How to get to Preston
Preston is a city in Lancashire, England, known for its historic buildings, green parks, and vibrant city centre. How you get to Preston depends on your starting point and mode of transportation.
Once you arrive, Preston offers plenty of parking, a central train station, and easy access to its shops, museums, parks, and other attractions.
By Road
From London:
Take the M1 northbound and merge onto the M6 at Birmingham.
Continue on the M6 northbound and exit at Junction 31 for Preston.
The journey takes approximately 4 to 4.5 hours, depending on traffic.
From Manchester:
Take the M61 northbound, which connects directly to the M6 and into Preston.
The drive takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour.
From Liverpool:
Take the M58 eastbound and merge onto the M6 northbound toward Preston.
The journey takes about 1 to 1.5 hours
By Bus/Coach:
National Express:
Coaches run from major cities like London, Birmingham, Manchester, and Liverpool to Preston.
Journeys may take longer than by train, but they are often more affordable.
Local Buses:
Regional and local bus services connect Preston to nearby towns such as Blackburn, Leyland, Chorley, and Southport.
By Train
Major Roads
Preston is well connected by a number of major roads and motorways that provide excellent access:
M6 – The main north–south motorway through the region, linking Preston to Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Lancaster, and Scotland.
M61 – Connects Preston to Manchester and the wider Greater Manchester region.
M65 – Runs east from Preston toward Blackburn, Burnley, and Colne.
A59 – Connects Preston westward to Southport and eastward to Clitheroe and Skipton.
A6 – A major historic route running through the city, connecting Preston to Lancaster and Manchester.
A582 – A key local route connecting southern suburbs and retail parks with the city centre.
Preston’s central location and direct access to the motorway network make it one of the best-connected cities in the North West.
By Air
The nearest major airport is Manchester Airport (MAN), about 45 minutes to 1 hour away by car or train.
From the airport, you can rent a car or take direct train or bus services to Preston