Liverpool to Preston bus with Megabus

Tue, Sep 08
+ Add return
Megabus
National Express
Arriva UK
Stagecoach Cumbria & North Lancashire
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Megabus
National Express
Arriva UK
Stagecoach Cumbria & North Lancashire
FlixBus
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Liverpool to Preston

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 08

Cheapest price on Sep 08

€18

Average ticket price on Sep 08

€18

Fastest journey on Sep 08

4 h 35 m

Average journey duration on Sep 08

5 h 44 m

Buses on Sep 08

4

Distance

43 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Liverpool to Preston is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Liverpool to Preston will cost around €18 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €18.

Fast buses

It's difficult to get from Liverpool to Preston without transferring at least once.

  • National ExpressNX170 · NX424
    2:35 AM4h35
    Liverpool, University
    7:10 AMPreston, Bus Station
    181One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNX170 · NX181
    7:38 PM6h47
    Liverpool, University
    2:25 AMPreston, Bus Station
    181One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNX170 · NX424
    2:30 AM4h40
    Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place
    7:10 AMPreston, Bus Station
    181One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNX170 · NX181
    7:30 PM6h55
    Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place
    2:25 AMPreston, Bus Station
    181One-way
    1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Liverpool to Preston

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Liverpool to Preston among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of €8 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 26m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.0kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €8, while a bus costs an average of €18.

Distance: 26 miles (43 km)

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Train
Driving

€18

Average price

€8

Average price

Cheapest

€9

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

2h 13m

Average total duration

1h 43m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 26m

Average total duration

Fastest

56m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 3m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

0.0 - 0.0kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

-

CO2 emissions

Megabus

Most popular bus company

Northern Rail

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.

The cheapest way to travel from Liverpool to Preston is a train with an average price of €8.

This is compared to other travel options from Liverpool to Preston:

A train is €9 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Liverpool to Preston costing on average €18.

The fastest way to travel from Liverpool to Preston is by train with an average journey time of 56m.

Other travel options to Preston take longer:

Bus takes on average 1h 43m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Liverpool and Preston including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Liverpool to Preston among Omio's users.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.

Tickets start at around €18 compared to roughly €9 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €-8.53. The journey takes 1h 43m versus 1h 3m 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.

Liverpool to Preston Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
01:40AM
Arrival Time
06:10AM
Duration
4h30
Departure days
Mon, Sun
Cheapest price
16
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:30AM
Arrival Time
07:10AM
Duration
4h40
Departure days
Tue, Wed, Fri, Sun
Cheapest price
16
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:35AM
Arrival Time
07:10AM
Duration
4h35
Departure days
Tue, Wed
Cheapest price
16
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:40AM
Arrival Time
07:10AM
Duration
4h30
Departure days
Thu
Cheapest price
16
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:30AM
Arrival Time
07:10AM
Duration
3h40
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
18
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:35AM
Arrival Time
07:10AM
Duration
3h35
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
18
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:30PM
Arrival Time
01:25AM
Duration
6h55
Departure days
Mon, Thu
Cheapest price
17
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:30PM
Arrival Time
02:25AM
Duration
6h55
Departure days
Tue, Wed
Cheapest price
18
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:38PM
Arrival Time
02:25AM
Duration
6h47
Departure days
Tue, Wed
Cheapest price
18
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:15PM
Arrival Time
01:25AM
Duration
5h10
Departure days
Thu, Fri, Sun
Cheapest price
17
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:15PM
Arrival Time
02:25AM
Duration
5h10
Departure days
Mon, Thu, Fri, Sun
Cheapest price
18

Live departures

Liverpool to Preston bus times

The table below shows live departures for Liverpool to Preston buses for today, Monday, September 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
National Express6:30 PM Liverpool
6h55
1:25 AM Preston0 transfersDirect
National Express9:15 PM Liverpool
5h10
2:25 AM Preston0 transfersDirect
Tuesday, September 8
National ExpressNX170 · NX4242:30 AM Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place
4h40
7:10 AM Preston, Bus Station1 transfer
National ExpressNX170 · NX4242:35 AM Liverpool, University
4h35
7:10 AM Preston, Bus Station1 transfer

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Liverpool to Preston by train or bus

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.

Tue
Sep 08
Wed
Sep 09
Thu
Sep 10
Fri
Sep 11
Sat
Sep 12
Sun
Sep 13
Mon
Sep 14

Why should you book Liverpool to Preston buses with Omio?

Megabus as well as National Express, Arriva UK, Stagecoach Cumbria & North Lancashire and more offer buses services from Liverpool to Preston.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Liverpool to Preston.

Why book with Omio vs Megabus?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Megabus, but also compare tickets for the likes of National Express, Arriva UK or Stagecoach Cumbria & North Lancashire to find the best option for your trip from Liverpool to Preston.
  • 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 Megabus with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Liverpool to Preston.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of National Express, Arriva UK or Stagecoach Cumbria & North Lancashire to find the best option for your trip from Liverpool to Preston.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Liverpool to Preston.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Liverpool to Preston

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Liverpool to Preston run on average 4 times per day, taking around 1h 43m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €7 but you can travel from only €4 by train.

The earliest bus runs at 02:30, the last at 23:45. The fastest bus covers the 26 miles (43 km) distance in 2h 16m.

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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from €4
Distance
26 miles (43 km)
Average bus duration
1h 43m
Cheapest ticket price
€7
Buses per day
4
Fastest bus
2h 16m
First bus
2:30 AM
Last bus
11:45 PM
Cheapest Month
Sep
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Jul - Sep
Busiest Day
Sat
Least Busy Day
Sun
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from €4

Bus providers: Megabus, National Express, Arriva UK, Stagecoach Cumbria & North Lancashire from Liverpool to PrestonYou can travel by bus between Liverpool to Preston with Megabus, National Express, Arriva UK, Stagecoach Cumbria & North Lancashire for as low as €4. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

Megabus

About
Megabus is a low-cost intercity bus service operating across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Known for its affordable fares, including promotional $1 tickets, Megabus offers routes connecting over 500 cities and university campuses in North America. The company provides amenities such as air conditioning, power outlets, free Wi-Fi, and onboard restrooms, with many routes utilizing double-decker buses for scenic views. Megabus aims to provide safe, convenient, and affordable express bus travel.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Megabus Duration
50m
Cheapest Megabus Price
€16
Megabus frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One piece of luggage is included per passenger reservation. For guidance, a piece of luggage must not exceed 62 inches (length + width + height) and should not weigh more than 50 pounds (23kg).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased by buying an additional travel ticket in advance or by adding up to two additional pieces when booking for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
Megabus reservations cannot be canceled or refunded, but they can be traded in for another journey up to 3 hours before your original scheduled departure for a fee.
Refund
If Megabus fails to provide on-time reliable service for reasons wholly within their control, refunds or alternative travel arrangements may be offered.
Pregnant on board
Being pregnant on board is allowed, but no specific details or restrictions are provided.
Unaccompagned minor
Unaccompanied minors under the age of 17 are not permitted to travel on Megabus.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cold food and drinks, as well as hot drinks with a lid, are allowed on board, but hot food is not.
Seat reservation
Reserved seats can be purchased for an additional fee, starting from £2.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.
Entertaiment on board

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 National Express Duration
3h 40m
Cheapest National Express Price
€17
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.

Arriva UK

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Arriva UK Duration
2h 3m
Cheapest Arriva UK Price
€7
Arriva UK frequency
6 a day

Stagecoach Cumbria & North Lancashire

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Stagecoach Cumbria & North Lancashire Duration
1h 43m
Cheapest Stagecoach Cumbria & North Lancashire Price
€16
Stagecoach Cumbria & North Lancashire frequency
10 a day

Complete guide to Preston

Things to do in Preston

Discover the best of Preston — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Preston trip today.

  • Must visit

The Harris

Preston's leading museum and gallery, known for fine art, history, and architecture. A cornerstone cultural attraction in the city centre.

  • Recommended

Museum of Lancashire

Museum of Lancashire history with social, military, and industrial displays. A strong introduction to the county's people and stories.

  • Recommended

Harris Museum, Art Gallery and Library

Modern university gallery presenting changing contemporary art exhibitions. Worth visiting for fresh work by regional and national artists.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local buses and casual meals stay fairly affordable for visitors.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
£18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£45+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£3-4 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common for good service if not already added. Round up for taxis. Cafes usually do not require tips.

FAQs: Bus from Liverpool to Preston

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Liverpool to Preston 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 Preston, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Liverpool to Preston can start from as little as €7 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Liverpool to Preston is €18 ; 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 Liverpool to Preston is 2h 16m to travel the 26 miles (43 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 Liverpool to Preston leaves at 2:30 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Liverpool to Preston leaves at 11:45 PM.
There are 4 buses a day from Liverpool to Preston which require at least one change with Megabus, National Express, Arriva UK, Stagecoach Cumbria & North Lancashire. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Liverpool to Preston, you can count on Megabus, National Express, Arriva UK, Stagecoach Cumbria & North Lancashire for the best way to get you to Preston. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Liverpool and Preston and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
When departing from Liverpool , you have various bus station options to start your journey from including Liverpool, University, Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place, Liverpool, Botanic Park, Liverpool, Edge Lane Drive, Liverpool, Kwik Fit Old Swan, Ellesmere Port, Cheshire Oaks (Outlet Village) . When arriving in Preston , you can end your journey in bus stations like Preston, Bus Station .Passengers board the bus most frequently from Liverpool, University, which is located around 0 miles (1 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Preston, Bus Station, located 1 away from the city centre.
A trip to Preston from Liverpool is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2h 16m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Liverpool to Preston is September.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Liverpool and Preston including taking a train and bus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Liverpool to Preston:
  • Megabus
    • Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Liverpool to Preston for bus company Megabus, National Express.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Liverpool to Preston depends on the bus companies:
  • Megabus
    • Megabus reservations cannot be canceled or refunded, but they can be traded in for another journey up to 3 hours before your original scheduled departure for a fee.
  • 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.
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 Liverpool to Preston.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Liverpool to Preston:
  • Megabus
    • One piece of luggage is included per passenger reservation. For guidance, a piece of luggage must not exceed 62 inches (length + width + height) and should not weigh more than 50 pounds (23kg).
  • National Express
    • Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Liverpool to Preston:
  • Megabus
    • Additional luggage can be purchased by buying an additional travel ticket in advance or by adding up to two additional pieces when booking for a fee.
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Liverpool to Preston.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Liverpool to Preston with the following bus company: Megabus, National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Liverpool to Preston with the following bus company: Megabus, National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Liverpool to Preston with the following bus company: Megabus, National Express.
Since neither Liverpool nor Preston 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 Liverpool to Preston 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 Preston, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and petty theft, especially in crowded areas like markets and transport hubs. Common scams include overcharging by taxi drivers and bogus charity collectors. Staying aware of surroundings and using licensed transportation can help ensure safety.
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 Liverpool to Preston

Most Liverpool to Preston buses use the Liverpool, University to Preston, Bus Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Liverpool and Preston bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.

Departure bus stations in Liverpool
Arrival bus stations in Preston

Which Liverpool station do buses to Preston leave from?

Buses from Liverpool to Preston leave from Liverpool, University. The station is 0 miles (1 km) from Liverpool city centre at University of Liverpool, Brownlow Hill, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK.
Liverpool, UniversityUniversity of Liverpool, Brownlow Hill, Liverpool L69 3BX, UKTaxis
City-centre transport

Getting to Liverpool, University from Liverpool city centre

Liverpool, University is 1 km from Liverpool city centre. Public transport options include:

Bus10A · 4m · €4 · every ~11 min

Liverpool, University bus station facilities and services

Liverpool, University has practical services for this route, including Taxis.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Liverpool, University: Taxis.

Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning PlaceCanning Place, Liverpool L1 8JX, UKWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place from Liverpool city centre

Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place is 1 km from Liverpool city centre. Public transport options include:

Bus10A · 11m · €4 · every ~25 min
City Explorer 101 · 41m · every ~3 min

Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place bus station facilities and services

Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.

Food and drink

Food options include: Café in the Station (in the station), Fast Food Outlet (in the station).

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place: Elevators, ramps.

Liverpool, Botanic ParkWavertree Botanic Garden and Park, Edge Ln, Innovation Blvd, Liverpool L7 9PL, UKWifiParkingATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Liverpool, Botanic Park from Liverpool city centre

Liverpool, Botanic Park is 2 km from Liverpool city centre. Public transport options include:

Bus79 · 13m · €2 · every ~21 min

Liverpool, Botanic Park bus station facilities and services

Liverpool, Botanic Park has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Liverpool, Botanic Park. ATMs are available at Liverpool, Botanic Park.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Liverpool, Botanic Park.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Liverpool, Botanic Park: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Liverpool, Botanic Park: Station is accessible for those with reduced mobility.

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