Is Preston a good city?

It is a historic city with great transport links and parks.

How long is the train?

Usually around 6.5 hours with one change.

No, there are no commercial flights to Preston.

Yes, it is one of the busiest motorways in the UK.

There are several multi-storey car parks in the city centre.

Padstow

Preston

Train Driving

Padstow to Preston

Updated: 30 May 2026

The journey from Padstow to Preston is approximately 480 km. You will travel from Bodmin Parkway to Bristol Temple Meads, then catch a direct train to Preston via the CrossCountry or Avanti West Coast network. By road, the route follows the A30, M5, and M6 motorways. This journey connects the south-west coast to the heart of Lancashire.

Total Distance: 480 km driving, 410 km air.

Fastest Way

Driving, provided there are no major accidents on the M6.

Cheapest Way

Advance train tickets booked via the Trainline or operator websites.

Compare Padstow to Preston Routes

	Train Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	6 hours 30 mins	6 hours
Avg Price	90 GBP - 200 GBP	80 GBP fuel
Operator	CrossCountry and Avanti West Coast	N/A
Route	Bodmin Parkway to Bristol, then direct to Preston.	A30, M5, M6.
Tip	CrossCountry trains can get very busy; book a seat.	The M6 is prone to heavy congestion near Manchester.

Travel Tips

M6 Traffic
Check traffic reports before leaving, especially during holiday periods.
Train Booking
Use the 'Split Ticketing' method to save money on long-distance rail.
Station Facilities
Preston station has excellent facilities, including cafes and shops.
Parking
If driving, look for long-stay car parks near the city centre.
Local Buses
Preston has a comprehensive bus network for local travel.