Preston (Lancs) to Manchester Piccadilly Trains From £6.20*

• Northern trains are often the most affordable. While the baggage allowance is slightly stricter, you won’t have to wait long for a train. Services depart up to three times an hour around the clock.
• TransPennine Express’s hourly services call at fewer intermediate stations, reaching the vibrant Northern city in as little as 36 minutes. The operator also provides First Class accommodation with complimentary refreshments. You can also buy cheap train tickets in Standard Class, matching Northern’s fares when you book in advance.

Zoom through the 27 miles (44 kilometres) between Preston and Manchester Piccadilly stations when you travel by rail. Whether you’re heading to campus, a business meeting or a concert, our tips will help make every stage of the journey a breeze.

Departure from Preston

Conveniently situated around the corner from the city centre’s shopping centres and 10–15 minutes away from the UK’s biggest bus station, you can easily reach Preston rail station from almost anywhere. Some bus routes and cabs can drop you off directly in front of the station.

• Finding your platform: Preston station is fairly compact and simple to navigate, with step-free access to all platforms. Services from Preston to Manchester Piccadilly tend to stop at platforms 2, 4 and 6. Check the departure boards and listen out for announcements in case there are any changes.
• Grab-and-go refreshments: The station’s central platforms (3 and 4) have a range of food and shopping outlets. Pick up a drink and a quick bite from Pumpkin Café between platforms 1 and 2. If your train departs from platform 3 or 4, Whistlestop or The Beer House, which includes seating.

On board trains from Preston to Manchester Piccadilly

Take the relaxed route into the city and get glimpses of the region’s industrial past from the train window. Here’s what to expect on each operator’s service:

• Luggage limits: Most trains to Manchester Piccadilly from Preston terminate at Manchester Airport, and carriages are fitted with plenty of storage areas for holiday-goers. TransPennine Express permits up to two large suitcases (30 x 70 x 90 centimetres max.) and one item of hand luggage per passenger. You can bring a large bag, one cabin-sized case and one piece of hand luggage on Northern services.
• Scenic landscapes: Take in a mix of lush rural countryside and industrial estates on the Preston to Manchester train. Get a seat on the left side for views over Miller Park and the River Ribble at the start of the journey, as well as the red-brick Victorian mills as you pass Bolton.
• Free Wi-Fi: Both Northern and TransPennine Express offer free internet access so you can stay connected throughout the journey. Get online by selecting the operator’s network, then follow the onscreen instructions to register.

Arriving at Manchester Piccadilly

• Piccadilly Station Approach exit: The station’s main exit is only ten minutes away from the city centre. Passengers can lock up or fetch their bikes from the bicycle parking area or hop on buses from Station Approach or London Road.
• Fairfield Street exit: If you’re taking a Metrolink tram, head to the lower level via the lift or escalators. This exit also leads to the taxi rank, more bus routes and the University of Manchester.
• Getting around Manchester: You can directly transfer to the Metrolink tram (Blue and Yellow lines) or board one of the many Bee Network buses to reach your final destination. It’s also easy to explore central attractions entirely on foot.
• Free buses: Manchester Piccadilly also offers onward travel that won’t cost you a penny. Both of the city’s free bus routes serve the station. Take Route 1 to Central coach station or stop by the exciting high streets, restaurants and cultural venues in Spinningfields and Deansgate. Route 2 services take you straight to Chinatown, the Royal Exchange and the Medieval Quarter.