Preston to Birmingham bus with Megabus

Thu 04 Dec
+ Add return
Megabus
National Express
FlixBus
Alsa
Airport Bus Express Ltd
1,000+ travel companies
Megabus
National Express
FlixBus
Alsa
Airport Bus Express Ltd
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Preston to Birmingham

Showing times and prices for 05 Dec

Cheapest price

£18

Average price

£25

Fastest journey

3 h 10 m

Average duration

4 h 49 m

Buses per day

6

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 £25 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £18.

Fast coaches

Of the 6 buses that leave Preston for Birmingham every day 3 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 49 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.

FlixBusFlixBus
14:153h35
Preston, Bus Station
17:50Birmingham
£181One-way
0 changes
National ExpressRL152 · NX540 · NX120
09:356h35
Preston, Bus Station
16:10Birmingham, Coach Station
£191One-way
2 changes
National ExpressRL152 · NX540 · NX121
06:477h13
Preston, Bus Station
14:00Birmingham, Coach Station
£231One-way
2 changes
National ExpressNX424
22:354h10
Preston, Bus Station
02:45Birmingham, Coach Station
£261One-way
0 changes
National ExpressRL152 · NX540 · NX590
09:356h35
Preston, Bus Station
16:10Birmingham, Coach Station
£331One-way
2 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 coach with prices starting from £11. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 17m. 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 coach costs an average of £11, and a train costs an average of £11.

Distance: 153 km

Compare bus with

Coach
Most popular
Train

£19

Average Price

Cheapest

£26

Average Price

4h 8m

Average total duration

3h 38m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 47m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 17m

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 4 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.

Last updated at 08:55
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
national_expressRL152 · NX540 · NX590
On time
09:35 Preston, Bus Station
6h35
16:10 Birmingham, Coach Station
2 changes
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus14:15 Preston, Bus Station
3h35
17:50 Birmingham0 changesdirect
Friday 5 December
national_expressNX18103:15 Preston, Bus Station
3h10
06:25 Birmingham, Coach Station0 changesdirect
national_expressRL152 · NX540 · NX12106:47 Preston, Bus Station
7h13
14:00 Birmingham, Coach Station2 changes

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.

Thu
04 Dec
Fri
05 Dec
Sun
07 Dec
Tue
09 Dec
Thu
11 Dec
Fri
12 Dec
Sat
13 Dec
Sun
14 Dec
Mon
15 Dec
Tue
16 Dec
Sun
21 Dec
Mon
22 Dec
Tue
23 Dec
Wed
24 Dec

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 38m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £11 if you book in advance.

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 10m.

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
Distance
153 km
Average bus duration
3h 38m
Cheapest ticket price
£11
Buses per day
4
Direct buses
2
Fastest bus
3h 10m
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

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 £11. 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 10m
Cheapest Price
£16
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
£17
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 £10 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Preston to Birmingham is £20; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
On average the Preston to Birmingham coach travel time is 2 h 42 min   for the 94 mile long route, but the duration can vary if you travel on weekends and holidays.
The first coach from Preston to Birmingham leaves at 03: 15. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last coach from Preston to Birmingham leaves at 22: 20.
Yes, there are 3 direct coaches a day from Preston to Birmingham with Megabus or FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
Take the Preston to Birmingham coach with Megabus, National Express or FlixBus. However, it's always good to check out all possible coach companies for the journey to Birmingham from Preston as there might be differences in the amenities they offer.

Passengers board the coach most frequently from Preston, Bus Station, which is located around 1.2 miles (1.9 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Birmingham, Coach Station, located 2.4 miles (3.8 km) away from the city centre.

A trip to Birmingham from Preston is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2 h 42 min each way. Check with Omio app   the best way to travel.
The cheapest month to travel from Preston to Birmingham by coach is March.
You have options as you can travel to Birmingham from Preston 2 different ways: coach or train.
No, the coach from Preston to Birmingham has no accessibility options.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the coach from Preston to Birmingham.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the coach from Preston to Birmingham.

To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Preston to Birmingham, follow these tips:

  • Book in advance: Tickets are often cheaper when booked early.
  • Be flexible with dates and times: Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money.
  • Use our search filters: Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options.
  • Look for special deals or discounts: Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
  • Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!

    Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the coach from Preston to Birmingham.
    No, luggage for the coach from Preston to Birmingham needs to be booked in addition.
    No, there are no additional luggage options for the coach from Preston to Birmingham.
    Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Preston to Birmingham.
    No, there are no USB plugs on board the coach from Preston to Birmingham.
    No, there is no WiFi on board the coach from Preston to Birmingham.

    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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