Standard
- Free Wi-Fi
- Power plugs
Cheapest price on 05 Sept
£6
Average ticket price on 05 Sept
£9
Fastest journey on 05 Sept
50 m
Average journey duration on 05 Sept
1 h 20 m
Buses on 05 Sept
4
Distance
45 km
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Manchester 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 to Preston will cost around £9 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £6.
On Sat 05 Sept, we found 4 buses from Manchester to Preston, including 3 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 45 km distance in an average of 1 h 20 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 50 m .
The slowest buses will take 2 h 30 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.
FlixBus
NX540 · RL152
NX181
NX424
NX181
NX424
FlixBus
NX540 · RL152Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Preston among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £7 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 11m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.0kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £7, while a coach costs an average of £8.
Distance: 45 km
| Coach | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£8 Average Price | £7 Average Price Cheapest | £9 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 42m Average total duration 1h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 11m Average total duration Fastest 41m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 0m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.0kg 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.
This is compared to other travel options from Manchester to Preston:
A train is £0.86 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Manchester to Preston costing on average £8.
Other travel options to Preston take longer:
Coach takes on average 1h 12m.
Tickets start at around £8 compared to roughly £9 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £1. The journey takes 1h 12m versus 1h 0m 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 National Express, Megabus, FlixBus.
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 Manchester to Preston coaches for tomorrow, Saturday 5 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX181 | 1:35 Manchester, Coach Station | 0h50 | 2:25 Preston, Bus Station | 0 changesdirect | |
NX424 | 6:10 Manchester, Coach Station | 1h00 | 7:10 Preston, Bus Station | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 16:10 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1h00 | 17:10 Preston, Bus Station | 0 changesdirect | |
NX540 · RL152 | 18:20 Manchester, Coach Station | 2h30 | 20:50 Preston, Bus Station | 1 change | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Manchester to Preston run on average 3 times per day, taking around 1h 12m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £6 but you can travel from only £4 by train.
There are 3 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:03, the last at 23:56. The fastest coach covers the 45 km distance in 50m.
Distance 45 km |
Average bus duration 1h 12m |
Cheapest ticket price £6 |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 3 |
Fastest bus 50m |
First bus 0:03 |
Last bus 23:56 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Thu |
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 Manchester 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 Manchester to Preston buses use the Manchester, Coach Station to Preston, Bus Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Preston bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Manchester, Coach 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), Fast Food Express (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located within the station for cash withdrawals.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Coach Station.
Available at Manchester, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Coach Station: Ramps, assistance.
Manchester, Airport is 2 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
Manchester, Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Burger King (in the station), Giraffe (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located throughout the airport, offering multiple currency options.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Airport.
Available at Manchester, Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Airport: Elevators, ramps, assistance.
Manchester, Shudehill Interchange has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange.
Available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange: Elevators, 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