- Must visit
The Whitworth
University art gallery in nearby Manchester known for historic and contemporary collections, strong temporary exhibitions, and a park-side setting.
Cheapest price
$14
Average price
$15
Fastest journey
1 h 15 m
Average duration
1 h 35 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
53 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Preston to Manchester Airport is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Preston to Manchester Airport will cost around $15 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $14.
Of the 3 buses that leave Preston for Manchester Airport on Sat, Jun 20, 3 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 53 km distance in an average of 1 h 35 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 h 15 m .
On Sat, Jun 20 the slowest buses will take 1 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.






Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Preston to Manchester Airport among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $4. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 3m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $4, and a bus costs an average of $10.
Distance: 32 miles (53 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$17 Average price | $15 Average price Cheapest | $15 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 3m Average total duration 1h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 33m Average total duration Fastest 1h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 56m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Preston to Manchester Airport:
A train is $2 (€2) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Preston to Manchester Airport costing on average $17 (€14).
Other travel options to Manchester Airport take longer:
Bus takes on average 1h 33m.
You'll arrive about -1h -37m sooner (1h 33m by bus vs 56m by car) and save roughly $-1.60 (€-1.31) compared to fuel and tolls ($17 (€14) vs $15 (€13)). 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 National Express, Megabus.
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 02:20AM | Arrival Time 03:35AM | Duration 1h15 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $14 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:15AM | Arrival Time 04:30AM | Duration 1h15 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $14 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:20AM | Arrival Time 04:35AM | Duration 1h15 | Departure days Mon, Sat | Cheapest price $14 |
Operator Northern Rail | Departure Time 09:21AM | Arrival Time 11:00AM | Duration 1h39 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $15 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:35PM | Arrival Time 11:20PM | Duration 1h45 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $14 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:35PM | Arrival Time 12:20AM | Duration 1h45 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $17 |
The table below shows live departures for Preston to Manchester Airport buses for today, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 9:21 AM Preston | 1h39 | 11:00 AM Manchester Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:35 PM Preston | 1h45 | 11:20 PM Manchester Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:35 PM Preston | 1h45 | 12:20 AM Manchester Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, June 20 | |||||
![]() | 3:20 AM Preston | 1h15 | 4:35 AM Manchester Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus 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 Manchester Airport run on average 2 times per day, taking around 1h 33m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $10 (€8) but you can travel from only $4 (€3) by train.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 02:20, the last at 22:35. The fastest bus covers the 32 miles (53 km) distance in 1h 15m.
Distance 32 miles (53 km) |
Average bus duration 1h 33m |
Cheapest ticket price $10 (€8) |
Buses per day 2 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 1h 15m |
First bus 2:20 AM |
Last bus 10:35 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Discover the best of Manchester Airport — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Manchester Airport trip today.
University art gallery in nearby Manchester known for historic and contemporary collections, strong temporary exhibitions, and a park-side setting.
Major university museum with natural history, archaeology, and cultural collections; one of the region's best all-round museums.
One of Manchester's signature museums, covering industry, transport, computing, and the city's role in the Industrial Revolution.
One of the best plane-spotting areas in the United Kingdom and a distinctive experience right next to the airport.
Historic canal-side district with warehouses, bridges, waterside walks, and a strong industrial character popular with visitors.
Scenic estate walks, woodland trails, and gardens around Quarry Bank, ideal for a half-day heritage and nature visit.
A classic local dessert with shortcrust pastry, raspberry jam, custard, coconut, and a cherry, long associated with Greater Manchester school dinners.
A traditional Greater Manchester pastry from nearby Eccles, filled with currants, butter, and sugar inside flaky pastry.
A famous Lancashire and Greater Manchester speciality made from pork blood, oats, and seasoning, often served in a full breakfast.
A popular airside airport gastropub in Terminal 1 known for British comfort food, beers, and a relaxed pre-flight atmosphere.
An established Italian restaurant at Manchester Airport with polished service, classic dishes, and a more upscale terminal dining option.
A long-running airport restaurant serving Italian staples in a casual sit-down setting, suitable for travellers wanting a full meal.
Airport prices are higher than city averages, but UK chain cafes and fast food keep basic meals manageable.
Service is often included or optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is typical if not added. No tip needed for counter service; round up taxis if you wish.
Official public transport app
Manchester Airport -> Manchester Piccadilly
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Preston to Manchester Airport 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 Manchester Airport, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Preston to Manchester Airport buses use the Preston, Bus Station to Manchester, Coach Station station pair, with some services arriving at Manchester, Airport. Use this guide to compare Preston and Manchester Airport bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Manchester, Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Café at the Station (in the station), Fast Food Express (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located within the station for cash withdrawals.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Coach Station.
Available at Manchester, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Coach Station: Ramps, assistance.
Manchester, Airport is 2 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
Manchester, Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Burger King (in the station), Giraffe (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located throughout the airport, offering multiple currency options.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Airport.
Available at Manchester, Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Airport: Elevators, ramps, assistance.
Manchester, Shudehill Interchange has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange.
Available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange: Elevators, ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need