Standard
- Free Wi-Fi
- Power plugs
Cheapest price on 03 Sept
£32
Average ticket price on 03 Sept
£35
Fastest journey on 03 Sept
10 h
Average journey duration on 03 Sept
13 h
Buses on 03 Sept
2
Distance
343 km
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Exeter to Preston is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Exeter to Preston will cost around £35 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £32.
On Thu 03 Sept, we found 2 buses from Exeter to Preston, including 2 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 343 km distance in an average of 13 h but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 10 h .
The slowest buses will take 16 h 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 coach as it is the most popular option from Exeter to Preston among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £37 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 0m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £37, while a flight costs an average of £121.
Distance: 343 km
Most popular Coach | Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£37 Average Price Cheapest | £63 Average Price | £121 Average Price | £71 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 42m Average total duration 8h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 42m Average total duration 4h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 0m Average total duration Fastest 1h 0m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 4h 56m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Exeter to Preston:
A coach is £26 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Exeter to Preston costing on average £63.
A coach is £84 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Exeter to Preston costing on average £121.
Other travel options to Preston take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 12m.
Coach takes on average 8h 12m.
Tickets start at around £37 compared to roughly £71 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £34. The journey takes 8h 12m versus 4h 56m 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 Exeter to Preston coaches for tomorrow, Thursday 3 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 1:10 Exeter | 16h00 | 17:10 Preston | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 6:10 Exeter | 10h00 | 16:10 Preston | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare coach, train 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 Exeter to Preston run on average 3 times per day, taking around 8h 12m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £35 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 01:10, the last at 18:27. The fastest coach covers the 343 km distance in 10h 0m.
Distance 343 km |
Average bus duration 8h 12m |
Cheapest ticket price £35 |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 10h 0m |
First bus 1:10 |
Last bus 18:27 |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 35 days |
Compare National Express 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 Exeter 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 Exeter to Preston buses use the Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court to Preston, Bus Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Exeter and Preston bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court. ATMs are available at Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court.
Ticket office support is available at Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court.
Available at Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court: Wheelchair accessible.
Exeter, Honiton Road is 3 km from Exeter city centre. Public transport options include:
Exeter, Honiton Road 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).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Exeter, Honiton Road.
Available at Exeter, Honiton Road: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Exeter, Honiton Road: Ramps.
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