- 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
$42
Average price
$47
Fastest journey
10 h 15 m
Average duration
10 h 23 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
348 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Portsmouth to Preston is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Portsmouth to Preston will cost around $47 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $42.
Of the 2 buses that leave Portsmouth for Preston on Wed, Aug 05, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Aug 05 the direct buses cover the 348 km distance in an average of 10 h 23 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 10 h 15 m .
On Wed, Aug 05 the slowest buses will take 10 h 31 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 Portsmouth to Preston run on average 6 times per day, taking around 8h 44m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $38 (€31) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 03:15, the last at 22:35. The fastest bus covers the 216 miles (348 km) distance in 10h 15m.
Distance 216 miles (348 km) |
Average bus duration 8h 44m |
Cheapest ticket price $38 (€31) |
Buses per day 6 |
Fastest bus 10h 15m |
First bus 3:15 AM |
Last bus 10:35 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sun |
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:34AM | Arrival Time 10:50PM | Duration 12h16 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $56 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:50AM | Arrival Time 10:50PM | Duration 12h00 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:54PM | Arrival Time 01:25AM | Duration 10h31 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:09PM | Arrival Time 02:25AM | Duration 11h16 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:25PM | Arrival Time 02:25AM | Duration 11h00 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:54PM | Arrival Time 02:25AM | Duration 10h31 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:10PM | Arrival Time 02:25AM | Duration 10h15 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:55PM | Arrival Time 02:25AM | Duration 9h30 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $106 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:55PM | Arrival Time 07:10AM | Duration 11h15 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:10PM | Arrival Time 07:10AM | Duration 11h00 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $55 |
The table below shows live departures for Portsmouth to Preston buses for tomorrow, Wednesday, August 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 3:54 PM Portsmouth | 10h31 | 2:25 AM Preston | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 4:10 PM Portsmouth | 10h15 | 2:25 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 Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth to Preston buses use the Portsmouth, University to Preston, Bus Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Portsmouth and Preston bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange is 1 km from Portsmouth city centre. Public transport options include:
Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Café at The Hard (in the station), Fast Food Outlet (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange.
Available at Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange: Elevators, ramps.
Portsmouth, International Port is 1 km from Portsmouth city centre. Public transport options include:
Portsmouth, International Port has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Café in the terminal (in the station), Fast-food outlet (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance of the terminal.
Ticket office support is available at Portsmouth, International Port.
Available at Portsmouth, International Port: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Portsmouth, International Port: 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