Standard
- Free Wi-Fi
- Power plugs
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 Preston to Leicester
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 05 Sept
Cheapest price on 05 Sept
£22
Average ticket price on 05 Sept
£30
Fastest journey on 05 Sept
6 h 30 m
Average journey duration on 05 Sept
8 h 23 m
Buses on 05 Sept
3
Distance
164 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Preston to Leicester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Preston to Leicester will cost around £30 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £22.
Fast coaches
On Sat 05 Sept, we found 3 buses from Preston to Leicester, including 3 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 164 km distance in an average of 8 h 23 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h 30 m .
The slowest buses will take 9 h 45 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.
14:159h45Preston0:00Leicester£221One-way0 changes- 13:158h55Preston22:10Leicester£311One-way0 changes
22:356h30Preston5:05Leicester£381One-way0 changes
- 22:356h30Preston5:05Leicester£381One-way0 changes
- 13:158h55Preston22:10Leicester£311One-way0 changes
- 14:159h45Preston0:00Leicester£221One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Preston to Leicester
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Preston to Leicester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £32 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 42m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £32, while a train costs an average of £72.
Distance: 164 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£32 Average Price Cheapest | £72 Average Price | £33 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 42m Average total duration 4h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 42m Average total duration Fastest 2h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 36m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg 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.
The cheapest way to travel from Preston to Leicester is a coach with an average price of £32.
This is compared to other travel options from Preston to Leicester:
A coach is £41 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Preston to Leicester costing on average £72.
The fastest way to travel from Preston to Leicester is by train with an average journey time of 2h 12m.
Other travel options to Leicester take longer:
Coach takes on average 4h 12m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Preston and Leicester including taking a coach and train.
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 £32 compared to roughly £33 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £2. The journey takes 4h 12m versus 2h 36m 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
Preston to Leicester bus times
The table below shows live departures for Preston to Leicester coaches for today, Friday 4 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NX181 · NX183 | 3:20 Preston, Bus Station | 5h30 | 8:50 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 1 change | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 14:15 Preston, Bus Station | 9h00 | 23:15 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 1 change | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 14:15 Preston, Bus Station | 10h05 | 0:20 Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda) | 1 change | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Preston to Leicester by coach or train
Compare coach and train 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.
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
Thu
10 Sept
10 Sept
Fri
11 Sept
11 Sept
Why should you book Preston to Leicester coaches with Omio?
National Express as well as FlixBus offer coaches services from Preston to Leicester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Preston to Leicester.
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 FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Preston to Leicester.
- 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 bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Preston to Leicester.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Preston to Leicester.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Preston to Leicester.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Preston to Leicester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Preston to Leicester run on average 3 times per day, taking around 4h 12m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £30 but you can travel from only £28 by train.
The earliest coach runs at 02:15, the last at 23:45. The fastest coach covers the 164 km distance in 6h 30m.
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 £28
Distance 164 km |
Average bus duration 4h 12m |
Cheapest ticket price £30 |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 6h 30m |
First bus 2:15 |
Last bus 23:45 |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
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 £28
Bus providers: National Express, FlixBus from Preston to LeicesterYou can travel by bus between Preston to Leicester with National Express, FlixBus for as low as £28. 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
8h 55m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
£30
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
6h 30m
Cheapest National Express Price
£34
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.
What's included in each class
Compare National Express classes and the amenities included in each one.
Complete guide to Leicester
Things to do in Leicester
Discover the best of Leicester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Leicester trip today.
- Must visit
King Richard III Visitor Centre
Modern museum telling the story of Richard III through archaeology, history and the king’s Leicester burial site.
- Recommended
Leicester Museum & Art Gallery
Leicester’s main art and history museum, with dinosaur galleries, fine art and displays on the city’s people and past.
- Recommended
Jewry Wall Museum
Museum beside Roman remains, exploring local archaeology from Roman Leicester to later city history in a compact setting.
- Recommended
St Martin's Square
Lively regenerated waterside with bars, boats, public art and an easy walk linking the city centre to the canal heritage area.
- Recommended
Victoria Park
Large central park with formal gardens, broad lawns and space to relax near the university and city centre.
- Recommended
Abbey Park
Attractive green space around abbey ruins and the River Soar, good for walks, wildlife and traces of medieval Leicester.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Red Leicester Cheese
Red Leicester is a crumbly orange cow’s milk cheese from Leicestershire, long linked to the county and traditionally coloured with annatto for its rich hue.
Melton Mowbray Pork Pie
Melton Mowbray pork pie is a hand-raised pie from Leicestershire with seasoned chopped pork and a distinctive free-form crust, traditionally eaten cold.
- Gluten-free
Stilton
Stilton is a famous English blue cheese historically traded through Leicestershire, prized for its creamy texture and strong savoury flavour on local cheeseboards.
Laguna
Popular Indian restaurant on the Golden Mile known for rich curries, tandoori dishes and a lively, family-friendly atmosphere.
Knight & Garter
Stylish modern British restaurant and bar in St Martins Square, known for seasonal plates, cocktails and a polished but relaxed dining room.
Shivalli
Long-running vegetarian Gujarati restaurant serving thalis, snacks and sweets in a simple, busy setting loved by local families.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for a UK city. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local buses and casual meals remain fairly affordable for visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.80-4 for a coffee.
Tipping culture
Service may be included in restaurants; if not, 10-12.5% is common for good service. Round up taxi fares. Tipping in cafés is optional, often just small change.
FAQs: Preston to Leicester coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Preston to Leicester 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 Leicester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Preston to Leicester can start from as little as £30 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Preston to Leicester is £32; 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 Leicester is 6h 30m to travel the 164 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 Leicester leaves at 2:15. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Preston to Leicester leaves at 23:45.
There are 3 coaches a day from Preston to Leicester which require at least one change with National Express, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Preston to Leicester, you can count on National Express, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Leicester. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Preston and Leicester and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A trip to Leicester from Preston is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 6h 30m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Preston to Leicester is January.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Preston and Leicester including taking a coach and train.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Preston to Leicester:
- 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 Leicester for coach company National Express, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Preston to Leicester depends on the coach companies:
- 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 Leicester.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Preston to Leicester:
- 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 Leicester:
- 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 Leicester. 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 Leicester with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Preston to Leicester with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Preston to Leicester with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Preston and Leicester
Most Preston to Leicester buses use the Preston, Bus Station to Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda). Use this guide to compare Preston and Leicester bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Preston
Arrival bus stations in Leicester
Which Preston station do buses to Leicester leave from?
Buses from Preston to Leicester leave from Preston, Bus Station. The station is 2 km from Preston city centre at Preston Bus Station, Tithebarn St, Preston PR1 1YT, UK.
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.
Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
City-centre transport
Getting to Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station from Leicester city centre
BusHop · 0m · £2 · every ~14 min
26 · 1m · every ~10 min
21 · 4m
Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda)Leicester Fosse Park, Fosse Park Ave, LE19 1HQ
City-centre transport
Getting to Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda) from Leicester city centre
BusX6 · 21m · £2 · every ~4 min
50 · 23m · £2 · every ~10 min
104 · 32m · £0.90 · every ~10 min
18 · 44m · every ~8 min
More options for your journey from Preston to Leicester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Leicester and Preston
Most popular bus connections
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.
