- Recommended
Lancaster City Museum
City museum in the former town hall with local archaeology, natural history and decorative arts that explain Lancaster’s development.
Cheapest price
£9
Average price
£9
Fastest journey
35 m
Average duration
35 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
34 km
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Preston to Lancaster is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Preston to Lancaster will cost around £9 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £9.
Of the 1 buses that leave Preston for Lancaster every day 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct buses cover the 34 km distance in an average of 35 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 35 m .
The slowest buses will take 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.
NX181
NX181Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Preston to Lancaster among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from £2. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 16m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.0kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £2, and a coach costs an average of £8.
Distance: 34 km
| Coach | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
£9 Average Price | £6 Average Price Cheapest |
1h 14m Average total duration 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 46m Average total duration Fastest 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The table below shows live departures for Preston to Lancaster coaches for tomorrow, Monday 24 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX181 | 2:25 Preston, Bus Station | 0h35 | 3:00 Lancaster, Bus Station (Damside Street) | 0 changesdirect | |
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 Preston to Lancaster run on average 2 times per day, taking around 44m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £8 but you can travel from only £2 by train.
There are 2 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:05, the last at 23:56. The fastest coach covers the 34 km distance in 35m.
Distance 34 km |
Average bus duration 44m |
Cheapest ticket price £8 |
Buses per day 2 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 35m |
First bus 0:05 |
Last bus 23:56 |
Cheapest Month Sept |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Lancaster — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Lancaster trip today.
City museum in the former town hall with local archaeology, natural history and decorative arts that explain Lancaster’s development.
Maritime museum in a historic customs house, covering Lancaster’s port, trade and seafaring links on St George’s Quay.
Small museum inside the Judges’ Lodgings, with period rooms and displays about local life and furniture in an atmospheric historic house.
Popular park with woodland walks, a butterfly house, play areas and broad views. It is a relaxed local favourite close to the centre.
Historic riverside street lined with Georgian buildings, museums and old warehouses. Ideal for a walk linking the quay and city centre.
Traffic-free canal-side route with locks, boats and waterside views. Excellent for walking or cycling at a slower pace through the city.
A crumbly, buttery shortcake biscuit long made in Lancaster. It is a classic local teatime treat tied to the city’s baking traditions.
A traditional Lancashire hotpot of lamb or mutton, onions and sliced potatoes, slowly baked. It is one of the county’s best-known comfort dishes.
A hearty full breakfast from Lancashire, commonly including eggs, bacon, sausage, black pudding and toast. It is a staple local morning meal.
Friendly independent restaurant specialising in stone-baked pizzas and Italian comfort food in a casual central setting.
Stylish bistro in the city centre serving modern British cooking with local produce in a relaxed, polished setting.
Long-established canal-side pub known for cask ales, hearty British dishes and a traditional atmosphere near the city centre.
Moderate for the UK. Lancaster is usually cheaper than Manchester or London for hotels and meals, while buses and trains can still add noticeable visitor costs.
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is typical if service is not included. Round up for taxis. In cafés, tipping is optional, often just small change.
Official public transport app
Lancaster Bus Station, Damside Street -> Common Garden Street, Lancaster
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Preston to Lancaster 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 Lancaster, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Preston to Lancaster buses use the Preston, Bus Station to Lancaster, Bus Station (Damside Street) station pair. Use this guide to compare Preston and Lancaster bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
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.
Lancaster, Bus Station (Damside Street) is 2 km from Lancaster city centre. Public transport options include:
Lancaster, Bus Station (Damside Street) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Several cafes and eateries around the station.
Wi-Fi is available at Lancaster, Bus Station (Damside Street). ATMs are available at Lancaster, Bus Station (Damside Street).
Ticket office support is available at Lancaster, Bus Station (Damside Street).
Available at Lancaster, Bus Station (Damside Street): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Lancaster, Bus Station (Damside Street): Wheelchair-accessible platform and pathways.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need