- Must visit
Wardown House, Museum and Gallery
Luton's main museum in a Victorian mansion, covering local history, hats, lace, and changing exhibitions in a well-kept park setting.
Cheapest price on Sep 18
$34
Average ticket price on Sep 18
$62
Fastest journey on Sep 18
6 h 50 m
Average journey duration on Sep 18
8 h 2 m
Buses on Sep 18
5
Distance
261 km
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 $62 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $34.
It's difficult to get from Preston to Luton without transferring at least once.
FlixBus · FlixBus
NX424 · NX422
RL152 · NX540 · NX707
RL152 · NX540 · NX737
NX181 · NX210 · NX230
FlixBus · FlixBus
NX424 · NX422
NX181 · NX210 · NX230
RL152 · NX540 · NX737
RL152 · NX540 · NX707Omio 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 an average ticket price of $72 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 31m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $72, while a flight costs an average of $413.
Distance: 162 miles (261 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$72 Average price Cheapest | $164 Average price | $413 Average price | $85 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 24m Average total duration 5h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 31m Average total duration Fastest 3h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 51m Average total duration 1h 51m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 3h 28m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() 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 |
This is compared to other travel options from Preston to Luton:
A bus is $92 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Preston to Luton costing on average $164.
A bus is $340 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Preston to Luton costing on average $413.
Other travel options to Luton take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 1m.
Bus takes on average 5h 54m.
Tickets start at around $72 compared to roughly $85 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $12. The journey takes 5h 54m versus 3h 28m 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.
| 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 03:20AM | Arrival Time 11:45AM | Duration 8h25 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:55AM | Arrival Time 03:10PM | Duration 9h15 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $71 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:55AM | Arrival Time 03:50PM | Duration 7h55 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $73 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:35AM | Arrival Time 05:15PM | Duration 7h40 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $75 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:55AM | Arrival Time 06:45PM | Duration 8h50 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $73 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:05AM | Arrival Time 06:45PM | Duration 8h40 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $73 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:15PM | Arrival Time 08:00PM | Duration 6h45 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:15PM | Arrival Time 09:00PM | Duration 6h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:35PM | Arrival Time 05:35AM | Duration 7h00 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $48 |
The table below shows live departures for Preston to Luton buses for today, Thursday, September 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 10:35 PM Preston | 7h00 | 5:35 AM Luton | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Friday, September 18 | |||||
NX181 · NX210 · NX230 | 3:20 AM Preston, Bus Station | 8h25 | 11:45 AM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
RL152 · NX540 · NX707 | 5:55 AM Preston, Bus Station | 9h15 | 3:10 PM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
RL152 · NX540 · NX737 | 10:05 AM Preston, Bus Station | 8h40 | 6:45 PM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 2:15 PM Preston, Bus Station | 6h50 | 9:05 PM Luton | 1 transfer | |
NX424 · NX422 | 10:35 PM Preston, Bus Station | 7h00 | 5:35 AM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Preston to Luton run on average 4 times per day, taking around 5h 54m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $27 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 4h 25m.
Distance 162 miles (261 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 54m |
Cheapest ticket price $27 |
Buses per day 4 |
Fastest bus 4h 25m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 3 days |
Discover the best of Luton — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Luton trip today.
Luton's main museum in a Victorian mansion, covering local history, hats, lace, and changing exhibitions in a well-kept park setting.
Museum complex with rural life displays, carriages, gardens, and archaeology, making it one of Luton's strongest family-friendly heritage sites.
Working hat factory museum explaining Luton's famous hat-making trade through machinery, displays, and guided tours in an authentic setting.
Large formal park with lakes, bridges, museum, and broad lawns, ideal for relaxing walks and one of Luton's best-loved green spaces.
Historic town centre square beside St Mary's Church, valued for events, heritage surroundings, and an authentic sense of old Luton.
Extensive parkland with gardens, play areas, and museum access, popular for family walks and exploring Luton's former estate landscape.
A Bedfordshire pastry with chopped meat, suet, onions and seasoning. It is closely tied to the county around Luton and is a classic local comfort food.
A suet dumpling stuffed with currants or jam. Long associated with Bedfordshire home cooking, it is a traditional local pudding served warm.
A rich fruit cake packed with dried fruit and spices. It is a historic Bedfordshire bake often made for family gatherings and festive occasions.
Established Turkish restaurant known for grilled meats, meze and generous portions. Casual atmosphere and dependable local favourite.
Well-known Indian restaurant with polished service and a long-standing reputation. Popular for classic curries in a smart but relaxed setting.
Popular South Indian venue serving dosas, idli and vegetarian dishes. Simple setting, strong reputation and reliable regional flavours.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels near the airport can be pricey, but dining and local transit are usually cheaper than central London.
Service may be included. If not, tip 10-12.5% in restaurants for good service. Taxis are often rounded up. Tipping in cafes is optional.
Official public transport app
Luton, Dunstable Road (Challney) -> Luton Station Interchange
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.

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.
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.
Luton, Station Interchange 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 options nearby.
WiFi is available at nearby facilities. ATMs are aTM available within short walking distance.
Ticket office support is available at Luton, Station Interchange.
Available at Luton, Station Interchange: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Luton, Station Interchange: Ramps and accessible routes available for wheelchairs.
Luton, Halfway Avenue/Dunstable Road (Challney) is 3 km from Luton city centre. Public transport options include:
Luton, Halfway Avenue/Dunstable Road (Challney) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Luton, Halfway Avenue/Dunstable Road (Challney). ATMs are available at Luton, Halfway Avenue/Dunstable Road (Challney).
Ticket office support is available at Luton, Halfway Avenue/Dunstable Road (Challney).
Available at Luton, Halfway Avenue/Dunstable Road (Challney): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Luton, Halfway Avenue/Dunstable Road (Challney): Limited accessibility.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need