- Must visit
Science and Industry Museum
Leading museum of science, industry, transport, and computing on a historic railway site. Essential for understanding Manchester's global impact.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Preston to Manchester
Showing times and prices for Jul 17
Cheapest price
$6
Average price
$21
Fastest journey
45 m
Average duration
1 h
Buses per day
3
Distance
140 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Preston to Manchester 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 will cost around $21 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $6.
Fast buses
Of the 3 buses that leave Preston for Manchester on Fri, Jul 17, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jul 17 the direct buses cover the 140 km distance in an average of 1 h but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 45 m .
On Fri, Jul 17 the slowest buses will take 1 h 10 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.
2:15 PM1h05Bus Station3:20 PMManchester$61One-way0 transfers
3:20 AM0h45Bus Station4:05 AMManchester$281One-way0 transfers- 10:35 PM1h10Bus Station11:45 PMManchester$281One-way0 transfers
- 3:20 AM0h45Bus Station4:05 AMManchester$281One-way0 transfers
- 2:15 PM1h05Bus Station3:20 PMManchester$61One-way0 transfers
- 10:35 PM1h10Bus Station11:45 PMManchester$281One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus and train for Preston to Manchester
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Preston to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $14. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 8m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $14, and a train costs an average of $38.
Distance: 86 miles (140 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$14 Average price Cheapest | $41 Average price | $12 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 10m Average total duration 3h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 38m Average total duration Fastest 3h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 52m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Preston to Manchester is a bus with an average price of $14 (€12).
This is compared to other travel options from Preston to Manchester:
A bus is $27 (€22) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Preston to Manchester costing on average $41 (€34).
The fastest way to travel from Preston to Manchester is by train with an average journey time of 3h 8m.
Other travel options to Manchester take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 40m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Preston and Manchester including taking a bus and train.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Preston to Manchester among Omio's users.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.
You'll arrive about -1h -48m sooner (3h 40m by bus vs 2h 52m by car) and save roughly $-1.99 (€-1.63) compared to fuel and tolls ($14 (€12) vs $12 (€10)). 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, FlixBus.
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 Manchester Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:20AM | Arrival Time 04:05AM | Duration 0h45 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:10PM | Arrival Time 03:50PM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $14 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:15PM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 1h05 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $6 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:35PM | Arrival Time 11:45PM | Duration 1h10 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $28 |
Live departures
Preston to Manchester bus times
The table below shows live departures for Preston to Manchester buses for today, Thursday, July 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10:35 PM Bus Station | 1h10 | 11:45 PM Manchester | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Friday, July 17 | |||||
| 3:20 AM Bus Station | 0h45 | 4:05 AM Manchester | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 2:15 PM Bus Station | 1h05 | 3:20 PM Manchester | 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 Manchester by bus or train
Compare bus and train 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.
Fri
Jul 17
Jul 17
Sat
Jul 18
Jul 18
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Jul 23
Jul 23
Why should you book Preston to Manchester buses with Omio?
National Express as well as FlixBus offer buses services from Preston to Manchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Preston to Manchester.
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 Manchester.
- 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 and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Preston to Manchester.
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 Manchester.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Preston to Manchester.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Preston to Manchester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Preston to Manchester run on average 4 times per day, taking around 3h 40m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $14 (€12) if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 07:50, the last at 14:20. The fastest bus covers the 86 miles (140 km) distance in 3h 40m.
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 86 miles (140 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price $14 (€12) |
Buses per day 4 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 3h 40m |
First bus 7:50 AM |
Last bus 2:20 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
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 ManchesterYou can travel by bus between Preston to Manchester with National Express, FlixBus for as low as $14 (€12). 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
3h 40m
Cheapest Price
$14 (€12)
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
45m
Cheapest Price
$28 (€23)
National Express frequency
2 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 Manchester
Things to do in Manchester
Discover the best of Manchester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Manchester trip today.
- Must visit
Manchester Art Gallery
Major art museum with Pre-Raphaelite works, design, and changing exhibitions. A central cultural stop with broad appeal.
- Must visit
Manchester Museum
The University of Manchester museum spans dinosaurs, Egypt, nature, and anthropology. Recently renewed and excellent for varied interests.
- Must visit
Castlefield
Historic canal-side district with Roman remains, warehouses, and walkable towpaths. One of Manchester's most atmospheric urban areas.
- Must visit
Albert Square
Central square framed by grand civic buildings, museums, and monuments. A classic starting point for exploring the city centre.
- Must visit
Northern Quarter
Creative quarter of street art, music history, indie shops, and nightlife. It is one of Manchester's most characterful neighborhoods.
- Vegetarian
Manchester Curry Pie
A flaky pastry pie filled with spiced potatoes, onion and often chickpeas. Created by Manchester’s South Asian community and now a city staple.
Steak and Onion Pudding
A comforting Northern pudding of suet pastry filled with beef and onion, traditionally steamed and served with gravy. Common in Greater Manchester pubs.
Fish and Chips
Manchester’s classic order of battered fish with chips, often served with mushy peas and curry sauce. A long-standing local takeaway favourite.
Slattery
Iconic market bakery and café known for Manchester tarts, Eccles cakes and hearty lunches. Casual, busy and deeply rooted in local food culture.
Mana
Refined modern British fine dining in a restored townhouse. Known for tasting menus, polished service and one of Manchester’s top culinary reputations.
Mughli
Lively Indian restaurant famous for bold curries, grills and chaat. A long-established Rusholme favourite with a casual, energetic atmosphere.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK: hotels often cost less than London, while dining and transit are manageable for tourists with many mid-range options.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or casual eats.
- Mid-range
- £18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service may be included. If not, 10-12.5% in restaurants is common for good service. Round up or add a little for taxis. Cafe tipping is optional.
FAQs: Bus from Preston to Manchester
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Preston to Manchester 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, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Preston to Manchester can start from as little as $14 (€12) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Preston to Manchester is $14 (€12) ; 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 Manchester is 3h 40m to travel the 86 miles (140 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 Manchester leaves at 7:50 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Preston to Manchester leaves at 2:20 PM.
Yes, there are 1 direct buses a day from Preston to Manchester with National Express, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Preston to Manchester, you can count on National Express, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Manchester. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Preston and Manchester and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
When departing from Preston , you have various bus station options to start your journey from including Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda), Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station . When arriving in Manchester , you can end your journey in bus stations like Manchester, Shudehill Interchange, Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East .Passengers board the bus most frequently from Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda), which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange, located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Manchester from Preston is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3h 40m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Preston to Manchester is September.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Preston and Manchester including taking a bus and train.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Preston to Manchester:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Preston to Manchester for bus company National Express, FlixBus.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Manchester are:
- Manchester Art Gallery, a public art museum housing an extensive collection of fine art and decorative pieces
- Science and Industry Museum, an interactive museum exploring Manchester's industrial heritage and scientific achievements
- Manchester Cathedral, a historic Gothic-style cathedral known for its stunning architecture and serene atmosphere
- The John Rylands Library, a neo-Gothic library with an impressive collection of rare books and manuscripts
- Castlefield, a historic area with Roman ruins and picturesque canals, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
The best things to do in Manchester include:
- Old Trafford, the iconic football stadium and home to Manchester United, offering tours and a museum dedicated to the club's history
- The Northern Quarter, a vibrant district known for its independent shops, cafes, and street art
- Visit the Manchester Opera House for a captivating performance
- Explore the vibrant nightlife at Deansgate Locks, a popular area with bars and clubs
- Enjoy a relaxing day at Heaton Park, one of the largest municipal parks in Europe, offering beautiful landscapes and recreational activities.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Preston to Manchester 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 Manchester.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Preston to Manchester:
- 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 Manchester:
- 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 Manchester. 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 Manchester with the following bus company: National Express, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Preston to Manchester with the following bus company: National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Preston to Manchester with the following bus company: National Express, FlixBus.
Since neither Preston nor Manchester 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 bus as it is the most popular way to get from Preston to Manchester 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 Manchester, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like markets, public transport, and popular tourist spots. Common scams include fake charity collectors and overcharging by unofficial taxi drivers. It is advisable to use licensed taxis and keep personal belongings secure to avoid theft. Staying aware of surroundings, particularly at night, helps reduce safety risks.
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 Manchester
Most Preston to Manchester buses use the Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda) to Manchester, Shudehill Interchange station pair, with some services arriving at Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East. Use this guide to compare Preston and Manchester 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 Manchester
Which Manchester station do buses from Preston arrive at?
Buses from Preston to Manchester most often arrive at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange. Some services arrive at Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Manchester arrival station.
Manchester, Shudehill InterchangeShudehill Interchange, Manchester M4 2AF, United Kingdom
City-centre transport
Getting to Manchester, Shudehill Interchange from Manchester city centre
Bus163, 118, 119, 18, 112, 114, 117, 81 · 3m · $2 · every ~69 min
TramBlue Line, Navy Line, Green Line, Yellow Line · 2m · $2 · every ~23 min
Manchester, Shudehill Interchange bus station facilities and services
Manchester, Shudehill Interchange has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange: Elevators, ramps.
Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East
City-centre transport
Getting to Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East from Manchester city centre
Bus101, 15, 103, 102 · 14m · $2 · every ~31 min
Uk023, Ukn23, Uk071 · 21m · $1 · every ~2 min
More options for your journey from Preston to Manchester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Manchester and Preston
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