No booking fees on the app
Best Price Promise
Delay Repay
24/7 customer support
Manchester to Preston (Lancs) train ticket prices
€4.37
On Mon 25 May
Manchester to Preston (Lancs) train timetable
The journey from Manchester to Preston (Lancs) on the fastest train in 33m, usually 46m. Each day, 70 trains leave from Manchester, starting at 00:09 and ending at 23:38. Get real-time updates on train schedules, delays, and cancellations. Save time, effort, and money with TrainPal.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
05:55 Deansgate | 37m, Direct | 06:32 Lancs | Northern | Find tickets |
06:06 Manchester Oxford Road | 51m, Direct | 06:57 Lancs | Northern | Find tickets |
06:25 Manchester Oxford Road | 35m, Direct | 07:00 Lancs | TransPennine Express | Find tickets |
06:39 Deansgate | 49m, Direct | 07:28 Lancs | Northern | Find tickets |
07:08 Deansgate | 51m, Direct | 07:59 Lancs | Northern | Find tickets |
Manchester to Preston (Lancs) train tickets and times
Plan your journey from Manchester to Preston (Lancs) with ease. Explore the first and last train times, departure and arrival stations, distance, journey time, and price options to make the most of your trip.
TransPennine Express: Manchester to Preston(Lancs) trains
As you travel, you’ll pass from the post-industrial metropolis of Manchester and Greater Manchester up into the contrasting gentle hills and rolling valleys of Lancashire.
Departing from Manchester Oxford Road
Main stops
When travelling with TransPennine Express from Oxford Road, there is only one stop between Manchester and Preston, Bolton.
Arriving at Preston(Lancs)
Preston train station can be found on Butler Street across the road from Fishergate Shopping Centre in the heart of the city. The station is served by buses and taxis and has a large car park with 1025 spaces seven days a week.
Preston is filled with interesting things to do, especially if you enjoy museums. From the Harris Museum, Lancashire Infantry Museum, all the way to the Ribble Steam Railway & Museum it’s a history-lovers delight.
TransPennine Express train classes
Standard Class: TransPennine Express Standard Class offers walk-through carriages, air-conditioning, and charging plugs for your devices.
First Class: The Manchester to Preston First Class ticket with TransPennine Express will give you access to more legroom, reclining seats, free Wi-Fi and complimentary food and drink.
TransPennine Express train travel advice
Luggage: Maximum of three items of luggage. This goes up to two larger items and one smaller bag.
Pets: Dogs, cats, and other small animals can travel for free. Dogs must be on a lead. Other animals must travel in carriers. There is a maximum of two pets per passenger.
Bicycles: Bikes can be stored free of charge, but space is limited. You must book a space for your bike before you travel.
- Children: Under 5’s can travel for free. Children aged 5 to 15 can save 50% on their tickets. Booking in advance using TrainPal helps ensure families can sit together. The Family & Friends Railcard offers up to 1/3 off family ticket costs.
Passenger Assist: Providing ramps for entering and exiting trains, luggage support, and station guidance, with help for stairs and provision of wheelchairs or buggies for covering greater distances.
Northern: Manchester to Preston(Lancs) trains
Traveling from Manchester to Preston with Northern is a quick and easy journey, taking approximately 35 to 45 minutes. Manchester, a vibrant city known for its rich industrial heritage and cultural scene, offers excellent transport links to the surrounding areas, including Preston.
As you travel to Preston, you'll pass through the picturesque landscapes of Lancashire, with views of rolling hills, charming towns, and lush green fields. The route provides a scenic escape from the bustling city life of Manchester.
Northern offers frequent services throughout the day, ensuring convenient travel options for commuters and visitors alike heading to Preston, a city known for its historical landmarks and thriving community.
Departing from Deansgate
You can also get from Manchester to Preston via Deansgate train station with Northern.
Main stops
If you are travelling from Deansgate with Northern, there are nine stops. These are: Salford Crescent, Bolton, Lostock, Horwich Parkway, Blackrod, Adlington, Chorley, Buckshaw Parkway, and Leyland.
These can be subject to changes like bad weather or scheduling, however. So, it’s best to check before you travel.
Arriving at Preston(Lancs)
Preston train station can be found on Butler Street across the road from Fishergate Shopping Centre in the heart of the city. The station is served by buses and taxis and has a large car park with 1025 spaces seven days a week.
Many train services operate through Preston, including Avanti West Coast, TransPennine Express, and Northern, which is excellent for ongoing connections.
Preston is filled with interesting things to do, especially if you enjoy museums. From the Harris Museum, Lancashire Infantry Museum, all the way to the Ribble Steam Railway & Museum it’s a history-lovers delight.
Northern train classes
Standard Class: Comfortable seating and free Wi-Fi. There are also tables and power sockets for your devices.
First Class: Northern does not have any First Class sections on any of their trains.
Northern train travel advice
Luggage: Maximum of three items of luggage. This goes up to two larger items and one smaller bag.
Pets: Dogs, cats, and other small animals can travel for free. Dogs must be on a lead. Other animals must travel in carriers. There is a maximum of two pets per passenger.
Bicycles: Bikes can be stored free of charge, but space is limited. There is no need to book a space.
Children: Under 5’s can travel for free. Children aged 5 to 15 can save 50% on their tickets. Booking in advance using TrainPal helps ensure families can sit together. The Family & Friends Railcard offers up to 1/3 off family ticket costs.
Passenger Assist: Assist passengers with boarding and alighting trains, help with entering and exiting stations, reserve seats, purchase tickets, and more.
Manchester to Preston (Lancs) train travel guide
The train journey from Manchester to Preston (Lancs) combines efficiency with pleasure, featuring beautiful scenery and comfort. With frequent departures from Manchester, you can get to Preston (Lancs) in just 33m, making it an ideal and convenient choice for travelling between them.
Planning and booking
How much does it cost for a train from Manchester to Preston (Lancs)?
The average ticket fare from Manchester to Preston (Lancs) is about €4.37, but prices are dynamic. The final cost depends on when you book, when you travel, and ticket flexibility. To find the exact cost for your journey, please search with your travel dates.
What is the best way to travel from Manchester to Preston (Lancs) by train?
What is the fastest train from Manchester to Preston (Lancs)?
The fastest train journey time from Manchester to Preston (Lancs) is 33m. Direct trains can save significant time by avoiding transfers. Always check if a direct route is available for your journey. Moreover, when searching for trains, consider the total travel time. Some routes with fewer stops or more efficient schedules might be faster.
Are there direct trains from Manchester to Preston (Lancs)?
No, unfortunately, you need to transfer from Manchester to Preston (Lancs). Still, the TrainPal Train Journey Planner helps you find the best train. Just input your origin or destination places, then click "Search" to see the suitable route.
Is it worth taking a train from Manchester to Preston (Lancs)?
Yes, choosing the train offers an excellent blend of comfort, speed, and convenience. It's a more relaxing and sustainable option than driving, allowing you to bypass traffic and parking hassles. While coaches might have lower fares, the train provides a superior travel experience with more space and a more flexible timetable. Its key advantage is arriving directly in the city centre, making it one of the most efficient ways to reach your destination.
How far in advance can I book my train ticket?
Typically, you can book UK train tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of your travel date. This is when the cheapest Advance tickets are usually released by train operators. To secure the best price, we strongly recommend booking as early as possible.
Check timetables and during the journey
How do I find Manchester to Preston (Lancs) train timetables?
Manchester to Preston (Lancs) trains are generally punctual, but delays or cancellations can occur due to weather, strikes, and other factors. After purchasing a ticket, use TrainPal to track live train updates. Before buying a ticket, our Train Journey Planner provides all necessary booking information. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations, click 'Search,' and view routes labelled 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest,' with all details displayed.
How early should I arrive for a train in the UK?
Typically, you should plan to arrive at the station 15-20 minutes before your train is scheduled to depart. However, the size of the station and your familiarity with it can affect this timing. For larger or less familiar stations, leaving home earlier can help reduce stress and ensure a more relaxed journey.
Do Manchester to Preston (Lancs) trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the route from Manchester to Preston (Lancs) are equipped with Wi-Fi. Passengers can also enjoy complimentary food, drinks, and power sockets for a more comfortable journey. Please note that the availability of these services can vary depending on the train company
How do I transfer between train stations in the UK?
Check our Train Journey Planner, which provides detailed information about transfers to ensure your journey is uninterrupted, saving you time and effort, and allowing you to get a full rest for travelling.
What is the difference between Standard and First Class?
While Standard Class offers a good travel experience, First Class provides an upgrade in comfort and service. This typically includes enhanced amenities like complimentary food and drinks, though the specific offerings depend on the train operator.
Other things you might be interested
Are there discounts for students or seniors on UK train tickets?
Can UK train tickets be refunded or changed?
How do I check train delays and cancellations in the UK?
Get easy and quick access to live updates and notifications via the TrainPal app. If your phone is enabled to receive messages from us, you'll receive notifications about train cancellations on your screen as soon as you pick up your phone
Which train companies operate the Manchester to Preston (Lancs) route?
The train from Manchester to Preston (Lancs) is operated by Northern. To see which operator runs a specific service, the easiest way to identify it is to use the search bar on this page. The name of the train company will be clearly displayed next to each journey option in the search results.
Essential onboard rules and facilities
-
Luggage
You can bring up to three pieces of luggage for free, including satchels, backpacks, suitcases, and similar items.
-
Bicycle
A free reservation is required for bikes on most journeys due to limited space. While standard bicycles and folding bikes are widely permitted, some operators have provisions for e-bikes and tandems. Please note that e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bike trailers are not allowed. As policies vary, it is essential to consult your specific train operator's website for their definitive cycle rules before you travel.
-
Children
Children under 5 usually travel free. Children aged 5–15 get 50% off, and 16-year-olds can use the 16-17 Saver Railcard for 50% off.
-
Pets
Bring up to 2 pets free; keep dogs on a lead or in a carrier. No animals on seats or in restaurant carriages.
-
Passenger assistance
For passengers with disabilities or additional needs, all train operators provide dedicated assistance. It is essential to book this service in advance to guarantee its availability.
How to buy cheap Manchester to Preston (Lancs) train tickets
Cheaper train tickets for less busy times. Combine with Advance fares for the best deals.
Compensation and refunds
Your plans have changed?
Your train was disrupted?
More train routes
* Prices are dynamic and subject to change. Ticket prices vary based on time of day, route, and class. This pricing does not apply to discounted Split tickets and Railcards.
New user welcome pack