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Trip Summary
There are 2 daily trains from Leicester to Preston. Traveling by train from Leicester to Preston usually takes around 5 hours and 26 minutes, but the fastest CrossCountry + Connections train can make the trip in 3 hours and 43 minutes.
| Distance | 101 mi (163 km) |
| Fastest train | 3h 43m |
| Lowest price | €78.65 |
| Most frequent service | CrossCountry + Connections |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Leicester to Preston?
CrossCountry + Connections is the one and only train line which connects Leicester to Preston. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| CrossCountry + Connections | 2 | 5h 27m | €92.18 |
CrossCountry + Connections train tickets from Leicester to Preston start from €79, and on average cost . Daily there are 2 CrossCountry + Connections schedules to Preston. CrossCountry + Connections in Leicester leaves from Leicester Train Station . And in Preston trains arrive at Preston (Lancs) .
From Leicester to Preston train travel on CrossCountry + Connections takes 5 hours and 27 minutes. If you are looking to get to Preston faster, CrossCountry + Connections offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 3 hours and 43 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Leicester and Preston is approximately 101 miles, or 163 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 5 hours and 26 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 43 minutes.
Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Leicester to Preston on Tuesday. Tickets for Tuesday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Tuesday. Tuesday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
The earliest train departs Leicester at 21:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 22:00. 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 Leicester 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 Leicester.
City Information
Leicester
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Leicester, located in the county of Leicestershire in the East Midlands, is a city with much to explore. Leicester's cultural diversity and large student population mean the city is filled with a wide variety of experiences.
Leicester Cathedral and Belvoir Castle are a must-visit for those looking to discover the past. Leicester is also famous for being the final resting place of King Richard III, with a visitor centre built around the location to tell the story of one of the most famous monarchs in English history. For a broader look at history, try the Leicester Museum and Art Gallery to learn about the Mesozoic era as well as Ancient Egypt.
If your interests lie more in futuristic endeavours, visit the National Space Centre to take a trip through time and space. Leicester is also home to many traditional English pubs and quaint cafes, making it a great place to sit back, relax and enjoy the moment.
Leicester is easily accessible by train, with Leicester Rail Station serving East Midlands and Thameslink trains. St Margaret's Bus Station is located centrally and serves National Express coaches. If you're travelling from further afield, East Midlands Airport and Birmingham Airport are both close to Leicester.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Leicester?
Image credit: Steve Knight
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Leicester Train Station
Opened in 1840, Leicester Train Station is recognizable by its corner clocktower on London Road above the main entrance. As the city's primary rail station, it receives regular CrossCountry trains to Birmingham and East Midlands Railway services to Sheffield and London. Passengers access platforms via over-track footbridges from the main concourse, which has amenities including several restaurants and public restrooms. Passengers can await their train's arrival in the large waiting room. Local buses stop at stands outside the main entrance to connect with the rest of Leicester.
All train stations in Leicester:
Leicester Train 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 Leicester?
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