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Trip Summary
8 trains operate daily from Preston to Edinburgh. The train trip from Preston to Edinburgh is usually about 2 hours and 30 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest TransPennine Express + Connections train can get you there in as little as 2 hours and 24 minutes.
| Distance | 153 mi (246 km) |
| Fastest train | 2h 24m |
| Lowest price | $14.02 |
| Trains per day | 7 |
| Most frequent service | TransPennine Express |
| Train lines | 3 |
Train service from Preston to Edinburgh
- TransPennine Express tickets: $14 one-way
- TransPennine Express + Connections tickets: $52 one-way
- Virgin Trains tickets: $52 one-way
Which train should you take from Preston to Edinburgh?
There are 3 train lines with service from Preston to Edinburgh. TransPennine Express is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 4 trains each day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| TransPennine Express | 4 | 2h 34m | $40.37 |
| TransPennine Express + Connections | 1 | 2h 24m | $52.05 |
| Virgin Trains | 3 | 2h 26m | $56.77 |
TransPennine Express train tickets from Preston to Edinburgh start from $14, and on average cost . Daily there are 4 TransPennine Express schedules to Edinburgh. TransPennine Express in Preston leaves from Preston (Lancs) . And in Edinburgh trains arrive at Edinburgh Waverley .
From Preston to Edinburgh train travel on TransPennine Express takes 2 hours and 34 minutes. If you are looking to get to Edinburgh faster, TransPennine Express offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 2 hours and 24 minutes.
TransPennine Express + Connections train tickets from Preston to Edinburgh start from $52, and on average cost . Daily there are 1 TransPennine Express + Connections schedules to Edinburgh. TransPennine Express + Connections in Preston leaves from Preston (Lancs) . And in Edinburgh trains arrive at Edinburgh Waverley .
From Preston to Edinburgh train travel on TransPennine Express + Connections takes 2 hours and 24 minutes.
Virgin Trains train tickets from Preston to Edinburgh start from $52, and on average cost . Daily there are 3 Virgin Trains schedules to Edinburgh. Virgin Trains in Preston leaves from Preston (Lancs) . And in Edinburgh trains arrive at Edinburgh Waverley .
From Preston to Edinburgh train travel on Virgin Trains takes 2 hours and 26 minutes. If you are looking to get to Edinburgh faster, Virgin Trains offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 2 hours and 24 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Preston to Edinburgh 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 Preston at 7:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 9:00pm. 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 scheduled trains on most days. 7 of these are direct connections to Edinburgh. 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 Edinburgh to Preston.
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 Preston?
Main departure station: Preston Station
There is one train station in Preston.
All train stations in Preston:
Preston Station
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 arrival 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
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