- Must visit
The Harris
Preston's leading museum and gallery, known for fine art, history, and architecture. A cornerstone cultural attraction in the city centre.
Cheapest price
$25
Average price
$33
Fastest journey
3 h 25 m
Average duration
4 h 59 m
Buses per day
5
Distance
153 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Birmingham to Preston is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Birmingham to Preston will cost around $33 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $25.
Of the 5 buses that leave Birmingham for Preston on Fri, Jul 31, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jul 31 the direct buses cover the 153 km distance in an average of 4 h 59 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 25 m .
On Fri, Jul 31 the slowest buses will take 7 h 30 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
FlixBus
NX541 · NX540 · RL152
NX541 · NX424
NX181
NX424
NX181
FlixBus
NX424
NX541 · NX540 · RL152
NX541 · NX424Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Birmingham to Preston among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $16. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 54m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $16, and a train costs an average of $16.
Distance: 95 miles (153 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$25 Average price Cheapest | $40 Average price | $50 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 9m Average total duration 3h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 24m Average total duration Fastest 1h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 5m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Birmingham to Preston:
A bus is $14 (€12) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Birmingham to Preston costing on average $40 (€32).
Other travel options to Preston take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 39m.
Tickets start at around $25 (€21) compared to roughly $50 (€41) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $24 (€20). The journey takes 3h 39m versus 2h 5m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by Megabus, FlixBus, National Express.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:25AM | Arrival Time 07:10AM | Duration 3h45 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:40PM | Arrival Time 04:10PM | Duration 3h30 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:40PM | Arrival Time 05:10PM | Duration 3h30 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 08:50PM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:05PM | Arrival Time 09:50PM | Duration 6h45 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:20PM | Arrival Time 10:50PM | Duration 7h30 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:00PM | Arrival Time 01:25AM | Duration 3h25 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:40PM | Arrival Time 06:10AM | Duration 7h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 02:25AM | Duration 3h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:40PM | Arrival Time 07:10AM | Duration 7h30 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $32 |
The table below shows live departures for Birmingham to Preston buses for today, Thursday, July 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 1:40 PM Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway | 3h30 | 5:10 PM Preston, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX541 · NX540 · RL152 | 3:20 PM Birmingham, Coach Station | 7h30 | 10:50 PM Preston, Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
NX181 | 11:00 PM Birmingham, Coach Station | 3h25 | 2:25 AM Preston, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX541 · NX424 | 11:40 PM Birmingham, Coach Station | 7h30 | 7:10 AM Preston, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
| Friday, July 31 | |||||
NX424 | 3:25 AM Birmingham, Coach Station | 3h45 | 7:10 AM Preston, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from Birmingham to Preston run on average 3 times per day, taking around 3h 39m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $16 (€13) if you book in advance.
There are 3 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 02:00, the last at 23:40. The fastest bus covers the 95 miles (153 km) distance in 3h 25m.
Distance 95 miles (153 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 39m |
Cheapest ticket price $16 (€13) |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 3 |
Fastest bus 3h 25m |
First bus 2:00 AM |
Last bus 11:40 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Preston — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Preston trip today.
Preston's leading museum and gallery, known for fine art, history, and architecture. A cornerstone cultural attraction in the city centre.
Museum of Lancashire history with social, military, and industrial displays. A strong introduction to the county's people and stories.
Modern university gallery presenting changing contemporary art exhibitions. Worth visiting for fresh work by regional and national artists.
Main civic square framed by major buildings and regular events. A central meeting point and one of Preston's most recognisable public spaces.
Canal-side walking and cycling route with locks, boats, and long views. Ideal for a relaxed local ramble away from the busiest streets.
Extensive riverside and wetland area popular for walking, birdlife, and broad open views. A lesser-known escape close to the city.
Lancashire hotpot is a slow-cooked lamb and onion stew topped with sliced potatoes, long linked with Lancashire home cooking and nearby mill towns.
Butter pie is Preston's best-known savoury pie, filled with potato, onion and butter. It became a Friday staple for local Catholics avoiding meat.
Parkin is a dark oat, treacle and ginger cake popular across Lancashire, especially in colder months and around Bonfire Night.
Elegant fine dining by chef Lisa Goodwin-Allen, known for refined modern British tasting menus and polished service in a country house setting.
Long-established city centre restaurant serving classic Italian dishes in a smart yet relaxed setting. Popular for pasta, seafood and pre-theatre meals.
Traditional Lancashire pub atmosphere with cask ales and hearty British plates. A good place to try regional comfort food in central Preston.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local buses and casual meals stay fairly affordable for visitors.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common for good service if not already added. Round up for taxis. Cafes usually do not require tips.
Official public transport app
Preston Bus Station -> Preston Railway Station
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Birmingham to Preston by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Preston, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Birmingham to Preston buses use the Birmingham, Coach Station to Preston, Bus Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Birmingham and Preston bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Birmingham, Coach Station is 1 km from Birmingham city centre. Public transport options include:
Birmingham, Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria and fast-food options inside the station
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Birmingham, Coach Station.
Available at Birmingham, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham, Coach Station: Elevators, ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need