- Must visit
Riverside Museum
Major riverside transport museum with striking architecture, historic vehicles, and interactive displays that explain Glasgow's industrial story.
Cheapest price
$19
Average price
$27
Fastest journey
3 h 55 m
Average duration
4 h 8 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
253 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Preston to Glasgow is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Preston to Glasgow will cost around $27 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $19.
Of the 2 buses that leave Preston for Glasgow on Wed, Jul 29, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jul 29 the direct buses cover the 253 km distance in an average of 4 h 8 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 55 m .
On Wed, Jul 29 the slowest buses will take 4 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
NX181
FlixBus
NX181Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Preston to Glasgow 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 31m. 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 $12, and a flight costs an average of $118.
Distance: 157 miles (253 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$20 Average price Cheapest | $40 Average price | $222 Average price | $89 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 27m Average total duration 3h 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 1m Average total duration Fastest 2h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 54m Average total duration 5h 54m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 6m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.3 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - 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 Glasgow:
A bus is $20 (€20) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Preston to Glasgow costing on average $40 (€40).
A bus is $202 (€202) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Preston to Glasgow costing on average $222 (€222).
Other travel options to Glasgow take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 57m.
Flight takes on average 5h 54m.
Tickets start at around $20 (€20) compared to roughly $89 (€89) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $69 (€69). The journey takes 3h 57m versus 3h 6m 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 Megabus, FlixBus, National Express.
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 05:45AM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:25AM | Arrival Time 06:45AM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:15PM | Arrival Time 08:10PM | Duration 3h55 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:15PM | Arrival Time 09:10PM | Duration 3h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $16 |
The table below shows live departures for Preston to Glasgow 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 | 2:25 AM Preston, Bus Station | 4h20 | 6:45 AM Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 5:15 PM Preston, Bus Station | 3h55 | 9:10 PM Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Glasgow run on average 2 times per day, taking around 3h 57m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $12 (€12) but you can travel from only $11 (€11) by train.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 01:25, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 157 miles (253 km) distance in 3h 55m.
Distance 157 miles (253 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 57m |
Cheapest ticket price $12 (€12) |
Buses per day 2 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 3h 55m |
First bus 1:25 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 84 days |
Discover the best of Glasgow — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Glasgow trip today.
Major riverside transport museum with striking architecture, historic vehicles, and interactive displays that explain Glasgow's industrial story.
Leading European civic art museum with superb collections, grand galleries, and regular exhibitions in the heart of George Square.
Elegant mansion with French paintings, decorative arts, and period rooms, set within Pollok Country Park near Highland cattle.
Lively green space beside the university, popular for museums, picnics, and riverside walks through one of Glasgow's prettiest parks.
Historic civic square framed by monuments and grand buildings, ideal for orientation, events, and classic views of central Glasgow.
Bustling shopping street mixing Victorian facades with modern retail, useful for people-watching and understanding the city's commercial core.
A savory pudding of oats, onions, suet, and spices, traditionally served with mince or fried breakfast. It is one of Scotland’s most iconic regional specialties.
Minced beef in rich gravy topped with mashed potatoes and baked until golden. A staple in Glasgow homes and pubs, especially comforting in cold weather.
A hearty soup of smoked haddock, potatoes, and onions, often enriched with milk or cream. It is a classic west coast Scottish dish with deep local roots.
Elegant fine dining by chef Cail Bruich, known for modern Scottish tasting menus and polished service in a calm, refined setting.
A long-established Glasgow institution serving fresh Scottish seafood and shellfish in a lively, classic city brasserie atmosphere.
Traditional pub dining with a strong whisky focus, offering haggis, fish, and Scottish comfort food in a historic central Glasgow setting.
Moderate for the UK: hotels and dining are cheaper than London, while transit and attractions are fairly priced for most tourists.
Restaurants: 10-12.5% if not already added. Taxis: round up or add about 10%. Cafes: tipping is optional, usually small change.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Preston to Glasgow 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 Glasgow, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Preston to Glasgow buses use the Preston, Bus Station to Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Preston and Glasgow bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria Buchanan (in the station), Coffee Express (in the station), Fast Bites (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station.
Available at Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station: Elevators, ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need