
There are several ways to travel from Preston to Manchester Airport, including by train, bus, or car. The train from Preston to Manchester Airport is a popular option, with direct services running daily and taking around 1 hour. The train station at Manchester Airport offers various facilities, such as heated waiting rooms, shops, and accessible toilets. It is important to note that the airport introduced a charge for drop-offs by the entrance to the rail station. Alternatively, travellers can take a bus or drive, with the latter being the fastest option, taking around 42 minutes for the 40-mile journey.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Distance | 40-42 miles |
| Driving time | 42-45 minutes |
| Bus cost | $21-30 |
| Bus duration | 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Train cost | $10-40 |
| Train duration | 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Train frequency | Every 20-30 minutes |
| Train speed | Up to 100 mph |
| Platforms with tactile paving | Not all |
| Step-free access | Yes |
| Wheelchair access | Yes |
| Accessible toilets | Yes |
| Changing Places facility | Yes |
| Female toilets | Platforms 2 and 3 |
| Male toilets | Platforms 2 and 3 |
| Shops | Platforms 2 and 3 |
| Waiting rooms | Platforms 1, 2 and 3 |
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What You'll Learn

Travel options: train, bus, or car
There are several ways to travel from Preston to Manchester Airport, including by train, bus, or car.
Train
Northern Trains Limited operates a train from Preston to Manchester Airport every 30 minutes. Tickets cost $10–$14 and the journey takes 1 hour 9 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes. TransPennine Express also services this route hourly. You can buy your train tickets online, via the TPExpress app, or at a station.
Bus
National Express operates a bus from Preston Bus Station to Manchester Airport Bus Station four times a day. The journey takes 1 hour 2 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes and tickets cost $21–$30.
Car
The fastest way to get from Preston to Manchester Airport is to drive, which takes around 41 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic. The route follows either the M61 or M6, depending on congestion. If you don't have your own car, you can hire one from the airport.
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Train tickets: buy online, via the TPExpress app, or at the station
Travelling the 40 miles between Manchester Airport and Preston city centre can be done by train, and there are multiple services running daily. The route usually takes around an hour, making it a convenient option for travellers.
There are several ways to purchase train tickets for this route:
Online
You can buy train tickets online through the TransPennine Express website or app. Buying tickets online allows you to download an e-ticket directly to your phone or print it out. You can also have your ticket posted to you, although this option takes five working days. If you buy a season ticket online, you can upload it to a Smart card, which you can then use at the ticket gate or ticket machine.
Via the TPExpress App
The TPExpress app allows you to book tickets, check live train times, access timetables, and receive live travel information. You can also download your tickets directly to your phone if you use the app.
At the Station
You can also buy train tickets at any station on the TransPennine Express network, including on-the-day tickets and future travel tickets. If you are buying tickets at peak times, you may have to wait up to five minutes, while the wait is only three minutes during other times. If there are no ticketing facilities at the station, you can pay your fare to the conductor onboard, who can offer you a range of tickets.
It is important to purchase the correct ticket for your trip, such as Advance, Anytime, or Off-Peak, and you can save money by using a Railcard or booking in advance.
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Station facilities: toilets, shops, and waiting rooms
There are a variety of facilities available at Preston railway station, including toilets, shops, and waiting rooms. The station, located in Preston, Lancashire, England, is an interchange on the West Coast Main Line, serving as a convenient stop for those travelling between London Euston and Glasgow Central.
The station features a wide range of amenities to cater to the needs of travellers. Inside the station, you'll find a newsagent and several food outlets, including a licensed restaurant, providing options for those looking for a quick bite or a sit-down meal. For those who prefer a cup of coffee, there is also a small coffee shop outlet on platform 4.
Additionally, the station has a large waiting room, offering a comfortable space for passengers to relax or wait for their train. This waiting room is especially convenient for those travelling as a group or with family, as it provides a central meeting point. The station also has toilets, ensuring that basic traveller needs are met.
For travellers seeking information or assistance, there is a small travel centre on platform 3. Here, Avanti West Coast staff are available to provide helpful advice and ensure a smooth journey for passengers. This can be especially useful for those who are new to the station or navigating train travel.
Preston railway station has a rich history, with the North Union Railway opening a station on the site back in 1838. Over the years, the station has undergone extensions and improvements, including the addition of new platforms and electrification of the lines. Today, it stands as a well-equipped and modern transit hub, accommodating travellers with a range of facilities and convenient connections to various destinations across the country.
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Train operators: Northern Trains Limited and TransPennine Express
Travellers can take the train to and from Manchester Airport and Preston, with direct services running daily. The route only takes about an hour, making it a convenient option for those with upcoming flights. Northern Trains Limited and TransPennine Express are the two train operators servicing this route.
Northern Trains Limited offers cheap train tickets and timetables for its services, which can be purchased online or via their app. Northern services over 500 stations across the North of England, and its trains can reach speeds of up to 100 mph. Northern also offers improved facilities and security, including step-free access to all platforms, accessible toilets, and assistance for customers with luggage, prams, pushchairs, or wheelchairs.
TransPennine Express, which took over all services from its predecessor, TransPennine Trains, on 28 May 2023, offers three routes: the North Route (including routes between Manchester and Leeds), the Anglo-Scottish Route (services on the West Coast Main Line), and the South Route (services on the Hope Valley Line and the South Humberside Main Line). TransPennine Express has also introduced a new first-class menu on its Newcastle to Liverpool services and offers flexible, fee-free tickets.
Both Northern Trains Limited and TransPennine Express provide convenient travel options for those travelling between Preston and Manchester Airport, with direct services and modern amenities.
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Travel time: 42 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes
The fastest train from Preston to Manchester Airport takes around 54 minutes, with the average journey time being 1 hour 11 minutes. The route is approximately 32 miles (52 kilometres) long. There are roughly 67-68 trains making this journey daily, with the first train departing at 05:22 and the last train at 23:15. The cheapest tickets are available from £6.20 when booked in advance.
The train is operated by Northern Trains Limited, with TransPennine Express also servicing the route hourly. Northern Trains operates local services over the full length of the line, including limited-stop workings from Manchester Airport to Hazel Grove via Manchester Piccadilly to Blackpool North, along with Manchester Victoria to Preston services. Northern Rail and First TransPennine Express are the main train operating companies running services between Preston and Manchester Airport. Northern Trains operate a variety of rolling stock for their services, including Class 331s, Class 323s, and Class 319. Northern also uses Class 195s, Class 158s, Class 156s, Class 153s, and Class 150s on the line.
The Manchester-Preston line is one of the busiest in the North West, with eight trains per hour in each direction during the off-peak daytime timetable. The line speed is currently 100 mph. The route usually requires just one change, with comfortable seating and ample luggage space. First-class tickets typically offer more space, complimentary food and drink, and other amenities compared to standard class. Amenities on trains between Preston and Manchester Airport can include free Wi-Fi, power outlets, onboard catering, and comfortable seating.
Alternatively, you can take a bus or drive. The bus takes around 1 hour 15 minutes and costs $21-30, while driving takes around 42 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic.
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Frequently asked questions
It is best to book your train tickets in advance to save over 50% on your ticket.
The train from Preston to Manchester Airport takes about 1 hour 15 minutes.
I cannot find information on the exact platform, but there are trains from Preston to Manchester Airport every 20-30 minutes.










































