Manchester to Preston (Lancs) Trains From £3.60*

Manchester and Preston(Lancs) are not far from each other; they are only 27 miles apart. It takes around 35 minutes to travel direct with TransPennine Express, and a little longer with Northern.

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.

TransPennine Express offers regional and long-distance intercity services designed to connect the key economic centres of Northern England and Scotland, such as Newcastle, Manchester, Leeds, and Glasgow.

Departing from Manchester Oxford Road

Manchester Oxford Road is located along Station Approach, between Whitworth Street West and Oxford Street. It’s the third busiest station in Manchester, and serves the western line towards Preston, Warrington, Chester, and Liverpool.

You can reach both Manchester Oxford Road and Manchester Piccadilly stations by bus, taxi, or Metrolink. Additionally, purchasing a discounted ‘Plusbus’ ticket along with your train ticket allows for unlimited travel throughout the city.

Main stops

When travelling with TransPennine Express from Oxford Road, there is only one stop between Manchester and Preston, Bolton.

These can be subject to changes like bad weather or scheduling, however. So, it’s best to check before you travel. It’s best to book early to avoid disappointment. You can buy cheap train tickets early with sites like TrainPal.

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.

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.

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.

Located in the city's South West, this area is near the intersection of Castlefield, Deansgate, and Whitworth Street West. Deansgate is exclusively managed by Northern, with the station providing services only to destinations in the North West of England, including Liverpool Lime Street and Lancaster.

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.

*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.