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Fort William to Preston (Lancs) by train

First train

18:00

Last train

19:50

Departure station

Fort William

Arrival station

Preston (Lancs)

Journey time

From 8h 45m

Distance

232 miles (373 km)

Frequency

2 trains per day

Changes

Direct trains available

Train operators

Caledonian Sleeper

How to travel from Fort William to Preston (Lancs) by train

Want to find out more about taking the train from Fort William to Preston (Lancs)? Look no further.

You'll usually find 2 trains per day running between Fort William and Preston (Lancs), which usually take 9 hours 10 minutes to complete the 232 miles (373 km) journey. It can take as little as 8 hours 45 minutes on the fastest services though, if you want to get there as quickly as possible. As soon as you board the train, you'll be able to make yourself comfortable and enjoy the journey as there are direct services available.

Use our Journey Planner at the top of the page to search for cheap ticket prices – we'll show you how much you can save on train tickets from Fort William to Preston (Lancs) if you book in advance. Travelling Off-Peak or using a Railcard can also help you save.

Keen to book your train tickets to Preston (Lancs)? No need to wait, start a search with us today! If you want to find out a bit more about the journey first, you can find our train timetable with live train times above, and tips on booking cheap tickets and our FAQs further down the page.

Journey details

Want to know more about your journey from Fort William to Preston (Lancs)? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.

How long does the train from Fort William to Preston (Lancs) take?

The average journey time by train between Fort William and Preston (Lancs) is 9 hours and 10 minutes, with around 2 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.

What's the fastest journey time between Fort William and Preston (Lancs) by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Fort William to Preston (Lancs) is 8 hours and 45 minutes.

Is there a direct train from Fort William to Preston (Lancs)?

Yes, it is possible to travel from Fort William to Preston (Lancs) without having to change trains. There are 2 direct trains from Fort William to Preston (Lancs) each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.

What time does the first train from Fort William to Preston (Lancs) leave?

The first train from Fort William to Preston (Lancs) leaves at 18:00. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.

What time does the last train from Fort William to Preston (Lancs) leave?

The last train from Fort William to Preston (Lancs) leaves at 19:50. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.

What's the distance between Fort William and Preston (Lancs) by train?

Trains travelling from Fort William to Preston (Lancs) cover a distance of around 232 miles (373 km) during the journey.

Looking for more information?

If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Preston (Lancs) to Fort William.

Cheap train tickets from Fort William to Preston (Lancs)

Book in advance

Look out for Advance tickets – they usually come out up to 12 weeks before the departure date and can be cheaper than buying on the day. If you’re here a tad early, sign up for our Advance ticket alert today to get notified when your tickets are released.

Consider a Season Ticket

If you catch this train more than 3 times per week, you could save money with a Season Ticket. With annual, monthly and weekly options available, find out if a season ticket for Fort William to Preston (Lancs) is right for you.

Use your Railcard

National Railcards offer a 1/3 off eligible train tickets in the UK and can be a great investment if you travel a few times or more in a year. Find out how you can save with a National Railcard here.

Split your tickets

Download our app to find split tickets — courtesy of SplitSave, our handy feature which 'splits' your train tickets where possible to find you a better deal. Learn more about the clever tech behind split tickets, and how to spot SplitSave discounts in our app.

For more money-saving tips on UK and European train travel, read our cheap train tickets guide.

† Average savings on advance fares booked at least one week before day of travel vs Anytime fares purchased on day of travel. Subject to availability. Excludes coach.

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