View inside Preston Bus Station

Preston has a wide range of public transport options available for residents and visitors.

We are only thirty miles away from Manchester and Liverpool, which means it isn’t difficult to reach the nearest big cities.

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There is an extensive network of buses in Preston.

The city’s main operator, Stage Coach operates to places such as Chorley, Bolton, Fleetwood, Kirkham and Morecambe, along with city routes that take you throughout different areas.

Preston is also host to a Park and Ride service, which has two sites: Portway, which is situated closely to Preston Docks, and Walton-le-Dale, which is situated near the Capital Centre.

Preston Bus Station was one of the biggest in Europe, with over eighty stands. For more information and to view timetables, visit the Stagecoach website.

Although the Stagecoach in Preston system is the most popular way to get around the city, there are also other alternative ways to travel.

Preston has many cycling paths, which residents and visitors are encouraged to use.

The newest addition to our cycle routes is the Guild Wheel, which was created as a lasting legacy for the Preston Guild 2012. This route takes you along the different landscapes that surround the city and along the River Ribble, continuing into some lovely woodland areas.

There are also a number of growing taxi companies, which operate across the city.  They are based in areas such as Fulwood, Deepdale, Ribbleton and Penwortham.  You can choose a low-priced, local company or the more popular and recommended, London Black Cabs.

Finally, there is Preston’s Railway Station, which is a major station, situated on the West Coast Main Line.  There used to be many railway lines and stations around the city, however most of them are closed, leaving four still in operation: Preston, Salwick, Bamber Bridge and Lostock Hall; with Preston being the biggest out of all four.

Ribble Steam Railway in action

The city is also the home of the Ribble Steam Railway, which is located in the Riversway area.  Open since September 2005, you will not only travel down the Dock and Riverside line, but you will also be able to visit the newly built museum and workshop.  The Steam Train crosses the Preston Marina, and takes you along the River Ribble.  For more information, visit the Ribble Steam Railway website.

Words by Holly Sutton. Images by George Thompson and Paul D.Swarbrick.