- Must visit
National Museum of Scotland
Scotland's flagship museum covers science, design, natural history, and world cultures in a landmark building with excellent family appeal.
Cheapest price
$30
Average price
$37
Fastest journey
6 h 18 m
Average duration
6 h 51 m
Buses per day
4
Distance
245 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Preston to Edinburgh is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Preston to Edinburgh will cost around $37 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $30.
It's difficult to get from Preston to Edinburgh without transferring at least once.
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
NX181 · NX591
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
NX181 · NX591Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Preston to Edinburgh among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $15. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 14m. 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 $15, and a flight costs an average of $91.
Distance: 152 miles (245 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$26 Average price Cheapest | $43 Average price | $166 Average price | $89 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 17m Average total duration 4h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 44m Average total duration Fastest 3h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 35m Average total duration 5h 35m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 46m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.7 - 1.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | 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 Edinburgh:
A bus is $17 (€17) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Preston to Edinburgh costing on average $43 (€43).
A bus is $140 (€140) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Preston to Edinburgh costing on average $166 (€166).
Other travel options to Edinburgh take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 47m.
Flight takes on average 5h 35m.
Tickets start at around $26 (€26) compared to roughly $89 (€89) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $63 (€63). The journey takes 4h 47m versus 3h 46m 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.
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 01:25AM | Arrival Time 09:25AM | Duration 8h00 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:25AM | Arrival Time 10:25AM | Duration 8h00 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:15PM | Arrival Time 10:46PM | Duration 6h31 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $25 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:15PM | Arrival Time 11:46PM | Duration 6h31 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $21 |
The table below shows live departures for Preston to Edinburgh buses for tomorrow, Wednesday, July 29. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX181 · NX591 | 2:25 AM Preston, Bus Station | 8h00 | 10:25 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 5:15 PM Preston, Bus Station | 6h18 | 11:33 PM Edinburgh, Drum Brae South | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 5:15 PM Preston, Bus Station | 6h26 | 11:41 PM Edinburgh, Haymarket Station (Stop HB) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 5:15 PM Preston, Bus Station | 6h38 | 11:53 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, and flight 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 Edinburgh run on average 4 times per day, taking around 4h 47m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $15 (€15) but you can travel from only $15 (€15) by train.
The earliest bus runs at 01:25, the last at 22:30. The fastest bus covers the 152 miles (245 km) distance in 4h 24m.
Distance 152 miles (245 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 47m |
Cheapest ticket price $15 (€15) |
Buses per day 4 |
Fastest bus 4h 24m |
First bus 1:25 AM |
Last bus 10:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Edinburgh — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Edinburgh trip today.
Scotland's flagship museum covers science, design, natural history, and world cultures in a landmark building with excellent family appeal.
Major art gallery with Scottish and international works from the Renaissance onward, set dramatically on The Mound in the city centre.
Gallery of modern and contemporary art in a neoclassical building with sculpture park, strong changing exhibitions, and a peaceful setting.
Historic spine of the Old Town linking the castle and palace, lined with closes, landmarks, performers, shops, and layered city history.
Elegant shopping boulevard in the New Town with castle views, gardens below, major monuments, and strong access to central attractions.
Extinct volcano in Holyrood Park climbed for sweeping city views, sunrise walks, and one of Edinburgh's most memorable outdoor experiences.
A rich savoury pudding of sheep offal, oats, suet, onion and spices, traditionally served with neeps and tatties. Scotland’s national dish and central to Burns Suppers.
Mashed turnips and potatoes, usually served with haggis. This classic Scottish side is a staple of traditional Edinburgh meals.
A hearty soup of smoked haddock, potatoes and onions in milk or cream. Strongly linked to Scotland’s fishing heritage and widely loved in Edinburgh.
Refined Scottish fine dining in the Balmoral Hotel, known for seasonal tasting menus and polished service in an elegant setting.
Historic oyster bar and restaurant serving Scottish seafood, shellfish and game in a lively, classic Victorian dining room.
Celebrated modern Scottish restaurant focused on local produce, creative small plates and a relaxed but high-quality neighbourhood feel.
Edinburgh is pricier than many UK cities. Hotels surge in festival season, dining is mid-to-high, and transit is reasonable but not especially cheap for visitors.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if no service charge is added. Round up for taxis. Cafes usually do not expect tips.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Preston to Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Preston to Edinburgh buses use the Preston, Bus Station to Edinburgh, Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Edinburgh, St Andrew's House. Use this guide to compare Preston and Edinburgh bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Edinburgh, Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Café at the Station (in the station), Sandwich Shop (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Edinburgh, Bus Station.
Available at Edinburgh, Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh, Bus Station: Elevators, ramps.
Edinburgh, St Andrew's House has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh, St Andrew's House: The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need