- Must visit
The British Museum
Vast world museum with the Rosetta Stone, Parthenon sculptures and global antiquities. Essential for history lovers.
Cheapest price
$41
Average price
$70
Fastest journey
6 h 10 m
Average duration
7 h 5 m
Buses per day
10
Distance
306 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Preston to London is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Preston to London will cost around $70 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $41.
Of the 10 buses that leave Preston for London on Mon, Jul 20, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jul 20 the direct buses cover the 306 km distance in an average of 7 h 5 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h 10 m .
On Mon, Jul 20 the slowest buses will take 7 h 55 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.
NX181 · NX540
FlixBus
FlixBus
NX424
NX424
FlixBus
FlixBus
NX181 · NX540
NX424
NX424Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Preston to London among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $24. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 39m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $24, and a flight costs an average of $85.
Distance: 190 miles (306 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$40 Average price Cheapest | $103 Average price | $229 Average price | $138 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 19m Average total duration 6h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 18m Average total duration 1h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 39m Average total duration Fastest 1h 39m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 23m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.9 - 1.8kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
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 London:
A bus is $63 (€52) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Preston to London costing on average $103 (€85).
A bus is $188 (€155) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Preston to London costing on average $229 (€188).
Other travel options to London take longer:
Train takes on average 1h 48m.
Bus takes on average 6h 49m.
Tickets start at around $40 (€33) compared to roughly $138 (€114) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $98 (€81). The journey takes 6h 49m versus 4h 23m 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 National Express, Megabus, FlixBus.
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 03:20AM | Arrival Time 10:20AM | Duration 7h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:55AM | Arrival Time 03:50PM | Duration 9h55 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $69 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:15AM | Arrival Time 03:50PM | Duration 9h35 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:55AM | Arrival Time 05:50PM | Duration 9h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:35AM | Arrival Time 07:15PM | Duration 9h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:05AM | Arrival Time 07:15PM | Duration 9h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:15PM | Arrival Time 08:25PM | Duration 6h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:35PM | Arrival Time 06:30AM | Duration 7h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $48 |
The table below shows live departures for Preston to London buses for tomorrow, Monday, July 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX181 · NX210 · NX032 | 3:20 AM Preston, Bus Station | 8h25 | 11:45 AM London, Hammersmith Bridge Road | 2 transfers | |
NX181 · NX210 · NX032 | 3:20 AM Preston, Bus Station | 8h35 | 11:55 AM London, Earl's Court | 2 transfers | |
NX181 · NX210 · NX502 | 3:20 AM Preston, Bus Station | 8h35 | 11:55 AM London, Earl's Court | 2 transfers | |
NX181 · NX540 | 3:20 AM Preston, Bus Station | 7h00 | 10:20 AM London, Victoria Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
RL152 · NX540 · NX540 | 7:55 AM Preston, Bus Station | 9h55 | 5:50 PM London, Victoria Coach Station | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus | 2:15 PM Preston, Bus Station | 6h10 | 8:25 PM London, Finchley Road ("Subway" restaurant) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 2:15 PM Preston, Bus Station | 6h45 | 9:00 PM London, Victoria Coach Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX424 · NX210 · NX032 | 10:35 PM Preston, Bus Station | 12h40 | 11:15 AM London, Hammersmith Bridge Road | 2 transfers | |
NX424 | 10:35 PM Preston, Bus Station | 7h55 | 6:30 AM London, Victoria Coach Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX424 | 10:35 PM Preston, Bus Station | 7h35 | 6:10 AM London, Earl's Court | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 London run on average 5 times per day, taking around 6h 49m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $24 (€20) if you book in advance.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:15, the last at 23:45. The fastest bus covers the 190 miles (306 km) distance in 6h 10m.
Distance 190 miles (306 km) |
Average bus duration 6h 49m |
Cheapest ticket price $24 (€20) |
Buses per day 5 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 6h 10m |
First bus 12:15 AM |
Last bus 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 63 days |
Discover the best of London — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect London trip today.
Vast world museum with the Rosetta Stone, Parthenon sculptures and global antiquities. Essential for history lovers.
Leading art museum on Trafalgar Square with masterpieces from Van Gogh, Turner and da Vinci. Free and internationally renowned.
Grand museum of art, design and performance with fashion, sculpture and decorative arts collections in South Kensington.
Lively riverside stretch linking major landmarks, markets and cultural venues. Ideal for walking, views and people-watching.
Large royal park with the Serpentine, rose gardens and broad lawns. Excellent for relaxing, boating and central green space.
Historic Greenwich riverside district with maritime heritage, market streets and hilltop views near major cultural landmarks.
Classic English fish fried in batter with chips. A London staple tied to the city’s working-class food culture and best eaten fresh with salt and vinegar.
Slow-cooked beef, carrots, onions and herbs under a suet pastry lid. A comforting British pie long associated with London pubs and Sunday meals.
A full cooked breakfast with eggs, sausages, bacon, beans, mushrooms and toast. A traditional morning meal served across London cafes and hotels.
Celebrated fine dining restaurant by Heston Blumenthal showcasing historic British dishes in an elegant, high-end Knightsbridge room.
Well-known pub serving excellent pies, ales and British mains in a relaxed, polished gastropub setting near Victoria Park.
Historic Covent Garden restaurant famous for classic British pies in a lively, traditional setting popular with locals and visitors.
Very costly by European standards. Hotels, dining, and transit are pricier than in most UK and EU city breaks, especially in central areas.
Restaurants often add 12.5% service; if not, tip 10-12%. Taxis: round up or 10%. Cafes: optional small change or none.
Official public transport app
London Victoria Coach Station -> Oxford Circus, London
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Preston to London 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 London, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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