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Trains from London Waterloo to Preston (Lancs)

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Avanti West Coast
Chiltern Railways

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  1. Home
  2. Train times
  3. London Waterloo to Preston (Lancs)

Trains to Preston (Lancs) from London Waterloo

First train

03:46

Last train

23:00

Departure stationLondon Waterloo
Arrival stationPreston (Lancs)
Journey time

From 2h 43m

Distance

190 miles (306 km)

Frequency

42 trains per day

Changes

1 change

Train operators

Avanti West Coast, Chiltern Railways, East Midlands Railway, London North Eastern Railway, Lumo, TransPennine Express

Travel by train from London Waterloo to Preston (Lancs)

Looking to travel from London Waterloo to Preston (Lancs) by train? You've come to the right place!

Generally, the train from London Waterloo to Preston (Lancs) takes around 4 hours 43 minutes, but can take just 2 hours 43 minutes on the fastest services. There are up to 42 trains per day from London Waterloo to Preston (Lancs).

You'll need to make 1 change along the way as there aren't any direct services on this line.

London North Eastern Railway, Avanti West Coast, Lumo and East Midlands Railway trains run on this route.

Booking early is one of the most effective ways to save money.

Start your search for train tickets from London Waterloo to Preston (Lancs) in our Journey Planner.

What do people frequently ask about the train journey from London Waterloo to Preston (Lancs)?

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

How do you get to Preston (Lancs) from London Waterloo?

To travel to Preston (Lancs) from London Waterloo, you can take the train - on average, the journey takes around 4 hours and 43 minutes, though the fastest trains can take 2 hours and 43 minutes. Use our Journey Planner to get more information.

How long is the train ride from London Waterloo to Preston (Lancs)?

Trains from London Waterloo to Preston (Lancs) take an average of 4 hours and 43 minutes, although on the fastest services it can take just 2 hours and 43 minutes. You'll usually find 42 trains per day on this route, so use our Journey Planner to check specific dates as times may vary.

What is the quickest journey time between London Waterloo and Preston (Lancs) by train?

The quickest journey time between London Waterloo and Preston (Lancs) by train is 2 hours and 43 minutes.

Are there direct trains from London Waterloo to Preston (Lancs)?

No, there are no direct trains running from London Waterloo to Preston (Lancs), you’ll usually need to make at least 1 change during the journey.

How do I find cheap train tickets from London Waterloo to Preston (Lancs)?

As most UK train companies increase their prices as the departure date approaches, our Trainline team of experts have put together these tips to help you find the cheapest tickets.

1. Sign up to Ticket Alert

If you're planning a trip more than 12 weeks ahead, sign up to our Ticket Alert to get notified when Advance tickets are released for your travel date.

2. Use a Railcard

National Railcards offer a 1/3 off eligible train tickets in the UK and can be a great investment if you travel throughout the year. Buy one with us and you'll be able to store it digitally in our app, so you'll always have it on your travels.

3. Book split tickets

Our handy feature SplitSave will 'split' your train journey into multiple tickets, which can be much cheaper than buying a single ticket. Find out more about split tickets.

4. Travel Off-Peak

If you can be flexible with your travel times, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets are usually cheaper in the UK. Generally, Off-Peak times are any time at weekends and outside of Monday to Friday morning and evening rush hours.

5. Consider a Season Ticket

Best for commuters, if you catch a train on the same route more than 3 times per week, you could save money with a Season Ticket. With annual, monthly, weekly and flexi options available, find out if a Season Ticket for London Waterloo to Preston (Lancs) is right for you.

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

§Advance adult single fare. Excludes booking fee. Prices seen by Trainline customers in the last 30 days. Availability limited.
† 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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