- 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 Sep 01
$39
Average ticket price on Sep 01
$64
Fastest journey on Sep 01
6 h
Average journey duration on Sep 01
7 h 13 m
Buses on Sep 01
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 $64 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $39.
On Tue, Sep 01, we found 7 buses from London to Preston, including 3 direct services.
On Tue, Sep 01 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, Sep 01 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 · NX181
FlixBus
FlixBus
NX424
NX541 · NX540 · RL152
FlixBus
NX540 · NX181
FlixBus
NX424
NX541 · NX540 · RL152Omio 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 an average ticket price of $53 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 12m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.3kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $53, while a flight costs an average of $428.
Distance: 190 miles (306 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$53 Average price Cheapest | $125 Average price | $428 Average price | $117 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 18m Average total duration 6h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 12m Average total duration Fastest 2h 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 55m Average total duration 1h 55m Onboard + 2h 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 $72 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from London to Preston costing on average $125.
A bus is $376 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from London to Preston costing on average $428.
Other travel options to Preston take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 42m.
Bus takes on average 6h 48m.
Tickets start at around $53 compared to roughly $117 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $64. The journey takes 6h 48m 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, FlixBus, Megabus.
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 FlixBus | Departure Time 10:30AM | Arrival Time 05:10PM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:10AM | Arrival Time 05:10PM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:15PM | Arrival Time 09:50PM | Duration 9h35 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $69 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:20PM | Arrival Time 02:25AM | Duration 13h05 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $74 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 10:50PM | Duration 9h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:50PM | Arrival Time 02:25AM | Duration 12h35 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:00PM | Arrival Time 02:25AM | Duration 6h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:30PM | Arrival Time 07:10AM | Duration 7h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $49 |
The table below shows live departures for London to Preston buses for today, Monday, August 31. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX540 · NX181 | 8:00 PM London, 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, September 1 | |||||
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 · NX210 · NX181 | 1:20 PM London, Hammersmith Bridge Road | 13h05 | 2:25 AM Preston, Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
NX032 · NX410 · 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 | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from London to Preston run on average 5 times per day, taking around 6h 48m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $20 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 4h 45m.
Distance 190 miles (306 km) |
Average bus duration 6h 48m |
Cheapest ticket price $20 |
Buses per day 5 |
Direct buses 3 |
Fastest bus 4h 45m |
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 21 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Most London to Preston buses use the London, Victoria Coach Station to Preston, Bus Station station pair. Use this guide to compare London and Preston bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
London, Victoria Coach Station is 2 km from London city centre. Public transport options include:
London, Victoria Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Pret a Manger (in the station), Starbucks (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and inside the station.
Ticket office support is available at London, Victoria Coach Station.
Available at London, Victoria Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at London, Victoria Coach Station: Elevators, ramps.
London, Baker Street Station is 2 km from London city centre. Public transport options include:
London, Baker Street Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at London, Baker Street Station. ATMs are available at London, Baker Street Station.
Ticket office support is available at London, Baker Street Station.
Available at London, Baker Street Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at London, Baker Street Station: Ramps available for wheelchair access.
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