Getting Around Preston
Preston's public transport network consists mainly of buses and trains, making these the primary ways for visitors to move around the city. The town is also home to the Guild Wheel, a circular cycling route that offers an alternative way to explore the area at a leisurely pace.
Buses
Buses are the backbone of Preston's public transport system. The main operators are Stagecoach, which runs regional and out-of-town services, and Preston Bus, which operates routes within the city itself. Several other smaller operators also serve the city, providing connections to surrounding areas.
Preston Bus Station is a major transport hub located in the city centre. This substantial facility, a refurbished Brutalist structure, serves as the departure point for local, regional and long-distance coach services. It includes a café and multi-storey car park, making it a convenient base for arriving visitors.
Real-time arrival information was historically available at many bus stops throughout the city via GPS tracking technology, allowing passengers to see when buses would arrive rather than relying on timetables alone. However, this service is no longer operational in Preston.
Park & Ride facilities are available at two locations: Portway near the docks and Walton-le-Dale south of the river. These allow visitors to leave their cars and continue into the city centre by bus.
Trains and the Rail Network
Preston railway station is a major station on the West Coast Main Line, serving as an important hub for connections across North-West England and beyond. The station has step-free access to all platforms, a staffed ticket office, ticket machines, an ATM, a café and toilets. Plusbus tickets, which combine rail and bus travel, are available here.
Train services are operated by Avanti West Coast, TransPennine Express and Northern. Avanti West Coast runs hourly services from London Euston taking around three hours, with trains continuing north to Glasgow. Express services also run every 20 minutes from Manchester Airport, taking approximately 55 minutes. Regular connections are available from other major cities including Birmingham, Liverpool, Leeds and York, as well as from Blackpool and other nearby towns.
Several other railway stations exist on the outskirts of Preston—Salwick, Bamber Bridge and Lostock Hall—though these receive only hourly services to Preston or Colne. Nearby alternatives include Leyland and Croston.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Preston has a substantial taxi industry with many companies operating across different parts of the city. Options range from standard cabs to luxury vehicles and London Black Cabs. Ride-hailing app Uber also operates in Preston. A taxi rank is located north of Preston railway station.
Walking and Cycling
Preston is reasonably walkable for visitors. The Guild Wheel is a 21-mile circular cycling route that runs around the city, opened in 2012, offering a scenic way to explore Preston and its surroundings by bicycle. The city also has an extensive network of cycling paths beyond this main route.
Getting to Preston from Nearby Airports
Preston itself has no scheduled commercial flights. Manchester Airport is usually the best option for visitors, offering a wide range of flights at competitive fares and good onward transport links. Trains run every 20 minutes from Manchester Airport to Preston, taking approximately 55 minutes via Bolton. Liverpool Airport is another option with flights across Europe, while Birmingham and London airports serve as alternatives.
For coach travel, Megabus runs a daily service from London Victoria via Birmingham and Manchester Airport, taking six hours. National Express operates nightly coaches from London Victoria with a connection at Birmingham, arriving in Preston around 2:30 AM.
By road, Preston is well connected via the M6 motorway to the north and south, and by the M55 to Blackpool. The M61 connects to Manchester, while the M65 serves East Lancashire.