Preston to Birmingham bus with National Express

Mon, Sep 14
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Preston to Birmingham

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 14

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

Cheap tickets

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.

Fast buses

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.

  • FlixBus
    1:15 PM3h35
    Preston
    4:50 PMBirmingham
    $211One-way
    0 transfers
  • FlixBus
    2:15 PM3h35
    Preston
    5:50 PMBirmingham
    $281One-way
    0 transfers
  • National Express
    9:35 AM6h20
    Preston
    3:55 PMBirmingham
    $291One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Preston to Birmingham

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)

Compare bus with

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

National Express

Most popular bus company

Avanti West Coast

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.

The cheapest way to travel from Preston to Birmingham is a bus with an average price of $33 (€27).

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).

The fastest way to travel from Preston to Birmingham is by train with an average journey time of 2h 2m.

Other travel options to Birmingham take longer:

Bus takes on average 3h 55m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Preston and Birmingham including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Preston to Birmingham among Omio's users.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.

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.

Preston to Birmingham Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest 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

Live departures

Preston to Birmingham bus times

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.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
FlixBusFlixBus2:15 PM Preston, Bus Station
3h35
5:50 PM Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway0 transfersDirect
National ExpressNX42410:35 PM Preston, Bus Station
4h10
2:45 AM Birmingham, Coach Station0 transfersDirect
Monday, September 14
National Express9:35 AM Preston
6h20
3:55 PM Birmingham0 transfersDirect

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Preston to Birmingham by train or bus

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.

Mon
Sep 14
Tue
Sep 15
Wed
Sep 16
Thu
Sep 17
Fri
Sep 18
Sat
Sep 19
Sun
Sep 20

Why should you book Preston to Birmingham buses with Omio?

FlixBus as well as Megabus or National Express offer buses services from Preston to Birmingham.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Preston to Birmingham.

Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for FlixBus, but also compare tickets for the likes of Megabus or National Express to find the best option for your trip from Preston to Birmingham.
  • 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 FlixBus with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Preston to Birmingham.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Megabus or National Express to find the best option for your trip from Preston to Birmingham.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Preston to Birmingham.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Preston to Birmingham

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

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.

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
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
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, FlixBus from Preston to BirminghamYou can travel by bus between Preston to Birmingham with National Express, FlixBus for as low as $19 (€15). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

FlixBus

About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average FlixBus Duration
3h 35m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
$17 (€13)
FlixBus frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.

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 National Express Duration
3h 5m
Cheapest National Express Price
$21 (€17)
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.

Complete guide to Birmingham

Things to do in Birmingham

Discover the best of Birmingham — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Birmingham trip today.

  • Must visit

Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery

Major city museum and gallery with fine art, Birmingham history and global collections in a landmark building.

  • Must visit

Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum

Science museum with interactive galleries, engines and family-friendly exhibits in Millennium Point.

  • Recommended

The Barber Institute of Fine Arts

Historic home of the Pre-Raphaelite artists, showing furnished rooms, artworks and craft details.

British pound sterling (£)

Moderate for UK city breaks: hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local transit and casual meals are fairly manageable for tourists.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or casual takeaway.
Mid-range
£20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£60+ per person for upscale restaurants.
Coffee
£3-4.50 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

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.

FAQs: Bus from Preston to 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.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Preston to Birmingham can start from as little as $17 (€13) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Preston to Birmingham is $33 (€27) ; 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 Preston to Birmingham is 3h 5m to travel the 95 miles (153 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 Preston to Birmingham leaves at 2:00 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Preston to Birmingham leaves at 11:55 PM.
Yes, there are 2 direct buses a day from Preston to Birmingham with FlixBus, Megabus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Preston to Birmingham, you can count on FlixBus, Megabus, National Express for the best way to get you to Birmingham. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Preston and Birmingham and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
When departing from Preston , you have various bus station options to start your journey from including Preston, Bus Station, Lancaster, University, Blackpool, Central Coach Station, Blackburn, Penny Street . When arriving in Birmingham , you can end your journey in bus stations like Birmingham, Coach Station, Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway, Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport), Birmingham, Brunel Street .Passengers board the bus most frequently from Preston, Bus Station, which is located around 0 miles (1 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Birmingham, Coach Station, located 1 away from the city centre.
A trip to Birmingham from Preston is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3h 5m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Preston to Birmingham is November.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Preston and Birmingham including taking a train and bus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Preston to Birmingham:
  • Megabus
    • Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
  • FlixBus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Preston to Birmingham for bus company FlixBus, Megabus, National Express.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Birmingham are:
  • Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, a cultural institution housing a vast collection of art and historical artifacts
  • Cadbury World, an interactive chocolate-themed attraction offering tours and exhibits
  • Birmingham Botanical Gardens, a serene 15-acre garden featuring exotic plants and glasshouses
  • Symphony Hall, a renowned concert venue known for its exceptional acoustics and diverse performances
  • The Bullring, a major shopping center with a wide range of retail outlets and dining options.
The best things to do in Birmingham include:
  • Explore the historic Jewellery Quarter, known for its unique shops and vibrant atmosphere
  • Take a canal boat tour to see the city from a different perspective
  • Visit the National SEA LIFE Centre, home to a variety of marine life and interactive exhibits
  • Enjoy a performance at the Birmingham Hippodrome, one of the busiest theatres in the UK
  • Discover the rich history of the city at the Birmingham Back to Backs, a preserved 19th-century courtyard of working people's houses.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Preston to Birmingham depends on the bus companies:
  • Megabus
    • Megabus reservations cannot be canceled or refunded, but they can be traded in for another journey up to 3 hours before your original scheduled departure for a fee.
  • 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.
  • FlixBus
    • You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company FlixBus, 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 Preston to Birmingham.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Preston to Birmingham:
  • Megabus
    • One piece of luggage is included per passenger reservation. For guidance, a piece of luggage must not exceed 62 inches (length + width + height) and should not weigh more than 50 pounds (23kg).
  • National Express
    • Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
  • FlixBus
    • One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Preston to Birmingham:
  • Megabus
    • Additional luggage can be purchased by buying an additional travel ticket in advance or by adding up to two additional pieces when booking for a fee.
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
  • FlixBus
    • Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Preston to Birmingham. The following conditions apply:
  • FlixBus
    • Small pets in carriers allowed
    • guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Preston to Birmingham with the following bus company: FlixBus, Megabus, National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Preston to Birmingham with the following bus company: FlixBus, Megabus, National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Preston to Birmingham with the following bus company: FlixBus, Megabus, National Express.
Since neither Preston nor Birmingham 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 Preston to Birmingham 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 Birmingham, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in busy areas like shopping districts and public transport hubs. Common scams include overcharging by taxi drivers and fake charity collectors. It's advisable to use licensed taxis, keep valuables secure, and remain alert in crowded places to avoid these risks.
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 Preston to Birmingham

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.

Departure bus stations in Preston
Arrival bus stations in Birmingham

Which Preston station do buses to Birmingham leave from?

Buses from Preston to Birmingham leave from Preston, Bus Station. The station is 1 miles (2 km) from Preston city centre at Preston Bus Station, Tithebarn St, Preston PR1 1YT, UK.
Preston, Bus StationPreston Bus Station, Tithebarn St, Preston PR1 1YT, UKWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Preston, Bus Station from Preston city centre

Preston, Bus Station is 1 km from Preston city centre. Public transport options include:

Bus23 · 6m · $11 · every ~8 min

Preston, Bus Station bus station facilities and services

Preston, Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.

Food and drink

Food options include: Cafes and fast food are available within the station.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi is available in the station concourse. ATMs are multiple ATMs are located in the main concourse.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Preston, Bus Station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Preston, Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Preston, Bus Station: Full accessibility for wheelchairs and mobility aids.

Most popular bus connections from Preston

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