- Must visit
The Harris
Major city museum and library in a landmark building, known for art, history and regular exhibitions in the Harris Quarter.
Cheapest price on 13 Oct
£9
Average ticket price on 13 Oct
£17
Fastest journey on 13 Oct
3 h 25 m
Average journey duration on 13 Oct
5 h 8 m
Buses on 13 Oct
5
Distance
153 km
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Birmingham to Preston is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Birmingham to Preston will cost around £17 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £9.
On Tue 13 Oct, we found 5 buses from Birmingham to Preston, including 3 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 153 km distance in an average of 5 h 8 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 25 m .
The slowest buses will take 7 h 30 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.
FlixBus
NX181
NX541 · NX540 · RL152
NX541 · NX424
NX424
NX181
FlixBus
NX424
NX541 · NX540 · RL152
NX541 · NX424Buses from Birmingham to Preston run on average 4 times per day, taking around 3h 39m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £12 if you book in advance.
There are 3 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 02:00, the last at 23:40. The fastest coach covers the 153 km distance in 3h 0m.
Distance 153 km |
Average bus duration 3h 39m |
Cheapest ticket price £12 |
Buses per day 4 |
Direct buses 3 |
Fastest bus 3h 0m |
First bus 2:00 |
Last bus 23:40 |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 1 day |
The table below shows live departures for Birmingham to Preston coaches for today, Monday 12 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX181 | 23:00 Birmingham, Coach Station | 3h25 | 2:25 Preston, Bus Station | 0 changesdirect | |
NX541 · NX424 | 23:40 Birmingham, Coach Station | 7h30 | 7:10 Preston, Bus Station | 1 change | |
| Tuesday 13 October | |||||
NX424 | 3:25 Birmingham, Coach Station | 3h45 | 7:10 Preston, Bus Station | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 13:40 Birmingham | 3h30 | 17:10 Preston, Bus Station | 0 changesdirect | |
NX541 · NX540 · RL152 | 15:20 Birmingham, Coach Station | 7h30 | 22:50 Preston, Bus Station | 2 changes | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Discover the best of Preston — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Preston trip today.
Major city museum and library in a landmark building, known for art, history and regular exhibitions in the Harris Quarter.
Museum on the University of Central Lancashire campus with Egyptology, archaeology and world cultures collections in a compact gallery.
Volunteer-run transport museum at Ribble Steam Railway, featuring Preston’s industrial and rail heritage with locomotives and exhibits.
Historic city park with terraces, paths and river views. A favourite for walks, photography and access to nearby Miller Park.
Landscaped Victorian park beside the River Ribble, appreciated for open lawns, flower displays and peaceful links to city-centre walks.
Regenerated docklands area with marina views, public art and waterside paths, popular for an easy modern contrast to the historic centre.
A buttery shortcrust pie filled with potatoes and onions. It is Preston and Lancashire’s best-known savoury bake, tied to local mill and farming traditions.
A rich fruit cake packed with currants and topped with almond paste. It is a classic Lancashire celebration cake still eaten across Preston.
A crumbly, mild white cheese from Lancashire often made in creamy, tasty and crumbly layers. It reflects the county’s long dairy heritage.
Stylish modern restaurant serving British and European plates with cocktails. Good for a polished dinner in central Preston.
Established local spot for Neapolitan-style pizza and Italian comfort food in a friendly, informal setting.
Traditional city-centre pub known for cask ales and hearty British dishes in a historic, relaxed setting.
Preston is moderate by UK standards, with cheaper stays and dining than Manchester or London, while local buses, rail and casual meals remain manageable for most visitors.
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual if service is not included. Round up taxi fares. Cafes do not expect tips, but small change is appreciated.
Official public transport app
Preston Bus Station -> Preston Railway Station
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Birmingham to Preston by coach. 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 coach, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Preston, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Birmingham to Preston buses use the Birmingham, Coach Station to Preston, Bus Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Birmingham and Preston bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Birmingham, Coach Station is 1 km from Birmingham city centre. Public transport options include:
Birmingham, Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria and fast-food options inside the station
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Birmingham, Coach Station.
Available at Birmingham, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham, Coach Station: Elevators, ramps.
Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway. ATMs are available at Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway.
Ticket office support is available at Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway.
Available at Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway: Bus stops are wheelchair accessible.
Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport) is 1 km from Birmingham city centre. Public transport options include:
Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Restaurants available in the airport terminal.
Free WiFi available. ATMs are aTMs available inside the airport terminal.
Ticket office support is available at Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport).
Available at Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport): Facilities accessible for disabled persons.
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