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The cheapest and fastest trains from Watford to Preston
Showing times and prices for Dec 22
Cheapest price
$168
Average price
$168
Fastest journey
2 h 22 m
Average duration
2 h 22 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
282 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Watford to Preston is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Watford to Preston will cost around $168 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $168.
Fast trains
Of the 1 trains that leave Watford for Preston on Mon, Dec 22, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Dec 22 the direct trains cover the 282 km distance in an average of 2 h 22 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 22 m .
On Mon, Dec 22 the slowest trains will take 2 h 22 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.
04:48AM2h22
Watford07:10AMPreston
$1681One-way
0 transfers
04:48AM2h22
Watford07:10AMPreston
$1681One-way
0 transfers
Watford - PrestonCompare Avanti West Coast, Caledonian Sleeper
$53
2h 22m
11 a day
Power plugs
Wifi
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
First Class: Included in ticket price. Standard Class: Optional reservation for £8-12
$113
3h 20m
1 a day
Power plugs
Wifi
2 pieces of luggage per person included in ticket price
Included in ticket price for sleeping car passengers. Optional seat reservations available for seated carriages
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Watford to Preston
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Watford to Preston among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from €43. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 2m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €43, and a flight costs an average of €79.
Distance: 175 miles (282 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|
€101 Average price Cheapest | €185 Average price |
3h 42m Average total duration 3h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 2m Average total duration Fastest 1h 2m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Watford to Preston train times
The table below shows live departures for Watford to Preston trains for tomorrow, Monday, December 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 12:16 PM
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4:48 AM Watford | 2h22 | 7:10 AM Preston | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Watford to Preston by train, bus, or flight
Compare train, bus, and flight 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.
Mon
Dec 22
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Dec 28
Why should you book Watford to Preston trains with Omio?
Avanti West Coast as well as Caledonian Sleeper and West Midlands Trains offer trains services from Watford to Preston. Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Watford to Preston.
Why book with Omio vs Avanti West Coast?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Avanti West Coast, but also compare tickets for the likes of Caledonian Sleeper and West Midlands Trains to find the best option for your trip from Watford to Preston.
- 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 Avanti West Coast with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Watford to Preston.
Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?
- Multiple travel company options: While Avanti West Coast tickets can be bought on Avanti West Coast's website or third party sellers, Omio allows you to compare with the likes of Caledonian Sleeper and West Midlands Trains to help you choose the right option for your journey from Watford to Preston.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Watford to Preston.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Watford to Preston
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Watford to Preston run on average 13 times per day, taking around 3h 12m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $53 (€43) if you book in advance.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:25, the last at 21:45. The fastest train covers the 175 miles (282 km) distance in 2h 22m.
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 175 miles (282 km) |
Average train duration 3h 12m |
Cheapest ticket price $53 (€43) |
Trains per day 13 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 2h 22m |
First train 05:25 |
Last train 21:45 |
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: Avanti West Coast, Caledonian Sleeper, West Midlands Trains from Watford to Preston trainsAvanti West Coast, Caledonian Sleeper, West Midlands Trains trains will get you between Watford and Preston from $53 (€43). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
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
2h 22m
Cheapest Price
$53 (€43)
Avanti West Coast frequency
11 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
Caledonian Sleeper
About
The Caledonian Sleeper is a train service operating in the United Kingdom. It offers overnight journeys between London, Scotland, the North of England and Wales. The service is operated by Serco and consists of two types of trains: the Classic Sleeper and the Lowland Sleeper. The Classic Sleeper offers comfortable sleeping berths, while the Lowland Sleeper offers reclining seats. Both trains offer onboard facilities such as Wi-Fi, power sockets, and complimentary tea and coffee.Ticket types include Standard, First Class and Solo. Standard tickets offer access to the lounge car, while First Class tickets include access to the lounge car and complimentary breakfast. Solo tickets are available for single travellers and offer access to the lounge car and a private sleeping berth. The most popular routes for the Caledonian Sleeper are London to Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness. Passengers can also travel from London to Aberdeen, Fort William and Dundee.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 20m
Cheapest Price
$113 (€91)
Caledonian Sleeper frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage per person included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Dedicated luggage storage areas in each carriage and under beds in sleeping compartments
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies vary by ticket type and timing before departure
Refund
Full refund provided if service is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Complimentary breakfast for all guests. Club Car serves dinner and drinks. Room service available for sleeping car passengers
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for sleeping car passengers. Optional seat reservations available for seated carriages
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Accessible rooms available, wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and staff assistance
Pets
Small pets allowed in sleeping compartments for a fee. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone
West Midlands Trains
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 41m
West Midlands Trains frequency
1 a day
FAQs: Trains from Watford to Preston
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Watford to Preston 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 Preston, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
To fully experience Preston's main attractions and local culture, spending 2 to 3 days is typically sufficient.
The train from Watford to Preston takes 2h 22m and runs 13 per day.
A day trip from Watford to Preston is not feasible as the journey duration is 2h 22m, exceeding the 120-minute limit. Trains operate 13 times per day. The distance covered is 175 miles (282 km).
The train journey from Watford to Preston offers a variety of landscapes, including urban views as you leave Watford, and transitions to picturesque countryside and rolling hills, particularly as you travel through the West Midlands and approach the northwest of England.
The last train from Watford to Preston leaves at 9:45 PM.
Train ticket prices from Watford to Preston can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $53 (€43), while the average price is around $126 (€101).
The cheapest way to get from Watford to Preston is by train, with a cost of around $53 (€43).
Yes, there is a night train from Watford to Preston.
The distance by train from Watford to Preston is 175 miles (282 km).
The first train from Watford to Preston leaves at 5:25 AM.
The train station in Watford that goes to Preston is Watford Junction (WFJ), which connects to Preston station (PRE).
Yes, you can take the train from Watford to Preston.
There is no high speed train available from Watford to Preston.
Yes, there is a direct train from Watford to Preston. This service operates 1 times per day, provided by Avanti West Coast, Caledonian Sleeper.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Watford to Preston
Watford
Preston
The major train station for departures in Watford is Watford Junction. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Watford Junction for your trip from Watford to Preston.
Amenities at train station
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lounge
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:30 - 23:00 Saturday 05:30 - 23:00 Sunday 06:30 - 22:30 Booking Office and Travel Centre
Parking
- Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station
- Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are accessible on platform 6
- Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: Ticket Vending Machines are located in the Booking Hall.
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: Yes
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platform 6. The toilet facilities are available: Monday - Sunday 04:00-23:00. The National key toilets are located on the Main Concourse; these toilets are operated by a RADAR key. A RADAR key is available from station staff upon request. The National key toilet facilities are available: Monday - Saturday 04:00-14:00 and Sunday 06:00-14:00.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Baby changing facilities location: Female toilets
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: Station forecourt
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 0800 0248 997
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements
Public transit options for Watford Junction
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: In the event of engineering the bus/coach will collect from bay 1 of the bus station at the side of the railway station.
Amenities at train station
WifiShoppingParkingDiningAccessibilityTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:45 - 21:00 Saturday 08:15 - 15:15 Sunday 09:15 - 16:30
Distance to city center
1 kmShopping
- Type of shops available: News agent
Parking
- Car Park: Bushey Station
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: No
- Step free access note: Accessibility category C. This station does not have step-free access
- Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station
- Accessible taxis: contact taxi operator directly
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Ramp for train access: No
- Wheelchairs available: Yes
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: behind the Ticket Office
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from information point
- Helpline Contact: 0343 222 1234
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements
Public transit options for Bushey
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Use Bus stop A in Pinner Road for northbound services to Watford Junction Use Bus stop A in Pinner Road for southbound services to Harrow & Wealdstone
Amenities at train station
WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityHotelTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 07:30 - 10:00 Saturday 09:30 - 12:15
Shopping
- Type of shops available: High Street shops located nearby
Parking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: No
- Step free access note: Level access to ticket office from street. Single island platform, accessible from entrance by staircase only
- Accessible taxis: Contact taxi operator directly
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Ramp for train access: No
- Wheelchairs available: Yes
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transit options for Watford High Street
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Use Bus stop A in Lower High Street for northbound services to Watford Junction Use Bus stop B in Lower High Street for southbound services to Harrow & Wealdstone
- Metro: Watford London Underground station (Metropolitan line) is approximately 34 minutes' walk away
The major train station for arrivals in Preston is Preston. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Preston for your journey to Preston from Watford.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
LockersParkingDiningATM
TaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parking
Car RentalInformation Desk
Luggage Cartsinformation
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
6Wifi
- 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.
WC
- £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
Most popular train connections from Watford
More options for your journey from Watford to Preston
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Preston and Watford
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