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Trip Summary
You can pick from 2 daily train trips between Manchester and Preston. The average train journey from Manchester to Preston takes one hour and 38 minutes, though some trains might be a few minutes slower or faster.
| Distance | 27 mi (44 km) |
| Fastest train | 1h 38m |
| Lowest price | £19.00 |
| Most frequent service | Northern Rail |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Manchester to Preston?
Northern Rail is the one and only train line which connects Manchester to Preston. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Rail | 2 | 1h 38m | £19.00 |
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
Saturday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Manchester to Preston. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Saturday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Saturday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
The earliest train departs Manchester at 14:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 16:00. 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 Manchester 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 Preston to Manchester.
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 Manchester?
Image credit: North West Transport Photos
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Manchester Airport
Refurbished in 2004 and 2014, Manchester Airport Station is a combined rail, Metrolink tram, and coach station. Referred to as "The Station" on signage, it is linked to the airport terminals by the Sky Link elevated walkway. Northern, TransPennine Express, and Transport for Wales operate rail services, with destinations including central Manchester, Edinburgh, and Glasgow. National Express and Megabus also operate frequent coaches to and from the airport. The Metrolink tram connects with Manchester Victoria rail station, located much closer to the center of Manchester.
All train stations in Manchester:
Manchester Airport
Where is the train station in Preston?
Main arrival station: Salwick Station
Preston has one train station.
Train stations in Preston:
Salwick Station
Get around town with Moovit
Need a return trip from Preston to Manchester?
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