The cheapest and fastest buses from London to Preston
Cheapest price
$32
Average price
$68
Fastest journey
6 h
Average duration
7 h 13 m
Buses per day
7
Distance
306 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from London to Preston is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from London to Preston will cost around $68 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $32.
Of the 7 buses that leave London for Preston on Tue, Jun 02, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Jun 02 the direct buses cover the 306 km distance in an average of 7 h 13 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h .
On Tue, Jun 02 the slowest buses will take 9 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.
NX540 · NX1818:00 PM6h25London, Victoria Coach Station2:25 AMPreston, Bus Station$321One-way1 transfer
FlixBus10:30 AM6h40London, Victoria Coach Station5:10 PMPreston, Bus Station$401One-way0 transfers
FlixBus11:10 AM6h00London, Finchley Road ("Subway" restaurant)5:10 PMPreston, Bus Station$401One-way0 transfers
NX42411:30 PM7h40London, Victoria Coach Station7:10 AMPreston, Bus Station$541One-way0 transfers
NX541 · NX540 · RL1521:30 PM9h20London, Victoria Coach Station10:50 PMPreston, Bus Station$771One-way2 transfers
FlixBus11:10 AM6h00London, Finchley Road ("Subway" restaurant)5:10 PMPreston, Bus Station$401One-way0 transfers
NX540 · NX1818:00 PM6h25London, Victoria Coach Station2:25 AMPreston, Bus Station$321One-way1 transfer
FlixBus10:30 AM6h40London, Victoria Coach Station5:10 PMPreston, Bus Station$401One-way0 transfers
NX42411:30 PM7h40London, Victoria Coach Station7:10 AMPreston, Bus Station$541One-way0 transfers
NX541 · NX540 · RL1521:30 PM9h20London, Victoria Coach Station10:50 PMPreston, Bus Station$771One-way2 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for London to Preston
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from London to Preston among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $23. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 39m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $23, and a flight costs an average of $80.
Distance: 190 miles (306 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$34 Average price Cheapest | $116 Average price | $232 Average price | $116 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 1m Average total duration 6h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 17m Average total duration 1h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 39m Average total duration Fastest 1h 39m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 42m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.9 - 1.8kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | 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 London to Preston:
A bus is $82 (€66) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from London to Preston costing on average $116 (€94).
A bus is $198 (€160) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from London to Preston costing on average $232 (€187).
Other travel options to Preston take longer:
Train takes on average 1h 47m.
Bus takes on average 6h 31m.
Tickets start at around $34 (€28) compared to roughly $116 (€94) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $82 (€66). The journey takes 6h 31m versus 4h 42m 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 National Express, Megabus, FlixBus.
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.
London to Preston Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:30AM | Arrival Time 05:10PM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $25 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:10AM | Arrival Time 05:10PM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $25 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:15PM | Arrival Time 09:50PM | Duration 9h35 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $77 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:20PM | Arrival Time 02:25AM | Duration 13h05 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $85 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 10:50PM | Duration 9h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $77 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:50PM | Arrival Time 02:25AM | Duration 12h35 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $87 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:00PM | Arrival Time 02:25AM | Duration 6h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:30PM | Arrival Time 07:10AM | Duration 7h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $48 |
Live departures
London to Preston bus times
The table below shows live departures for London to Preston buses for today, Monday, June 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX540 · NX181 | Delayed 11:06 PM 8:00 PMLondon, Victoria Coach Station | 6h25 | 2:25 AM Preston, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX424 | 11:30 PM London, Victoria Coach Station | 7h40 | 7:10 AM Preston, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Tuesday, June 2 | |||||
FlixBus | 10:30 AM London, Victoria Coach Station | 6h40 | 5:10 PM Preston, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 11:10 AM London, Finchley Road ("Subway" restaurant) | 6h00 | 5:10 PM Preston, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX032 · NX410 · NX181 | 1:20 PM London, Hammersmith Bridge Road | 13h05 | 2:25 AM Preston, Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
NX032 · NX210 · NX181 | 1:20 PM London, Hammersmith Bridge Road | 13h05 | 2:25 AM Preston, Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
NX541 · NX540 · RL152 | 1:30 PM London, Victoria Coach Station | 9h20 | 10:50 PM Preston, Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
NX540 · NX181 | On time 8:00 PM London, Victoria Coach Station | 6h25 | 2:25 AM Preston, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets London to Preston by train, bus, or flight
Compare train, bus, and flight 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.
Jun 02
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Why should you book London to Preston buses with Omio?
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 or FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from London 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, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from London to Preston.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Megabus or FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from London to Preston.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from London to Preston.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from London to Preston
Buses from London to Preston run on average 5 times per day, taking around 6h 31m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $23 (€19) if you book in advance.
There are 3 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:15, the last at 23:45. The fastest bus covers the 190 miles (306 km) distance in 6h 25m.
Distance 190 miles (306 km) |
Average bus duration 6h 31m |
Cheapest ticket price $23 (€19) |
Buses per day 5 |
Direct buses 3 |
Fastest bus 6h 25m |
First bus 12:15 AM |
Last bus 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 70 days |
Bus providers: National Express, Megabus, FlixBus from London to PrestonYou can travel by bus between London to Preston with National Express, Megabus, FlixBus for as low as $23 (€19). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
National Express
Megabus
Buses from London to Preston
Taking buses from London to Preston is a relaxed way of making this journey, especially when keeping to a budget is important. Routes operate to the same schedule seven days a week with four direct departures and four connecting routes every day. Direct buses take from just over six hours to eight hours while connecting services need between six and a half and seven and a half hours. Departures are from London Victoria bus Station and journeys terminate at Preston Tithebarn Street bus Station.
Which bus companies travel from London to Preston?
All bus routes to Preston from London are operated by the part-British, part-multinational owned National Express. From its headquarters in Birmingham, this large company provides bus routes across the UK and Europe. National Express uses a modern fleet of buses with comfortable seating and standard onboard services of baggage storage, WiFi, toilets and air conditioning or heating. Some buses also have individual power sockets.
How long is the bus from London to Preston?
Direct buses from London to Preston take from six hours 15 minutes to approximately eight hours to complete the journey while connecting routes take between six and a half and seven and a half hours. Where a connection is required, it is made at either Birmingham or Manchester.
How many buses are there from London to Preston?
There are four daily direct buses to Preston from London and a further four connecting routes with the same schedule operating throughout the week. Departures start in the early morning and continue until late at night.
What are the departure and arrival stations for buses from London to Preston?
Departure bus station: Buses from London to Preston leave from London Victoria bus Station. This is within an easy walk of London Victoria Train Station and together they form part of a transport network of local, regional and intercity trains as well as local and long-distance buses. bus station facilities include car parking, cab ranks, ATMs, tourist information, WiFi and a selection of shops and cafes.
Arrival bus station: Buses to Preston from London complete their journey at Preston Tithebarn Street bus Station. Located to the east of the city center, Preston's bus station was the largest in Europe when it opened in 1969. It is a listed example of Brutalist Architecture and has recently undergone an extensive refurbishment. Its facilities include parking, cafes, WiFi and waiting areas.
FAQs: Bus from London to Preston
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from London 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.

- 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.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- 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.
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
- 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.
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
- 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.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from London to Preston
- 06:00-23:00
- Free Wi-Fi
- Pret a Manger (in the station)
- Starbucks (in the station).
- Available outside the station on Buckingham Palace Road.
- Elevators, ramps
- Available in the station.
- Bus: 11, 44, 170, 211, C1, C10 Metro: Victoria Train: Southern, Gatwick Express
- 00:00-23:59
- Free Wi-Fi
- Pret a Manger (in the station)
- Caffè Nero (in the station)
- Available outside the arrivals area, with services provided by licensed black cabs and private hire vehicles.
- Ramps, assistance
- Available in the station.
- Bus: 105, 111, 140, 285, 423 Train: Heathrow Express Metro: Piccadilly
More options for your journey from London to Preston
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