- Must visit
The Harris
Major city museum and library in a landmark building, known for art, history and regular exhibitions in the Harris Quarter.
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Cardiff to Preston
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 03 Sept
Cheapest price on 03 Sept
£26
Average ticket price on 03 Sept
£28
Fastest journey on 03 Sept
11 h
Average journey duration on 03 Sept
12 h 25 m
Buses on 03 Sept
2
Distance
256 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Cardiff to Preston is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Preston will cost around £28 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £26.
Fast coaches
To travel from Cardiff to Preston you need to make at least one change.
FlixBus · FlixBus6:1011h00Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)17:10Preston, Bus Station£261One-way1 change
NX202 · NX104 · NX18112:3513h50Cardiff, Sophia Gardens2:25Preston, Bus Station£311One-way2 changes
- FlixBus · FlixBus6:1011h00Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)17:10Preston, Bus Station£261One-way1 change
- NX202 · NX104 · NX18112:3513h50Cardiff, Sophia Gardens2:25Preston, Bus Station£311One-way2 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Cardiff to Preston
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Preston among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £29 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 4h 18m. 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 coach costs an average of £29, while a train costs an average of £61.
Distance: 256 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£29 Average Price Cheapest | £61 Average Price | £51 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 5m Average total duration 7h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 18m Average total duration Fastest 3h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 55m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.3 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg 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.
The cheapest way to travel from Cardiff to Preston is a coach with an average price of £29.
This is compared to other travel options from Cardiff to Preston:
A coach is £32 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Preston costing on average £61.
The fastest way to travel from Cardiff to Preston is by train with an average journey time of 3h 48m.
Other travel options to Preston take longer:
Coach takes on average 7h 35m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Preston including taking a coach and train.
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 £29 compared to roughly £51 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £22. The journey takes 7h 35m versus 4h 55m 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.
Direct services are operated by Megabus.
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.
Live departures
Cardiff to Preston bus times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Preston coaches for tomorrow, Thursday 3 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:10 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) | 11h00 | 17:10 Preston, Bus Station | 1 change | |
| NX202 · NX104 · NX181 | 12:35 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 13h50 | 2:25 Preston, Bus Station | 2 changes | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Preston by coach or train
Compare coach 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.
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03 Sept
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Why should you book Cardiff to Preston coaches with Omio?
Megabus as well as National Express offer coaches services from Cardiff to Preston.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff 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 to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff 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 bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff 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 to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Preston.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Preston.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Cardiff to Preston
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Cardiff to Preston run on average 3 times per day, taking around 7h 35m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £25 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 03:15, the last at 23:00. The fastest coach covers the 256 km distance in 11h 0m.
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
Distance 256 km |
Average bus duration 7h 35m |
Cheapest ticket price £25 |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 11h 0m |
First bus 3:15 |
Last bus 23:00 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 35 days |
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
Bus providers: Megabus, National Express from Cardiff to PrestonYou can travel by bus between Cardiff to Preston with Megabus, National Express for as low as £25. 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
6h 40m
Cheapest Megabus Price
£22
Megabus frequency
3 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
7h 10m
Cheapest National Express Price
£44
National Express frequency
1 a day
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.
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.
- Recommended
The Egypt Centre
Museum on the University of Central Lancashire campus with Egyptology, archaeology and world cultures collections in a compact gallery.
- Recommended
Ribble Steam Railway and Museum
Volunteer-run transport museum at Ribble Steam Railway, featuring Preston’s industrial and rail heritage with locomotives and exhibits.
- Must visit
Avenham Park
Historic city park with terraces, paths and river views. A favourite for walks, photography and access to nearby Miller Park.
- Recommended
Miller Park
Landscaped Victorian park beside the River Ribble, appreciated for open lawns, flower displays and peaceful links to city-centre walks.
- Recommended
Preston Docklands
Regenerated docklands area with marina views, public art and waterside paths, popular for an easy modern contrast to the historic centre.
- Vegetarian
Butter Pie
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.
- Vegetarian
Simnel Cake
A rich fruit cake packed with currants and topped with almond paste. It is a classic Lancashire celebration cake still eaten across Preston.
- Gluten-free
Lancashire Cheese
A crumbly, mild white cheese from Lancashire often made in creamy, tasty and crumbly layers. It reflects the county’s long dairy heritage.
263 Restaurant
Stylish modern restaurant serving British and European plates with cocktails. Good for a polished dinner in central Preston.
Angelo's
Established local spot for Neapolitan-style pizza and Italian comfort food in a friendly, informal setting.
The Continental
Traditional city-centre pub known for cask ales and hearty British dishes in a historic, relaxed setting.
Pound sterling (£)
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.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.80-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
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.
Preston Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.50
- Day pass
- £4.20
To the city centre
Preston Bus Station -> Preston Railway Station
- Distance
- 0.8 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Contactless Tap & Go works on Preston Bus services; daily charging is capped at the day ticket price when all taps are recorded. ([lancashire.gov.uk](https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/roads-parking-and-travel/public-transport/paying-for-your-journey/tap-and-go/?utm_source=openai))
- Fares in Preston vary by operator, so use the operator's own fare page before travelling. Preston Bus publishes its current tickets and fares online. ([lancashire.gov.uk](https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/roads-parking-and-travel/public-transport/paying-for-your-journey/daily-and-weekly-tickets/?utm_source=openai))
FAQs: Cardiff to Preston coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff 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.
Cheap coach tickets from Cardiff to Preston can start from as little as £25 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Cardiff to Preston is £29; 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 coach from Cardiff to Preston is 11h 0m to travel the 256 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest coach from Cardiff to Preston leaves at 3:15. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Cardiff to Preston leaves at 23:00.
There are 3 coaches a day from Cardiff to Preston which require at least one change with Megabus, National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Cardiff to Preston, you can count on Megabus, National Express for the best way to get you to Preston. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Cardiff and Preston and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
When departing from Cardiff , you have various coach station options to start your route from including Cardiff, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens), Cardiff, University, Newport, Queensway . When arriving in Preston , you can end your route in coach stations like Preston, Bus Station, Lancaster, University.Passengers board the coach most frequently from Cardiff, Sophia Gardens, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Preston, Bus Station, located 1 away from the city centre.
A trip to Preston from Cardiff is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 11h 0m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Cardiff to Preston is July.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Preston including taking a coach and train.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Cardiff 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 coach from Cardiff to Preston for coach company Megabus, National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Cardiff to Preston depends on the coach 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company National Express.
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.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the coach from Cardiff to Preston.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Cardiff 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 coach ticket from Cardiff 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 coach from Cardiff to Preston.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Cardiff to Preston with the following coach company: Megabus, National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Cardiff to Preston with the following coach company: Megabus, National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Cardiff to Preston with the following coach company: Megabus, National Express.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Preston
Most Cardiff to Preston buses use the Cardiff, Sophia Gardens to Preston, Bus Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Preston bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Cardiff
Arrival bus stations in Preston
Which Cardiff station do buses to Preston leave from?
Buses from Cardiff to Preston leave from Cardiff, Sophia Gardens. The station is 1 km from Cardiff city centre at Cardiff Coach Station, Sophia Gardens, 2 Sophia Cl, Pontcanna, Cardiff CF11 9HW, UK.
Cardiff, Sophia GardensCardiff Coach Station, Sophia Gardens, 2 Sophia Cl, Pontcanna, Cardiff CF11 9HW, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Cardiff, Sophia Gardens from Cardiff city centre
Bus25, 62, 63, 25A, 64 · 3m · £2 · every ~14 min
C1 · 16m · every ~8 min
Cardiff, Sophia Gardens bus station facilities and services
Cardiff, Sophia Gardens 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 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens. ATMs are available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens: Basic accessibility features available.
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)Cardiff North Road (Friary Gardens), Cardiff CF10 3AF, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) from Cardiff city centre
TRUE
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) bus station facilities and services
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) 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 Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens). ATMs are available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens): Accessible for passengers with reduced mobility.
Cardiff, University
City-centre transport
Getting to Cardiff, University from Cardiff city centre
TrainCardiff Central - Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff Central - Treherbert, Cardiff Central - Pontypridd, Aberdare - Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff Central - Radyr, Radyr - Radyr · 6m · £0.90 · every ~8 min
BusC1 · 18m · every ~8 min
Which Preston station do buses from Cardiff arrive at?
Buses from Cardiff to Preston most often arrive at Preston, Bus Station. Some services arrive at Lancaster, University, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Preston arrival station.
Preston, Bus StationPreston Bus Station, Tithebarn St, Preston PR1 1YT, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Preston, Bus Station from Preston city centre
Preston, Bus Station is 1 km from Preston city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus23 · 6m · £8 · every ~8 min
Preston, Bus Station bus station facilities and services
Preston, Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Cafes and fast food are available within the station.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi is available in the station concourse. ATMs are multiple ATMs are located in the main concourse.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Preston, Bus Station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Preston, Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Preston, Bus Station: Full accessibility for wheelchairs and mobility aids.
Most popular bus connections from Cardiff
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Preston
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Preston and Cardiff
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