Liverpool to Preston Trains From £4.60*

A direct journey from Liverpool to Preston will take around 46 minutes with TransPennine Express, or 56 minutes on average with Northern.

Sit back and relax as you travel through Merseyside, skirt alongside Greater Manchester, and into the county of Lancashire to arrive at the charming city of Preston.

TransPennine Express operates regional and long-distance intercity services designed to connect major UK cities in the North of England and Scotland, including cities such as Newcastle, Leeds, Manchester, Liverpool, Edinburgh, and Glasgow.

Departing from Liverpool Lime Street

Liverpool Lime Street is right in the city centre, making it a very convenient station to depart from. It's connected by buses and taxis, which are located nearby. There is a taxi rank on Skelhorne Street, and Liverpool's main bus station is only a four-minute walk from the station on Roe Street.

Liverpool Lime Street is the largest station in the city and dates back to 1836, making it the world’s oldest still-operating mainline terminus station!

Because of its centrality, it acts as a major hub connecting destinations across the UK, from cities such as Newcastle, London, Leeds, Manchester, and Birmingham to smaller, more regional towns like Preston and rural stops. Major UK train operators, including Avanti West Coast, Northern, and TransPennine Express, run their routes from here.

Main stops

There are only two stations between Liverpool and Preston with TransPennine Express. They are: St Helen's Central and Wigan North Western. If you are travelling with Northern, there are usually five stops: Huyton, St Helen's Central, Wigan North Western, Euxton Balshaw Lane, and Leyland.

These stops may change, however. So, it's best to check before you travel.

Booking in advance and using a Railcard is a great way to secure a cheaper fare. Sites like TrainPal can also help you buy cheap train tickets.

Arriving at Preston(Lancs)

Preston(Lancs) station can be found right in the centre of the town, with nearby accessible public transport, including buses and taxis. It is located on Fishergate opposite Fishergate Shopping Centre.

If you're a nature lover, there's so much to do in Preston. For example, Avenham and Miller Parks provide space to spend time in nature, where you'll find scenic riverside paths and expansive green spaces. Brockholes Nature Reserve is another ideal place to see the region's diverse wildlife, ideal for birdwatchers and hikers. If history is more your thing, Preston has a list of museums and art galleries that'll get your attention.

Major UK train operators pass through Preston, making it easily accessible to other towns and cities in the region and the rest of the UK. These include Northern, Avanti West Coast, Caledonian Sleeper, and TransPennine Express.

TransPennine train classes

• Standard Class: TransPennine Express Standard Class offers walk-through carriages, air-conditioning, and charging plugs for your devices.
• First Class: The Liverpool to Preston First Class ticket with TransPennine Express will give you access to more legroom, reclining seats, free Wi-Fi and complimentary food and drink.

TransPennine train travel advice

• Luggage: Maximum of three items of luggage. This goes up to two larger items and one smaller bag.
• Pets: Dogs, cats, and other small animals can travel for free. Dogs must be on a lead. Other animals must travel in carriers. There is a maximum of two pets per passenger.
• Bicycles: Bikes can be stored free of charge, but space is limited. You must book a space for your bike before you travel.
• Children: Under 5’s can travel for free. Children aged 5 to 15 can save 50% on their tickets. Booking in advance using TrainPal helps ensure families can sit together. The Family & Friends Railcard offers up to 1/3 off family ticket costs.
• Passenger Assist: Providing ramps for entering and exiting trains, luggage support, and station guidance, with help for stairs and provision of wheelchairs or buggies for covering greater distances.

Northern operates trains across Northern England, including the North East, North West, and Yorkshire & Humberside. It serves a diverse range of passengers, from daily urban commuters to suburban and rural holiday travellers, connecting major cities like Newcastle, Preston, York, Leeds, and Manchester to smaller regional hubs like Knaresborough, Chester-Le-Street and Sunderland.

Northern train classes

• Standard Class: Comfortable seating and free Wi-Fi. There are also tables and power sockets for your devices.
• First Class: Northern does not have First Class sections on any of its trains.

Northern train travel advice

• Luggage: Maximum of three items of luggage. This goes up to two larger items and one smaller bag.
• Pets: Dogs, cats, and other small animals can travel for free. Dogs must be on a lead. Other animals must travel in carriers. There is a maximum of two pets per passenger.
• Bicycles: Bikes can be stored free of charge, but space is limited. There is no need to book a space.
• Children: Under 5’s can travel for free. Children aged 5 to 15 can save 50% on their tickets. Booking in advance using TrainPal helps ensure families can sit together. The Family & Friends Railcard offers up to 1/3 off family ticket costs.
• Passenger Assist: Assist passengers with boarding and alighting trains, help with entering and exiting stations, reserve seats, purchase tickets, and more.

*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.