- Must visit
The Harris
Preston's leading museum and gallery, known for fine art, history, and architecture. A cornerstone cultural attraction in the city centre.
Cheapest price
$250
Average price
$250
Fastest journey
5 h 15 m
Average duration
5 h 16 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
347 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from West Malling to Preston is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from West Malling to Preston will cost around $250 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $250.
It's difficult to get from West Malling to Preston without transferring at least 3 times.






Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from West Malling to Preston among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from $104. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 55m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of $104, and a train costs an average of $150.
Distance: 215 miles (347 km)
| Train | Most popular Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$150 Average price | $104 Average price Cheapest | $95 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 30m Average total duration 4h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 55m Average total duration Fastest 55m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 32m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from West Malling to Preston:
A flight is $46 (€37) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from West Malling to Preston costing on average $150 (€120).
Other travel options to Preston take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 0m.
You'll arrive about 32m sooner (4h 0m by train vs 4h 32m by car). Tickets start at around $150 (€120) compared to roughly $95 (€76) in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for West Malling to Preston trains for today, Thursday, August 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 5:23 PM West Malling | 5h15 | 10:38 PM Preston | 3 transfers | |
![]() | 9:23 PM West Malling | 10h21 | 7:44 AM Preston | 3 transfers | |
| Friday, August 21 | |||||
![]() | 6:23 AM West Malling | 5h15 | 11:38 AM Preston | 3 transfers | |
![]() | 7:21 AM West Malling | 5h17 | 12:38 PM Preston | 3 transfers | |
![]() | 8:23 AM West Malling | 5h15 | 1:38 PM Preston | 3 transfers | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train 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.
Trains from West Malling to Preston run on average 7 times per day, taking around 4h 0m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $150 (€120) but you can travel from only $104 (€83) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 05:33, the last at 17:38. The fastest train covers the 215 miles (347 km) distance in 4h 0m.
Distance 215 miles (347 km) |
Average train duration 4h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price $150 (€120) |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 4h 0m |
First train 5:33 AM |
Last train 5:38 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Discover the best of Preston — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Preston trip today.
Preston's leading museum and gallery, known for fine art, history, and architecture. A cornerstone cultural attraction in the city centre.
Museum of Lancashire history with social, military, and industrial displays. A strong introduction to the county's people and stories.
Modern university gallery presenting changing contemporary art exhibitions. Worth visiting for fresh work by regional and national artists.
Main civic square framed by major buildings and regular events. A central meeting point and one of Preston's most recognisable public spaces.
Canal-side walking and cycling route with locks, boats, and long views. Ideal for a relaxed local ramble away from the busiest streets.
Extensive riverside and wetland area popular for walking, birdlife, and broad open views. A lesser-known escape close to the city.
Lancashire hotpot is a slow-cooked lamb and onion stew topped with sliced potatoes, long linked with Lancashire home cooking and nearby mill towns.
Butter pie is Preston's best-known savoury pie, filled with potato, onion and butter. It became a Friday staple for local Catholics avoiding meat.
Parkin is a dark oat, treacle and ginger cake popular across Lancashire, especially in colder months and around Bonfire Night.
Elegant fine dining by chef Lisa Goodwin-Allen, known for refined modern British tasting menus and polished service in a country house setting.
Long-established city centre restaurant serving classic Italian dishes in a smart yet relaxed setting. Popular for pasta, seafood and pre-theatre meals.
Traditional Lancashire pub atmosphere with cask ales and hearty British plates. A good place to try regional comfort food in central Preston.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local buses and casual meals stay fairly affordable for visitors.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common for good service if not already added. Round up for taxis. Cafes usually do not require tips.
Official public transport app
Preston Railway Station -> Preston Bus Station
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from West Malling 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.

Most West Malling to Preston trains use the West Malling to Preston station pair. Use this guide to compare West Malling and Preston train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
West Malling 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 West Malling.
Ticket office support is available at West Malling. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: 0345 322 7021 or Text relay 18001 0345 322 7021 Freephone 0800 783 4524 or Text Relay 18001 0800 783 4524, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at West Malling: Parking, WC.
Available at West Malling: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at West Malling: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B2. This station has a degree of step-free access to the platform, which may be in both directions or in one direction only - please check details - Step free access to booking hall and side entrance to Platform 1 for services to London. Step free access to Platform 2 for services towards Maidstone and Ashford via side entrance from Station Road North off Lucks Hill. No step free interchange between platforms. Stepped access between platforms via station footbridge, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not wheelchair accessible, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available to book, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: On platforms 1 and 2, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need