Train from Preston to Edinburgh: Tickets & Timetables

Previously seen journeys

Next departures from Preston to Edinburgh on 15 December
Operated byVehicle typeDeparture timeDeparture locationTrip durationArrival timeArrival locationRecommendedPrice and booking link
Transpennine ExpressTrain
Preston (Lancs), Rail Station
WaverleyNo tags
Avanti West CoastTrain
Preston (Lancs), Rail Station
WaverleyNo tags
Transpennine ExpressTrain
Preston (Lancs), Rail Station
WaverleyNo tags
Avanti West CoastTrain
Preston (Lancs), Rail Station
WaverleyNo tags
Transpennine ExpressTrain
Preston (Lancs), Rail Station
WaverleyNo tags

Compare 3 ways to travel from Preston to Edinburgh

We recommend taking the train

Among the sustainable travel choices, the train stands out as a good way to reach Edinburgh. The journey takes about 2 hours 33 minutes and with fares starting at just R 457, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

8train per day
2h 33mAverage duration
247 kmDistance
6kgCO₂ emissions
Average priceR 287 - R 1 211Average duration6h 22m
6kg CO₂e
Average priceR 457 - R 4 368Average duration2h 33m
6kg CO₂e
Carpool
Average priceR 525 - R 791Average duration3h 40m
10kg CO₂e

Frequently asked questions about travelling from Preston to Edinburgh by train

Please note that timetables, routes, or operator details shown here may be updated or differ at the time of your trip.

  1. How much is the train ticket from Preston to Edinburgh?

    The cheapest train tickets from Preston to Edinburgh start from R 457. The average price for this train route is around R 1 288. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance for a better chance to secure the lowest possible price.

  2. How long is the train journey from Preston to Edinburgh?

    The average train journey time from Preston to Edinburgh is 2h 33m, covering a distance of 247 km. The quickest train can get you there in 2h 24m and is operated by Avanti West Coast.

  3. Which train operators serve the Preston to Edinburgh route?

    Several major train operators serve this route, with 8 trains available per day, including services from Transpennine Express, Avanti West Coast.

  4. What are the earliest and latest departure times for the train from Preston to Edinburgh?

    The earliest train from Preston to Edinburgh departs at 07:04. And the latest train departs at 21:09.

  5. Which is the best train operator from Preston to Edinburgh?

    According to Busbud customers, the highest-rated train operator on this route is Avanti West Coast, with an average rating of 3.8 out of 5 stars based on 42 reviews.

  6. Which train operator has the best Wi-Fi from Preston to Edinburgh?

    Based on reviews on Busbud, the train operator Transpennine Express has the highest Wi-Fi rating with a score of 5.0.

  7. Which train operator offers the most punctual service from Preston to Edinburgh?

    According to Busbud traveller reviews, the most punctual train operator on this route is Avanti West Coast, with a punctuality rating of 3.8 out of 5 stars.

  8. Which train operator has the cleanest trains from Preston to Edinburgh?

    According to Busbud traveller reviews, the train operator with the cleanest trains on this route is Transpennine Express, with a cleanliness rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Find cheapest prices for trains

Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.

Best price found
13/12
R 570
14/12
R 1 044
Today
R 441
16/12
R 443
17/12
R 444
18/12
No data
19/12
R 440
20/12
R 493
busbud logoThe cheapest trip from Preston to Edinburgh was searched and found on 19 Dec 2025 with a price of R 440

To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your train tickets from Preston to Edinburgh as early as possible.

You can expect to pay from R 440 to R 4 144 for a train ticket from Preston to Edinburgh based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at R 440, which is on 2025-12-19.

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