Preston (Lancs) to Manchester Airport Trains From £3.80*

Get your getaway off to a stress-free start – with frequent Northern trains from Preston (Lancs) to Manchester Airport, you can be at the terminal in just over an hour. Sit back and relax on your Preston (Lancs) to Manchester Airport train, as it sweeps past the River Ribble and through Lancashire mill towns before crossing Manchester and arriving directly at the airport terminal.

Northern runs regional and commuter services throughout Lancashire, Yorkshire and the Humber, linking local communities and coastal towns with major northern cities, including Manchester, Leeds and Newcastle.

Departing from Preston (Lancs)

Just a five-minute walk from the town centre, Preston station is a major interchange on the West Coast Main Line. Easily accessible with over 1,000 parking spaces along with nearby bus stops, a taxi rank and dedicated drop-off points, the station is fully step-free with lifts to all platforms and passenger assistance available daily.

Managed by Avanti West Coast, Preston station offers frequent intercity services to London Euston, Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow and Edinburgh, as well as regional trains to Blackpool, Liverpool, Leeds, York and beyond. Northern and TransPennine Express also provide direct links to Manchester Airport, while the Caledonian Sleeper connects Preston overnight with London and the Scottish Highlands.

Main stops

Start your holiday in style aboard a Preston to Manchester Airport train, calling at Leyland, Buckshaw Parkway, Chorley, Adlington, Blackrod, Horwich Parkway, Lostock, Bolton, Salford Crescent, Deansgate, Manchester Oxford Road and Heald Green before arriving right at the airport terminal.

Arriving at Manchester Airport

Manchester Airport station is one of the UK’s busiest international air hubs, putting the whole world within easy reach of the North of England. Located right inside the airport complex, Manchester Airport station is just a short covered walk away from all three terminals – head right via the Skylink footbridge for Terminal 2, or left for Terminals 1 and 3.

Managed by TransPennine Express, Manchester Airport station is served by Transport for Wales, Northern Trains and TransPennine Express, offering frequent connections to Manchester Piccadilly, Liverpool, Leeds and Sheffield, as well as direct services to London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Chester and Llandudno.

Manchester Airport station is well connected, with frequent trains to Manchester Piccadilly, Liverpool, Leeds and Sheffield, plus direct links further afield to both London and Scotland.

Step off your train and you’re only moments away from flights to almost 190 destinations worldwide – from Europe and North America to Asia, Africa and the Caribbean. Whether you’re heading away on holiday or for business, travelling by train to Manchester Airport offers a smooth start to your journey.

Northern train classes 

• Standard Class: Enjoy comfortable seating and free Wi-Fi on many of Northern’s newer trains on your Preston (Lancs) to Manchester Airport journey. As Northern continues to upgrade its fleet, Wi-Fi availability may vary depending on the service.
• First Class: Northern does not offer a First Class option on this route from Preston (Lancs) to Manchester Airport.

Northern train travel advice

To make sure your trip from Preston to Manchester Airport gets off to a smooth start, here’s everything you need to know in advance – from travelling with luggage and bikes to kids, pets and accessibility support.

• Luggage: There’s no set baggage allowance on Northern trains, but space is limited, so do try to travel light. Use overhead racks, under-seat storage and end-of-carriage areas to stow luggage, keeping aisles and wheelchair spaces clear.
• Bicycles: Both standard bikes and e-bikes are welcome, though capacity for bikes is limited (and depends on the train), so board early where possible. Folding bikes are allowed on all services when folded and stored as luggage.
• Children: Kids under the age of five can travel free of charge, while children aged 5-15 are eligible for half-price fares. Families can save even more with a Family & Friends railcard, giving adults a third off standard fares and children 60% off, while teenagers can also enjoy 50% off with a 16-17 Saver railcard.
• Pets: Passengers can bring up to two pets onboard Northern services at no extra cost. Dogs should be kept on a lead or in a carrier, and all pets must remain off the seats at all times.
• Passenger Assist: For help with boarding, handling luggage or navigating stations, Passenger Assist can be booked in advance – either at the time of purchasing your ticket, or via the app, or you can request assistance at staffed stations on the day of travel.

Can’t wait to start your holiday? Get to the airport even quicker with a TransPennine Express train from Preston (Lancs) to Manchester Airport arriving at the terminal in under an hour. Start your getaway in style on a Preston (Lancs) to Manchester Airport train with TransPennine Express, taking in views of the West Pennine Moors before passing through Bolton and Manchester and arriving right at the terminal.

TransPennine Express operates intercity services across northern England and into southern Scotland, linking major cities including Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool, Newcastle, Edinburgh and Glasgow, as well as direct trains to Manchester Airport too.

TransPennine Express train classes 

• Standard Class: Enjoy a relaxed journey in Standard Class with free Wi-Fi on most services, table seating with plug sockets and an onboard range of snacks and drinks to keep you refreshed along the way.
• First Class: Start your holiday in style and travel from Preston (Lancs) to Manchester Airport First Class and enjoy spacious seating, personal power sockets and free Wi-Fi along the way. Many services also include complimentary refreshments, with weekend upgrades often available from as little as £10.

TransPennine Express train travel advice

Before you board your Preston to Manchester Airport train, here’s a quick guide covering all the essentials – from travelling with luggage, bikes and pets to family travel and accessibility support.

• Luggage: Passengers can bring up to three items onboard TransPennine Express services free of charge. Use overhead racks, under-seat spaces and end-of-carriage storage to keep walkways and exits clear.
• Bicycles: Standard bikes and e-bikes are welcome onboard TransPennine Express services with a free reservation, and you can prebook a spot up to 15 minutes before departure. Folding bikes do not require advance reservation; e-scooters are not permitted.
• Children: Kids under five can travel free of charge, while children aged 5-15 are eligible for half-price tickets. Teenagers with a 16-17 Saver railcard can also get 50% off regular fares.
• Pets: Passengers can travel with up to two pets on board TransPennine Express services at no extra cost. Dogs should be kept on a lead, and smaller animals must be transported in a secure carrier. Pets are not allowed on seats.
• Passenger Assist: If you need a little extra assistance when boarding, carrying luggage or navigating stations, Passenger Assist is here to help. You can either pre-book in advance or request assistance from staff at larger stations on the day of travel.

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