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Trip Summary
8 trains operate daily from Edinburgh to Preston. The train trip from Edinburgh to Preston is usually about 2 hours and 28 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Virgin Trains train can get you there in as little as 2 hours and 22 minutes.
| Distance | 153 mi (246 km) |
| Fastest train | 2h 22m |
| Lowest price | $14.21 |
| Trains per day | 8 |
| Most frequent service | Virgin Trains |
| Train lines | 2 |
Which train should you take from Edinburgh to Preston?
2 train services operate from Edinburgh to Preston. Virgin Trains usually has more trains scheduled, with 5 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| TransPennine Express | 3 | 2h 37m | $24.60 |
| Virgin Trains | 5 | 2h 24m | $37.37 |
TransPennine Express train tickets from Edinburgh to Preston start from $14, and on average cost . Daily there are 3 TransPennine Express schedules to Preston. TransPennine Express in Edinburgh leaves from Edinburgh Waverley . And in Preston trains arrive at Preston (Lancs) .
From Edinburgh to Preston train travel on TransPennine Express takes 2 hours and 37 minutes. If you are looking to get to Preston faster, TransPennine Express offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 2 hours and 22 minutes.
Virgin Trains train tickets from Edinburgh to Preston start from $34, and on average cost . Daily there are 5 Virgin Trains schedules to Preston. Virgin Trains in Edinburgh leaves from Edinburgh Waverley . And in Preston trains arrive at Preston (Lancs) .
From Edinburgh to Preston train travel on Virgin Trains takes 2 hours and 24 minutes. If you are looking to get to Preston faster, Virgin Trains offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 2 hours and 22 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Trains from Edinburgh to Preston are the most crowded on Friday. 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 Friday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs Edinburgh at 8:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 10:00pm. 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 8 daily scheduled trains, all of which are direct trains that take you the entire way from Edinburgh to Preston.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Preston to Edinburgh.
City Information
Edinburgh
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
As Scotland's capital, Edinburgh and its people are famed throughout history for their contribution to philosophy, literature, science, and industry, among many other areas. This incredibly diverse city promises to provide attractions and entertainment for people of all ages, budgets, and interests. Edinburgh is even ranked as the #6 city with the most historic sites per capita in Europe, and the #1 outside of Italy!
For those looking for outdoor adventure, take a walk up Arthur's Seat, one of four hill forts that date back to over 2,000 years ago. The walk to the top will allow you to embrace some of Scotland's most beautiful landscapes and wildlife, and you'll be rewarded with a dramatic view of Edinburgh at the top.
On rainy days, visit the National Museum of Scotland, where each floor provides information on several fascinating eras of Scotland's history. A trip down the Royal Mile will satisfy all your tartan and souvenir needs, while the world-famous Underground Ghost Tour will give you an entirely different view of this seemingly peaceful, quaint city.
If your trip falls during the holiday season, the Edinburgh Christmas Market is guaranteed to give you the festive feeling, while world-renowned Hogmanay celebrations will ensure that you ring in the New Year with a bang.
Edinburgh is easily accessible via train, plane, and bus. Edinburgh Airport provides global access to the city, while rail services connect the city to many other major towns and cities across the UK. In addition, numerous bus companies travel to and from Edinburgh, meaning that no matter your preferred mode of transport, the city is always within reach.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Edinburgh?
Image credit: Danny Navarro
Link to image attribution
Image credit: Daniel
Link to image attribution
Image credit: David Brossard
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Edinburgh Waverley
Just steps away from the Scott Monument, Edinburgh Waverley Rail Station is the city's main train terminal and the second-biggest in Scotland. It lies at the northern end of the East Coast Main Line, connecting it with London via York and Newcastle Upon Tyne. Situated within a grand structure between Edinburgh Old and New Towns, you can access it from either Princes Street or Market Street. Beneath an impressive Victorian-era glass roof, passengers will find a good range of facilities, including hot and cold food options, ATMs, and public restrooms. Edinburgh Trams and local bus services depart from outside the Princes Street entrance, with links to Edinburgh Airport.
All train stations in Edinburgh:
Edinburgh Waverley
Where is the train station in Preston?
Main arrival station: Preston Station
Preston has one train station.
All train stations in Preston:
Preston Station
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Need a return trip from Preston to Edinburgh?
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