- 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 18
$9
Average ticket price on Sep 18
$12
Fastest journey on Sep 18
50 m
Average journey duration on Sep 18
57 m
Buses on Sep 18
3
Distance
45 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Manchester 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 to Preston will cost around $12 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $9.
On Fri, Sep 18, we found 3 buses from Manchester to Preston, including 3 direct services.
On Fri, Sep 18 the direct buses cover the 45 km distance in an average of 57 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 50 m .
On Fri, Sep 18 the slowest buses will take 1 h 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
NX181
NX424
NX181
FlixBus
NX424Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Preston among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $12 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 13m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.0kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $12, while a train costs an average of $17.
Distance: 27 miles (45 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$12 Average price Cheapest | $17 Average price | $12 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 32m Average total duration 1h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 13m Average total duration Fastest 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 0m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
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 Manchester to Preston:
A bus is $4 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Manchester to Preston costing on average $17.
Other travel options to Preston take longer:
Bus takes on average 1h 2m.
Tickets start at around $12 compared to roughly $12 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-0.18. The journey takes 1h 2m versus 1h 0m 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.
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 National Express | Departure Time 01:35AM | Arrival Time 02:25AM | Duration 0h50 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $11 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:10AM | Arrival Time 06:10AM | Duration 1h00 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $11 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:10AM | Arrival Time 07:10AM | Duration 1h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $13 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:10PM | Arrival Time 04:10PM | Duration 1h00 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $10 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:10PM | Arrival Time 05:10PM | Duration 1h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator Northern Rail | Departure Time 05:04PM | Arrival Time 07:05PM | Duration 2h01 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:20PM | Arrival Time 08:50PM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $13 |
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Preston buses for tomorrow, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX181 | 1:35 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 0h50 | 2:25 AM Preston, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX424 | 6:10 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 1h00 | 7:10 AM Preston, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 4:10 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1h00 | 5:10 PM Preston, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Manchester to Preston run on average 3 times per day, taking around 1h 2m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $8 but you can travel from only $5 by train.
There are 3 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:03, the last at 23:56. The fastest bus covers the 27 miles (45 km) distance in 50m.
Distance 27 miles (45 km) |
Average bus duration 1h 2m |
Cheapest ticket price $8 |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 3 |
Fastest bus 50m |
First bus 12:03 AM |
Last bus 11:56 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 14 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
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester 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 to Preston buses use the Manchester, Coach Station to Preston, Bus Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Preston bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Manchester, Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Café at the Station (in the station), Fast Food Express (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located within the station for cash withdrawals.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Coach Station.
Available at Manchester, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Coach Station: Ramps, assistance.
Manchester, Airport is 2 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
Manchester, Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Burger King (in the station), Giraffe (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located throughout the airport, offering multiple currency options.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Airport.
Available at Manchester, Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Airport: Elevators, ramps, assistance.
Manchester, Shudehill Interchange has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange.
Available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange: Elevators, ramps.
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