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Manchester to Preston (Lancs) train ticket prices

Travelling from Manchester to Preston (Lancs) by train? Advance Tickets can be as low as £1.65*, with average fares of £4.76. Benefit from Off-Peak train tickets, Return train tickets, and Anytime Train Tickets for extra savings. Enjoy the most cost-effective and pleasant journey with TrainPal. For more tips on saving money, visit our UK cheap train ticket guide.

Manchester to Preston (Lancs) train times

The journey from Manchester to Preston (Lancs) on the fastest train in 33m, usually 46m. Each day, 70 trains leave from Manchester, starting at 00:09 and ending at 23:38. Get real-time updates on train schedules, delays, and cancellations. Save time, effort, and money with TrainPal.

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  • Fri

    25 Apr

  • Sat

    26 Apr

  • Sun

    27 Apr

  • Mon

    28 Apr

  • Tue

    29 Apr

  • Wed

    30 Apr

  • Thu

    01 May

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DepartsArrivesStatusDurationOperator

05:08

Manchester Oxford Road

05:51

Preston (Lancs)
On time

43m

Northern
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05:55

Deansgate

06:32

Preston (Lancs)
On time

37m

Northern
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06:06

Manchester Oxford Road

06:57

Preston (Lancs)
On time

51m

Northern
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06:25

Manchester Oxford Road

07:00

Preston (Lancs)
On time

35m

TransPennine Express
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06:39

Deansgate

07:28

Preston (Lancs)
On time

49m

Northern
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Manchester to Preston (Lancs) Train journey information

Effortlessly plan your journey from Manchester to Preston (Lancs). Discover the earliest and latest train times, departure and arrival stations, distance, travel duration, and pricing options to enhance your trip.

First train
00:09
Last train
23:38
Departure station
Manchester
Arrival station
Preston (Lancs)
Distance
27 miles (44 km)
Journey time
From 33m
Price
From £1.65
Train operators
Northern, TransPennine Express

TransPennine Express: Manchester to Preston(Lancs) trains

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.

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.

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.

Save 1/3 with Railcards from Manchester to Preston (Lancs)

 16-25 Railcard 16-25 Railcard

£3.17

With 16-25 Railcard

£4.76

Without
Buy 16-25 Railcard

 26-30 Railcard 26-30 Railcard

£3.17

With 26-30 Railcard

£4.76

Without
Buy 26-30 Railcard

 Family & Friends Railcard Family & Friends Railcard

£3.17

With Family & Friends Railcard

£4.76

Without
Buy Family & Friends Railcard

 Two Together Railcard Two Together Railcard

£3.17

With Two Together Railcard

£4.76

Without
Buy Two Together Railcard

 Senior Railcard Senior Railcard

£3.17

With Senior Railcard

£4.76

Without
Buy Senior Railcard

How to buy cheap Manchester to Preston (Lancs) train tickets

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<a href='/split-ticket'>Split tickets</a>

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Break the journey into sections for potential cheaper rail fares.
<a href="/train-ticket-types/advance-train-tickets">Book in advance</a>

Book in advance

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<a href="/train-ticket-types/off-peak-and-super-off-peak-train-tickets">Off-Peak train tickets</a>

Off-Peak train tickets

Cheaper train tickets for less busy times. Combine with Advance fares for the best deals.
<a href='/railcard-guide'>Use a Railcard</a>

Use a Railcard

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<a href="/train-ticket-types/train-season-tickets">Save with Season Tickets</a>

Save with Season Tickets

Unlimited travel between 2 stations. Save more than daily tickets.
<a href="/train-ticket-types/groupsave-train-tickets">Travel in groups</a>

Travel in groups

GroupSave on Off-Peak tickets: 1/3 off for groups of 3-9 adults.
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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.
** Save an average of 73% by combining Advance Ticket savings of 73% with an additional 30% through split tickets. These savings apply to Advance fares booked at least one week before travel, excluding Anytime fares purchased on the day of travel. Availability may vary by route and may not be combined with other offers.

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