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Trip Summary
There are 2 daily trains from Preston to Manchester. Traveling by train from Preston to Manchester usually takes around one hour and 16 minutes, but the fastest Northern Rail train can make the trip in one hour and 7 minutes.
| Distance | 27 mi (44 km) |
| Fastest train | 1h 7m |
| Lowest price | £13.61 |
| Most frequent service | Northern Rail |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Preston to Manchester?
Northern Rail is the one and only train line which connects Preston to Manchester. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Rail | 2 | 1h 17m | £13.61 |
Northern Rail, branded simply as 'Northern' on its trains, travels to cities such as Manchester, Blackpool, Windermere, Newcastle, and York. Complimentary WiFi is usually available in first- and standard-class carriages, plus an onboard restroom. The newer trains boast extra legroom, and all services have space for luggage at the end of carriages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Trains departing from Preston to Manchester tend to have the most passengers on Friday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Friday. If you are trying to snag a cheap train tickets or just want an emptier train you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Friday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
The earliest train departs Preston at 06:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 17:00. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
Trains leave the station in Preston twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. However, there are no direct trains. This means that you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train at some point during your journey. You will need to remember to bring your carry-on luggage with you when you change trains. Depending on the carrier's policy, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Manchester to Preston.
City Information
Manchester
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Most recognizable for its world-famous football team, Manchester is a modern, vibrant city with a diverse range of attractions that will appeal to explorers of all kinds. Often referred to as "The Capital of the North," Manchester is also known for being the birthplace of the industrial revolution. Visitors can relive this booming era by taking a trip to the Science and Industry Museum to see how this previously small town changed the world's ideas of industry and manufacturing forever. These days, Manchester is famous for its music and art scene, with it being the birthplace of bands like The Smiths and Oasis.
Art and music-lovers may want to visit Afflecks, a vast and eclectic emporium of all things indie and grunge, to purchase records, artwork, and memorabilia, among many other things. Manchester is also home to 15 parks and gardens, with Fletcher Moss Park and Botanical Gardens among the most popular. This park provides a beautiful setting for picnics and scenic walks, perfect for when you need an escape from the bustling city.
And if you really are only here for Man U, both Old Trafford and Etihad Stadium are stops on our itinerary to visit every premier league stadium in England.
With three large train stations—Piccadilly, Oxford Road, and Victoria—Manchester is easily accessible via rail. National Express and Megabus coaches also allow access from all over the country. In addition, Manchester Airport houses three large terminals, which provide global entry to the city.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Preston?
Main departure station: Salwick Station
There is one train station in Preston.
All train stations in Preston:
Salwick Station
Where is the train station in Manchester?
Main arrival station: Manchester Piccadilly Station
There are more train stations and stops in Manchester than most cities. Most trains from Preston will stop at one (or more) of the 3 following stations in Manchester:
Train stations in Manchester:
Manchester Piccadilly Station
Manchester Oxford Rd Station
Deansgate
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Need a return trip from Manchester to Preston?
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