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Trip Summary
26 trains operate daily from Birmingham to Preston. The train trip from Birmingham to Preston is usually about 2 hours and 48 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Virgin Trains train can get you there in as little as one hour and 36 minutes.
| Distance | 95 mi (152 km) |
| Fastest train | 1h 36m |
| Lowest price | $33.50 |
| Trains per day | 6 |
| Most frequent service | West Midlands Railway + Connections |
| Train lines | 3 |
Train service from Birmingham to Preston
- CrossCountry + Connections tickets: C$84 one-way
- Virgin Trains tickets: C$33 one-way
- West Midlands Railway + Connections tickets: C$40 one-way
Which train should you take from Birmingham to Preston?
There are 3 train lines with service from Birmingham to Preston. West Midlands Railway + Connections is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 15 trains each day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| CrossCountry + Connections | 3 | 2h 44m | $84.35 |
| Virgin Trains | 8 | 1h 50m | $63.37 |
| West Midlands Railway + Connections | 15 | 3h 21m | $77.77 |
CrossCountry + Connections train tickets from Birmingham to Preston start from $84, and on average cost . Daily there are 3 CrossCountry + Connections schedules to Preston. CrossCountry + Connections in Birmingham leaves from New St Station and one other station. And in Preston trains arrive at Preston (Lancs) .
From Birmingham to Preston train travel on CrossCountry + Connections takes 2 hours and 44 minutes. If you are looking to get to Preston faster, CrossCountry + Connections offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 1 hours and 36 minutes.
Virgin Trains train tickets from Birmingham to Preston start from $34, and on average cost . Daily there are 8 Virgin Trains schedules to Preston. Virgin Trains in Birmingham leaves from New St Station and one other station. And in Preston trains arrive at Preston (Lancs) .
From Birmingham to Preston train travel on Virgin Trains takes 1 hours and 50 minutes. If you are looking to get to Preston faster, Virgin Trains offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 1 hours and 36 minutes.
West Midlands Railway + Connections train tickets from Birmingham to Preston start from $41, and on average cost . Daily there are 15 West Midlands Railway + Connections schedules to Preston. West Midlands Railway + Connections in Birmingham leaves from Snow Hill and 3 other stations. And in Preston trains arrive at Preston (Lancs) .
From Birmingham to Preston train travel on West Midlands Railway + Connections takes 3 hours and 21 minutes. If you are looking to get to Preston faster, West Midlands Railway + Connections offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 1 hours and 36 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Trains from Birmingham to Preston are the most crowded on Tuesday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider traveling on Tuesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs Birmingham at 6:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 11:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
There are 26 scheduled trains on most days. 6 of these are direct connections to Preston. While direct trains may still make stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains at any point. If you're looking to get to your destination faster, a direct train is the convenient and time-efficient choice.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Preston to Birmingham.
City Information
Birmingham
As the second-largest city in the UK, Birmingham effortlessly blends the city’s quaint vibe with modern-day high-rises. One of the top local attractions is St. Martin in the Bull Ring, the original parish church of Birmingham. Featuring remarkable Gothic Revival architecture standing in stark contrast with the futuristic-looking shopping centers, the church is a great spot for travelers looking for a bit of respite. As you stroll around the city, don’t forget to visit the famous Cadbury World, which details the long history of the brand, as well as all the products it produces. For culturally-inclined activities, head to the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, which offers over 40 exhibits.
If you wish to try out authentic Indian dishes with a local twist, head over to Pushkar. For those who wish to enjoy a more upscale dining experience, Bank offers a chic menu in an elegant setting.
The principal rail station is Birmingham New Street Station, which is the busiest train station in the UK. The Birmingham Coach Station offers coach services by National Express as far as London and Dublin. The city’s main airport is the Birmingham Airport, which is located 6 miles east of the city center.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Birmingham?
Image credit: Bs0u10e01
Link to image attributionMain departure station: New St Station
Birmingham New Street Station is a major hub for UK transportation at the heart of the city. Passengers can reach its glistening main concourse via the Grand Central shopping mall. Inside, passengers will find higher-end stores, cafés, and public restrooms. The primary rail providers are Avanti West Coast Trains, West Midlands Railway, and Cross Country, which operate services to destinations including London, Manchester, and Edinburgh. Buses and coaches, including FlixBus and National Express, pick up from roadside stops on St Martin's Queensway and Station Street. Trams (streetcars) have a dedicated stop outside Grand Central for connections to Edgbaston cricket ground.
All train stations in Birmingham:
New St Station
Moor St Station
Snow Hill
Birmingham International Rail Station
Where is the train station in Preston?
Main arrival station: Preston Station
Preston has one train station.
Train stations in Preston:
Preston Station
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Need a return trip from Preston to Birmingham?
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