- Must visit
Wardown House, Museum and Gallery
Victorian mansion housing Luton's main museum and gallery, covering local history, hat making, and decorative arts in a landscaped park setting.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Preston to Luton
Showing times and prices for Jun 20
Cheapest price
$37
Average price
$37
Fastest journey
6 h 45 m
Average duration
6 h 45 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
261 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Preston to Luton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Preston to Luton will cost around $37 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $37.
Fast buses
Of the 1 buses that leave Preston for Luton on Sat, Jun 20, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jun 20 the direct buses cover the 261 km distance in an average of 6 h 45 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h 45 m .
On Sat, Jun 20 the slowest buses will take 6 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.
1:15 PM6h45Preston8:00 PMLuton$371One-way0 transfers
- 1:15 PM6h45Preston8:00 PMLuton$371One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Preston to Luton
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Preston to Luton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $22. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 20m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $22, and a flight costs an average of $86.
Distance: 162 miles (261 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$41 Average price Cheapest | $110 Average price | $201 Average price | $84 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 2m Average total duration 6h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 53m Average total duration 3h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 20m Average total duration Fastest 1h 20m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 28m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Preston to Luton is a bus with an average price of $41 (€34).
This is compared to other travel options from Preston to Luton:
A bus is $68 (€56) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Preston to Luton costing on average $110 (€90).
A bus is $159 (€131) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Preston to Luton costing on average $201 (€164).
The fastest way to travel from Preston to Luton is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 20m.
Other travel options to Luton take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 23m.
Bus takes on average 6h 32m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Preston and Luton including taking a bus, train, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Preston to Luton among Omio's users.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). 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 {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
Preston to Luton Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:20AM | Arrival Time 11:40AM | Duration 9h20 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:47AM | Arrival Time 03:10PM | Duration 8h23 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $75 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:35AM | Arrival Time 05:15PM | Duration 7h40 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $74 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:15PM | Arrival Time 08:00PM | Duration 6h45 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:15PM | Arrival Time 09:50PM | Duration 7h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:35PM | Arrival Time 05:35AM | Duration 7h00 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $88 |
Live departures
Preston to Luton bus times
The table below shows live departures for Preston to Luton buses for today, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 6:47 AM Preston | 8h23 | 3:10 PM Luton | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 1:15 PM Preston | 6h50 | 8:05 PM Luton | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 2:15 PM Preston | 7h35 | 9:50 PM Luton | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Preston to Luton by bus, train, or flight
Compare bus, train, 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.
Sat
Jun 20
Jun 20
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Jun 21
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Jun 22
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Jun 23
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Jun 26
Jun 26
Why should you book Preston to Luton buses with Omio?
National Express as well as FlixBus offer buses services from Preston to Luton.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Preston to Luton.
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 Luton.
- 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, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Preston to Luton.
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 Luton.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Preston to Luton.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Preston to Luton
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Preston to Luton run on average 4 times per day, taking around 6h 32m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $22 (€18) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 162 miles (261 km) distance in 6h 45m.
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 162 miles (261 km) |
Average bus duration 6h 32m |
Cheapest ticket price $22 (€18) |
Buses per day 4 |
Fastest bus 6h 45m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
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: National Express, FlixBus from Preston to LutonYou can travel by bus between Preston to Luton with National Express, FlixBus for as low as $22 (€18). 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 Duration
6h 45m
Cheapest Price
$22 (€18)
FlixBus frequency
1 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 Duration
7h 0m
Cheapest Price
$59 (€48)
National Express frequency
1 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 Luton
Things to do in Luton
Discover the best of Luton — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Luton trip today.
- Recommended
Stockwood Discovery Centre
Museum and gardens with local history displays, carriages, and the period Mossman Collection. A strong family-friendly introduction to Luton's heritage.
- Recommended
The Higgins Bedford
Major nearby art gallery and museum often visited from Luton for its fine art, local history, and rotating exhibitions. Worth considering for a wider cultural day trip.
- Must visit
Wardown Park
Luton's best-known park, combining lakeside walks, open lawns, and the museum house. A top everyday local favorite and easy first stop.
- Recommended
Stockwood Park
Large park with open green space, gardens, golf facilities, and access to the discovery centre. Popular for relaxed walks and family visits.
- Recommended
High Town
Creative neighborhood known for independent spirit, murals, studios, and a more local side of Luton that has gained popularity in recent years.
Bedfordshire Clanger
A traditional Bedfordshire pastry with a savory filling at one end and a sweet filling at the other, created as a hearty farmworker meal from the area around Luton.
Lardy Cake
A rich local baked treat made with bread dough, dried fruit, sugar, and lard, long associated with Bedfordshire and nearby counties.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Bedfordshire Plum Cheese
A regional fruit preserve made from plums rather than dairy, traditionally served with cold meats, bread, or cheese boards in Bedfordshire.
Wigmore Fish Restaurant
A long-established local favorite known for classic fish and chips, generous portions, and a relaxed casual atmosphere.
The Brache Beefeater
A reliable casual dining venue serving grilled meats, burgers, and British pub staples in a family-friendly setting.
Off The Wall
A well-known central Luton pub and restaurant with classic British dishes, drinks, and a lively social atmosphere.
Pound sterling
Generally cheaper than central London, but airport-area hotels and some transport can raise costs.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- GBP 8-12 for takeaway or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- GBP 15-30 per person at a casual restaurant.
- Fine dining
- GBP 50+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- GBP 3-4 for a regular coffee.
Tipping culture
Service is often included in restaurants. If not, tip 10-12.5% for good service. Round up taxis. No tip needed for pubs, cafes, or takeaway.
Traveline
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- GBP 2.00
- Day pass
- GBP 4.80
To the city center
Luton, Dunstable Road (Challney) -> Luton Station Interchange
- Distance
- 4 km
- Travel time
- 15 min
- Bus fares are capped, and contactless card payment is generally accepted on local buses in Luton.
- Use the operator or journey-planning app before travel, as routes and frequencies can vary by time of day.
FAQs: Bus from Preston to Luton
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Preston to Luton 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 Luton, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Preston to Luton can start from as little as $22 (€18) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Preston to Luton is $41 (€34) ; 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 Luton is 6h 45m to travel the 162 miles (261 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 Luton leaves at 12:05 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Preston to Luton leaves at 11:55 PM.
There are 4 buses a day from Preston to Luton 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 Luton, you can count on National Express, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Luton. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Preston and Luton and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Luton from Preston is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 6h 45m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Preston to Luton is July.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Preston and Luton including taking a bus, train, and flight.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Preston to Luton for bus company National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Preston to Luton:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Luton are:
- Stockwood Discovery Centre, a museum featuring local history exhibits, gardens, and a collection of horse-drawn carriages
- Wardown House Museum and Gallery, a Victorian mansion offering art exhibitions and insights into Luton's history
- Luton Hoo Estate, a historic country house with expansive gardens and a golf course
- Whipsnade Zoo, a large zoo home to a variety of animals and conservation programs
- The Hat Factory Arts Centre, a cultural venue hosting performances, workshops, and art exhibitions.
The best things to do in Luton include:
- The Mall Luton, a large shopping center with a variety of retail stores and dining options
- Woodside Animal Farm, a family-friendly attraction featuring a range of animals, play areas, and seasonal events
- Luton Indoor Market, a bustling market offering a variety of goods from fresh produce to unique crafts
- Stockwood Park, a large public park perfect for picnics, walks, and outdoor sports
- The Galaxy, an entertainment complex featuring a cinema, bowling alley, and restaurants.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Preston to Luton 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 Luton.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Preston to Luton:
- 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 Luton:
- 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 Luton. 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 Luton with the following bus company: National Express, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Preston to Luton with the following bus company: National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Preston to Luton with the following bus company: National Express, FlixBus.
Since neither Preston nor Luton 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 Luton 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 Luton, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas such as Luton Airport and the town center. Taxi scams can occur, so using licensed cabs or pre-booked transportation is advised. Be wary of unofficial currency exchange services offering poor rates or counterfeit notes. Staying vigilant in busy spots and securing personal belongings helps ensure a safe 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 Luton
Most Preston to Luton buses use the Preston, Bus Station to Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Luton, Station Interchange. Use this guide to compare Preston and Luton 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 Luton
Preston, Bus Station
City-centre transport
Getting to Preston, Bus Station from Preston city centre
Bus23 · 6m · $11 · every ~8 min
Which Luton station do buses from Preston arrive at?
Buses from Preston to Luton most often arrive at Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station. Some services arrive at Luton, Station Interchange, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Luton arrival station.
Luton, Station Interchange
City-centre transport
Getting to Luton, Station Interchange from Luton city centre
Bus17 · 7m · $2 · every ~2 min
Luton, Dunstable Road (Challney)
City-centre transport
Getting to Luton, Dunstable Road (Challney) from Luton city centre
BusZ · 11m · $2 · every ~15 min
A · 1h 5m · $2 · every ~13 min
Most popular bus connections from Preston
More options for your journey from Preston to Luton
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Luton and Preston
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