- 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
kr109
Average price
kr118
Fastest journey
1 h 25 m
Average duration
1 h 48 m
Buses per day
6
Distance
53 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Manchester Airport to Preston is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester Airport to Preston will cost around kr118 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only kr109.
Of the 6 buses that leave Manchester Airport for Preston on Tue, Aug 04, 6 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 53 km distance in an average of 1 h 48 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 h 25 m .
On Tue, Aug 04 the slowest buses will take 2 h 50 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.










Buses from Manchester Airport to Preston run on average 3 times per day, taking around 1h 48m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at kr65 but you can travel from only kr37 by train.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:45, the last at 23:45. The fastest bus covers the 32 miles (53 km) distance in 1h 18m.
Distance 32 miles (53 km) |
Average bus duration 1h 48m |
Cheapest ticket price kr65 |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 1h 18m |
First bus 12:45 AM |
Last bus 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Fri |
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:45AM | Arrival Time 02:25AM | Duration 1h40 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price kr113 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:45AM | Arrival Time 06:10AM | Duration 1h25 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price kr79 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:45AM | Arrival Time 07:10AM | Duration 1h25 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price kr111 |
Operator Northern Rail | Departure Time 08:15AM | Arrival Time 09:57AM | Duration 1h42 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price kr104 |
Operator Northern Rail | Departure Time 09:15AM | Arrival Time 10:43AM | Duration 1h28 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price kr84 |
Operator Northern Rail | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 11:25AM | Duration 1h55 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price kr98 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:40PM | Arrival Time 09:50PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed | Cheapest price kr126 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:35PM | Arrival Time 01:25AM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price kr128 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:35PM | Arrival Time 02:25AM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price kr128 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:45PM | Arrival Time 01:25AM | Duration 1h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price kr111 |
The table below shows live departures for Manchester Airport to Preston buses for today, Monday, August 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 5:40 PM Manchester Airport | 4h10 | 9:50 PM Preston | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:35 PM Manchester Airport | 2h50 | 2:25 AM Preston | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:45 PM Manchester Airport | 1h40 | 1:25 AM Preston | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Tuesday, August 4 | |||||
![]() | 12:45 AM Manchester Airport | 1h40 | 2:25 AM Preston | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 4:45 AM Manchester Airport | 1h25 | 6:10 AM Preston | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:45 AM Manchester Airport | 1h25 | 7:10 AM Preston | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester Airport 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 Manchester Airport to Preston buses use the Manchester, Coach Station to Preston, Bus Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Manchester Airport and Preston bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need