- 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 29 Aug
£28
Average ticket price on 29 Aug
£49
Fastest journey on 29 Aug
6 h
Average journey duration on 29 Aug
7 h 4 m
Buses on 29 Aug
7
Distance
306 km
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from London to Preston is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from London to Preston will cost around £49 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £28.
On Sat 29 Aug, we found 7 buses from London to Preston, including 3 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 306 km distance in an average of 7 h 4 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h .
The slowest buses will take 8 h 35 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.
NX540 · NX181
FlixBus
FlixBus
NX424
NX541 · NX540 · RL152
FlixBus
NX540 · NX181
FlixBus
NX424
NX541 · NX540 · RL152Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from London to Preston among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £24 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 37m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.3kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £24, while a flight costs an average of £107.
Distance: 306 km
| Coach | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£24 Average Price Cheapest | £49 Average Price | £107 Average Price |
6h 58m Average total duration 6h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 37m Average total duration Fastest 2h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 39m Average total duration 1h 39m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* |
0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.9 - 1.8kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The table below shows live departures for London to Preston coaches for today, Friday 28 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX540 · NX181 | 20:00 London, Victoria Coach Station | 6h25 | 2:25 Preston, Bus Station | 1 change | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 23:30 London, Victoria Coach Station | 14h40 | 14:10 Preston, Bus Station | 1 change | |
NX424 | 23:30 London, Victoria Coach Station | 7h40 | 7:10 Preston, Bus Station | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 23:55 London, Finchley Road ("Subway" restaurant) | 14h15 | 14:10 Preston, Bus Station | 1 change | |
| Saturday 29 August | |||||
FlixBus | 10:30 London, Victoria Coach Station | 6h40 | 17:10 Preston, Bus Station | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 11:10 London, Finchley Road ("Subway" restaurant) | 6h00 | 17:10 Preston, Bus Station | 0 changesdirect | |
NX541 · NX540 · RL152 | 12:15 London, Victoria Coach Station | 8h35 | 20:50 Preston, Bus Station | 2 changes | |
NX032 · NX410 · NX181 | 13:50 London, Hammersmith Bridge Road | 12h35 | 2:25 Preston, Bus Station | 2 changes | |
NX032 · NX210 · NX181 | 13:50 London, Hammersmith Bridge Road | 12h35 | 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 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 London to Preston run on average 5 times per day, taking around 6h 28m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £18 if you book in advance.
There are 3 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:15, the last at 23:45. The fastest coach covers the 306 km distance in 6h 25m.
Distance 306 km |
Average bus duration 6h 28m |
Cheapest ticket price £18 |
Buses per day 5 |
Direct buses 3 |
Fastest bus 6h 25m |
First bus 0:15 |
Last bus 23:45 |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 21 days |
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
Taking coaches from London to Preston is a relaxed way of making this journey, especially when keeping to a budget is important. Routes operate to the same timetable seven days a week with four direct departures and four connecting routes every day. Direct coaches take from just over six hours to eight hours while connecting services need between six and a half and seven and a half hours. Departures are from London Victoria Coach Station and journeys terminate at Preston Tithebarn Street Coach Station.
All coach routes to Preston from London are operated by the part-British, part-multinational owned National Express. From its headquarters in Birmingham, this large company provides coach routes across the UK and Europe. National Express uses a modern fleet of coaches with comfortable seating and standard onboard services of luggage storage, WiFi, toilets and air conditioning or heating. Some coaches also have individual power sockets.
Direct coaches from London to Preston take from six hours 15 minutes to approximately eight hours to complete the journey while connecting routes take between six and a half and seven and a half hours. Where a connection is required, it is made at either Birmingham or Manchester.
There are four daily direct coaches to Preston from London and a further four connecting routes with the same timetable operating throughout the week. Departures start in the early morning and continue until late at night.
Departure bus station: Coaches from London to Preston leave from London Victoria Coach Station. This is within an easy walk of London Victoria Train Station and together they form part of a transport network of local, regional and intercity trains as well as local and long-distance buses. Coach station facilities include car parking, taxi ranks, ATMs, tourist information, WiFi and a selection of shops and cafes.
Arrival bus station: Coaches to Preston from London complete their journey at Preston Tithebarn Street Coach Station. Located to the east of the city centre, Preston's bus station was the largest in Europe when it opened in 1969. It is a listed example of Brutalist Architecture and has recently undergone an extensive refurbishment. Its facilities include parking, cafes, WiFi and waiting areas.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from London 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 London to Preston buses use the London, Victoria Coach Station to Preston, Bus Station station pair. Use this guide to compare London and Preston bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
London, Victoria Coach Station is 2 km from London city centre. Public transport options include:
London, Victoria Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Pret a Manger (in the station), Starbucks (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and inside the station.
Ticket office support is available at London, Victoria Coach Station.
Available at London, Victoria Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at London, Victoria Coach Station: Elevators, ramps.
London, Baker Street Station is 2 km from London city centre. Public transport options include:
London, Baker Street Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at London, Baker Street Station. ATMs are available at London, Baker Street Station.
Ticket office support is available at London, Baker Street Station.
Available at London, Baker Street Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at London, Baker Street Station: Ramps available for wheelchair access.
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