Dec 18, 2025
Planning a trip between Manchester and Preston? Understanding the distance and your travel options makes your journey smoother. Whether you're commuting for work, catching a train, or heading to Manchester Airport, knowing what to expect saves time and hassle.
The two cities sit just 27 miles apart as the crow flies, but your actual travel distance depends on which route you take. Road journeys typically cover 33 to 37 miles, while rail services offer quick connections between these two Lancashire hubs.
The straight-line distance from Manchester to Preston measures approximately 27 miles (44 kilometres). This represents the shortest possible distance between the city centres.
When you're actually driving or taking a taxi, the road distance stretches to around 33 to 37 miles depending on your exact starting and ending points. The M61 motorway provides the most direct route, connecting the M60 ring road near Manchester with the M6 near Preston.
Here's what you need to know:
The M61 runs northwest from the Worsley Braided Interchange on Manchester's M60 ring road, passing through Bolton and Chorley before joining the M6 just south of Preston. This 21-mile motorway handles substantial daily traffic, with over 50,000 vehicles using key sections.
Your journey time varies based on your chosen transport method and when you travel. Traffic conditions on the M61 can significantly affect driving times, particularly during rush hour.
Rail services between Manchester from Preston are frequent and reliable. Around 184 trains run daily on this route, operated mainly by TransPennine Express and Northern Rail.
Direct trains run throughout the day, so you won't need to change. Services depart from Manchester Piccadilly, Manchester Oxford Road, and Manchester Victoria, arriving at Preston Railway Station. The route covers roughly 27 miles by rail.
Driving times depend heavily on traffic. The M61 can get busy during peak periods, particularly around the Worsley Braided Interchange and near Bolton.
Typical driving time: 40-50 minutes
Rush hour: Can extend to 60-75 minutes
Quiet periods: As quick as 35-40 minutes
The route takes you north on the M61, passing Bolton West services (the only service station on this motorway) before joining the M6 near Preston. The M61 reaches some of the UK's widest road sections at the Worsley interchange, with 17 lanes running side by side.
Bus services offer a budget-friendly alternative, though they take longer than trains or private transport.
Journey time: 45 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes
Frequency: 3-6 coaches daily
Main operators: National Express, FlixBus, Megabus
Coaches depart from Manchester Shudehill Interchange or Manchester Coach Station, arriving at Preston Bus Station on Carlisle Street.
Taxi fares between Manchester and Preston vary based on several factors, including your exact pickup location, time of day, and the type of vehicle you need.
For a standard taxi journey from Manchester city centre to Preston, expect to pay:
Standard taxi: £55-£75
Executive car: £80-£100
Larger vehicles (6-8 passengers): £90-£120
Airport transfers between Manchester Airport and Preston typically cost more due to the additional distance:
Manchester Airport to Preston: £70-£95
Preston to Manchester Airport: £70-£95
These prices represent typical fares for pre-booked journeys. Metered taxis flagged down on the street may vary, particularly during peak times or late at night.
Several elements influence your final price:
South Ribble Taxis offers fixed-price quotes for journeys in the South Ribble area, which removes uncertainty about your final fare. Their service covers Preston, Penwortham, Bamber Bridge, Leyland, and surrounding areas.
The M61 motorway provides the fastest and most straightforward route. Here's what the journey looks like:
Starting from Manchester city centre, join the M60 ring road and head west. Exit onto the M61 at the Worsley Braided Interchange (Junctions 1-3). This complex junction ranks among Britain's most elaborate road systems.
Continue north on the M61, passing:
At Junction 9, merge onto the M6 northbound. Take the first exit (Junction 31a) for Preston city centre, following signs to the A59.
While the M61 offers the quickest option, alternatives exist:
A6 Road: The traditional route runs through Bolton and Chorley. This adds 15-20 minutes to your journey but passes through town centres if you need to stop.
M62 to M6: You can head east on the M62, then north on the M6, but this route adds considerable distance and time.
A580 (East Lancashire Road): This dual carriageway runs west before connecting to routes north, though it's rarely faster than the M61.
Choosing between rail and road depends on your specific needs. Each option has clear advantages.
Trains work brilliantly for:
Train ticket prices: From £3.60 advance single, £15-£22 for flexible travel
Advance booking secures the cheapest fares. Off-peak tickets offer good value for flexible travel times. Services run frequently, so you're rarely waiting long.
Private hire makes more sense for:
South Ribble Taxis provides 24-hour service across South Ribble, offering reliable transport when trains aren't practical. Their fixed-fare approach means you know your cost upfront, with no surprises at the end of your journey.
For a single passenger, trains clearly cost less. A group of four sharing a taxi, though, might find private hire competitive, particularly when factoring in the convenience of direct travel.
One passenger by train: £3.60-£15.00 Four passengers sharing a taxi: £15-£20 per person Airport transfer for four: £17.50-£25 per person
Making this journey regularly? These tips help things run smoothly.
Book advance tickets online for the best prices. They're typically released 12 weeks before travel. For regular commuters, season tickets or railcards save money. The 16-25 Railcard, Two Together Railcard, and Senior Railcard all offer 1/3 off most fares.
Check live departure boards before travelling. Engineering works occasionally affect weekend services, and weather can cause delays. Download the Northern Rail or TransPennine Express apps for real-time updates.
Manchester has three main stations serving Preston. Piccadilly handles most services and connects easily to the city centre. Oxford Road sits closer to the universities and southern suburbs. Victoria serves the northern areas and connects to the Metrolink tram system.
The M61 generally flows well, but rush hour (7:30-9:30am southbound, 4:30-6:30pm northbound) brings heavy traffic. The Worsley Braided Interchange can be confusing for first-timers, so follow signs carefully for the M61 to Preston.
Bolton West services (between Junctions 6 and 8) offers your only opportunity for a break. It's roughly halfway, making it a sensible stop for longer journeys or if you need fuel.
Watch for variable speed limits and average speed cameras on busy sections. The motorway has areas where restrictions apply during peak periods.
The M61 crosses the West Pennine Moors near Bolton, where winter weather can be challenging. Snow, ice, and strong winds sometimes affect this section more than lower-lying areas. Check weather forecasts and traffic reports before winter journeys.
Summer generally brings clear conditions, though rush-hour traffic remains a factor regardless of season.
If you're travelling within South Ribble, South Ribble Taxis serves the entire borough. Their service area includes Preston, Penwortham, Bamber Bridge, Leyland, Lostock Hall, Farington, Hutton, Longton, and surrounding villages.
The company operates three brands:
All three offer 24-hour service with fixed fares. They specialise in airport transfers to Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds Bradford, and London airports, plus local journeys, medical appointments, school runs, and group bookings. Mini buses accommodating 6, 8, or 16 passengers are available for larger groups.
For journeys to Manchester from South Ribble areas, booking in advance ensures availability, particularly during busy periods or for early-morning airport runs.
The drive typically takes 40 to 50 minutes via the M61 motorway in normal traffic conditions. During rush hour, allow 60 to 75 minutes. The journey covers approximately 33 to 37 miles by road, depending on your exact start and end points. Traffic on the M61 flows well most of the day, though the Worsley Braided Interchange and approaches to Preston can slow during peak periods.
Trains offer the most economical option for individual travellers, with advance single tickets starting from £3.60. Booking ahead secures the lowest fares. For groups of three or more, sharing a taxi becomes competitive, particularly when you factor in the door-to-door convenience. Coach services cost from £6 but take longer than trains or taxis.
A standard taxi from Preston to Manchester city centre typically costs £55 to £75 for a pre-booked journey. Executive cars range from £80 to £100. Airport transfers to Manchester Airport cost £70 to £95. Out-of-hours journeys (between 10pm and 11am) usually incur a surcharge of 15 to 20%. Fixed-price bookings with South Ribble Taxis eliminate uncertainty about your final fare.
Yes, direct trains run frequently between Manchester and Preston throughout the day. Approximately 184 services operate daily, with trains roughly every 10 minutes during peak periods. The fastest journey takes just 31 minutes, while the average is around 44 minutes. TransPennine Express and Northern Rail operate most services, departing from Manchester Piccadilly, Manchester Oxford Road, or Manchester Victoria.
The M61 motorway provides the main route between Manchester and Preston. It runs for 21 miles from the M60 ring road at the Worsley Braided Interchange near Manchester, passing Bolton and Chorley before joining the M6 just south of Preston at Junction 9. This motorway opened in stages between 1969 and 1970, specifically to create a fast route between these two cities.
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