- Must visit
The Harris
Major city museum and library in a landmark building, known for art, history and regular exhibitions in the Harris Quarter.
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
The cheapest and fastest coaches from Manchester Airport to Preston
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 03 Sept
Cheapest price on 03 Sept
£13
Average ticket price on 03 Sept
£13
Fastest journey on 03 Sept
1 h 25 m
Average journey duration on 03 Sept
1 h 48 m
Buses on 03 Sept
6
Distance
53 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Manchester Airport to Preston is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester Airport to Preston will cost around £13 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £13.
Fast coaches
On Thu 03 Sept, we found 6 buses from Manchester Airport to Preston, including 6 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 53 km distance in an average of 1 h 48 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 h 25 m .
The slowest buses will take 2 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.
0:451h40Manchester Airport2:25Preston£131One-way0 changes- 23:451h40Manchester Airport1:25Preston£131One-way0 changes
- 5:451h25Manchester Airport7:10Preston£131One-way0 changes
- 4:451h25Manchester Airport6:10Preston£131One-way0 changes
- 23:352h50Manchester Airport2:25Preston£141One-way0 changes
- 5:451h25Manchester Airport7:10Preston£131One-way0 changes
- 4:451h25Manchester Airport6:10Preston£131One-way0 changes
- 0:451h40Manchester Airport2:25Preston£131One-way0 changes
- 23:451h40Manchester Airport1:25Preston£131One-way0 changes
- 23:352h50Manchester Airport2:25Preston£141One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Manchester Airport to Preston
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Manchester Airport to Preston among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £8 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 32m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £8, while a coach costs an average of £13.
Distance: 53 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£13 Average Price | £8 Average Price Cheapest | £11 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 15m Average total duration 1h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 32m Average total duration Fastest 1h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 56m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Manchester Airport to Preston is a train with an average price of £8.
This is compared to other travel options from Manchester Airport to Preston:
A train is £5 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Manchester Airport to Preston costing on average £13.
The fastest way to travel from Manchester Airport to Preston is by train with an average journey time of 1h 2m.
Other travel options to Preston take longer:
Coach takes on average 1h 45m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Manchester Airport and Preston including taking a train and coach.
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 £13 compared to roughly £11 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-1.48. The journey takes 1h 45m versus 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.
Live departures
Manchester Airport to Preston bus times
The table below shows live departures for Manchester Airport to Preston coaches for today, Wednesday 2 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NX541 · NX181 | 22:50 Manchester, Airport | 3h35 | 2:25 Preston, Bus Station | 1 change | |
| Thursday 3 September | |||||
| 0:45 Manchester Airport | 1h40 | 2:25 Preston | 0 changesdirect | |
| 4:45 Manchester Airport | 1h25 | 6:10 Preston | 0 changesdirect | |
| 5:45 Manchester Airport | 1h25 | 7:10 Preston | 0 changesdirect | |
| 17:40 Manchester Airport | 4h10 | 21:50 Preston | 0 changesdirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Manchester Airport to Preston by train or coach
Compare train and coach 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.
Thu
03 Sept
03 Sept
Fri
04 Sept
04 Sept
Sat
05 Sept
05 Sept
Sun
06 Sept
06 Sept
Mon
07 Sept
07 Sept
Tue
08 Sept
08 Sept
Wed
09 Sept
09 Sept
Why should you book Manchester Airport to Preston coaches with Omio?
National Express as well as Megabus or FlixBus offer coaches services from Manchester Airport to Preston.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Manchester Airport to Preston.
Why book with Omio vs National Express?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for National Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of Megabus or FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Manchester Airport 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 National Express with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Manchester Airport to Preston.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Megabus or FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Manchester Airport to Preston.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Manchester Airport to Preston.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Manchester Airport to Preston
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Manchester Airport to Preston run on average 3 times per day, taking around 1h 45m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £9 but you can travel from only £4 by train.
There are 1 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 10:55, the last at 23:45. The fastest coach covers the 53 km distance in 1h 38m.
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from £4
Distance 53 km |
Average bus duration 1h 45m |
Cheapest ticket price £9 |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 1h 38m |
First bus 10:55 |
Last bus 23:45 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 1 day |
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from £4
Bus providers: National Express, Megabus, FlixBus from Manchester Airport to PrestonYou can travel by bus between Manchester Airport to Preston with National Express, Megabus, FlixBus for as low as £4. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average FlixBus Duration
5h 35m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
£14
FlixBus frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.
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
1h 40m
Cheapest National Express Price
£10
National Express frequency
2 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.
Bikes
Folding Bikes are allowed; non-folding bikes are not allowed.
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
1h 40m
Cheapest Megabus Price
£13
Megabus frequency
1 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.
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: Manchester Airport to Preston coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester Airport 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 Manchester Airport to Preston can start from as little as £9 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Manchester Airport to Preston is £13; 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 Manchester Airport to Preston is 1h 38m to travel the 53 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 Manchester Airport to Preston leaves at 10:55. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Manchester Airport to Preston leaves at 23:45.
Yes, there are 1 direct coaches a day from Manchester Airport to Preston with National Express, Megabus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from Manchester Airport to Preston, you can count on National Express, Megabus, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Preston. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Manchester Airport and Preston and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A day trip to Preston from Manchester Airport is worth doing with a journey time of 1h 38m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Manchester Airport to Preston is July.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Manchester Airport and Preston including taking a train and coach.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Manchester Airport 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.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Manchester Airport to Preston for coach company National Express, Megabus, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Manchester Airport 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.
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company National Express, FlixBus.
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 Manchester Airport to Preston.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Manchester Airport 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.
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from Manchester Airport 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.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the coach from Manchester Airport to Preston. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Manchester Airport to Preston with the following coach company: National Express, Megabus, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Manchester Airport to Preston with the following coach company: National Express, Megabus, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Manchester Airport to Preston with the following coach company: National Express, Megabus, FlixBus.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Manchester Airport and Preston
Most Manchester Airport to Preston buses use the Manchester, Coach Station to Preston, Bus Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Manchester Airport and Preston bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Manchester
Arrival bus stations in Preston
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 Manchester Airport
More options for your journey from Manchester Airport to Preston
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Preston and Manchester Airport
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
