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The cheapest and fastest buses from Cardiff to Preston
Showing times and prices for Feb 04
Cheapest price
$36
Average price
$55
Fastest journey
9 h 5 m
Average duration
11 h
Buses per day
3
Distance
256 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Cardiff to Preston is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Preston will cost around $55 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $36.
Fast buses
It's difficult to get from Cardiff to Preston without transferring at least once.
FlixBus · FlixBus06:10AM11h00
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)05:10PMPreston, Bus Station
$361One-way
1 transfer
NX111 · NX18105:20PM9h05
Cardiff, University02:25AMPreston, Bus Station
$651One-way
1 transfer
NX216 · NX100 · NX42406:15PM12h55
Cardiff, University07:10AMPreston, Bus Station
$651One-way
2 transfers
NX111 · NX18105:20PM9h05
Cardiff, University02:25AMPreston, Bus Station
$651One-way
1 transfer
FlixBus · FlixBus06:10AM11h00
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)05:10PMPreston, Bus Station
$361One-way
1 transfer
NX216 · NX100 · NX42406:15PM12h55
Cardiff, University07:10AMPreston, Bus Station
$651One-way
2 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Cardiff to Preston
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Preston among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €19. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 36m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €19, and a train costs an average of €35.
Distance: 159 miles (256 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
€34 Average price Cheapest | €67 Average price |
7h 32m Average total duration 7h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 6m Average total duration Fastest 3h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.3 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Cardiff to Preston Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:10AM | Arrival Time 05:10PM | Duration 11h00 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:20PM | Arrival Time 02:25AM | Duration 9h05 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:15PM | Arrival Time 07:10AM | Duration 12h55 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $65 |
Live departures
Cardiff to Preston bus times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Preston buses for tomorrow, Wednesday, February 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at 8:08 PM
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:10 AM Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 11h00 | 5:10 PM Preston, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
| NX111 · NX181 | 5:20 PM Cardiff, University | 9h05 | 2:25 AM Preston, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
| NX216 · NX100 · NX424 | 6:15 PM Cardiff, University | 12h55 | 7:10 AM Preston, Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Preston by train or bus
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.
Wed
Feb 04
Feb 04
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Feb 05
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Feb 06
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Feb 10
Why should you book Cardiff to Preston buses with Omio?
National Express as well as Megabus offer buses services from Cardiff to Preston.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Preston.
Why book with Omio vs National Express?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for National Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of Megabus to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Preston.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare National Express with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff to Preston.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Megabus to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Preston.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Preston.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Cardiff to Preston
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Cardiff to Preston run on average 3 times per day, taking around 7h 2m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $24 (€19) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 03:15, the last at 23:00. The fastest bus covers the 159 miles (256 km) distance in 9h 15m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance 159 miles (256 km) |
Average bus duration 7h 2m |
Cheapest ticket price $24 (€19) |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 9h 15m |
First bus 03:15 |
Last bus 23:00 |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Bus providers: National Express, Megabus from Cardiff to PrestonYou can travel by bus between Cardiff to Preston with National Express, Megabus for as low as $24 (€19). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
National Express
About
National Express is the UK’s leading long-distance coach company, operating over 550 services per day and serving more than 900 destinations nationwide. It also runs frequent services to major UK airports — including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Bristol — 24 hours a day. All National Express coaches are air-conditioned and offer free Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment. Most vehicles are equipped with seat belts and power outlets at every seat, allowing you to charge your phone or laptop during your journey. Ticket options include Restricted Fare, Standard Fare, and Fully Flexible Fare, with the latter providing maximum flexibility for cancellations or changes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
9h 0m
Cheapest Price
$33 (€26)
National Express frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible toilets.
Bikes
Folding Bikes are allowed; non-folding bikes are not allowed.
Megabus
About
Megabus is a low-cost intercity bus service operating across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Known for its affordable fares, including promotional $1 tickets, Megabus offers routes connecting over 500 cities and university campuses in North America. The company provides amenities such as air conditioning, power outlets, free Wi-Fi, and onboard restrooms, with many routes utilizing double-decker buses for scenic views. Megabus aims to provide safe, convenient, and affordable express bus travel.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
6h 40m
Cheapest Price
$31 (€25)
Megabus frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
One piece of luggage is included per passenger reservation. For guidance, a piece of luggage must not exceed 62 inches (length + width + height) and should not weigh more than 50 pounds (23kg).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased by buying an additional travel ticket in advance or by adding up to two additional pieces when booking for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
Megabus reservations cannot be canceled or refunded, but they can be traded in for another journey up to 3 hours before your original scheduled departure for a fee.
Refund
If Megabus fails to provide on-time reliable service for reasons wholly within their control, refunds or alternative travel arrangements may be offered.
Pregnant on board
Being pregnant on board is allowed, but no specific details or restrictions are provided.
Unaccompagned minor
Unaccompanied minors under the age of 17 are not permitted to travel on Megabus.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cold food and drinks, as well as hot drinks with a lid, are allowed on board, but hot food is not.
Seat reservation
Reserved seats can be purchased for an additional fee, starting from £2.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.
FAQs: Bus from Cardiff to Preston
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff 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.
Cheap bus tickets from Cardiff to Preston can start from as little as $24 (€19) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Cardiff to Preston is $43 (€34) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Cardiff to Preston is 9h 15m to travel the 159 miles (256 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Cardiff to Preston leaves at 3:15 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Cardiff to Preston leaves at 11:00 PM.
There are 3 buses a day from Cardiff to Preston which require at least one change with National Express, Megabus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Cardiff to Preston, you can count on National Express, Megabus for the best way to get you to Preston. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Cardiff and Preston and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Preston from Cardiff is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 9h 15m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Cardiff to Preston is October.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Preston including taking a train and bus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Cardiff to Preston:
- Megabus
- Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Cardiff to Preston for bus company National Express, Megabus.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Cardiff to Preston depends on the bus companies:
- Megabus
- Megabus reservations cannot be canceled or refunded, but they can be traded in for another journey up to 3 hours before your original scheduled departure for a fee.
- National Express
- You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company National Express.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Cardiff to Preston.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Cardiff to Preston:
- Megabus
- One piece of luggage is included per passenger reservation. For guidance, a piece of luggage must not exceed 62 inches (length + width + height) and should not weigh more than 50 pounds (23kg).
- National Express
- Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Cardiff to Preston:
- Megabus
- Additional luggage can be purchased by buying an additional travel ticket in advance or by adding up to two additional pieces when booking for a fee.
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Cardiff to Preston.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Cardiff to Preston with the following bus company: National Express, Megabus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Cardiff to Preston with the following bus company: National Express, Megabus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Cardiff to Preston with the following bus company: National Express, Megabus.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Cardiff to Preston
Cardiff
Preston
The major bus station for departures in Cardiff is Cardiff, Sophia Gardens. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens for your trip from Cardiff to Preston.
Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
information
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
information
Cardiff, University
information
The major bus station for arrivals in Preston is Preston, Bus Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Preston, Bus Station for your trip to Preston from Cardiff.
Preston, Bus Station
information
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Preston
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Preston and Cardiff
Most popular bus connections to Preston
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