- Must visit
Nottingham Contemporary
Major contemporary art gallery in the Lace Market with changing international exhibitions, talks, and events in a striking modern building.
Cheapest price
$18
Average price
$18
Fastest journey
22 h 55 m
Average duration
22 h 55 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
138 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Preston to Nottingham is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Preston to Nottingham will cost around $18 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $18.
It's difficult to get from Preston to Nottingham without transferring at least once.


Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Preston to Nottingham among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $38. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 22m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $38, and a train costs an average of $32.
Distance: 85 miles (138 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$53 Average price Cheapest | $69 Average price | $38 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 45m Average total duration 5h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 52m Average total duration Fastest 2h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 26m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
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 Nottingham:
A bus is $16 (€13) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Preston to Nottingham costing on average $69 (€57).
Other travel options to Nottingham take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 15m.
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.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:20AM | Arrival Time 08:50AM | Duration 6h30 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $45 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:20AM | Arrival Time 09:50AM | Duration 6h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:15PM | Arrival Time 01:10PM | Duration 22h55 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $18 |
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.
Buses from Preston to Nottingham run on average 1 times per day, taking around 5h 15m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $38 (€31) but you can travel from only $32 (€26) by train.
The earliest bus runs at 02:15, the last at 22:35. The fastest bus covers the 85 miles (138 km) distance in 6h 10m.
Distance 85 miles (138 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 15m |
Cheapest ticket price $38 (€31) |
Buses per day 1 |
Fastest bus 6h 10m |
First bus 2:15 AM |
Last bus 10:35 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Nottingham — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Nottingham trip today.
Major contemporary art gallery in the Lace Market with changing international exhibitions, talks, and events in a striking modern building.
Museum and art collections inside the restored castle complex, covering local history, decorative arts, and changing exhibitions.
Interactive museum in the former Shire Hall and county gaol exploring crime, punishment, and the legal system through historic courtrooms and cells.
Historic district of red-brick warehouses, creative businesses, bars, and heritage streetscapes, now one of the city's trendiest areas to explore.
Large deer park surrounding Wollaton Hall, popular for walks, views, seasonal colour, and social-media-friendly landscapes.
Main public square and gathering point in central Nottingham, convenient for events, people-watching, and access to nearby shopping streets.
Historic English blue cheese long associated with the East Midlands. Rich, creamy, and one of the region’s best-known traditional foods.
A crumbly, nutty orange cheese from nearby Leicestershire, commonly enjoyed in the region in ploughman’s lunches and cheeseboards.
A classic Midlands snack of hot-water-crust pastry filled with seasoned pork, often eaten cold in pubs, markets, and picnic lunches.
Acclaimed fine-dining restaurant known for creative tasting menus, polished service, and one of Nottingham’s most celebrated food experiences.
Popular stylish restaurant serving Spanish-inspired small plates with strong local reputation for quality and a lively social atmosphere.
Historic pub beneath Nottingham Castle, famous for traditional British dishes, ales, and a distinctive heritage atmosphere.
Moderate by UK standards. Budget eats are easy to find, while hotels and city-centre dining cost more.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common for good service if no service charge is added. Round up for taxis. No tip is expected for pubs or counter service.
Official public transport app
Nottingham, Broadmarsh Bus Station -> Old Market Square, Nottingham
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Preston to Nottingham 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 Nottingham, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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