4.9
4.6
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Preston to Cardiff
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Preston to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $59 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 59m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $59, while a train costs an average of $98.
Distance: 159 miles (256 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$98 Average price | $59 Average price Cheapest | $68 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 59m Average total duration Fastest 3h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 46m Average total duration 8h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 0m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
 Most popular train company |  Most popular bus 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.
Compare ways to travel from Preston to Cardiff
Compare the available ways to get from Preston to Cardiff, with the key details around price, speed, convenience, and direct service.
This is compared to other travel options from Preston to Cardiff:
A bus is $39 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Preston to Cardiff costing on average $98.
Other travel options to Cardiff take longer:
Bus takes on average 8h 46m.
You'll arrive about 31m sooner (3h 29m by train vs 4h 0m by car). Tickets start at around $98 compared to roughly $68 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
Travel optionsfrom Preston to Cardiff
How to get from Preston to Cardiff by train, bus or flight.
Our recommendation
The best way to travel from Preston to Cardiff is by taking a bus because it’s the best combination of price and speed.
1:15 PM 11h30 Preston 12:45 AM Cardiff $42 1 One-way 0 transfers
Cheapest
1:15 PM 11h30 Preston 12:45 AM Cardiff $42 1 One-way 0 transfers
Fastest
1:15 PM 11h30 Preston 12:45 AM Cardiff $42 1 One-way 0 transfers
Other options
2:15 PM 11h30 Preston 1:45 AM Cardiff $57 1 One-way 0 transfers
Find all the dates and times for this journey by train, bus, flight, and ferry .
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FAQs: Travel from Preston to Cardiff
Travel to Cardiff easily. Whether you want fast, cheap or something entirely different, our travel experts have collected everything you need to know so you can find the best option from Preston to Cardiff.
This is compared to other travel options from Preston to Cardiff:
A bus is $39 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Preston to Cardiff costing on average $98.
Other travel options to Cardiff take longer:
Bus takes on average 8h 46m.
- Around 7 trains per day.
- Around 2 buses per day.
However, we recommend checking specific travel dates for your route between Preston and Cardiff as scheduled services by train and bus can vary by season or day of the week.
- Buses mostly depart from Preston, Bus Station and arrive in Cardiff, Sophia Gardens.
- Trains mostly depart from Preston station (PRE) and arrive in Cardiff Central (CDF).
- Travel with Transport for Wales, CrossCountry to go to Cardiff by train.
- Travel with National Express, FlixBus to go to Cardiff by bus.
Travelling from Preston to Cardiff: related information
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