Preston to Cardiff bus with National Express

Wed, Nov 05
+ Add return
National Express
FlixBus
Alsa
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Rede Expressos
1,000+ travel companies
National Express
FlixBus
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
Rede Expressos
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Preston to Cardiff

Showing times and prices for Nov 06

Cheapest price

$37

Average price

$71

Fastest journey

8 h 50 m

Average duration

10 h 57 m

Buses per day

3

Distance

256 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Preston to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Preston to Cardiff will cost around $71 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $37.

Fast buses

Of the 3 buses that leave Preston for Cardiff on Thu, Nov 06, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Thu, Nov 06 the direct buses cover the 256 km distance in an average of 10 h 57 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 8 h 50 m .

On Thu, Nov 06 the slowest buses will take 12 h 25 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
01:15PM11h35
Preston
12:50AMCardiff
$371One-way
0 transfers
National Express
09:35PM12h25
Preston
10:00AMCardiff
$671One-way
0 transfers
National Express
02:15AM8h50
Preston
11:05AMCardiff
$1081One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Preston to Cardiff

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Preston to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €18. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 47m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €18, and a train costs an average of €54.

Distance: 159 miles (256 km)

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Train

€42

Average price

Cheapest

€86

Average price

7h 2m

Average total duration

6h 32m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 17m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 47m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.3 - 0.6kg

CO2 emissions

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest
National Express

Most popular bus company

Transport for Wales

Most popular train company

Direct Options

Direct Options

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

Live departures

Preston to Cardiff bus times

The table below shows live departures for Preston to Cardiff buses for today, Wednesday, November 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at 12:20 AM

ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
meinfernbus_flixbus1:15 PM Preston
11h35
12:50 AM Cardiff0 transfersDirect

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Preston to Cardiff 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.

Thu
Nov 06
Fri
Nov 07
Sat
Nov 08
Sun
Nov 09
Mon
Nov 10
Tue
Nov 11
Wed
Nov 12

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Preston to Cardiff

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus
Buses from Preston to Cardiff run on average 2 times per day, taking around 6h 32m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $22 (€18) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 03:15, the last at 23:00. The fastest bus covers the 159 miles (256 km) distance in 8h 50m.
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 (256 km)
Average bus duration
6h 32m
Cheapest ticket price
$22 (€18)
Buses per day
2
Fastest bus
8h 50m
First bus
03:15
Last bus
23:00
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 from Preston to CardiffYou can travel by bus between Preston to Cardiff with National Express for as low as $22 (€18). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

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
8h 50m
Cheapest Price
$54 (€44)
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.

FAQs: Bus from Preston to Cardiff

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Preston to Cardiff 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 Cardiff, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Preston to Cardiff can start from as little as $26 (€21) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Preston to Cardiff is $56 (€45); however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The bus time between Preston and Cardiff is on average 8 h 50 min   for the 159 mile (256 km) long journey, but the time it takes to go to Cardiff from Preston by bus can vary depending on specific dates or if traveling on weekends and holidays.
The first bus from Preston to Cardiff leaves at 3: 15AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last bus from Preston to Cardiff leaves at 10: 20PM.
There is 1 bus a day from Preston to Cardiff which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
Take the Preston to Cardiff bus with National Express. However, it's always good to check out all possible bus providers for the trip from Preston to Cardiff as there might be differences in the amenities they offer.
The cheapest month for a bus from Preston to Cardiff is January.
You have options as you can travel from Preston to Cardiff 2 different ways: train or bus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Preston to Cardiff:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Preston to Cardiff for bus company National Express.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Cardiff are:
  • Cardiff Castle, a historic fortress with Roman and Norman roots offering guided tours and events
  • St Fagans National Museum of History, an open-air museum showcasing Welsh life and culture through reconstructed buildings and exhibits
  • Cardiff Bay, a vibrant waterfront area with dining, entertainment, and cultural attractions
  • National Museum Cardiff, featuring art, archaeology, and natural history collections
  • Bute Park, a large green space perfect for leisurely walks and picnics.
The best things to do in Cardiff include:
  • Millennium Centre, a renowned arts venue hosting opera, ballet, and theater performances
  • Explore the vibrant nightlife in Cardiff's city center with its array of pubs and clubs
  • Take a boat tour around Cardiff Bay for scenic views and historical insights
  • Visit the Cardiff International White Water for an adventurous day of rafting and kayaking
  • Enjoy shopping and dining at the bustling Cardiff Market, offering local produce and unique finds.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Preston to Cardiff depends on the bus company:
  • 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.

To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Preston to Cardiff, 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 Cardiff.
    Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Preston to Cardiff:
    • National Express
      • Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
    Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Preston to Cardiff:
    • National Express
      • 10€ per additional bag.
    Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Preston to Cardiff.
    You can reserve your seat on the bus from Preston to Cardiff with the following bus company: National Express
    Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Preston to Cardiff with the following bus company: National Express.
    Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Preston to Cardiff with the following bus company: National Express.

    popular bus stations

    Popular bus stations from Preston to Cardiff

    Preston
    Cardiff
    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 Cardiff.
    Preston, Bus Station
    information

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