- Must visit
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
Glasgow's flagship museum with major art, natural history, and design collections in a grand red-sandstone building in the West End.
Cheapest price
$20
Average price
$32
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 $32 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $20.
Of the 2 buses that leave Preston for Glasgow on Sat, Jun 13, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jun 13 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 Sat, Jun 13 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 $14. 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 $14, and a flight costs an average of $145.
Distance: 157 miles (253 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$24 Average price Cheapest | $49 Average price | $272 Average price | $109 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 $25 (€20) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Preston to Glasgow costing on average $49 (€40).
A bus is $248 (€202) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Preston to Glasgow costing on average $272 (€222).
Other travel options to Glasgow take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 57m.
Flight takes on average 5h 54m.
Tickets start at around $24 (€20) compared to roughly $109 (€89) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $85 (€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 Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:25AM | Arrival Time 06:45AM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:15PM | Arrival Time 08:10PM | Duration 3h55 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:15PM | Arrival Time 09:10PM | Duration 3h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $20 |
The table below shows live departures for Preston to Glasgow 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 | 5:15 PM Preston, Bus Station | 3h55 | 9:10 PM Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, June 13 | |||||
NX181 | 2:25 AM Preston, Bus Station | 4h20 | 6:45 AM 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 $14 (€12) but you can travel from only $13 (€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 $14 (€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.
Glasgow's flagship museum with major art, natural history, and design collections in a grand red-sandstone building in the West End.
Award-winning museum in Pollok Country Park housing international art, medieval objects, and decorative arts from the Burrell bequest.
Glasgow's transport museum on the Clyde, known for ships, locomotives, vintage vehicles, and an immersive recreated street scene.
Glasgow's main pedestrian shopping street, busy with performers, historic facades, and strong links to the city centre highlights.
The city's principal civic square, surrounded by major buildings and statues, and a natural starting point for central sightseeing.
Charming cobbled lane in the West End known for its lights, intimate atmosphere, and photogenic setting near Byres Road.
Scotland’s best-known traditional dish: a peppery savoury pudding of minced offal, oats and spices, usually served with mashed turnips and potatoes. A classic supper in Glasgow pubs and restaurants.
A rich Scottish soup made with smoked haddock, potatoes and onions. Though linked to the northeast, it is widely loved in Glasgow and is a staple on many traditional menus.
Also called Lorne sausage, this spiced minced meat sausage is sliced into squares and often served in a morning roll. It is a very familiar Glasgow breakfast item.
A respected modern Scottish restaurant serving seasonal produce in a smart but relaxed dining room. Popular for high-quality contemporary cooking.
A famous traditional whisky pub with a huge Scotch selection and classic hearty bar food. A good stop for local atmosphere and a dram.
A well-known Finnieston restaurant focused on inventive small plates, strong produce and lively service. Great for sharing dishes in a stylish casual setting.
Moderate by UK standards. Pub meals and public transport are reasonable, while central hotels and fine dining cost more.
About 10-12.5% in restaurants if service is not included. Round up in taxis. Tipping is optional in cafes, pubs, and for counter service.
Official public transport app
Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station, Glasgow -> Glasgow Central Station, Glasgow
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.

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