- Must visit
Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery
Major city museum and gallery with fine art, Birmingham history and global collections in a landmark building.
Cheapest price on Sep 14
$21
Average ticket price on Sep 14
$26
Fastest journey on Sep 14
3 h 35 m
Average journey duration on Sep 14
4 h 30 m
Buses on Sep 14
3
Distance
153 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Preston to Birmingham is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Preston to Birmingham will cost around $26 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $21.
On Mon, Sep 14, we found 3 buses from Preston to Birmingham, including 3 direct services.
On Mon, Sep 14 the direct buses cover the 153 km distance in an average of 4 h 30 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 35 m .
On Mon, Sep 14 the slowest buses will take 6 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.






Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Preston to Birmingham among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $33 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 32m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $33, while a train costs an average of $59.
Distance: 95 miles (153 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$33 Average price Cheapest | $59 Average price | $51 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 25m Average total duration 3h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 32m Average total duration Fastest 2h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 8m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg 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 Preston to Birmingham:
A bus is $26 (€21) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Preston to Birmingham costing on average $59 (€48).
Other travel options to Birmingham take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 55m.
Tickets start at around $33 (€27) compared to roughly $51 (€41) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $18 (€15). The journey takes 3h 55m versus 2h 8m 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 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 National Express | Departure Time 02:20AM | Arrival Time 05:25AM | Duration 3h05 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:20AM | Arrival Time 06:25AM | Duration 3h05 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:55AM | Arrival Time 02:40PM | Duration 6h45 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:35AM | Arrival Time 03:55PM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:55AM | Arrival Time 04:10PM | Duration 6h15 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:15PM | Arrival Time 04:50PM | Duration 3h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:15PM | Arrival Time 05:50PM | Duration 3h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:35PM | Arrival Time 01:45AM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:35PM | Arrival Time 02:45AM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $35 |
The table below shows live departures for Preston to Birmingham buses for today, Sunday, September 13. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 2:15 PM Preston, Bus Station | 3h35 | 5:50 PM Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX424 | 10:35 PM Preston, Bus Station | 4h10 | 2:45 AM Birmingham, Coach Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Monday, September 14 | |||||
![]() | 9:35 AM Preston | 6h20 | 3:55 PM Birmingham | 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 Preston to Birmingham run on average 3 times per day, taking around 3h 55m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $17 (€13) if you book in advance.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 02:00, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 95 miles (153 km) distance in 3h 5m.
Distance 95 miles (153 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 55m |
Cheapest ticket price $17 (€13) |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 3h 5m |
First bus 2:00 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Birmingham — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Birmingham trip today.
Major city museum and gallery with fine art, Birmingham history and global collections in a landmark building.
Science museum with interactive galleries, engines and family-friendly exhibits in Millennium Point.
Historic home of the Pre-Raphaelite artists, showing furnished rooms, artworks and craft details.
Restored canal-side quarter with waterside walks, bars, heritage buildings and easy access to major venues.
Lively canal junction area with historic warehouses, footbridges and one of Birmingham's best urban walks.
Creative district known for street art, independent culture, music heritage and alternative city energy.
A rich curry style developed by Birmingham's South Asian community, often cooked with green chillies, coriander and onions. It is the city's signature dish.
A spicy Indian snack of potato, chickpeas, noodles, chutneys and crisp pastry pieces. Popular in Birmingham's Pakistani and Indian food culture.
A flaky layered flatbread, often served with curry at breakfast or late-night eateries in the city. A staple in Birmingham's South Asian dining scene.
Michelin-starred fine dining by Aktar Islam, known for modern Indian tasting menus in an elegant canal-side setting.
Refined modern British restaurant with inventive tasting menus and polished service in a smart city-centre dining room.
Celebrated Indian vegetarian restaurant in Sparkbrook, loved for dosas, chaats and sweets in a busy casual setting.
Moderate for UK city breaks: hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local transit and casual meals are fairly manageable for tourists.
Service may be included in restaurants; otherwise tip 10-12.5% for good service. Taxis are often rounded up or tipped about 10%. Tipping in cafes is optional.
Official public transport app
Birmingham Coach Station -> Birmingham New Street, Birmingham
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Preston to Birmingham 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 Birmingham, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Preston to Birmingham buses use the Preston, Bus Station to Birmingham, Coach Station station pair, with some services arriving at Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway. Use this guide to compare Preston and Birmingham bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
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.
Birmingham, Coach Station is 1 km from Birmingham city centre. Public transport options include:
Birmingham, Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria and fast-food options inside the station
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Birmingham, Coach Station.
Available at Birmingham, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham, Coach Station: Elevators, ramps.
Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway. ATMs are available at Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway.
Ticket office support is available at Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway.
Available at Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway: Bus stops are wheelchair accessible.
Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport) is 1 km from Birmingham city centre. Public transport options include:
Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Restaurants available in the airport terminal.
Free WiFi available. ATMs are aTMs available inside the airport terminal.
Ticket office support is available at Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport).
Available at Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport): Facilities accessible for disabled persons.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need