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Manchester to Prestonpans by train
| First train | 03:57 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 23:02 | |
| Departure station | Manchester | |
| Arrival station | Prestonpans | |
| Journey time | From 3h 36m | |
| Distance | 173 miles (279 km) | |
| Frequency | 31 trains per day | |
| Changes | 1 change | |
| Train operators | CrossCountry, TransPennine Express, ScotRail, Avanti West Coast, Caledonian Sleeper, London North Eastern Railway, Transport for Wales |
Travelling from Manchester to Prestonpans by train
Looking to travel from Manchester to Prestonpans by train? You've come to the right place!
On average, it takes around 5 hours 28 minutes to travel from Manchester to Prestonpans by train, the fastest services can get you there in as little as 3 hours 36 minutes though. You'll usually find 31 trains per day running along the 173 miles (279 km) route between these two destinations. You'll need to make 1 change during the journey to Prestonpans, as there currently aren't any direct services on this route. You can choose to travel with London North Eastern Railway, Avanti West Coast or ScotRail to get to Prestonpans. As the main rail operators on this route, their trains offer modern comfortable seating and plenty of space for luggage as standard.
To help you get great train deals, we'll highlight the cheapest train ticket prices from Manchester to Prestonpans in our Journey Planner. Just remember, as well as travelling Off-Peak or using a Railcard, the sooner you book your tickets, the more you'll save!
Want to book your train tickets now? Just start a search with us today. If you want to find out more about the journey, scroll up for timetables including live train times, or keep reading for FAQs and tips on how to book cheap train tickets.
Journey details
Want to know more about your journey from Manchester to Prestonpans? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
How long does the train from Manchester to Prestonpans take?
The average journey time by train between Manchester and Prestonpans is 5 hours and 28 minutes, with around 31 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
What's the fastest journey time between Manchester and Prestonpans by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Manchester to Prestonpans is 3 hours and 36 minutes.
Is there a direct train from Manchester to Prestonpans?
No, there are no direct train services from Manchester to Prestonpans. Travelling from Manchester to Prestonpans by train will require a minimum of 1 change.
What time does the first train from Manchester to Prestonpans leave?
The first train from Manchester to Prestonpans leaves at 03:57. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Manchester to Prestonpans leave?
The last train from Manchester to Prestonpans leaves at 23:02. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
What's the distance between Manchester and Prestonpans by train?
Trains travelling from Manchester to Prestonpans cover a distance of around 173 miles (279 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Prestonpans to Manchester.
Cheap train tickets from Manchester to Prestonpans
Book in advance
Look out for Advance tickets – they usually come out up to 12 weeks before the departure date and can be cheaper than buying on the day. If you’re here a tad early, sign up for our Advance ticket alert today to get notified when your tickets are released.
Consider a Season Ticket
If you catch this train more than 3 times per week, you could save money with a Season Ticket. With annual, monthly and weekly options available, find out if a season ticket for Manchester to Prestonpans is right for you.
Use your Railcard
National Railcards offer a 1/3 off eligible train tickets in the UK and can be a great investment if you travel a few times or more in a year. Find out how you can save with a National Railcard here.
Split your tickets
Download our app to find split tickets — courtesy of SplitSave, our handy feature which 'splits' your train tickets where possible to find you a better deal. Learn more about the clever tech behind split tickets, and how to spot SplitSave discounts in our app.
For more money-saving tips on UK and European train travel, read our cheap train tickets guide.