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Preston (Lancs) to Ilford by train

First train

12:12

Last train

21:22

Departure station

Preston (Lancs)

Arrival station

Ilford

Journey time

From 5h 53m

Distance

191 miles (308 km)

Frequency

1 train per day

Changes

3 changes

Train operators

CrossCountry, Great Western Railway, TransPennine Express, East Midlands Railway, Thameslink

Travelling from Preston (Lancs) to Ilford by train

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

On average, it takes around 7 hours 52 minutes to travel from Preston (Lancs) to Ilford by train, the fastest services can get you there in as little as 5 hours 53 minutes though. You'll usually find 1 train per day running along the 191 miles (308 km) route between these two destinations. You'll need to make 3 changes during the journey to Ilford, as there currently aren't any direct services on this route. You can choose to travel with Great Western Railway, East Midlands Railway or Thameslink to get to Ilford. As the main rail operators on this route, their trains offer modern comfortable seating and plenty of space for luggage as standard.

To help you get great train deals, we'll highlight the cheapest train ticket prices from Preston (Lancs) to Ilford in our Journey Planner. Just remember, as well as travelling Off-Peak or using a Railcard, the sooner you book your tickets, the more you'll save!

Want to book your train tickets now? Just start a search with us today. If you want to find out more about the journey, scroll up for timetables including live train times, or keep reading for FAQs and tips on how to book cheap train tickets.

Journey details

Want to know more about your journey from Preston (Lancs) to Ilford? 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 Preston (Lancs) to Ilford take?

The average journey time by train between Preston (Lancs) and Ilford is 7 hours and 52 minutes, with around 1 train 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 Preston (Lancs) and Ilford by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Preston (Lancs) to Ilford is 5 hours and 53 minutes.

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

No, there are no direct train services from Preston (Lancs) to Ilford. Travelling from Preston (Lancs) to Ilford by train will require a minimum of 3 changes.

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

The first train from Preston (Lancs) to Ilford leaves at 12:12. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.

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

The last train from Preston (Lancs) to Ilford leaves at 21:22. 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 Preston (Lancs) and Ilford by train?

Trains travelling from Preston (Lancs) to Ilford cover a distance of around 191 miles (308 km) during the journey.

Looking for more information?

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

Cheap train tickets from Preston (Lancs) to Ilford

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 Preston (Lancs) to Ilford 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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