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Manchester to Preston (Lancs) train ticket prices
€2.44
On Wed 9
Manchester to Preston (Lancs) train timetable
From Manchester to Preston (Lancs), take the fastest train in 33m, typically 46m. Daily, 60 trains depart from Manchester, with the first at 04:57 and the last at 23:38. Check real-time updates for train times, delays, and cancellations. TrainPal saves you time, effort, and money.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
04:57 Manchester Piccadilly | 37m, Direct | 05:34 Preston (Lancs) | TransPennine Express | Find tickets |
05:08 Manchester Oxford Road | 43m, Direct | 05:51 Preston (Lancs) | Northern | Find tickets |
05:55 Deansgate | 37m, Direct | 06:32 Preston (Lancs) | Northern | Find tickets |
06:06 Manchester Oxford Road | 51m, Direct | 06:57 Preston (Lancs) | Northern | Find tickets |
06:25 Manchester Oxford Road | 35m, Direct | 07:00 Preston (Lancs) | TransPennine Express | 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.
Related travel guides
Why book Manchester to Preston (Lancs) trains with TrainPal?
Why book with TrainPal vs Trainline?
Unlike Trainline, TrainPal charges no booking fees on any route. On top of that, TrainPal's Split Ticket feature automatically divides your journey into multiple ticket segments, saving up to 50% compared to buying a single through ticket. Train fares from Manchester to Preston (Lancs) start from just €2.44 on TrainPal.
Is TrainPal cheaper than buying direct?
TrainPal is often cheaper than buying direct. We don't charge any booking fees, and our Split Ticketing technology searches for the lowest fare combination across your entire journey—something train operator websites don't offer. Plus, we compare prices across multiple operators (e.g., TransPennine Express, Northern on the Manchester to Preston (Lancs) route) in a single search, so you always see the cheapest option regardless of which company operates the train.
Manchester to Preston (Lancs) train travel guide
Taking the train from Manchester to Preston (Lancs) is both efficient and enjoyable, offering scenic views and comfort. With frequent departures from Manchester, you can arrive at Preston (Lancs) in just 33m, making it a quick and convenient option for travelling between these two places.
Planning and booking
How much does it cost for a train from Manchester to Preston (Lancs)?
The average fare from Manchester to Preston (Lancs) is approximately €2.44, but the final price fluctuates. The actual cost depends on your travel dates, how far in advance you book, and your ticket's flexibility. To see the current price for your journey, please search with your specific 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, you will need to transfer when travelling from Manchester to Preston (Lancs). TrainPal Train Journey Planner will assist you in finding the best train route. Enter the origin or destination places and other relevant details, then click "Search" to find the most suitable route.
Is it worth taking a train from Manchester to Preston (Lancs)?
Yes, the train is a highly practical choice. Compared to driving, it is more eco-friendly and avoids the stress of traffic and parking. Compared to coaches, it offers more comfort, space, and scheduling flexibility. Furthermore, its ability to drop you off in the heart of the city makes it an exceptionally convenient option for most journeys.
How far in advance can I book my train ticket?
To get the best price on UK train tickets, it is essential to book as early as you can. Train operators generally release their cheapest Advance tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of the travel date, making early booking the most effective way to secure a lower fare.
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 disruptions can happen due to weather, strikes, and other factors. With Train Journey Planner, finding a train timetable for your trip is simple. Enter your departure and arrival stations to view a detailed schedule of available trains. Provide your travel details to find the best routes, connections, and train times.
How early should I arrive for a train in the UK?
Usually, you need to arrive at a station at least 15-20 minutes ahead of time. However, consider the station's size and your familiarity with it. If the station is large and you are not familiar with it, leaving home as early as possible is the best choice. This can reduce your stress and ensure a relaxing 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?
Make use of our Train Journey Planner for detailed transfer information, ensuring your journey is smooth and efficient, saving you valuable time and effort, and allowing you to rest completely for your travels.
What is the difference between Standard and First Class?
First Class offers an updated experience with more comfort and amenities, such as complimentary food and drinks. The exact services offered depend on the specific 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 TransPennine Express. 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
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Luggage
Your free luggage allowance includes up to three items per passenger, covering standard bags like suitcases, backpacks, and other similarly-sized items.
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Bicycle
Bike reservations are mandatory and free for most train journeys, but space is limited. Standard bicycles and folding bikes are generally allowed. Some operators also permit tandems and e-bikes. Please note that e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bicycle trailers are not permitted. We strongly recommend checking the specific cycle policy on your train operator's website before you travel.
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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.
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Pets
You are welcome to bring up to 2 pets with you at no extra cost. Dogs must be kept on a lead and other animals in a suitable carrier. Please note that for the comfort of all passengers, pets are not allowed on seats or in restaurant carriages.
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Passenger assistance
Passengers with disabilities or additional needs can arrange assistance with their train operator, if required. To ensure support is available for your journey, this service should be booked in advance.
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
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* 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.
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