Standard
- Free Wi-Fi
- Power plugs
Cheapest price on 03 Sept
£13
Average ticket price on 03 Sept
£25
Fastest journey on 03 Sept
5 h 31 m
Average journey duration on 03 Sept
6 h 17 m
Buses on 03 Sept
8
Distance
245 km
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Edinburgh to Preston is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Edinburgh to Preston will cost around £25 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £13.
On Thu 03 Sept, we found 8 buses from Edinburgh to Preston, including 8 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 245 km distance in an average of 6 h 17 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 31 m .
The slowest buses will take 6 h 50 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.










Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Edinburgh to Preston among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £21 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 41m. 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 £21, while a flight costs an average of £163.
Distance: 245 km
| Coach | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£21 Average Price Cheapest | £31 Average Price | £163 Average Price | £80 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 54m Average total duration 5h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 41m Average total duration Fastest 3h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 31m Average total duration 4h 31m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 3h 46m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | 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 Edinburgh to Preston:
A coach is £10 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Edinburgh to Preston costing on average £31.
A coach is £142 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Edinburgh to Preston costing on average £163.
Other travel options to Preston take longer:
Flight takes on average 4h 31m.
Coach takes on average 5h 24m.
Tickets start at around £21 compared to roughly £80 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £59. The journey takes 5h 24m versus 3h 46m 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.
The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Preston coaches for today, Wednesday 2 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 19:30 Edinburgh | 6h50 | 2:20 Preston | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 20:30 Edinburgh | 6h50 | 3:20 Preston | 0 changesdirect | |
| Thursday 3 September | |||||
![]() | 5:35 Edinburgh | 7h35 | 13:10 Preston | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 6:33 Edinburgh | 6h37 | 13:10 Preston | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 6:35 Edinburgh | 7h35 | 14:10 Preston | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 7:20 Edinburgh | 5h50 | 13:10 Preston | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 7:33 Edinburgh | 6h37 | 14:10 Preston | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 7:39 Edinburgh | 5h31 | 13:10 Preston | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, coach and flight 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 Edinburgh to Preston run on average 5 times per day, taking around 5h 24m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £13 but you can travel from only £11 by train.
The earliest coach runs at 01:25, the last at 22:30. The fastest coach covers the 245 km distance in 5h 31m.
Distance 245 km |
Average bus duration 5h 24m |
Cheapest ticket price £13 |
Buses per day 5 |
Fastest bus 5h 31m |
First bus 1:25 |
Last bus 22:30 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 14 days |
Compare National Express classes and the amenities included in each one.
Compare Megabus classes and the amenities included in each one.
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 Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh to Preston buses use the Edinburgh, Bus Station to Preston, Bus Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Edinburgh and Preston bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Edinburgh, Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Café at the Station (in the station), Sandwich Shop (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Edinburgh, Bus Station.
Available at Edinburgh, Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh, Bus Station: Elevators, ramps.
Edinburgh, St Andrew's House has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh, St Andrew's House: The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible.
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