- 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.
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
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.
It's difficult to get from Liverpool to Preston without transferring at least once.
NX170 · NX424
NX170 · NX181
NX170 · NX424
NX170 · NX181
NX170 · NX424
NX170 · NX424
NX170 · NX181
NX170 · NX181Omio 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)
| 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 |
![]() 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 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.
Other travel options to Preston take longer:
Bus takes on average 1h 43m.
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.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest 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 |
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.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:30 PM Liverpool | 6h55 | 1:25 AM Preston | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:15 PM Liverpool | 5h10 | 2:25 AM Preston | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Tuesday, September 8 | |||||
NX170 · NX424 | 2:30 AM Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place | 4h40 | 7:10 AM Preston, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX170 · NX424 | 2:35 AM Liverpool, University | 4h35 | 7:10 AM Preston, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
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 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.
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 |
Discover the best of Preston — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Preston trip today.
Preston's leading museum and gallery, known for fine art, history, and architecture. A cornerstone cultural attraction in the city centre.
Museum of Lancashire history with social, military, and industrial displays. A strong introduction to the county's people and stories.
Modern university gallery presenting changing contemporary art exhibitions. Worth visiting for fresh work by regional and national artists.
Main civic square framed by major buildings and regular events. A central meeting point and one of Preston's most recognisable public spaces.
Canal-side walking and cycling route with locks, boats, and long views. Ideal for a relaxed local ramble away from the busiest streets.
Extensive riverside and wetland area popular for walking, birdlife, and broad open views. A lesser-known escape close to the city.
Lancashire hotpot is a slow-cooked lamb and onion stew topped with sliced potatoes, long linked with Lancashire home cooking and nearby mill towns.
Butter pie is Preston's best-known savoury pie, filled with potato, onion and butter. It became a Friday staple for local Catholics avoiding meat.
Parkin is a dark oat, treacle and ginger cake popular across Lancashire, especially in colder months and around Bonfire Night.
Elegant fine dining by chef Lisa Goodwin-Allen, known for refined modern British tasting menus and polished service in a country house setting.
Long-established city centre restaurant serving classic Italian dishes in a smart yet relaxed setting. Popular for pasta, seafood and pre-theatre meals.
Traditional Lancashire pub atmosphere with cask ales and hearty British plates. A good place to try regional comfort food in central Preston.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local buses and casual meals stay fairly affordable for visitors.
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.
Official public transport app
Preston Bus Station -> Preston Railway Station
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.

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.
Liverpool, University is 1 km from Liverpool city centre. Public transport options include:
Liverpool, University has practical services for this route, including Taxis.
Available at Liverpool, University: Taxis.
Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place is 1 km from Liverpool city centre. Public transport options include:
Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Café in the Station (in the station), Fast Food Outlet (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place.
Available at Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Liverpool, One Bus Station, Canning Place: Elevators, ramps.
Liverpool, Botanic Park is 2 km from Liverpool city centre. Public transport options include:
Liverpool, Botanic Park has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Liverpool, Botanic Park. ATMs are available at Liverpool, Botanic Park.
Ticket office support is available at Liverpool, Botanic Park.
Available at Liverpool, Botanic Park: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Liverpool, Botanic Park: Station is accessible for those with reduced mobility.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need