- Must visit
The Beatles Story
Acclaimed branch of the Imperial War Museums covering modern conflict, personal stories, and the impact of war in a dramatic dock building.
Cheapest price
Rp15
Average price
Rp16
Fastest journey
3 h
Average duration
4 h 20 m
Buses per day
4
Distance
43 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Preston to Liverpool is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Preston to Liverpool will cost around Rp16 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only Rp15.
It's difficult to get from Preston to Liverpool without transferring at least once.
NX424 · NX541
NX424 · NX170
NX181 · NX421
NX181 · NX170
NX424 · NX541
NX424 · NX170
NX181 · NX421
NX181 · NX170Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Preston to Liverpool among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from Rp7. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 57m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.0kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of Rp7, and a bus costs an average of Rp12.
Distance: 26 miles (43 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
Rp17 Average price | Rp11 Average price Cheapest | Rp9 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 25m Average total duration 1h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 27m Average total duration Fastest 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 14m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.0kg 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.
This is compared to other travel options from Preston to Liverpool:
A train is Rp7 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Preston to Liverpool costing on average Rp17.
Other travel options to Liverpool take longer:
Bus takes on average 1h 55m.
You'll arrive about -1h -41m sooner (1h 55m by bus vs 1h 14m by car) and save roughly Rp-8.38 compared to fuel and tolls (Rp17 vs Rp9). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by Megabus, FlixBus.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:20AM | Arrival Time 08:35AM | Duration 5h15 | Departure days Wed, Sat | Cheapest price Rp17 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:35PM | Arrival Time 01:25AM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price Rp16 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:35PM | Arrival Time 02:25AM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price Rp15 |
The table below shows live departures for Preston to Liverpool buses for today, Tuesday, August 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 9:35 PM Preston | 3h00 | 12:35 AM Liverpool | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:35 PM Preston | 3h50 | 2:25 AM Liverpool | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Wednesday, August 5 | |||||
NX181 · NX421 | 3:20 AM Preston, Bus Station | 5h15 | 8:35 AM Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place | 1 transfer | |
NX181 · NX170 | 3:20 AM Preston, Bus Station | 5h50 | 9:10 AM Liverpool, University | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Preston to Liverpool run on average 3 times per day, taking around 1h 55m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at Rp12 but you can travel from only Rp7 by train.
The earliest bus runs at 01:55, the last at 23:45. The fastest bus covers the 26 miles (43 km) distance in 3h 0m.
Distance 26 miles (43 km) |
Average bus duration 1h 55m |
Cheapest ticket price Rp12 |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 3h 0m |
First bus 1:55 AM |
Last bus 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 49 days |
Discover the best of Liverpool — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Liverpool trip today.
Acclaimed branch of the Imperial War Museums covering modern conflict, personal stories, and the impact of war in a dramatic dock building.
Large free museum covering archaeology, natural history, world cultures, and planetarium shows. Excellent for broad insight into the region.
Modern museum telling Liverpool’s story from port city to pop culture capital, with social history, transport, and riverfront galleries.
Scenic riverside promenade with Mersey views, public art, and access to major museums. Ideal for a relaxed walk along the waterfront.
Historic commercial street with restored warehouses, boutiques, and nightlife. Great for architecture, independent shops, and city atmosphere.
Creative district known for independent venues, street art, and converted warehouses. A good area to explore Liverpool’s contemporary culture.
A hearty beef and vegetable stew long linked with Liverpool's seafaring history. It is the city's signature comfort food and gave Liverpudlians the nickname 'Scousers'.
A baked potato filled with corned beef, a classic Merseyside chip shop and pub snack. It is a simple local favourite tied to everyday working-class food culture.
A dense spiced fruit loaf or cake served sliced with butter. Popular across Merseyside, it is a traditional teatime bake with a long local following.
Elegant fine dining restaurant by Chef Paul Askew, known for seasonal British tasting menus and polished service in a refined city-centre setting.
Stylish modern restaurant in the Baltic Triangle serving small plates and seasonal British cooking in a relaxed but ambitious setting.
Historic dining room in the Philharmonic pub, celebrated for classic British dishes and a grand traditional atmosphere with strong local character.
Moderate for UK city breaks: hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while transit and casual meals are fairly affordable for tourists.
Tipping is optional. Restaurants: 10-12.5% if service is not included. Taxis: round up or add about 10%. Cafes and pubs: no tip expected, small change appreciated.
Official public transport app
Liverpool One -> Liverpool Lime Street Station
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Preston to Liverpool 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 Liverpool, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Preston to Liverpool buses use the Preston, Bus Station to Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place station pair, with some services arriving at Liverpool, University. Use this guide to compare Preston and Liverpool bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place is 1 km from Liverpool city centre. Public transport options include:
Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Café in the Station (in the station), Fast Food Outlet (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place.
Available at Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place: Elevators, ramps.
Liverpool, University is 1 km from Liverpool city centre. Public transport options include:
Liverpool, University has practical services for this route, including Taxis.
Available at Liverpool, University: Taxis.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need