- Must visit
SeaCity Museum
Maritime museum telling the story of the Titanic, the docks and ocean travel. One of Southampton’s key visitor attractions.
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Preston to Southampton
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£34
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£54
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
9 h 20 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
10 h 37 m
Buses on 18 Sept
3
Distance
331 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Preston to Southampton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Preston to Southampton will cost around £54 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £34.
Fast coaches
On Fri 18 Sept, we found 3 buses from Preston to Southampton, including 3 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 331 km distance in an average of 10 h 37 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 9 h 20 m .
The slowest buses will take 11 h 15 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.
2:209h20Preston11:40Southampton£341One-way0 changes- 22:3511h15Preston9:50Southampton£641One-way0 changes
- 21:3511h15Preston8:50Southampton£641One-way0 changes
- 2:209h20Preston11:40Southampton£341One-way0 changes
- 22:3511h15Preston9:50Southampton£641One-way0 changes
- 21:3511h15Preston8:50Southampton£641One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach, train and flight for Preston to Southampton
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Preston to Southampton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £37 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 2h 50m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.3kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £37, while a flight costs an average of £124.
Distance: 331 km
Compare bus with
Most popular Coach | Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£37 Average Price Cheapest | £52 Average Price | £124 Average Price | £76 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 6m Average total duration 7h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 6m Average total duration 4h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 50m Average total duration Fastest 50m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 4h 42m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | 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 Southampton is a coach with an average price of £37.
This is compared to other travel options from Preston to Southampton:
A coach is £15 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Preston to Southampton costing on average £52.
A coach is £87 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Preston to Southampton costing on average £124.
The fastest way to travel from Preston to Southampton is by flight with an average journey time of 50m.
Other travel options to Southampton take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 36m.
Coach takes on average 7h 36m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Preston and Southampton including taking a coach, train and flight.
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 £37 compared to roughly £76 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £40. The journey takes 7h 36m versus 4h 42m 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.
Direct services are operated by Megabus.
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 Southampton bus times
The table below shows live departures for Preston to Southampton coaches for tomorrow, Friday 18 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 | 9h20 | 11:40 Southampton | 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 Southampton by coach, train or flight
Compare coach, train and flight 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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Why should you book Preston to Southampton coaches with Omio?
National Express as well as Megabus or FlixBus offer coaches services from Preston to Southampton.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Preston to Southampton.
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 Megabus or FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Preston to Southampton.
- 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, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Preston to Southampton.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Megabus or FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Preston to Southampton.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Preston to Southampton.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Preston to Southampton
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Preston to Southampton run on average 3 times per day, taking around 7h 36m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £26 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 02:15, the last at 22:35. The fastest coach covers the 331 km distance in 9h 20m.
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 331 km |
Average bus duration 7h 36m |
Cheapest ticket price £26 |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 9h 20m |
First bus 2:15 |
Last bus 22:35 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 77 days |
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, Megabus, FlixBus from Preston to SouthamptonYou can travel by bus between Preston to Southampton with National Express, Megabus, FlixBus for as low as £26. 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
19h 20m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
£58
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 National Express Duration
9h 20m
Cheapest National Express Price
£26
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 Megabus Duration
6h 40m
Cheapest Megabus Price
£32
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.
Complete guide to Southampton
Things to do in Southampton
Discover the best of Southampton — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Southampton trip today.
- Recommended
Tudor House and Garden
Historic house museum with period rooms and displays on local history. A rewarding visit in the heart of the old town.
- Recommended
Southampton City Art Gallery
Gallery in the Civic Centre showing art from several periods, including modern British works. Good for a cultural stop in the city centre.
- Must visit
Old Town
Historic quarter of lanes, walls and vaults near the waterfront. Best for wandering between medieval sites, museums and old pubs.
- Recommended
Southampton Common
Large central park popular for walks, events and green space between the civic buildings. A practical and pleasant break from shopping streets.
- Recommended
Ocean Village
Waterside promenade with marina views, cafés nearby and links to old town walks. Visit for harbour scenery and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Gluten-free
Hampshire Hoggers
A hearty Hampshire stew of beef, onions and root vegetables, slowly cooked. It is a traditional county comfort dish linked to local farmhouse cooking.
- Gluten-free
South Coast Crab
Fresh crab from the nearby Solent and south coast, often served simply dressed. It is prized locally for sweet flavour and strong coastal identity.
Plaice
A classic south coast catch, grilled or fried and served in local pubs and seafood spots. It reflects Southampton’s long maritime food culture.
The Oxford Brasserie
Lively Oxford Street seafood restaurant serving fish, shellfish and British classics in an established, bustling setting.
Bacaro
Well-known Italian restaurant in Ocean Village with pizzas, pasta and marina views in a relaxed modern setting.
The Jetty
Contemporary fine dining in a polished setting, known for seasonal British tasting menus and carefully presented plates.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for UK city breaks. Hotels and dining cost less than London, while buses and casual meals are fairly manageable for most tourists.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a basic meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Restaurants may add a 10-12.5% service charge; if not, tip around 10% for good service. Taxi fares are often rounded up. Tipping in cafés is optional.
FAQs: Preston to Southampton coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Preston to Southampton 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 Southampton, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Preston to Southampton can start from as little as £26 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Preston to Southampton is £37; 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 Southampton is 9h 20m to travel the 331 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 Southampton leaves at 2:15. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Preston to Southampton leaves at 22:35.
There are 3 coaches a day from Preston to Southampton which require at least one change with National Express, Megabus, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Preston to Southampton, you can count on National Express, Megabus, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Southampton. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Preston and Southampton and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
Passengers board the coach most frequently from Preston, Bus Station, which is located around 1 km away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Southampton, Coach Station, located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Southampton from Preston is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 9h 20m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Preston to Southampton is June.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Preston and Southampton including taking a coach, train and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Preston to Southampton:
- 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 Southampton for coach company National Express, Megabus, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Preston to Southampton 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 Southampton.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Preston to Southampton:
- 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 Southampton:
- 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 Southampton. 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 Southampton with the following coach company: National Express, Megabus, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Preston to Southampton with the following coach company: National Express, Megabus, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Preston to Southampton with the following coach company: National Express, Megabus, FlixBus.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Preston and Southampton
Most Preston to Southampton buses use the Preston, Bus Station to Southampton, Coach Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Preston and Southampton 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 Southampton
Which Preston station do buses to Southampton leave from?
Buses from Preston to Southampton 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.
Which Southampton station do buses from Preston arrive at?
Buses from Preston to Southampton arrive at Southampton, Coach Station. Southampton, Coach Station is from Southampton city centre.
Southampton, Coach StationHarbour Parade, Southampton SO15 1BA, United Kingdom
City-centre transport
Getting to Southampton, Coach Station from Southampton city centre
BusX4, X5 · 5m · £2 · every ~20 min
Southampton, Coach Station bus station facilities and services
Southampton, Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Café Express (in the station), Sandwich Bar (in the station).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance for cash withdrawals.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Southampton, Coach Station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Southampton, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Southampton, Coach Station: Elevators, ramps.
More options for your journey from Preston to Southampton
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Southampton and Preston
Most popular bus connections
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