Cardiff to Preston bus with National Express

Wed, Nov 05
+ Add return
National Express
Megabus
FlixBus
Alsa
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1,000+ travel companies
National Express
Megabus
FlixBus
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Cardiff to Preston

Showing times and prices for Nov 06

Cheapest price

$49

Average price

$49

Fastest journey

10 h 20 m

Average duration

10 h 20 m

Buses per day

1

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 $49 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $49.

Fast buses

Of the 1 buses that leave Cardiff for Preston on Thu, Nov 06, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Thu, Nov 06 the direct buses cover the 256 km distance in an average of 10 h 20 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 10 h 20 m .

On Thu, Nov 06 the slowest buses will take 10 h 20 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
05:10AM10h20
Cardiff
03:30PMPreston
$491One-way
0 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
National Express

Most popular bus company

Transport for Wales

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

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:10PM
Arrival Time
02:25AM
Duration
9h15
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$65
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:05PM
Arrival Time
07:10AM
Duration
13h05
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$45

Live departures

Cardiff to Preston bus times

The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Preston buses for today, Wednesday, November 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at 2:16 AM

ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
meinfernbus_flixbus5:10 AM Cardiff
10h20
3:30 PM Preston0 transfersDirect

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.

Thu
Nov 06
Fri
Nov 07
Sat
Nov 08
Sun
Nov 09
Mon
Nov 10
Tue
Nov 11
Wed
Nov 12

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Cardiff to Preston

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus
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

Key Takeaways

Train Ticket Prices
  • Budget Options: Train tickets from Cardiff to Preston start from as low as $24 (€19) if booked well in advance.
  • Standard Fares: Typically, trains cost $41 (€34) depending on the train type and class.
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.
Learn more about National Express
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
9h 0m
Cheapest Price
$32 (€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
$30 (€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.
FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Cardiff to Preston can start from as little as $29 (€23) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Cardiff to Preston is $51 (€41); however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The bus time between Cardiff and Preston is on average 9 h   for the 159 mile (256 km) long journey, but the time it takes to go between Cardiff and Preston by bus can vary depending on specific dates or if traveling on weekends and holidays.
The first bus from Cardiff to Preston leaves at 5: 45AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last bus from Cardiff to Preston leaves at 6: 05PM.
Yes, it is possible to travel from Cardiff to Preston without having to change trains with Megabus. There is 1 direct bus from Cardiff to Preston each day. There may be fewer direct services available on weekends or holidays.
When taking a bus from Cardiff to Preston, you can count on National Express or Megabus for the best way to get you to Preston. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service to Preston from Cardiff and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.

Passengers board the bus most frequently from Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens), which is located around 0.6 miles (988 m) away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Preston, Bus Station, located 1.2 miles (1.9 km) away from the city centre.

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 from Cardiff to Preston including taking a train or bus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Cardiff to Preston:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Cardiff to Preston for bus company National Express.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Cardiff to Preston depends on the bus company:
  • 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.

To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Cardiff to Preston, follow these tips:

  • Book in advance: Tickets are often cheaper when booked early.
  • Be flexible with dates and times: Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money.
  • Use our search filters: Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options.
  • Look for special deals or discounts: Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.

    • Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!

    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:
    • 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:
    • 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
    Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Cardiff to Preston with the following bus company: National Express.
    Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Cardiff to Preston with the following bus company: National Express.

    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, Millennium Stadium
    information
    Cardiff, University
    information
    Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
    information

    More options for your journey from Cardiff to Preston

    Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

    Return journeys for buses from Preston to Cardiff
    Compare all journeys between Cardiff and Preston
    Tickets and more information for coaches to Cardiff
    Tickets and more information for coaches to Preston
    HomeBusesBuses in United KingdomBus tickets to PrestonCardiff to Preston bus

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