Is Preston a good city?

It has a great mix of history and modern amenities.

Dereham

Preston

Train Driving

Dereham to Preston

Updated: 28 May 2026

The journey from Dereham to Preston covers approximately 350 km. By train, you will travel to Norwich, then to London, and finally take a direct Avanti West Coast train to Preston. Driving involves taking the A47, A1(M), and M6, which is a long but straightforward route. This journey takes you from the east coast to the heart of the North West. Expect a travel time of 5 to 6 hours.

Total Distance: 350 km driving distance, 280 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Driving, taking approximately 5.5 hours under good traffic conditions.

Cheapest Way

Driving is generally cheaper if you are traveling with more than one person.

Compare Dereham to Preston Routes

	Train Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	6 hours	5 hours 30 mins
Avg Price	£100 - £180	£60 - £90 in fuel
Operator	Avanti West Coast and Greater Anglia	N/A
Route	Dereham to Norwich, Norwich to London, London to Preston.	A47, A1(M), M62, and M6.
Tip	Book your Avanti West Coast ticket well in advance for the best price.	The M6 is very busy; avoid it during Friday afternoon rush hour.

Travel Tips

M6 Traffic
The M6 is prone to heavy congestion; check for accidents before you leave.
Train Comfort
Avanti West Coast trains have good facilities for long journeys.
Parking
Use the Preston Station car park for easy access to the city center.
Booking
Use the Trainline app to monitor for delays on your route.
Breaks
Stop at Tebay Services on the M6 for high-quality local food.