- Must visit
The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction
Popular family museum bringing Beatrix Potter’s stories to life through recreated scenes, displays, and themed exhibits in Bowness.
Cheapest price
£26
Average price
£26
Fastest journey
1 h 46 m
Average duration
1 h 46 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
69 km
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Preston to Windermere is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Preston to Windermere will cost around £26 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £26.
Of the 1 buses that leave Preston for Windermere 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 69 km distance in an average of 1 h 46 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 h 46 m .
The slowest buses will take 1 h 46 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.


Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Preston to Windermere among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from £5. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 55m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £5, and a coach costs an average of £15.
Distance: 69 km
| Coach | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
£21 Average Price | £11 Average Price Cheapest |
2h 40m Average total duration 2h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 25m Average total duration Fastest 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
The table below shows live departures for Preston to Windermere coaches for today, Monday 3 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:55 Preston | 1h47 | 10:42 Windermere | 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 Windermere run on average 4 times per day, taking around 2h 10m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £15 but you can travel from only £5 by train.
The earliest coach runs at 06:19, the last at 22:25. The fastest coach covers the 69 km distance in 1h 46m.
Distance 69 km |
Average bus duration 2h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price £15 |
Buses per day 4 |
Fastest bus 1h 46m |
First bus 6:19 |
Last bus 22:25 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 7 days |
Discover the best of Windermere — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Windermere trip today.
Popular family museum bringing Beatrix Potter’s stories to life through recreated scenes, displays, and themed exhibits in Bowness.
Working Arts and Crafts house museum with original interiors, decorative details, and insight into the life of writer Harriet Martineau.
Independent gallery showing contemporary and traditional artworks, with changing exhibitions and a central Bowness location.
Lakeside village area with boat piers, shops, and easy access to cruises, promenades, and classic views across Windermere.
Broad wooded viewpoint above Windermere, reached by foot or shuttle, known for panoramic lake and fell views.
Formal lakeside gardens with lawns, flowerbeds, picnic space, and direct access to the shore near Bowness.
A famous Cumbrian sausage with protected status, made from local pork and herbs. It is a classic Lake District breakfast and pub staple.
A dark, rich fruit cake from Cumbria made with currants, spice and often tea. It is a traditional accompaniment to local cheese.
A sweet peppermint glucose bar from nearby Kendal, long linked with walkers and climbers for quick energy in the Lakes.
Well-regarded local venue for coffee, brunch and homemade cakes, with a friendly atmosphere and reliable daytime food.
Long-established Lake District restaurant with contemporary British dishes and a refined country-house atmosphere.
Popular casual restaurant serving tapas-style small plates and pizzas in a lively modern setting near the station.
Moderate for the Lake District. Hotels and dining cost more in peak season, but cafés, pubs and local buses keep daily visitor costs manageable.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual for good service if not already added. Round up taxi fares. Café tipping is not expected, but small change is appreciated.
A regular, direct bus from Preston to Windermere makes it easy to get to the town and the famous lake. The service is managed by National Express, and it runs once a day departing from Carlisle Street in Preston, and ending at Windermere Railway Station. From the train station it’s just a short stroll to the High Street in town and roughly a 30-minute walk to the Lake Windermere. The bus leaves Preston approximately 4:30 p.m. every day, slightly later on Fridays, and the journey takes just under 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Preston to Windermere 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 Windermere, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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