Preston to Manchester train with Northern Rail

Sun, Nov 01
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Northern Rail
Transpennine Express
Renfe AVANT
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
2,000+ travel companies
Northern Rail
Transpennine Express
Renfe AVANT
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Preston to Manchester

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Nov 01
Cheapest price on Nov 01
€10
Average ticket price on Nov 01
€15
Fastest journey on Nov 01
31 m
Average journey duration on Nov 01
33 m
Trains on Nov 01
16
Distance
45 km
Cheap tickets

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 €15 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €10.

Fast trains

On Sun, Nov 01, we found 16 trains from Preston to Manchester, including 16 direct services.

On Sun, Nov 01 the direct trains cover the 45 km distance in an average of 33 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 31 m .

On Sun, Nov 01 the slowest trains will take 37 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.

  • Northern RailG89842
    0 transfers
  • Northern RailL89217
    0 transfers
  • Northern RailG89872
    0 transfers
  • Northern RailG89844
    0 transfers
  • Northern RailG89888
    0 transfers

Journey information

Overview: Train from Preston to Manchester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Preston to Manchester run on average 8 times per day, taking around 43m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €3 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 31m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance
45 km
Average train duration
43m
Cheapest ticket price
€3
Trains per day
8
Direct trains
8
Fastest train
31m
First train
12:03 AM
Last train
11:52 PM
Cheapest Month
Aug
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Wed
Least Busy Day
Fri
Best time to book
14 days
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information

Live departures

Preston to Manchester train times

The table below shows live departures for Preston to Manchester trains for tomorrow, Sunday, November 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Northern RailG898119:25 AM Preston station (PRE)
0h48
10:13 AM Deansgate (DGT)0 transfersDirect
Northern RailG8980110:09 AM Preston station (PRE)
0h37
10:46 AM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)0 transfersDirect
Northern RailG8981310:24 AM Preston station (PRE)
0h49
11:13 AM Deansgate (DGT)0 transfersDirect
Transpennine ExpressW8490211:07 AM Preston station (PRE)
0h32
11:39 AM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)0 transfersDirect
Northern RailG8983711:22 AM Preston station (PRE)
0h50
12:12 PM Deansgate (DGT)0 transfersDirect
Transpennine ExpressW8487611:57 AM Preston station (PRE)
0h41
12:38 PM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)0 transfersDirect
Northern RailG8988612:11 PM Preston station (PRE)
0h39
12:50 PM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)0 transfersDirect
Transpennine ExpressW8490512:48 PM Preston station (PRE)
0h32
1:20 PM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)0 transfersDirect
Northern RailG898881:11 PM Preston station (PRE)
0h39
1:50 PM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)0 transfersDirect
Northern RailG898441:21 PM Preston station (PRE)
0h50
2:11 PM Deansgate (DGT)0 transfersDirect
Transpennine ExpressW849091:49 PM Preston station (PRE)
0h31
2:20 PM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)0 transfersDirect
Northern RailG898722:11 PM Preston station (PRE)
0h41
2:52 PM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Preston to Manchester trains with Omio?

Northern Rail as well as Transpennine Express offer trains services from Preston to Manchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Preston to Manchester.

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 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 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.

Train companies: Northern Rail, Transpennine Express from Preston to Manchester trainsNorthern Rail, Transpennine Express trains will get you between Preston and Manchester from €3. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Northern Rail

About
Northern Trains is a publicly owned train operating company in the United Kingdom, headquartered in York. It runs local and commuter services across the north of England, connecting regions including the North East, North West, East Midlands, Staffordshire, Yorkshire, and the Humber coastline. As part of the National Rail network, Northern operates under a coordinated fare and ticketing system alongside other UK train companies.Ticket types include Advance, Off-Peak, Anytime Day, single, return, and season tickets, with only one class option available: Standard. Onboard amenities may include comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and refreshments on select services. Popular routes include connections between major northern cities such as Manchester, Liverpool, and Leeds.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Northern Rail Duration
35m
Cheapest Northern Rail Price
€3
Northern Rail frequency
6 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
See refund policy for ticket types
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most services with drinks and snacks. Some stations have cafes and shops
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available but not mandatory. Free of charge when booking advance tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, passenger assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone

Transpennine Express

About
Transpennine Express is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from Manchester and Liverpool to Scotland, the North East and Yorkshire. It offers a range of services, including express, regional and local trains. Express trains are the fastest, with journey times of up to three hours. Regional trains are slower, but offer more stops and a more relaxed atmosphere. Local trains are the slowest, but offer the most stops. Transpennine Express offers a range of ticket types, including single, return, group and season tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for Transpennine Express are Manchester to Edinburgh, Liverpool to Leeds and Manchester to York. These routes offer a convenient and comfortable way to travel between the cities.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Transpennine Express Duration
31m
Cheapest Transpennine Express Price
€8
Transpennine Express frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 large items and 1 small hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if service is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks, plus a small selection of hot and cold food items
Seat reservation
Seat reservations are free of charge and recommended for busy routes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance booking service
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone

Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Preston and Manchester

Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.

When taking a train from Preston to Manchester, you can count on Northern Rail, Transpennine Express for the best way to get you to Manchester. You can also check all possible train companies who offer a service between Preston and Manchester and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.

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.

FAQs
Cheap train tickets from Preston to Manchester can start from as little as €3 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Preston to Manchester is €14; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by train from Preston to Manchester is 31m to travel the 45 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest train from Preston to Manchester leaves at 12:03 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The latest train from Preston to Manchester leaves at 11:52 PM.
Yes,there are 8 direct trains a day from Preston to Manchester with Northern Rail, Transpennine Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct trains.
Yes, there are multiple high-speed train options for your journey from Preston to Manchester. You can choose between Transpennine Express. Transpennine Express trains take around 31m
A day trip to Manchester from Preston is worth doing with a journey time of 31m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Preston and Manchester including taking a bus and train.

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.

Departure train stations in Preston
Arrival train stations in Manchester

Which Preston station do trains to Manchester leave from?

Trains from Preston to Manchester leave from Preston. The station is 1 km from Preston city centre at Fishergate, Preston PR1 8AP, United Kingdom.
PrestonFishergate, Preston PR1 8AP, United Kingdom+44 345 748 4950WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
City-centre transport

Getting to Preston from Preston city centre

Preston is 1 km from Preston city centre. Public transport options include:

Bus3, 2, 2A, 111, 111C · 13m · €9 · every ~36 min

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.

Most popular train connections from Preston

More options for your journey from Preston to Manchester

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

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