- Must visit
Leicester Museum & Art Gallery
Leicester's flagship museum and gallery, known for dinosaurs, German Expressionism and broad collections for first-time visitors.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Preston to Leicester
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 14
Cheapest price on Sep 14
$29
Average ticket price on Sep 14
$38
Fastest journey on Sep 14
6 h 30 m
Average journey duration on Sep 14
8 h 8 m
Buses on Sep 14
2
Distance
164 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Preston to Leicester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Preston to Leicester will cost around $38 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $29.
Fast buses
On Mon, Sep 14, we found 2 buses from Preston to Leicester, including 2 direct services.
On Mon, Sep 14 the direct buses cover the 164 km distance in an average of 8 h 8 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h 30 m .
On Mon, Sep 14 the slowest buses will take 9 h 45 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.
2:15 PM9h45Preston12:00 AMLeicester$291One-way0 transfers
10:35 PM6h30Preston5:05 AMLeicester$461One-way0 transfers
- 10:35 PM6h30Preston5:05 AMLeicester$461One-way0 transfers
- 2:15 PM9h45Preston12:00 AMLeicester$291One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus and train for Preston to Leicester
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Preston to Leicester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $45 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 52m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $45, while a train costs an average of $103.
Distance: 101 miles (164 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$45 Average price Cheapest | $103 Average price | $45 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 25m Average total duration 5h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 52m Average total duration Fastest 2h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 36m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Preston to Leicester is a bus with an average price of $45 (€36).
This is compared to other travel options from Preston to Leicester:
A bus is $58 (€47) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Preston to Leicester costing on average $103 (€83).
The fastest way to travel from Preston to Leicester is by train with an average journey time of 2h 22m.
Other travel options to Leicester take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 55m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Preston and Leicester including taking a bus and train.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Preston to Leicester among Omio's users.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.
Tickets start at around $45 (€36) compared to roughly $45 (€37) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $0.44 (€0.36). The journey takes 5h 55m versus 2h 36m 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.
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.
Preston to Leicester Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:20AM | Arrival Time 08:55AM | Duration 5h35 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:15PM | Arrival Time 10:10PM | Duration 8h55 | Departure days Tue, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:15PM | Arrival Time 11:15PM | Duration 9h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:35PM | Arrival Time 04:05AM | Duration 6h30 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:35PM | Arrival Time 05:05AM | Duration 6h30 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $46 |
Live departures
Preston to Leicester bus times
The table below shows live departures for Preston to Leicester buses for today, Sunday, September 13. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NX424 · NX777 | 10:35 PM Preston, Bus Station | 6h30 | 5:05 AM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Preston to Leicester by bus or train
Compare bus and train 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.
Mon
Sep 14
Sep 14
Tue
Sep 15
Sep 15
Wed
Sep 16
Sep 16
Thu
Sep 17
Sep 17
Fri
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Sep 18
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Sep 19
Sun
Sep 20
Sep 20
Why should you book Preston to Leicester buses with Omio?
National Express as well as FlixBus offer buses services from Preston to Leicester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Preston to Leicester.
Why book with Omio vs National Express?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for National Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Preston to Leicester.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare National Express with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Preston to Leicester.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Preston to Leicester.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Preston to Leicester.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Preston to Leicester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Preston to Leicester run on average 4 times per day, taking around 5h 55m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $23 (€19) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 02:15, the last at 23:45. The fastest bus covers the 101 miles (164 km) distance in 4h 15m.
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 101 miles (164 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 55m |
Cheapest ticket price $23 (€19) |
Buses per day 4 |
Fastest bus 4h 15m |
First bus 2:15 AM |
Last bus 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 1 day |
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: FlixBus, National Express from Preston to LeicesterYou can travel by bus between Preston to Leicester with FlixBus, National Express for as low as $33 (€26). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average FlixBus Duration
4h 35m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
$23 (€19)
FlixBus frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.
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 National Express Duration
4h 15m
Cheapest National Express Price
$37 (€30)
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.
Complete guide to Leicester
Things to do in Leicester
Discover the best of Leicester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Leicester trip today.
- Must visit
King Richard III Visitor Centre
Dedicated to the 2012 discovery of Richard III, this award-winning museum uses immersive displays to tell a remarkable royal story.
- Recommended
Abbey Pumping Station
A grand Victorian pumping station with working steam heritage displays, making industrial history surprisingly engaging for all ages.
- Must visit
Old Town
Revived historic quarter around Leicester Cathedral and the Richard III story, packed with lanes, heritage sites and independent venues.
- Must visit
Abbey Park
Leicester's best-known green space, offering formal gardens, boating, sports facilities and a lively urban park atmosphere.
- Recommended
Town Hall Square
Main civic square framed by key institutions and events, useful as a central meeting point and starting place for exploring.
Melton Mowbray Pork Pie
A flaky pastry pie from nearby Melton Mowbray, traditionally made with uncured pork. It is one of Leicestershire’s best-known foods and widely eaten in Leicester.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Red Leicester Cheese
A hard, crumbly red cheese from Leicestershire with a nutty, mellow flavour. It is one of England’s oldest named cheeses and a proud regional staple.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Stilton
A blue-veined Stilton-style cheese made in Leicestershire. Rich and creamy, it is strongly linked to the county’s cheesemaking tradition.
John's House
Modern British fine dining with tasting menus in an intimate setting. One of Leicester’s most acclaimed restaurants for special occasions.
Herb
Well-known modern Indian restaurant serving refined regional dishes and grills in a smart, contemporary dining room.
Shivalli
Long-established vegetarian Indian restaurant on the Golden Mile, known for Gujarati snacks, thalis and a lively casual atmosphere.
British pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while buses and casual meals stay fairly affordable for most visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.50-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up for taxis. Cafe tipping is not expected, but small change is appreciated.
FAQs: Bus from Preston to Leicester
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Preston to Leicester 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 Leicester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Preston to Leicester can start from as little as $23 (€19) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Preston to Leicester is $45 (€36) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Preston to Leicester is 4h 15m to travel the 101 miles (164 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Preston to Leicester leaves at 2:15 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Preston to Leicester leaves at 11:45 PM.
There are 4 buses a day from Preston to Leicester which require at least one change with National Express, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Preston to Leicester, you can count on National Express, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Leicester. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Preston and Leicester and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Leicester from Preston is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 4h 15m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Preston to Leicester is January.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Preston and Leicester including taking a bus and train.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Preston to Leicester:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Preston to Leicester for bus company National Express, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Preston to Leicester depends on the bus companies:
- 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.
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company National Express, FlixBus.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Preston to Leicester.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Preston to Leicester:
- National Express
- Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Preston to Leicester:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Preston to Leicester. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Preston to Leicester with the following bus company: National Express, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Preston to Leicester with the following bus company: National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Preston to Leicester with the following bus company: National Express, FlixBus.
Since neither Preston nor Leicester are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United Kingdom and United Kingdom. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Preston to Leicester among Omio's users.
The currency used in the United Kingdom is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). For travelers, using a card is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially in cities and for transportation tickets, though carrying some cash can be useful for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Leicester, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like markets and public transport. Common scams include overcharging by taxi drivers who are not licensed and street vendors selling counterfeit goods. Staying vigilant in busy spots and using licensed services helps ensure a safer visit.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Preston to Leicester
Most Preston to Leicester buses use the Preston, Bus Station to Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda). Use this guide to compare Preston and Leicester bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Preston
Arrival bus stations in Leicester
Which Preston station do buses to Leicester leave from?
Buses from Preston to Leicester leave from Preston, Bus Station. The station is 1 miles (2 km) from Preston city centre at Preston Bus Station, Tithebarn St, Preston PR1 1YT, UK.
Preston, Bus StationPreston Bus Station, Tithebarn St, Preston PR1 1YT, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Preston, Bus Station from Preston city centre
Preston, Bus Station is 1 km from Preston city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus23 · 6m · $11 · every ~8 min
Preston, Bus Station bus station facilities and services
Preston, Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Cafes and fast food are available within the station.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi is available in the station concourse. ATMs are multiple ATMs are located in the main concourse.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Preston, Bus Station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Preston, Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Preston, Bus Station: Full accessibility for wheelchairs and mobility aids.
Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
City-centre transport
Getting to Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station from Leicester city centre
BusHop · 0m · $2 · every ~14 min
26 · 1m · every ~10 min
21 · 4m
Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda)Leicester Fosse Park, Fosse Park Ave, LE19 1HQ
City-centre transport
Getting to Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda) from Leicester city centre
BusX6 · 21m · $2 · every ~4 min
50 · 23m · $2 · every ~10 min
104 · 32m · $1 · every ~10 min
18 · 44m · every ~8 min
Most popular bus connections from Preston
More options for your journey from Preston to Leicester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Leicester and Preston
Most popular bus connections to Leicester
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