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Preston (Lancs) to Manchester Piccadilly train ticket prices
For a train from Preston (Lancs) to Manchester Piccadilly, Advance Tickets are available starting at £1.68*, with the average fare being £4.31. Find out about different ticket types and options by checking out our Advance Tickets, Off-Peak Train Tickets, Return Train Tickets, and Anytime Train Tickets. Explore more affordable choices in our UK cheap train ticket Guide!
Average
£4.31
From 30 Nov to 06 Dec
Cheapest
£1.68
On Mon 01 Dec
Preston (Lancs) to Manchester Piccadilly train times
The journey from Preston (Lancs) to Manchester Piccadilly on the fastest train in 35m, usually 45m. Each day, 35 trains leave from Preston (Lancs), starting at 09:02 and ending at 22:51. Get real-time updates on train schedules, delays, and cancellations. Save time, effort, and money with TrainPal.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
14:11 Preston (Lancs) | 45m, Direct | 14:56 Manchester Piccadilly | Northern | Find tickets |
14:21 Preston (Lancs) | 58m, Direct | 15:19 Manchester Piccadilly | Northern | Find tickets |
14:48 Preston (Lancs) | 36m, Direct | 15:24 Manchester Piccadilly | TransPennine Express | Find tickets |
15:11 Preston (Lancs) | 44m, Direct | 15:55 Manchester Piccadilly | Northern | Find tickets |
15:21 Preston (Lancs) | 58m, Direct | 16:19 Manchester Piccadilly | Northern | Find tickets |
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Preston (Lancs) to Manchester Piccadilly Train journey information
Plan your journey from Preston (Lancs) to Manchester Piccadilly 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.
First train
09:02
Last train
22:51
Departure station
Arrival station
Journey time
35m
Distance
27 miles (44 km)
Price
From £1.68
Train operators
Northern: Preston to Manchester Piccadilly trains
Sit back and relax on a train journey from Preston to Manchester Piccadilly. Northern services take you to a central location in just 45 minutes on average. Up to four trains run an hour, zooming through the North’s urban and industrial landscapes.
Northern operates a large majority of trains in the North of England, calling at over 500 stations. Sunderland, Middlesbrough and Runcorn are some of its destinations.
Departing from Preston
The Preston to Manchester train departs from Preston station, located ten minutes away from the lively city centre. Getting to the station couldn’t be easier, with a number of local buses stopping nearby. Cabs can drop passengers off on Fishergate Road or Butler Street.
Other direct rail services take passengers to York, Carlisle, Edinburgh and London. Trains are operated by Northern, Caledonian Sleeper, Avanti West Coast and TransPennine Express.
Main stops
Stops on the route from Preston to Manchester Piccadilly may vary depending on the train operator and time. Trains typically call at Chorley, Bolton and Manchester Oxford Road.
Arriving at Manchester Piccadilly
Hopping on a Preston to Manchester train brings you to Manchester Piccadilly station, a major transport interchange. It’s only a 15-minute walk away from the city centre, and onward travel doesn’t have to cost a penny. Both of Manchester’s free city buses stop at the station. Alternatively, you can take a Metrolink tram, which stops underground.
With a thriving arts scene, rich sporting culture and intriguing industrial history, it’s no wonder Manchester is a popular destination. Manchester Piccadilly station is within walking distance of the Alan Turing Memorial, the stunning Piccadilly Gardens and Manchester Art Gallery. Chinatown’s bakeries, shops and restaurants await just behind the gallery.
Services from Manchester Piccadilly run to/from all corners of the country. Northern, East Midlands Railway (EMR), CrossCountry and TransPennine Express are the primary train operators. Stations served include Glasgow Central, Basingstoke and Kendal.
Northern train classes
First Class accommodation isn’t currently provided by Northern. Its Standard Class coaches have comfortable seats and luggage storage areas (including overhead racks). Newly refurbished trains also offer free Wi-Fi. Fares tend to be available 12 weeks in advance, so book early to buy cheap train tickets.
Northern train travel advice
- Luggage: A reasonable amount of luggage is permitted per passenger. All items must be stowed either in the luggage racks or underneath your seat.
- Bicycles: Bike spaces cannot be reserved and are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. E-scooters aren’t allowed.
- Children: Kids under 5 get free travel with an adult. Tickets are typically half price for 5–15-year-olds and 16–17 Saver Railcard holders. The Family and Friends Railcard also offers discounts.
- Pets: You can travel with up to two pets. They must stay off the seats and be in an enclosed carrier or on a lead.
- Passenger Assist: Northern staff can help you book assistance for your journey, from managing luggage to using wheelchair spaces. You can also get in touch with any queries.
*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.
Preston (Lancs) to Manchester Piccadilly train travel guide
The train journey from Preston (Lancs) to Manchester Piccadilly combines efficiency with pleasure, featuring beautiful scenery and comfort. With frequent departures from Preston (Lancs), you can get to Manchester Piccadilly in just 35m, making it an ideal and convenient choice for travelling between them.
Planning and booking
1. How can I save money on Preston (Lancs) to Manchester Piccadilly train tickets?
To find discounted train tickets, use Railcards, book in advance, and travel off-peak. Group travel with friends or family can also save money. Frequent travellers should consider Season Tickets. TrainPal offers cheaper options through split tickets and discount codes. Learn more about buying cheap train tickets in the UK.
2. How do I find the best train route from Preston (Lancs) to Manchester Piccadilly?
Utilise the TrainPal app or website to its fullest potential. Our Train Journey Planner is a top-notch online tool for planning your trips. Just enter your departure and arrival cities or stations. Then, review timetables and schedules, compare prices, consider direct routes, and check for food supplies or other amenities. Find the best train route from Preston (Lancs) to Manchester Piccadilly.
3. What is the best way to travel from Preston (Lancs) to Manchester Piccadilly by train?
The fastest train journey time from Preston (Lancs) to Manchester Piccadilly is 35m . Use our Train Journey Planner to find direct trains, avoid transfers, and compare travel times for each route to see if there are fewer stops to make your journey seamless.
4. Are there direct trains from Preston (Lancs) to Manchester Piccadilly?
No, there are no direct trains from Preston (Lancs) to Manchester Piccadilly. However, you can still find the best train options using the TrainPal Train Journey Planner. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations to see all available train services and plan your trip
Check timetables and during the journey
1. Are Preston (Lancs) to Manchester Piccadilly trains punctual, and how can I check real-time information?
While Preston (Lancs) to Manchester Piccadilly trains are usually on time, delays or disruptions may occur due to weather, strikes, and other factors. Finding a train timetable for your trip from Preston (Lancs) to Manchester Piccadilly is easy with Train Journey Planner. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations to get a detailed schedule of available trains. Input your travel details to discover the best routes, connections, and train times.
2. 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.
3. Do Preston (Lancs) to Manchester Piccadilly trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
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4. 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.
Other things you might be interested
1. Are there discounts for students or seniors on UK train tickets?
Yes, in the UK, students and seniors have access to various discount options. The 16-25 Railcard allows students to save up to 1/3 on most train tickets. Similarly, those aged 60 and above can use the Senior Railcard to enjoy comparable savings. Both types of Railcards are available for purchase online or at train stations and are valid for one year, making them a valuable option for frequent travellers.
2. Can UK train tickets be refunded or changed?
In the UK, refund and change policies for train tickets vary by type. Advance Tickets are generally non-refundable but may be changeable for a fee. Flexible tickets, like Anytime Train Tickets and Off-Peak train tickets, offer more options for refunds and changes. Review the specific terms and conditions of your ticket or refer to UK train ticket types for precise details.
3. How do I check train delays and cancellations in the UK?
Checking train delays and cancellations in the UK is simple. Utilise the TrainPal mobile app for real-time information. We offer live updates, including live train status and notifications of any train strikes.
Save 1/3 with Railcards† from Preston (Lancs) to Manchester Piccadilly
Family & Friends Railcard
£2.87
With Family & Friends Railcard
£4.31
Without
How to buy cheap Preston (Lancs) to Manchester Piccadilly train tickets
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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.
* By combining Advance Ticket offers with split tickets, you’ll get lower fares when you book at least one week before travel (excluding Anytime fares bought on the day of travel). Availability depends on the specific route and cannot be combined with other promotions.
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