- 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.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Luton to Preston
Showing times and prices for Aug 04
Cheapest price
€23
Average price
€31
Fastest journey
8 h 40 m
Average duration
8 h 53 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
261 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Luton to Preston is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Luton to Preston will cost around €31 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €23.
Fast buses
Of the 3 buses that leave Luton for Preston on Tue, Aug 04, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Aug 04 the direct buses cover the 261 km distance in an average of 8 h 53 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 8 h 40 m .
On Tue, Aug 04 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.
7:50 AM9h20Luton5:10 PMPreston€231One-way0 transfers- 8:30 AM8h40Luton5:10 PMPreston€241One-way0 transfers
- 7:30 AM8h40Luton4:10 PMPreston€461One-way0 transfers
- 8:30 AM8h40Luton5:10 PMPreston€241One-way0 transfers
- 7:30 AM8h40Luton4:10 PMPreston€461One-way0 transfers
- 7:50 AM9h20Luton5:10 PMPreston€231One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Luton to Preston
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Luton to Preston among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €14. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 5m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €14, and a flight costs an average of €60.
Distance: 162 miles (261 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€33 Average price Cheapest | €90 Average price | €148 Average price | €69 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 9m Average total duration 6h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 42m Average total duration 3h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 5m Average total duration Fastest 1h 5m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 27m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
 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 |
The cheapest way to travel from Luton to Preston is a bus with an average price of €33.
This is compared to other travel options from Luton to Preston:
A bus is €58 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Luton to Preston costing on average €90.
A bus is €116 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Luton to Preston costing on average €148.
The fastest way to travel from Luton to Preston is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 5m.
Other travel options to Preston take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 12m.
Bus takes on average 6h 39m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Luton and Preston including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Luton to Preston among Omio's users.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
Luton to Preston Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:20AM | Arrival Time 07:10AM | Duration 6h50 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €67 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:05AM | Arrival Time 04:10PM | Duration 11h05 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €29 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:30AM | Arrival Time 04:10PM | Duration 8h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price €17 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:50AM | Arrival Time 05:10PM | Duration 9h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €14 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 05:10PM | Duration 8h40 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €24 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:10PM | Arrival Time 07:10AM | Duration 9h00 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price €105 |
Live departures
Luton to Preston bus times
The table below shows live departures for Luton to Preston buses for tomorrow, Tuesday, August 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:30 AM Luton | 8h40 | 4:10 PM Preston | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 7:50 AM Luton | 9h20 | 5:10 PM Preston | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 8:30 AM Luton | 8h40 | 5:10 PM Preston | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Luton 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.
Tue
Aug 04
Aug 04
Wed
Aug 05
Aug 05
Thu
Aug 06
Aug 06
Fri
Aug 07
Aug 07
Sat
Aug 08
Aug 08
Sun
Aug 09
Aug 09
Mon
Aug 10
Aug 10
Why should you book Luton to Preston buses with Omio?
National Express as well as Arriva UK offer buses services from Luton to Preston.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Luton 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 Arriva UK to find the best option for your trip from Luton 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 Luton to Preston.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Luton to Preston.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Luton to Preston
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Luton to Preston run on average 5 times per day, taking around 6h 39m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €14 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 162 miles (261 km) distance in 6h 50m.
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 162 miles (261 km) |
Average bus duration 6h 39m |
Cheapest ticket price €14 |
Buses per day 5 |
Fastest bus 6h 50m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 63 days |
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, Arriva UK from Luton to PrestonYou can travel by bus between Luton to Preston with National Express, Arriva UK for as low as €14. 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
6h 50m
Cheapest Price
€67
National Express frequency
3 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.
Arriva UK
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
9h 38m
Cheapest Price
€30
Arriva UK frequency
1 a day
Complete guide to Preston
Things to do in Preston
Discover the best of Preston — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Preston trip today.
- Recommended
Museum of Lancashire
Museum of Lancashire history with social, military, and industrial displays. A strong introduction to the county's people and stories.
- Recommended
Harris Museum, Art Gallery and Library
Modern university gallery presenting changing contemporary art exhibitions. Worth visiting for fresh work by regional and national artists.
- Recommended
Flag Market
Main civic square framed by major buildings and regular events. A central meeting point and one of Preston's most recognisable public spaces.
- Recommended
Lancaster Canal Towpath
Canal-side walking and cycling route with locks, boats, and long views. Ideal for a relaxed local ramble away from the busiest streets.
- Recommended
Brockholes Nature Reserve
Extensive riverside and wetland area popular for walking, birdlife, and broad open views. A lesser-known escape close to the city.
- Gluten-free
Lancashire Hotpot
Lancashire hotpot is a slow-cooked lamb and onion stew topped with sliced potatoes, long linked with Lancashire home cooking and nearby mill towns.
- Vegetarian
Butter Pie
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.
- Vegetarian
Parkin
Parkin is a dark oat, treacle and ginger cake popular across Lancashire, especially in colder months and around Bonfire Night.
Northcote
Elegant fine dining by chef Lisa Goodwin-Allen, known for refined modern British tasting menus and polished service in a country house setting.
Angelo's
Long-established city centre restaurant serving classic Italian dishes in a smart yet relaxed setting. Popular for pasta, seafood and pre-theatre meals.
The Old Black Bull
Traditional Lancashire pub atmosphere with cask ales and hearty British plates. A good place to try regional comfort food in central Preston.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local buses and casual meals stay fairly affordable for visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £45+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
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.
Stagecoach Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2
- Day pass
- £4.80
To the city center
Preston Bus Station -> Preston Railway Station
- Distance
- 1 km
- Travel time
- 14 min
- Most local buses in Preston accept contactless card payment; buy before boarding only if your operator requires it.
- Preston Bus Station is the main hub for city services; check your operator in advance because fares and tickets vary by company.
FAQs: Bus from Luton to Preston
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Luton 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 Luton to Preston can start from as little as €14 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Luton to Preston is €33 ; 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 Luton to Preston is 6h 50m to travel the 162 miles (261 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 Luton to Preston leaves at 12:05 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Luton to Preston leaves at 11:55 PM.
There are 5 buses a day from Luton to Preston which require at least one change with National Express, Arriva UK. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Luton to Preston, you can count on National Express, Arriva UK for the best way to get you to Preston. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Luton and Preston and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Preston from Luton is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 6h 50m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Luton to Preston is May.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Luton and Preston including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Luton to Preston:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Luton to Preston for bus company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Luton to Preston depends on the bus companies:
- 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 Luton to Preston.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Luton 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 Luton to Preston:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Luton to Preston.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Luton to Preston with the following bus company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Luton to Preston with the following bus company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Luton to Preston with the following bus company: National Express.
Since neither Luton nor Preston are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United Kingdom and United Kingdom. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Luton to Preston among Omio's users.
The currency used in the United Kingdom is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). For travelers, using a card is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially in cities and for transportation tickets, though carrying some cash can be useful for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Preston, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and petty theft, especially in crowded areas like markets and transport hubs. Common scams include overcharging by taxi drivers and bogus charity collectors. Staying aware of surroundings and using licensed transportation can help ensure safety.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Luton to Preston
Most Luton to Preston buses use the Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station to Preston, Bus Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Luton and Preston bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Luton
Arrival bus stations in Preston
Which Luton station do buses to Preston leave from?
Buses from Luton to Preston leave from Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station. The station is 1 miles (3 km) from Luton city centre at Luton Airport, Airport Way, Luton LU2 9LU, UK.
Luton, Station Interchange
City-centre transport
Getting to Luton, Station Interchange from Luton city centre
Bus17 · 7m · €2 · every ~2 min
Luton, Dunstable Road (Challney)
City-centre transport
Getting to Luton, Dunstable Road (Challney) from Luton city centre
BusZ · 11m · €2 · every ~15 min
A · 1h 5m · €2 · every ~13 min
Preston, Bus Station
City-centre transport
Getting to Preston, Bus Station from Preston city centre
Bus23 · 6m · €9 · every ~8 min
Most popular bus connections from Luton
More options for your journey from Luton to Preston
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Preston and Luton
Most popular bus connections to Preston
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