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Trains from Reading to Preston (Lancs)

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Avanti West Coast
CrossCountry

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Each fare is the lowest adult economy ticket fare found by our customers on Trainline. Fares booked further in advance than the dates displayed may be cheaper. Prices are updated daily, subject to change and indicative of price last update. Limited availability. Discount cards and coach journeys excluded, prices exclusive of booking fee.
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  3. Reading to Preston (Lancs)

Trains to Preston (Lancs) from Reading

It takes an average of 5h 42m to travel from Reading to Preston (Lancs) by train, over a distance of around 175 miles (281 km). There are normally 19 trains per day travelling from Reading to Preston (Lancs) and tickets for this journey start from £35.90 when you book in advance.

First train

05:15

Last train

21:15

Departure stationReading
Arrival stationPreston (Lancs)
Journey time

From 3h 31m

Distance

175 miles (281 km)

Frequency

19 trains per day

Changes

1 change

Price

From £35.90

Train operators

Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, TransPennine Express

Taking the train from Reading to Preston (Lancs) in 3 hours 31 minutes

Thinking about taking the train from Reading to Preston (Lancs)? We've got you covered.

It usually takes around 5 hours 42 minutes to travel the 175 miles (281 km) from Reading to Preston (Lancs) by train, although you can get there in as little as 3 hours 31 minutes on the fastest services. You'll normally find around 19 trains per day running on this route. You'll need to make 1 change along the way as there aren't any direct services on this line. You're likely to be travelling with Avanti West Coast, TransPennine Express or CrossCountry to Preston (Lancs). As the main train operators on this route, all offer plenty of space for luggage and comfortable seating as standard.

Book train tickets from Reading to Preston (Lancs) in advance instead of buying them on the day and they can start from £35.90. We'll always highlight the cheapest prices in our Journey Planner, for example when you travel at Off-Peak times or use a Railcard.

If you're feeling ready to book, start looking for cheap train tickets with us today. Keep reading for more information on the journey to Preston (Lancs) by train, or check our timetable above to view live train times.

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

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

How do I get from Reading to Preston (Lancs)?

You can travel from Reading to Preston (Lancs) by train in about 5 hours and 42 minutes. With around 19 trains running each day, taking the train is easy. Find out more in our Journey Planner.

How long is the train journey from Reading to Preston (Lancs)?

On average, the train journey from Reading to Preston (Lancs) takes around 5 hours and 42 minutes, with 19 trains per day. The duration may vary slightly depending on the specific train and any potential delays. Use our Journey Planner to check out more information.

How much is the train from Reading to Preston (Lancs)?

Train tickets from Reading to Preston (Lancs) start from as little as £35.90, depending on the time of booking, class of service and type of train. Booking in advance often results in cheaper prices.

What is the fastest train from Reading to Preston (Lancs)?

The fastest trains from Reading to Preston (Lancs) can cover the distance of 175 miles (281 km) in as little as 3 hours and 31 minutes.

How do I find cheap train tickets from Reading 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. Book in advance

Train tickets from Reading to Preston (Lancs) start at £35.90§ one way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. UK train companies usually release Advance tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of time, and these can be cheaper than tickets bought on the day of travel.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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 Reading 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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