- 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 on Oct 03
$58
Average ticket price on Oct 03
$73
Fastest journey on Oct 03
11 h 25 m
Average journey duration on Oct 03
11 h 45 m
Buses on Oct 03
3
Distance
343 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Bournemouth to Preston is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bournemouth to Preston will cost around $73 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $58.
On Sat, Oct 03, we found 3 buses from Bournemouth to Preston, including 3 direct services.
On Sat, Oct 03 the direct buses cover the 343 km distance in an average of 11 h 45 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 11 h 25 m .
On Sat, Oct 03 the slowest buses will take 11 h 55 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.






Buses from Bournemouth to Preston run on average 3 times per day, taking around 9h 21m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $44 (€36) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 03:15, the last at 22:35. The fastest bus covers the 213 miles (343 km) distance in 7h 50m.
Distance 213 miles (343 km) |
Average bus duration 9h 21m |
Cheapest ticket price $44 (€36) |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 7h 50m |
First bus 3:15 AM |
Last bus 10:35 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 2 days |
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:50AM | Arrival Time 09:50PM | Duration 13h00 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 09:50PM | Duration 12h20 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 02:25AM | Duration 11h25 | Departure days Tue, Sat | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:20PM | Arrival Time 02:25AM | Duration 11h05 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:15PM | Arrival Time 06:10AM | Duration 11h55 | Departure days Mon, Sat | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:15PM | Arrival Time 07:10AM | Duration 11h55 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $58 |
The table below shows live departures for Bournemouth to Preston buses for today, Friday, October 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX035 · NX541 · NX181 | 3:20 PM Bournemouth, Coach Station | 11h05 | 2:25 AM Preston, Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
NX035 · NX424 | 7:15 PM Bournemouth, Coach Station | 11h55 | 7:10 AM Preston, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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 Bournemouth 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 Bournemouth to Preston buses use the Bournemouth, Coach Station to Preston, Bus Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Bournemouth and Preston bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Preston, Bus Station is 1 km from Preston city centre. Public transport options include:
Preston, Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafes and fast food are available within the station.
Free Wi-Fi is available in the station concourse. ATMs are multiple ATMs are located in the main concourse.
Ticket office support is available at Preston, Bus Station.
Available at Preston, Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Preston, Bus Station: Full accessibility for wheelchairs and mobility aids.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need