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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.
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 $22 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $21.
It's difficult to get from Preston to Liverpool without transferring at least once.
NX424 · NX541
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NX181 · NX170
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NX424 · NX170
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NX181 · NX421
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NX424 · NX541
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NX424 · NX170
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NX181 · NX421
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NX181 · NX170
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Buses from Preston to Liverpool run on average 3 times per day, taking around 2h 12m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $12 but you can travel from only $5 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 1h 40m.
Distance 26 miles (43 km) |
Average bus duration 2h 12m |
Cheapest ticket price $12 |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 1h 40m |
First bus 1:55 AM |
Last bus 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 1 day |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Preston to Liverpool.
| 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 Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:35PM | Arrival Time 01:25AM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:35PM | Arrival Time 02:25AM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $20 |
The table below shows live departures for Preston to Liverpool buses for today, Monday, November 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX424 · NX541 | 10:35 PM Preston, Bus Station | 3h00 | 1:35 AM Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place | 1 transfer | |
NX424 · NX170 | 10:35 PM Preston, Bus Station | 3h15 | 1:50 AM Liverpool, University | 1 transfer | |
| Tuesday, November 3 | |||||
NX181 · NX170 | 3:20 AM Preston, Bus Station | 5h50 | 9:10 AM Liverpool, University | 1 transfer | |
NX181 · NX421 | 3:20 AM Preston, Bus Station | 5h15 | 8:35 AM Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
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
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Liverpool.
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.
Preston, Bus Station is 1 km from Preston city centre. Public transport options include:
Preston, Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafes and fast food are available within the station.
Free Wi-Fi is available in the station concourse. ATMs are multiple ATMs are located in the main concourse.
Ticket office support is available at Preston, Bus Station.
Available at Preston, Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Preston, Bus Station: Full accessibility for wheelchairs and mobility aids.
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.
Liverpool, Botanic Park is 2 km from Liverpool city centre. Public transport options include:
Liverpool, Botanic Park has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Liverpool, Botanic Park. ATMs are available at Liverpool, Botanic Park.
Ticket office support is available at Liverpool, Botanic Park.
Available at Liverpool, Botanic Park: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Liverpool, Botanic Park: Station is accessible for those with reduced mobility.
Check bus stations information for Preston and Liverpool, including where buses depart and arrive on this route.
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