4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Preston to Manchester
Cheapest price
€8
Average price
€11
Fastest journey
32 m
Average duration
42 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
45 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Preston to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Preston to Manchester will cost around €11 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €8.
Of the 6 trains that leave Preston for Manchester on Mon, Aug 03, 6 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Aug 03 the direct trains cover the 45 km distance in an average of 42 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 32 m .
On Mon, Aug 03 the slowest trains will take 48 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.
G898339:21 AM0h48Preston station (PRE)10:09 AMDeansgate (DGT)€81One-way0 transfers- G898288:20 AM0h49Preston station (PRE)9:09 AMDeansgate (DGT)€101One-way0 transfers
- G898818:11 AM0h40Preston station (PRE)8:51 AMDeansgate (DGT)€101One-way0 transfers
- G898318:51 AM0h48Preston station (PRE)9:39 AMDeansgate (DGT)€101One-way0 transfers
W848968:50 AM0h32Preston station (PRE)9:22 AMManchester Oxford Road (MCO)€131One-way0 transfers
- W848968:50 AM0h32Preston station (PRE)9:22 AMManchester Oxford Road (MCO)€131One-way0 transfers
- G898829:11 AM0h40Preston station (PRE)9:51 AMDeansgate (DGT)€141One-way0 transfers
- G898818:11 AM0h40Preston station (PRE)8:51 AMDeansgate (DGT)€101One-way0 transfers
- G898339:21 AM0h48Preston station (PRE)10:09 AMDeansgate (DGT)€81One-way0 transfers
- G898318:51 AM0h48Preston station (PRE)9:39 AMDeansgate (DGT)€101One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus and train for Preston to Manchester
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Preston to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from €4. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 40m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.0kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €4, and a bus costs an average of €6.
Distance: 45 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
€9 Average price Cheapest | €9 Average price |
1h 10m Average total duration Fastest 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 37m Average total duration 1h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.0 - 0.1kg 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
Preston to Manchester train times
The table below shows live departures for Preston to Manchester trains for today, Sunday, August 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| W84920 | On time 5:48 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0h32 | 6:20 PM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G89896 | On time 6:11 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0h39 | 6:50 PM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G89862 | On time 6:21 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0h50 | 7:11 PM Deansgate (DGT) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| W84924 | On time 6:49 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0h31 | 7:20 PM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| W84924+C32595 | On time 6:49 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0h49 | 7:38 PM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 1 transfer | |
| G89864 | On time 7:21 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0h50 | 8:11 PM Deansgate (DGT) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| W84926 | On time 7:48 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0h32 | 8:20 PM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G89876 · C32619 | On time 8:11 PM Preston station (PRE) | 1h27 | 9:38 PM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 1 transfer | |
| G89876 | On time 8:11 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0h39 | 8:50 PM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G89880 | On time 9:12 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0h38 | 9:50 PM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G89868 | On time 9:21 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0h51 | 10:12 PM Deansgate (DGT) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| W84874 | On time 9:28 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0h35 | 10:03 PM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| W84930 | On time 10:15 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0h37 | 10:52 PM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G89842 | On time 10:21 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0h50 | 11:11 PM Deansgate (DGT) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G15790 | On time 10:48 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0h31 | 11:19 PM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| L89217 | On time 10:51 PM Preston station (PRE) | 0h49 | 11:40 PM Deansgate (DGT) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Monday, August 3 | |||||
| G89881 | 8:11 AM Preston station (PRE) | 0h40 | 8:51 AM Deansgate (DGT) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G89828 | 8:20 AM Preston station (PRE) | 0h49 | 9:09 AM Deansgate (DGT) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| W84896 | 8:50 AM Preston station (PRE) | 0h32 | 9:22 AM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G89831 | 8:51 AM Preston station (PRE) | 0h48 | 9:39 AM Deansgate (DGT) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G89882 | 9:11 AM Preston station (PRE) | 0h40 | 9:51 AM Deansgate (DGT) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G89833 | 9:21 AM Preston station (PRE) | 0h48 | 10:09 AM Deansgate (DGT) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Preston to Manchester by bus or train
Compare bus and train 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.
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Why should you book Preston to Manchester trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Northern Rail?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Northern Rail, but also compare tickets for the likes of Transpennine Express, TransPennine Express or Northern Trains Limited to find the best option for your trip from Preston to Manchester.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Northern Rail with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Preston to Manchester.
Why book with Omio over Trip or Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Transpennine Express, TransPennine Express or Northern Trains Limited to find the best option for your trip from Preston to Manchester.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Preston to Manchester.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Preston to Manchester?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Preston to Manchester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Preston to Manchester run on average 8 times per day, taking around 40m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €4 if you book in advance.
There are 8 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:03, the last at 23:52. The fastest train covers the 45 km distance in 32m.
Distance 45 km |
Average train duration 40m |
Cheapest ticket price €4 |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 8 |
Fastest train 32m |
First train 12:03 AM |
Last train 11:52 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 14 days |
Train companies: Northern Rail, Transpennine Express, TransPennine Express, Northern Trains Limited from Preston to Manchester trainsNorthern Rail, Transpennine Express, TransPennine Express, Northern Trains Limited trains will get you between Preston and Manchester from €4. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Northern Rail
Transpennine Express
TransPennine Express
Northern Trains Limited
Trains from Preston to Manchester
There are regular trains from Preston to Manchester throughout the day, starting at just after 04.00 a.m. After 7:00 a.m, trains run approximately every 10-25 minutes, until the evening when the last service leaves at around 23:30 p.m. Journey times vary, but most last between 40 minutes to 1 hour. Services generally run directly, with no changeovers. Train services between Preston and Manchester are provided by Northern Rail and TransPennine Express.
What are the departure and arrival stations for trains from Preston to Manchester?
Departure Station: Preston station is located in the south-east of the town centre. It is a couple of minutes' walk from the main high street, and can be reached easily by public transport.
Arrival Station: Trains from Preston arrive at Manchester Piccadilly, Deansgate, and Manchester Oxford Road. All are accessible on foot or public transport. Piccadilly and Deansgate are located in the city centre, with Piccadilly in the Northern Quarter, and Deansgate to the south-west in Spinningfields. The Oxford Road station is located near the University of Manchester, 20 minutes outside of the centre.
Taking the Train from Preston
Preston's grand Victorian station is located in the centre of town, right next to the Fishergate Shopping Centre. There is a bus stop just outside the main station entrance. Those coming from outside Preston can use the Park and Ride service, catching bus Z1 to reach the station. Buses 87, 89 and X2 also stop at the station, providing excellent access from all parts of town. A taxi rank can also be found outside the station entrance.
Getting into Manchester by Train
Manchester is the north-west's entertainment hub - with world-class sports attractions, theatre and musical events along with museums and galleries to enjoy. Most trains from Preston to Manchester will arrive at the city's Piccadilly Station. From there, it's a short walk to the centre of town, and trams can easily take visitors to nearby attractions like Old Trafford Football Ground. Those arriving at Manchester Victoria can use the Metrolink tram system to reach both the centre and outlying suburbs like Altrincham. For very early and late arrivals, taxis are easy to book, and night buses operate across the city.
FAQs: Trains from Preston to Manchester
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Preston to Manchester 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 Manchester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Preston to Manchester
Most Preston to Manchester trains use the Preston to Manchester Airport station pair, with some services arriving at Manchester Piccadilly. Use this guide to compare Preston and Manchester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Preston station do trains to Manchester leave from?
Getting to Preston from Preston city centre
Preston is 1 km from Preston city centre. Public transport options include:
Preston train station facilities and services
Preston has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: Rise, The Olive Tree Brasserie, Turtle Bay
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Preston. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Preston. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Preston: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Preston: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Preston: Elevators, ramps.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Holiday Inn Express Preston - South, Delta Hotels Preston, Macdonald Tickled Trout Hotel.
Which Manchester station do trains from Preston arrive at?
Getting to Manchester Airport from Manchester city centre
Manchester Airport is 13 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
Manchester Airport train station facilities and services
Manchester Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Manchester Airport.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Manchester Airport. ATMs are available at Manchester Airport.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Airport. Information desks are information available from staff: ,Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 107 2149, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester Airport: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Manchester Airport: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Airport: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: re Step free access is provided from the Ground Transport Interchange to all platforms via lifts or ramps. This station is staffed for all services. This station is Category A. Station staff can provide assistance from Meeting Point 1 (adjacent to the Station Booking Office) and throughout the railway station, and with boarding and alighting the train. Customers requiring assistance should make themselves known to station staff no less than 20 minutes prior to the departure time of their train. Customers requiring assistance to access other services or to connect with terminals should request this from their airline or Manchester Airport Group. Assistance can be requested in advance by contacting the TransPennine Express Assisted Travel Team on 0800 107 2149 (18001 prefix for TextRelay). Please be aware that some platforms at this station have no or only partial tactile paving on the platform edge, Accessible public telephones: In the station cafe on platforms 2 and 3, 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.
Getting to Manchester Piccadilly from Manchester city centre
Manchester Piccadilly train station facilities and services
Manchester Piccadilly has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: Burger King, Caffè Nero, Carluccio’s, Hotel Chocolat, Starbucks, The Pasty Shop, Costa Coffee, Pret a Manger, Upper Crust, McDonald's, & more
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available through BT Wi-Fi. ATMs are there are ATM machines on the main concourse, Platform 10 and on the mezzanine level.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30, Sun: 07:00 - 22:30. Information desks are located near the Fairfield Street entrance on the mezzanine level.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Piccadilly: There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly, Premier Inn Manchester City, Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly.
Getting to Manchester Oxford Road from Manchester city centre
Manchester Oxford Road train station facilities and services
Manchester Oxford Road has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Manchester Oxford Road.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Oxford Road.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester Oxford Road: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Manchester Oxford Road: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Oxford Road: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B Station, please note there are no tactile pavings at this station - There are two lifts at the Piccadilly end of platform 4 and 2/3 which connect the concourse area platform 4 and 5 with 2/3. Note: there is no lift access to platform 1 at all, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
More options for your journey from Preston to Manchester
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Most popular trains to and from Manchester and Preston
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