York's most famous and atmospheric lane.
Peaceful riverside gardens with abbey ruins, museum access, and lawns. Ideal for a scenic break amid York's historic core.
Grand civic street lined with historic buildings, gardens, and cultural sites. A key route for exploring the heart of York.
Yorkshire pudding is a baked batter pudding served with roast beef and gravy, iconic across Yorkshire and a staple of the traditional Sunday roast.
York ham is a prized cured ham from the city, traditionally mild, tender, and often served thick-cut in sandwiches, salads, or classic British meals.
Parkin is a sticky ginger cake made with oats and treacle, strongly linked to Yorkshire and especially eaten around Bonfire Night.
Michelin-starred fine dining by Tommy Banks, known for seasonal tasting menus and polished service in an elegant city-centre setting.
Beloved tearoom serving York rarebit, afternoon tea, and the famous fat rascal in an old-fashioned, bustling setting.
Long-established seafood restaurant known for very fresh fish, shellfish, and a smart but relaxed dining room in central York.
Moderate for UK city breaks: hotels and dining are pricier than smaller towns, but transit is limited and many sights are walkable.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up for taxis. Cafes usually do not expect tips, but small change is appreciated.
Official public transport app
York Railway Station -> York Minster, York
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Preston to York 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 York, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Preston to York trains use the Preston to York station pair. Use this guide to compare Preston and York 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.
York has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at York.
Wi-Fi is available at York. ATMs are available at York.
Ticket office support is available at York.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at York: Parking, WC.
Available at York: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at York: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: No advance booking is required but it will reduce the waiting time for a wheelchair access Taxi, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accessible machines are available on the main concourse, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need