- Must visit
Northampton Museum and Art Gallery
Main town museum with collections on Northampton's shoe industry, archaeology and art, plus family-friendly galleries.
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Preston to Northampton
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 05 Sept
Cheapest price on 05 Sept
£33
Average ticket price on 05 Sept
£33
Fastest journey on 05 Sept
5 h 30 m
Average journey duration on 05 Sept
5 h 30 m
Buses on 05 Sept
1
Distance
209 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Preston to Northampton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Preston to Northampton will cost around £33 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £33.
Fast coaches
To travel from Preston to Northampton you need to make at least one change.
NX181 · NX7073:205h30Preston, Bus Station8:50Northampton, Town Centre£331One-way1 change
- NX181 · NX7073:205h30Preston, Bus Station8:50Northampton, Town Centre£331One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Preston to Northampton
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Preston to Northampton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £31 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 42m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £31, while a train costs an average of £93.
Distance: 209 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£31 Average Price Cheapest | £93 Average Price | £43 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 20m Average total duration 4h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 42m Average total duration Fastest 2h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 52m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Preston to Northampton is a coach with an average price of £31.
This is compared to other travel options from Preston to Northampton:
A coach is £62 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Preston to Northampton costing on average £93.
The fastest way to travel from Preston to Northampton is by train with an average journey time of 2h 12m.
Other travel options to Northampton take longer:
Coach takes on average 4h 50m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Preston and Northampton including taking a train and coach.
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 £31 compared to roughly £43 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £12. The journey takes 4h 50m versus 2h 52m 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 Northampton bus times
The table below shows live departures for Preston to Northampton 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2:20 Preston | 5h30 | 7:50 Northampton | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Preston to Northampton 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.
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05 Sept
05 Sept
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Why should you book Preston to Northampton coaches with Omio?
National Express operates all coaches services from Preston to Northampton.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Preston to Northampton.
Why book with Omio vs National Express?
- 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 train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Preston to Northampton.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Preston to Northampton.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Preston to Northampton
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Preston to Northampton run on average 2 times per day, taking around 4h 50m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £27 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 01:05, the last at 23:20. The fastest coach covers the 209 km distance in 5h 0m.
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 209 km |
Average bus duration 4h 50m |
Cheapest ticket price £27 |
Buses per day 2 |
Fastest bus 5h 0m |
First bus 1:05 |
Last bus 23:20 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sat |
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: National Express from Preston to NorthamptonYou can travel by bus between Preston to Northampton with National Express for as low as £27. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
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
7h 35m
Cheapest National Express Price
£35
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.
Complete guide to Northampton
Things to do in Northampton
Discover the best of Northampton — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Northampton trip today.
- Recommended
Northampton Battlefield Society Resource Centre
Independent museum at Delapré Abbey exploring the Battle of Northampton and local medieval history through immersive displays.
- Recommended
Abington Park Museum
Community museum preserving village and manor history in a traditional setting, offering a quieter local-history visit near Northampton.
- Must visit
Abington Park
Popular town park with a lake, museum, broad lawns and tree-lined paths, ideal for a relaxed walk close to the centre.
- Recommended
Racecourse Park
Major urban park with gardens, sports facilities and open green space, good for walking and seeing local daily life.
- Recommended
Market Square
Historic market square at the heart of Northampton, useful for shopping, events and soaking up the town-centre atmosphere.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Northamptonshire Cheese
A crumbly hard cheese made in Northamptonshire since the 18th century. Its rich, nutty flavour makes it one of the county’s best-known traditional foods.
Northamptonshire Sausage
A traditional British sausage strongly associated with Northamptonshire, usually made with seasoned pork and herbs and served with mash or in breakfasts.
Northamptonshire Pork Pie
A local style of pork pie linked to Northamptonshire’s boot and market town heritage, with hot-water crust pastry and seasoned pork filling.
Saffron
Well-known town centre restaurant focused on Turkish and Mediterranean cooking, with generous portions and a lively atmosphere.
Phipps NBC Western House
Historic riverside pub and brewery tap for Phipps NBC ales, with hearty British food and a relaxed traditional atmosphere.
Hibiscus at Delapré Abbey
Elegant restaurant in Delapré Abbey serving modern British dishes in a refined heritage setting suited to a longer meal.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for England: rooms and dining cost less than London, while buses and casual meals are manageable for most visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.80-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual if service is not included. Round up taxi fares. Tipping in cafés is optional, though spare change is appreciated.
Stagecoach Bus App
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £3.00
- Day pass
- £6.90
To the city centre
Northampton Town Centre -> Northampton Town Centre
- Distance
- 0 km
- Travel time
- 0 min
- Adult Buzz Card day tickets cost £6.90 and are valid on most Arriva, Stagecoach and Village Hopper services in Northampton. Buy from the driver.
- Stagecoach states you will never pay more than £3 for a single journey in Northamptonshire. One-day and 7-day tickets can be bought from the driver using cash, card or contactless payment.
FAQs: Preston to Northampton coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Preston to Northampton 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 Northampton, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Preston to Northampton can start from as little as £27 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Preston to Northampton is £31; 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 Northampton is 5h 0m to travel the 209 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 Northampton leaves at 1:05. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Preston to Northampton leaves at 23:20.
There are 2 coaches a day from Preston to Northampton which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Preston to Northampton, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Northampton. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Preston and Northampton and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A trip to Northampton from Preston is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 5h 0m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Preston to Northampton is May.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Preston and Northampton including taking a train and coach.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Preston to Northampton:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Preston to Northampton for coach company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Preston to Northampton 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company National Express.
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 Northampton.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Preston to Northampton:
- National Express
- Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from Preston to Northampton:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Preston to Northampton.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Preston to Northampton with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Preston to Northampton with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Preston to Northampton with the following coach company: National Express.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Preston and Northampton
Most Preston to Northampton buses use the Preston, Bus Station to Northampton, Town Centre station pair, with some services arriving at Northampton, Saxon Avenue / Wake Way (Grange Park). Use this guide to compare Preston and Northampton 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 Northampton
Which Preston station do buses to Northampton leave from?
Buses from Preston to Northampton 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.
Northampton, Town Centre
Northampton, Saxon Avenue / Wake Way (Grange Park)Northampton Grange Park, Saxon Ave, NN4 5BR
City-centre transport
Getting to Northampton, Saxon Avenue / Wake Way (Grange Park) from Northampton city centre
BusX6 · 24m · £2 · every ~5 min
X6, 11, 11A · 24m · £2 · every ~10 min
X6 · 47m · £5 · every ~5 min
More options for your journey from Preston to Northampton
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Northampton and Preston
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