- Must visit
Bristol Museum & Art Gallery
Major city museum with natural history, archaeology, art, and local collections in a grand building. A top all-round introduction to Bristol.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Preston to Bristol
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 18
Cheapest price on Sep 18
$38
Average ticket price on Sep 18
$40
Fastest journey on Sep 18
7 h 50 m
Average journey duration on Sep 18
7 h 50 m
Buses on Sep 18
2
Distance
257 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Preston to Bristol is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Preston to Bristol will cost around $40 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $38.
Fast buses
On Fri, Sep 18, we found 2 buses from Preston to Bristol, including 2 direct services.
On Fri, Sep 18 the direct buses cover the 257 km distance in an average of 7 h 50 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h 50 m .
On Fri, Sep 18 the slowest buses will take 7 h 50 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.
1:15 PM7h50Preston9:05 PMBristol$381One-way0 transfers- 2:15 PM7h50Preston10:05 PMBristol$421One-way0 transfers
- 2:15 PM7h50Preston10:05 PMBristol$421One-way0 transfers
- 1:15 PM7h50Preston9:05 PMBristol$381One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Preston to Bristol
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Preston to Bristol among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $42 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 4h 0m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $42, while a train costs an average of $111.
Distance: 159 miles (257 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$42 Average price Cheapest | $111 Average price | $82 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 18m Average total duration 5h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 0m Average total duration Fastest 3h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 31m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.3 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg 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.
The cheapest way to travel from Preston to Bristol is a bus with an average price of $42.
This is compared to other travel options from Preston to Bristol:
A bus is $68 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Preston to Bristol costing on average $111.
The fastest way to travel from Preston to Bristol is by train with an average journey time of 3h 30m.
Other travel options to Bristol take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 48m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Preston and Bristol including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Preston to Bristol 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 $42 compared to roughly $82 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $40. The journey takes 5h 48m versus 3h 31m 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.
Preston to Bristol Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:20AM | Arrival Time 09:50AM | Duration 6h30 | Departure days Tue, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:15PM | Arrival Time 09:05PM | Duration 7h50 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:15PM | Arrival Time 10:05PM | Duration 7h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:35PM | Arrival Time 12:40PM | Duration 14h05 | Departure days Tue, Sat | Cheapest price $30 |
Live departures
Preston to Bristol bus times
The table below shows live departures for Preston to Bristol buses for tomorrow, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1:15 PM Preston | 7h50 | 9:05 PM Bristol | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 2:15 PM Preston | 7h50 | 10:05 PM Bristol | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Preston to Bristol 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.
Fri
Sep 18
Sep 18
Sat
Sep 19
Sep 19
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Sep 20
Sep 20
Mon
Sep 21
Sep 21
Tue
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Sep 24
Sep 24
Why should you book Preston to Bristol buses with Omio?
National Express as well as FlixBus or Megabus offer buses services from Preston to Bristol.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Preston to Bristol.
Why book with Omio vs National Express?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for National Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus or Megabus to find the best option for your trip from Preston to Bristol.
- 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 National Express with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Preston to Bristol.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus or Megabus to find the best option for your trip from Preston to Bristol.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Preston to Bristol.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Preston to Bristol
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Preston to Bristol run on average 3 times per day, taking around 5h 48m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $26 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 02:15, the last at 22:35. The fastest bus covers the 159 miles (257 km) distance in 4h 55m.
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 159 miles (257 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 48m |
Cheapest ticket price $26 |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 4h 55m |
First bus 2:15 AM |
Last bus 10:35 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 42 days |
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 BristolYou can travel by bus between Preston to Bristol with National Express, FlixBus for as low as $26. 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
4h 55m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
$26
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
4h 55m
Cheapest National Express Price
$33
National Express frequency
2 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 Bristol
Things to do in Bristol
Discover the best of Bristol — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bristol trip today.
- Must visit
SS Great Britain
Historic passenger ship designed by Brunel. Explore decks, cabins, and dockside museum displays on one of Bristol’s most famous heritage attractions.
- Must visit
M Shed
Purpose-built city history museum beside the floating harbour. It tells Bristol’s story through people, trade, protest, and everyday life.
- Must visit
Bristol Harbour
Historic waterfront district with museums, boats, walks, and lively public spaces. Ideal for first-time visitors wanting Bristol’s signature atmosphere.
- Must visit
Clifton
Elegant Georgian neighborhood of terraces, crescents, and village-like streets. A classic base for architecture, walks, and access to the bridge.
- Must visit
Clifton Down
Panoramic viewpoint above the Avon Gorge near the suspension bridge. One of Bristol’s best free spots for dramatic landscapes and sunset photos.
Bristol Beef Sandwich
A split-top white roll filled with roast beef, onions and gravy. A Bristol classic tied to the city’s old market and dockside workers.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Bristol Blue Cheese
Bristol’s own blue cheese, made in Somerset and long associated with the city. Rich, creamy and pungent, it reflects the region’s historic cheese trade.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
West Country Cider
Dry, still or sparkling cider made from West Country apples. Bristol’s pubs and cider houses make it a defining local drink with deep regional roots.
Box-E
Historic harbourside restaurant in a converted shipping container. Celebrated for local seafood, oysters and relaxed waterside dining.
Bulrush
Michelin-starred fine dining known for modern British tasting menus, polished service and an intimate, special-occasion atmosphere.
The Bristolian
Beloved casual eatery serving mezze and Middle Eastern plates. Lively, affordable and one of Bristol’s longest-established independent favourites.
British pound sterling (£)
Moderate for UK city breaks. Hotels and dining are cheaper than London, but central stays, attractions, and transport can still add up for tourists.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or casual eats.
- Mid-range
- £18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £60+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Restaurants: 10-12.5% if service is not included. Taxis: round up or add 10%. Cafes: tipping is optional, small change appreciated.
First Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.00
- Day pass
- £5.30
To the city center
Bristol Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) -> Bristol City Centre, Broadmead
- Distance
- 0.7 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Contactless card payment is accepted on most First Bus services in Bristol; tap a bank card or device when boarding.
- Bristol has no tram or metro system, so most local public transport trips are by bus.
FAQs: Bus from Preston to Bristol
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Preston to Bristol 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 Bristol, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Preston to Bristol can start from as little as $26 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Preston to Bristol is $42 ; 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 Bristol is 4h 55m to travel the 159 miles (257 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 Bristol leaves at 2:15 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Preston to Bristol leaves at 10:35 PM.
There are 3 buses a day from Preston to Bristol which require at least one change with National Express, FlixBus, Megabus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Preston to Bristol, you can count on National Express, FlixBus, Megabus for the best way to get you to Bristol. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Preston and Bristol 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 . When arriving in Bristol , you can end your journey in bus stations like Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) .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 Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St), located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Bristol from Preston is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 4h 55m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Preston to Bristol is January.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Preston and Bristol including taking a train and bus.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Preston to Bristol for bus company National Express, FlixBus, Megabus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Preston to Bristol:
- 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.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Bristol are:
- Clifton Suspension Bridge, an iconic 19th-century suspension bridge offering panoramic views of the Avon Gorge
- Bristol Cathedral, a historic cathedral with stunning Gothic architecture and serene gardens
- SS Great Britain, a restored 19th-century passenger steamship and museum located in the Great Western Dockyard
- Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, a museum featuring diverse collections of art, archaeology, and natural history
- St Nicholas Market, a vibrant market with a variety of food stalls, independent shops, and local crafts.
The best things to do in Bristol include:
- Bristol Zoo Gardens, a family-friendly attraction with diverse animal exhibits
- Take a boat tour along the River Avon for unique views of the city
- Explore the street art in the Stokes Croft area, known for its vibrant murals and graffiti
- Visit the Arnolfini, a contemporary arts center with exhibitions and performances
- Enjoy a leisurely walk or picnic in Brandon Hill Park, home to the historic Cabot Tower.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Preston to Bristol 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 National Express, FlixBus.
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 Bristol.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Preston to Bristol:
- 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 Bristol:
- 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 Bristol. 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 Bristol with the following bus company: National Express, FlixBus, Megabus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Preston to Bristol with the following bus company: National Express, FlixBus, Megabus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Preston to Bristol with the following bus company: National Express, FlixBus, Megabus.
Since neither Preston nor Bristol 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 Bristol 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 Bristol, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like the city center and on public transport. Common scams include overcharging by unofficial taxi drivers and counterfeit event tickets. It's advisable to use licensed taxis and buy tickets only from official vendors to avoid these issues. Additionally, travelers should stay aware of their surroundings at night, particularly in less busy areas.
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 Bristol
Most Preston to Bristol buses use the Preston, Bus Station to Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) station pair. Use this guide to compare Preston and Bristol 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 Bristol
Which Preston station do buses to Bristol leave from?
Buses from Preston to Bristol 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, UK
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.
Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)Bristol Bus Station (Bay 19), Marlborough Street 15, BS1 3ES
City-centre transport
Getting to Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) from Bristol city centre
Bus76, X6, X1, 39, 75, X9, X4, 73, X39, 522, X6a, X1a · 4m · $2 · every ~156 min
Most popular bus connections from Preston
More options for your journey from Preston to Bristol
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Bristol and Preston
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