Preston to Birmingham bus with Megabus

Fri 06 Mar
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Megabus
National Express
FlixBus
Alsa
Swiss Tours
1,000+ travel companies
Megabus
National Express
FlixBus
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Swiss Tours
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Preston to Birmingham

Showing times and prices for 06 Mar

Cheapest price

£16

Average price

£21

Fastest journey

3 h 10 m

Average duration

4 h 23 m

Buses per day

4

Distance

153 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Preston to Birmingham is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Preston to Birmingham will cost around £21 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £16.

Fast coaches

Of the 4 buses that leave Preston for Birmingham every day 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct buses cover the 153 km distance in an average of 4 h 23 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 10 m .

The slowest buses will take 6 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.

FlixBus
14:153h35
Preston
17:50Birmingham
£161One-way
0 changes
National Express
09:356h35
Preston
16:10Birmingham
£181One-way
0 changes
National Express
03:153h10
Preston
06:25Birmingham
£181One-way
0 changes
National Express
22:354h10
Preston
02:45Birmingham
£321One-way
0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Preston to Birmingham

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Preston to Birmingham among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from £9. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 13m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £9, and a coach costs an average of £11.

Distance: 153 km

Compare bus with

Coach
Most popular
Train

£21

Average Price

£19

Average Price

Cheapest

4h 10m

Average total duration

3h 40m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 43m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 13m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.2 - 0.4kg

CO2 emissions

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest
Megabus

Most popular bus company

Avanti West Coast

Most popular train company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Preston to Birmingham bus times

The table below shows live departures for Preston to Birmingham coaches for today, Thursday 5 March. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.

Last updated at 16:49
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
national_expressNX42422:35 Preston, Bus Station
4h10
02:45 Birmingham, Coach Station0 changesdirect
Friday 6 March
national_express03:15 Preston
3h10
06:25 Birmingham0 changesdirect
national_express09:35 Preston
6h35
16:10 Birmingham0 changesdirect
meinfernbus_flixbus14:15 Preston
3h35
17:50 Birmingham0 changesdirect

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Preston to Birmingham 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.

Fri
06 Mar
Sat
07 Mar
Sun
08 Mar
Mon
09 Mar
Tue
10 Mar
Wed
11 Mar
Thu
12 Mar

Why should you book Preston to Birmingham coaches with Omio?

Megabus as well as National Express or FlixBus offer coaches services from Preston to Birmingham.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Preston to Birmingham.

Why book with Omio vs Megabus?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Megabus, but also compare tickets for the likes of National Express or FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Preston to Birmingham.
  • 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 Megabus with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Preston to Birmingham.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of National Express or FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Preston to Birmingham.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Preston to Birmingham.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Preston to Birmingham

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Preston to Birmingham run on average 4 times per day, taking around 3h 40m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £11 but you can travel from only £9 by train.

There are 2 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 02:00, the last at 23:55. The fastest coach covers the 153 km distance in 3h 5m.

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 £9
Distance
153 km
Average bus duration
3h 40m
Cheapest ticket price
£11
Buses per day
4
Direct buses
2
Fastest bus
3h 5m
First bus
02:00
Last bus
23:55
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 £9

Bus providers: Megabus, National Express, FlixBus from Preston to BirminghamYou can travel by bus between Preston to Birmingham with Megabus, National Express, FlixBus for as low as £9. 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 Duration
3h 35m
Cheapest Price
£11
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 Duration
3h 5m
Cheapest Price
£15
National Express frequency
3 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 Duration
3h 25m
Cheapest Price
£16
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.

FAQs: Preston to Birmingham coach

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Preston to Birmingham 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 Birmingham, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap coach tickets from Preston to Birmingham can start from as little as £11 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Preston to Birmingham is £21; 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 Preston to Birmingham is 3h 5m to travel the 153 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 Preston to Birmingham leaves at 2:00. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Preston to Birmingham leaves at 23:55.
Yes, there are 2 direct coaches a day from Preston to Birmingham with Megabus, National Express, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from Preston to Birmingham, you can count on Megabus, National Express, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Birmingham. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Preston and Birmingham and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A trip to Birmingham from Preston is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3h 5m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Preston to Birmingham is June.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Preston and Birmingham including taking a train and coach.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Preston to Birmingham:
  • 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 Preston to Birmingham for coach company Megabus, National Express, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Preston to Birmingham 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 Preston to Birmingham.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Preston to Birmingham:
  • 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 Preston to Birmingham:
  • 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 Preston to Birmingham. The following conditions apply:
  • FlixBus
    • Small pets in carriers allowed
    • guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Preston to Birmingham with the following coach company: Megabus, National Express, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Preston to Birmingham with the following coach company: Megabus, National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Preston to Birmingham with the following coach company: Megabus, National Express, FlixBus.

popular bus stations

Important Stations and Airports in Preston and Birmingham

Preston
Birmingham
The major coach station for departures in Preston is Preston, Bus Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Preston, Bus Station for your trip from Preston to Birmingham.
Preston, Bus Station
information

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