Preston to Birmingham bus with Megabus

Sat, Dec 06
+ Add return
Megabus
National Express
FlixBus
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
1,000+ travel companies
Megabus
National Express
FlixBus
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
1,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest buses from Preston to Birmingham

Showing times and prices for Dec 08

Cheapest price

€17

Average price

€26

Fastest journey

3 h 10 m

Average duration

4 h 17 m

Buses per day

5

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 €17.

Fast buses

Of the 5 buses that leave Preston for Birmingham on Mon, Dec 08, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Mon, Dec 08 the direct buses cover the 153 km distance in an average of 4 h 17 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 10 m .

On Mon, Dec 08 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
01:15PM3h35
Preston
04:50PMBirmingham
171One-way
0 transfers
National Express
02:15AM3h10
Preston
05:25AMBirmingham
181One-way
0 transfers
National Express
08:35AM6h20
Preston
02:55PMBirmingham
231One-way
0 transfers
National Express
09:35PM4h10
Preston
01:45AMBirmingham
351One-way
0 transfers
National Express
09:20PM4h10
Preston
01:30AMBirmingham
361One-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 prices starting from €12. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 17m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €12, and a train costs an average of €12.

Distance: 95 miles (153 km)

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Train

€21

Average price

Cheapest

€29

Average price

4h 8m

Average total duration

3h 38m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 47m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 17m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.2 - 0.4kg

CO2 emissions

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest
Megabus

Most popular bus company

Avanti West Coast

Most popular train company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Preston to Birmingham Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:15AM
Arrival Time
06:25AM
Duration
3h10
Departure days
Thu, Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
21
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:15AM
Arrival Time
01:55PM
Duration
7h40
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
33
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:47AM
Arrival Time
01:55PM
Duration
7h08
Departure days
Thu, Fri
Cheapest price
20
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:35AM
Arrival Time
04:10PM
Duration
6h35
Departure days
Thu, Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
28
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
02:15PM
Arrival Time
05:50PM
Duration
3h35
Departure days
Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
16
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:35PM
Arrival Time
02:45AM
Duration
4h10
Departure days
Thu, Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
20

Live departures

Preston to Birmingham bus times

The table below shows live departures for Preston to Birmingham buses for today, Sunday, December 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at 6:29 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
national_express9:35 PM Preston
4h10
1:45 AM Birmingham0 transfersDirect
Monday, December 8
national_express2:15 AM Preston
3h10
5:25 AM Birmingham0 transfersDirect
national_express8:35 AM Preston
6h20
2:55 PM Birmingham0 transfersDirect
meinfernbus_flixbus1:15 PM Preston
3h35
4:50 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
Dec 08
Tue
Dec 09
Wed
Dec 10
Thu
Dec 11
Fri
Dec 12
Sat
Dec 13
Sun
Dec 14

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 4 times per day, taking around 3h 38m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $15 (€12) 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 10m.

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 38m
Cheapest ticket price
$15 (€12)
Buses per day
4
Direct buses
2
Fastest bus
3h 10m
First bus
02:00
Last bus
23:55
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: Megabus, National Express, FlixBus from Preston to BirminghamYou can travel by bus between Preston to Birmingham with Megabus, National Express, FlixBus for as low as $15 (€12). 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 Duration
3h 35m
Cheapest Price
$15 (€12)
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 Duration
3h 10m
Cheapest Price
$22 (€18)
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.

Megabus

About
Megabus is a low-cost intercity bus service operating across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Known for its affordable fares, including promotional $1 tickets, Megabus offers routes connecting over 500 cities and university campuses in North America. The company provides amenities such as air conditioning, power outlets, free Wi-Fi, and onboard restrooms, with many routes utilizing double-decker buses for scenic views. Megabus aims to provide safe, convenient, and affordable express bus travel.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 25m
Cheapest Price
$22 (€18)
Megabus frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
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).
Additional luggage
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.
Cancellation Policy
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.
Refund
If Megabus fails to provide on-time reliable service for reasons wholly within their control, refunds or alternative travel arrangements may be offered.
Pregnant on board
Being pregnant on board is allowed, but no specific details or restrictions are provided.
Unaccompagned minor
Unaccompanied minors under the age of 17 are not permitted to travel on Megabus.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cold food and drinks, as well as hot drinks with a lid, are allowed on board, but hot food is not.
Seat reservation
Reserved seats can be purchased for an additional fee, starting from £2.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.

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 $13 (€10) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Preston to Birmingham is $27 (€22); however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
On average the Preston to Birmingham bus time is 2 h 42 min   covering the 94 mile (152 km) long route, but the journey time can vary depending on specific dates or if traveling on weekends and holidays.
The first bus from Preston to Birmingham leaves at 3: 15AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last bus from Preston to Birmingham leaves at 10: 20PM.
Yes, there are 3 direct buses a day from Preston to Birmingham with Megabus or FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
For the best Preston to Birmingham bus to book, you can travel safely and comfortably with Megabus, National Express or FlixBus. However, it's always good to check all possible bus providers with services to Birmingham from Preston to compare what amenities they may offer.

Passengers board the bus most frequently from Preston, Bus Station, which is located around 1.2 miles (1.9 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Birmingham, Coach Station, located 2.4 miles (3.8 km) 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 2 h 42 min each way. Check with Omio app   the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Preston to Birmingham is March.
You have options as you can travel between Preston and Birmingham 2 different ways: bus or train.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Preston to Birmingham:
  • 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 companies National Express and FlixBus.
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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus providers National Express and FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Preston to Birmingham depends on the bus companies:
  • 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.

To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Preston to Birmingham, follow these tips:

  • Book in advance: Tickets are often cheaper when booked early.
  • Be flexible with dates and times: Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money.
  • Use our search filters: Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options.
  • Look for special deals or discounts: Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
  • Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!

    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:
    • 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:
    • 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 companies: National Express and FlixBus
    Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Preston to Birmingham with the following bus companies: National Express and FlixBus.
    Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Preston to Birmingham with the following bus companies: National Express and FlixBus.

    popular bus stations

    Popular bus stations from Preston to Birmingham

    Preston
    Birmingham
    The major bus station for departures in Preston is Preston, Bus Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Preston, Bus Station for your trip from Preston to Birmingham.
    Preston, Bus Station
    information

    The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

    We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

    ios-badge
    android-badge
    Hand With Phone