The cheapest and fastest trains from Leicester to Preston
Cheapest price
€77
Average price
€106
Fastest journey
2 h 33 m
Average duration
2 h 52 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
164 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Leicester to Preston is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Leicester to Preston will cost around €106 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €77.
Of the 3 trains that leave Leicester for Preston on Thu, Nov 20, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Nov 20 the direct trains cover the 164 km distance in an average of 2 h 52 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 33 m .
On Thu, Nov 20 the slowest trains will take 3 h 2 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.






Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Leicester to Preston
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Leicester to Preston among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €17. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 22m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €17, and a train costs an average of €44.
Distance: 164 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
€79 Average price | €32 Average price Cheapest |
2h 52m Average total duration Fastest 2h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 35m Average total duration 5h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Leicester to Preston train times
The table below shows live departures for Leicester to Preston trains for tomorrow, Thursday, November 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 4:48 AM Leicester | 3h02 | 7:50 AM Preston | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:50 AM Leicester | 3h01 | 11:51 AM Preston | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:18 AM Leicester | 2h33 | 12:51 PM Preston | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Leicester to Preston by train or bus
Compare train and bus prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Nov 20
Nov 21
Nov 22
Nov 23
Nov 24
Nov 25
Nov 26
Journey information
Overview: Train from Leicester to Preston
Trains from Leicester to Preston run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 22m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €44 but you can travel from only €17 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 05:23, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 164 km distance in 1h 56m.
Distance 164 km |
Average train duration 2h 22m |
Cheapest ticket price €44 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 1h 56m |
First train 05:23 |
Last train 23:56 |
Train companies: Avanti West Coast, West Midlands Trains, East Midlands Trains, east_midlands_trains, Cross Country from Leicester to Preston trainsAvanti West Coast, West Midlands Trains, East Midlands Trains, east_midlands_trains, Cross Country trains will get you between Leicester and Preston from €17. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Avanti West Coast
West Midlands Trains
East Midlands Trains
east_midlands_trains
Cross Country
FAQs: Trains from Leicester to Preston
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Leicester to Preston by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Preston, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Leicester to Preston
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:20 - 22:30 Saturday 05:20 - 22:30 Sunday 07:15 - 22:30
- Car Park: Short stay car park
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: This is a Category A access station. There is step free access to the main entrance and lifts to all platforms. Customers with wheelchairs who require assistance on graduated slopes should press the ticket gate 'assistance' button located at the bottom of the stairs near the self service ticket machines. To ensure availability of staff to assist, it is imperative that customers book assistance in advance. This station has tactile paving at the edge of all platforms and at the bottom of all staircases.
- Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: Yes
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on the Main Concourse, Platform 1/2 and Platform 3/4. The National key toilets are located on Platform 1/2 and Platform 3/4; these toilets are operated by a radar key. The radar key is available from the Duty Manager located on the end of Platform 3/4.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Cycle hub situated on the lower floor (old Red Star parcels area) which can be accessed via the lift located to the left of the Customer Information desk. Stands also available in main car park and station front near short stay car park.
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Information available from staff: Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 08000 11 33 23
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Coaches leave from the Station front
- 5:30 AM - 8:00 PM Monday - Friday
- 6:30 AM - 7:00 PM Saturday
- 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 24 hours, located adjacent to the station with access from Butler Street.
- Rise
- The Olive Tree Brasserie
- Turtle Bay
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps.
- £0.30
- Holiday Inn Express Preston - South
- Delta Hotels Preston
- Macdonald Tickled Trout Hotel
- Located in the main hall
- Enterprise
- Europcar
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms 1-3 for long-distance services
- Hall 2: platforms 4-6 for regional and local services
- Bus: Several lines available
- Train: Northern, Avanti West Coast, TransPennine Express services
Most popular train connections from Leicester
More options for your journey from Leicester to Preston
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