Discover Southend to Preston by train

Planning a train adventure from Southend to Preston? To get started, check out our detailed guide to a seamless, enjoyable journey.

Train cost for travel between Southend and Preston

The first thing many travellers ask before booking a trip is: 'How much will it cost?' While train travel combines comfort and cost, the price of a ticket depends on a few things.

For starters, how early you book your trip comes into play with the price tag. For this specific route, the cheapest fare is US$80.50, but can go to when purchased thirty days before your train departs, and when locked in seven days before. Don’t wait until the last minute to plan your trip. Instead, you can book these tickets 5 and a half months in advance.

Cheap train tickets with slower trains

Another factor that comes into play when it comes to ticket price is speed. Let us explain. Many travellers automatically opt for the high-speed train option because faster is always better, right? Not necessarily. As experienced train travellers ourselves, the Rail Europe team often chooses to go for the slower trains for a number of reasons, including the fact that these trains often:

  • Allow for more time to take in the city scapes and countrysides

  • Set a more leisurely pace to better soak up the travel experience

  • Stop in areas that are less-travelled, offering a more unique journey

  • Are less-crowded than their high-speed counterparts

  • Are an even greener travel option than high speed

  • Are the cheapest train tickets you can find

Whether you choose to go with a low-, medium- or high-speed train, Rail Europe compiles all train options so you can choose by cost, speed, timing and operator to find the best fit for your travels.

Train times for travel between Southend and Preston

If you are taking the train from Southend to Preston, you will have 36 trains each day (with a departure every 16 minutes) to choose from. Earlier risers can catch the first weekday train at 05:00. If you are looking to jump aboard the last train out of the station, the latest train departs at 23:35. On weekends, the first train departs at 04:00, and the last scheduled train of the day leaves at 22:49.

What are the travel time and distance for trains from Southend to Preston?

On this route spanning 338 kilometres in total, the fastest journey takes 3 hours and 50 minutes.

When do tickets between Southend and Preston go on sale?

Travellers can book train journeys between Southend and Preston 5 and a half months before the travel date. The earlier you book, the better the price. Stay informed about ticket availability by setting up a personalised booking alert with Rail Europe.

Making the most of your trip to Preston

For a seamless train journey, head to our extensive help articles. Start planning your trip and explore travel ideas in our city guide: Preston.

Frequently asked questions

How far is Southend to Preston by train?

The distance between Southend and Preston is 338 kilometres.

How much does a train ticket from Southend to Preston cost?

The cheapest ticket on this route is US$80.50. When booked 30 days ahead, the price is typically . If booked 7 days in advance, expect to pay around .

How far in advance can I book my Southend to Preston train tickets?

Tickets for this route become available 5 and a half months before the travel date.

How long does it take to get from Southend to Preston?

The fastest jouney takes 3 hours and 50 minutes.