- Must visit
National Museum of Scotland
Scotland’s flagship museum covering history, science, design and world cultures in a landmark Victorian building. A top all-round visit in the city.
Cheapest price
$26
Average price
$33
Fastest journey
5 h 48 m
Average duration
6 h 23 m
Buses per day
5
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 $33 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $26.
It's difficult to get from Preston to Edinburgh without transferring at least once.
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
NX181 · NX591
FlixBus · FlixBus
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 $18. 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 $18, and a flight costs an average of $112.
Distance: 152 miles (245 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$32 Average price Cheapest | $53 Average price | $204 Average price | $110 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 $21 (€17) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Preston to Edinburgh costing on average $53 (€43).
A bus is $172 (€140) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Preston to Edinburgh costing on average $204 (€166).
Other travel options to Edinburgh take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 47m.
Flight takes on average 5h 35m.
Tickets start at around $32 (€26) compared to roughly $110 (€89) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $77 (€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 Tue | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:25AM | Arrival Time 10:25AM | Duration 8h00 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:15PM | Arrival Time 10:33PM | Duration 6h18 | Departure days Tue, Thu | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:15PM | Arrival Time 11:33PM | Duration 6h18 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $22 |
The table below shows live departures for Preston to Edinburgh buses for today, Friday, June 12. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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 | 6h18 | 11:33 PM Edinburgh, Drum Brae South | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 5:15 PM Preston, Bus Station | 6h31 | 11:46 PM Edinburgh, Princes Street West (Stop PF) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 5:15 PM Preston, Bus Station | 6h38 | 11:53 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
| Saturday, June 13 | |||||
NX181 · NX591 | 2:25 AM Preston, Bus Station | 8h00 | 10:25 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
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 $18 (€15) but you can travel from only $18 (€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 $18 (€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 covering history, science, design and world cultures in a landmark Victorian building. A top all-round visit in the city.
Major national art gallery on The Mound with Scottish and European masterpieces. Central, elegant and one of Edinburgh’s classic cultural stops.
Striking red-sandstone gallery dedicated to portraits of figures from Scottish history and culture. Well regarded for both the collection and the building itself.
Edinburgh’s most famous historic street linking the castle and Holyroodhouse, lined with closes, courtyards, shops and major sights.
One of Edinburgh’s essential viewpoints, especially popular for sunrise and sunset photography. Famous for sweeping views over the city and Arthur’s Seat.
Ancient volcanic peak in Holyrood Park with the city’s most famous hike and outstanding panoramic views. A classic outdoor Edinburgh experience.
Scotland’s best-known national dish: a peppery savoury pudding traditionally made with oats and offal, served with mashed turnips and potatoes. It is strongly associated with Edinburgh and Burns supps
A rich Scottish soup made with smoked haddock, potatoes and onions. Though from Cullen, it is a classic on Edinburgh menus and a comforting local staple
A traditional hearty soup of barley, root vegetables and usually lamb or mutton. It is a long-standing Scottish comfort food commonly found in pubs and cafes
A polished gastropub from Tom Kitchin, known for refined Scottish pub classics, seasonal produce and a warm neighbourhood atmosphere
A long-established seafood restaurant popular for Scottish mussels, fish dishes and a relaxed city-centre setting
A respected upscale seafood restaurant focused on high-quality Scottish fish and shellfish in an elegant contemporary space
Edinburgh is pricier than many UK cities, especially for hotels and dining in the centre during peak season.
Service is sometimes included. If not, tip 10-12.5% in restaurants for good service. Rounding up is common in taxis. Tipping is not expected for counter service.
Official public transport app
Edinburgh Bus Station, Edinburgh -> Edinburgh Waverley Station, Edinburgh
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.

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need