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Trains from Airdrie to
Preston (Lancs)

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Airdrie to Preston (Lancs) by train

A train trip from Airdrie to Preston (Lancs) takes about 3hrs 37 mins on average, covering roughly 154 miles (248 kilometres). With around 35 trains running each day, there's plenty of flexibility for your travel plans. If you book in advance, you can grab tickets starting from just £14.50, making it a budget-friendly option for those who plan ahead.

Airdrie to Preston (Lancs) Key Stats

Arrival Station

Preston (Lancs)

Departure Station

Airdrie

Frequency

35trains
per day

Journey Time

from3hrs 6 mins

Changes

1-2no direct
trains

First Train / Last Train

05:54 / 00:05

Distance

154miles
(248 km)

4 Routes

4 Train Operators

Prices

from£14.50

Travelling from Airdrie to Preston (Lancs) by Train

Hop on a Train from Airdrie to Preston (Lancs) – It’s Faster Than You Think!

Planning to travel from Airdrie to Preston (Lancs) by train? Well, you've come to the right place – and don’t worry, it won’t take forever!

On average, the journey takes around 3hrs 37 mins. But if you’re in a hurry (or just really eager to get to Preston (Lancs)), the fastest trains can whisk you there in just 3hrs 6 mins. With roughly 35 trains running every day, you're spoiled for choice. This scenic 154-mile (248 km) journey usually requires just one change. You’ll be in the good hands of ScotRail, Caledonian Sleeper, First TransPennine Express, Avanti West Coast, all of whom offer comfy seats and plenty of luggage space – because, let’s face it, nobody likes a cramped train!

The best part? Tickets start from just £14.50 if you book in advance, which is a much better deal than scrambling for tickets on the day. Want to save even more? Travelling during Off-Peak hours or flashing a Railcard can help you keep more money in your wallet.

So, ready to snag those cheap tickets? Use our Journey Planner to find the latest prices and make your wallet happy. Keep scrolling for more travel tips, or check out our timetable above for live train times. Time to choo-choo your way to Preston (Lancs)!

Journey Details

Frequently asked questions about journeys between Airdrie and Preston (Lancs)

Curious about your trip from Airdrie to Preston (Lancs)? We've put together answers to the most commonly asked questions from our customers to make planning your journey easier.

How long does it take to travel between Airdrie and Preston (Lancs) by train?

The travel time between Airdrie and Preston (Lancs) by train varies depending on the type of train and the route, but the average journey time is 3hrs 37 mins & the fastest journey takes 3hrs 6 mins.

What's the fastest journey time between Airdrie and Preston (Lancs) by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Airdrie to Preston (Lancs) is 3hrs 6 mins.

How much does the train from Airdrie to Preston (Lancs) cost?

Train ticket prices from Airdrie to Preston (Lancs) can start from as little as £14.50 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.

What are the departure and arrival times for trains between Airdrie and Preston (Lancs)?

The departure and arrival times for trains between Airdrie and Preston (Lancs) vary depending on the day of the week and the type of train. Generally, there are around 35 departures and arrivals throughout the day. The first departure is 05:54, and the last train of the day leaves at 00:05.

What is the difference between first class and standard class on trains between Airdrie and Preston (Lancs)?

First class tickets on trains between Airdrie and Preston (Lancs) typically offer more space, complimentary food and drink, and other amenities compared to standard class.

What amenities are available on trains between Airdrie and Preston (Lancs)?

Amenities on trains between Airdrie and Preston (Lancs) can include free Wi-Fi, power outlets, onboard catering, and comfortable seating.

What is the cheapest way to travel from Airdrie to Preston (Lancs) by train?

By booking your tickets on traintickets.com! There are many ways to save on the cost of train travel between Airdrie and Preston (Lancs). On traintickets.com, we do all the work for you to find the cheapest way possible to get to Preston (Lancs), and can save you up to 90%! Simply search for your journey, and be assured we have found you the best possible price.

Is it possible to take a direct train from Airdrie to Preston (Lancs)?

No, unfortunately there are no direct trains between Airdrie & Preston (Lancs). However, there are 35 possible journeys which require a change.

What train companies run services from Airdrie to Preston (Lancs)?

ScotRail, Caledonian Sleeper, First TransPennine Express and Avanti West Coast are the main train operating companies running services between Airdrie and Preston (Lancs).

Can I bring luggage on board trains between Airdrie and Preston (Lancs)?

Yes, you can bring luggage on board trains between Airdrie and Preston (Lancs), but there may be limits on the number of bags or the size and weight of your luggage.

When are Airdrie to Preston (Lancs) Train Times?

Check out the upcoming trains from Airdrie to Preston (Lancs) on Tuesday 1st July 2025, with our handy timetable below.

Alternatively, you can view the full day's schedule or search for a different date here!

Tuesday 1st July
DepartsArrivesChangesVia StationsDurationOperator
05:54 Airdrie09:47 Preston (Lancs)2 changesGlasgow Central
3 hrs 53 mins Get Tickets
06:36 Airdrie09:57 Preston (Lancs)2 changesGlasgow Central
3 hrs 21 mins Get Tickets
07:04 Airdrie10:15 Preston (Lancs)2 changesGlasgow Central
3 hrs 11 mins Get Tickets
07:11 Airdrie10:44 Preston (Lancs)1 changeEdinburgh
3 hrs 33 mins Get Tickets
07:33 Airdrie10:56 Preston (Lancs)2 changesGlasgow Central
3 hrs 23 mins Get Tickets
08:02 Airdrie11:14 Preston (Lancs)1 changeHaymarket
3 hrs 12 mins Get Tickets
08:04 Airdrie11:49 Preston (Lancs)2 changesGlasgow Queen Street
Glasgow Central
3 hrs 45 mins Get Tickets
08:35 Airdrie11:58 Preston (Lancs)2 changesGlasgow Queen Street
Glasgow Central
3 hrs 23 mins Get Tickets
09:06 Airdrie12:45 Preston (Lancs)1 changeEdinburgh
3 hrs 39 mins Get Tickets
09:34 Airdrie12:56 Preston (Lancs)2 changesGlasgow Queen Street
Glasgow Central
3 hrs 22 mins Get Tickets
10:08 Airdrie13:14 Preston (Lancs)1 changeHaymarket
3 hrs 6 mins Get Tickets
10:34 Airdrie13:57 Preston (Lancs)2 changesGlasgow Queen Street
Glasgow Central
3 hrs 23 mins Get Tickets
Search all times & prices for today

What are my cheap ticket options for Airdrie to Preston (Lancs) journeys?

From booking in Advance, to our FairSplits, here are our tips for you to find the best price

Advance Tickets

A single ticket for one journey leaving at a specific date and time.

The rule is: the sooner you book the cheaper they are. Usually the cheapest, but least flexible.

Advance fares from Airdrie to Preston (Lancs) start from as little as £14.50

Off-Peak & Super Off-Peak Tickets

Offering greater flexibility than Advances, Off-Peak tickets offer travel during less busy times of day trading off more flexibility in the Off-Peak windows but for still discounted fares.

Off Peak fares from Airdrie to Preston (Lancs) start from £69.50 one way, or £99.30 return

Anytime Tickets

Anytime tickets are fully flexible allowing travel at any time of the day. Brilliant if you don’t want the pressure of clock watching, returning when you want

Anytime fares from Airdrie to Preston (Lancs) are available for £72.30 one way, or £144.60 return

With our FairSplit technology, you can save up to 90% on the cost of train travel.

Split ticketing means that instead of purchasing one rail ticket for your journey we automatically find and help you book two or more tickets instead, covering exactly the same journey. We call it our FairSplit.

Travelling in a group? We can save you even more!

Unlike other split ticketing sites, you can enter multiple railcards in a single search on traintickets.com. We will find you the best price using all possible combinations of your railcards in conjunction with our split ticketing technology & GroupSave.

When you do a search on traintickets.com we check all the cheapest prices automatically

Everything you need to know about Airdrie Station

Exploring Airdrie Train Station

Located at the heart of Airdrie, a charming town in North Lanarkshire, the Airdrie Train Station stands as an essential hub for commuters and travelers venturing across Scotland. Whether you're a daily commuter, a tourist, or simply planning an escape to Scotland’s larger cities, Airdrie Train Station offers a variety of facilities and services tailored to suit every traveler’s needs.

Station Amenities and Services

At the Airdrie Train Station, your journey begins with the convenience of a ticket office open from 05:30 to 00:00 on weekdays and from 07:30 to 00:00 on Sundays. Accessible ticket machines provide seamless service for travelers who prefer a quick ticket purchase or need to collect pre-purchased tickets from a machine. Smartcard users will find validators available, although new smartcards aren't issued here.

Enhancing your experience, the station is fully accessible, with step-free access across all platforms. This dedication to accessibility is augmented with helpful staff available from early morning until midnight, ready to assist passengers with any inquiries or travel needs. Although there are no accessible toilets, accessible ticket machines and induction loops ensure a user-friendly experience for all visitors.

Essentials and Extras

While at Airdrie Train Station, you can find dining or shopping options including a helpful news kiosk. Pay phones and public Wi-Fi are also available for those in need of connectivity. For cyclists, the station provides 30 sheltered bicycle stands, allowing for secure bike storage without the option for bike hire.

Travel Connections at Your Fingertips

Efficient onward travel is within easy reach at Airdrie Station. Bus services accessible through Traveline Scotland, along with taxis available for hire via TrainTaxi make reaching your next destination a breeze. During rail service disruptions, a rail replacement service ensures continuity by offering bus pick-up and drop-off points conveniently situated in the station's car park. Parking is affordable with a modest daily rate, and the car park is equipped with CCTV for security.

Popular Routes and Destinations

From Airdrie Station, travelers can easily embark on journeys to some of Scotland's renowned locations. Frequent connections to major cities such as Glasgow Queen Street, Edinburgh Waverley, and picturesque locales like Bathgate present endless opportunities for exploration. With links to Paisley Gilmour Street and Livingston North, you’re sure to find a destination that piques your interest.

Setting Out on Your Next Journey

Overall, Airdrie Train Station stands as a convenient and well-equipped point of departure whether for work, leisure, or adventure. Friendly staff, robust facilities, and smooth transport links invite passengers to a hassle-free journey from start to finish. Whether you're heading for the bustling streets of Glasgow, the historic allure of Edinburgh, or beyond, your journey starts at Airdrie Station—where every ticket is your passport to endless Scottish discoveries.

Need more information or ready to book your trip? Reach out to ScotRail Customer Relations or explore options on their website, and get ready for your next rail adventure from Airdrie.

Everything you need to know about Preston (Lancs) Station

Welcome to Preston (Lancs) Train Station

Whether you're setting off for a scenic trip through the UK, commuting for work, or heading to visit friends and family, Preston (Lancs) train station acts as a gateway to your journey. Situated in the vibrant heart of Lancashire, Preston station offers a comprehensive range of facilities that cater to your travel needs, making it a crucial hub for both local and long-distance travel.

The station is efficiently managed by Avanti West Coast and ensures a seamless experience for travelers, thanks to its extensive amenities and services that cater to millions of passengers each year. From ticketing to refreshments, everything is designed to make your travel as comfortable and convenient as possible.

Station Facilities & Amenities

Preston (Lancs) train station is well-equipped to handle the demands of modern travel. The ticket office is open from early morning until late at night, and with ticket machines available, it's convenient to purchase and collect your tickets, including those bought online. While smartcards aren't issued at the station, helpful staff are always available to assist you at help points, information points, and the ticket office itself.

Accessibility is a key strength of the station, with step-free access throughout, ramps for train access, and accessible ticket machines. Waiting rooms with automatic doors are located on platforms 3 and 4. Although there's no first-class lounge, seating and accessible toilets are available, providing a comfortable environment for everyone. CCTV coverage enhances the safety and security of the station premises.

For those needing to stay connected, the station provides accessible pay phones, although public Wi-Fi isn't available. Should you wish to explore local amenities or grab a quick refreshment, a selection of shops and eateries are conveniently located within the station.

Onward Travel Options

The station is a well-connected transport node that offers a variety of onward travel options. Taxis are readily accessible outside the station entrance, and a freephone service is available within the ticket office area to book them. Preston's local bus services also provide an efficient means of travel within and around the city, albeit with no Metro services available.

Should your journey require car hire, the nearest Eurocar branch is located approximately half a mile from the station. For the environmentally conscious or recreation-minded, a cycle hire is available from Leisure Lakes Bikes, offering a convenient bike shop adjacent to Platform 7. Additionally, the station allows easy pick-up and drop-off for Rail Replacement Services at the short-stay car park on Butler Street.

Popular Destinations from Preston

Preston station serves as a gateway to a plethora of bustling cities and tranquil towns across the UK. With direct routes to major cities like London Euston and Manchester Piccadilly, the station provides fast and frequent services that cater to both business and leisure travelers. Whether you're heading off to the seaside charm of Blackpool North or the cultural richness of Edinburgh, you'll find the station's connections both comprehensive and convenient.

Don't forget, journeys to closer destinations like Liverpool Lime Street or Manchester Airport can be a breeze with excellent train services. Explore more rural settings such as Blackburn or plan your next adventure to vibrant Glasgow Central. Whatever your destination, Preston's connectivity ensures you're never too far from your next adventure.

Your Ticket to Exploring

Whether you're a seasoned commuter or an enthusiastic explorer, Preston (Lancs) train station opens the door to an exciting world of travel opportunities. It stands as a testament to Lancashire's vibrant rail history while seamlessly integrating modern conveniences for today's traveler.

As each train departs, the promise of discovering new places or reconnecting with loved ones begins. Make Preston (Lancs) your starting point for countless journeys, and don't hesitate to snag your travel tickets to make the most of your trip. With a wealth of connections and a rich tapestry of destinations at your disposal, there's no better time than now to explore the wonders that lie beyond Preston's tracks.

Looking for more inspiration?

Popular places to travel by train from Airdrie