- Must visit
The Harris
Major city museum and library in a landmark building, known for art, history and regular exhibitions in the Harris Quarter.
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Travel Information
Compare train for Reading to Preston
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Reading to Preston among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £224 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 39m. 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 train costs an average of £224, while a train costs an average of £224.
Distance: 283 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
£224 Average Price Cheapest | £54 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 39m Average total duration Fastest 3h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 8m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
 Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Reading to Preston is a train with an average price of £224.
The fastest way to travel from Reading to Preston is by train with an average journey time of 3h 9m.
Other travel options to Preston take longer:
Coach takes on average 8h 59m.
Yes, you can take a train between Reading and Preston.
Live departures
Reading to Preston bus times
The table below shows live departures for Reading to Preston coaches for today, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 16:20 Reading | 10h05 | 2:25 Preston | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Reading to Preston by train
Compare 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.
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Why should you book Reading to Preston coaches with Omio?
National Express operates all coaches services from Reading to Preston.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Reading to Preston.
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.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Reading to Preston
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Take a bus from Reading to Preston and enjoy the approximately 283 km long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest coach runs at 03:15, the last at 22:35.
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 £175
Distance 283 km |
Average bus duration 8h 59m |
Buses per day 5 |
First bus 3:15 |
Last bus 22:35 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 3 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from £175
Bus providers: National Express from Reading to PrestonYou can travel by bus between Reading to Preston with National Express for as low as £175. 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
10h 5m
Cheapest National Express Price
£61
National Express frequency
4 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.
Complete guide to Preston
Things to do in Preston
Discover the best of Preston — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Preston trip today.
- Recommended
The Egypt Centre
Museum on the University of Central Lancashire campus with Egyptology, archaeology and world cultures collections in a compact gallery.
- Recommended
Ribble Steam Railway and Museum
Volunteer-run transport museum at Ribble Steam Railway, featuring Preston’s industrial and rail heritage with locomotives and exhibits.
- Must visit
Avenham Park
Historic city park with terraces, paths and river views. A favourite for walks, photography and access to nearby Miller Park.
- Recommended
Miller Park
Landscaped Victorian park beside the River Ribble, appreciated for open lawns, flower displays and peaceful links to city-centre walks.
- Recommended
Preston Docklands
Regenerated docklands area with marina views, public art and waterside paths, popular for an easy modern contrast to the historic centre.
- Vegetarian
Butter Pie
A buttery shortcrust pie filled with potatoes and onions. It is Preston and Lancashire’s best-known savoury bake, tied to local mill and farming traditions.
- Vegetarian
Simnel Cake
A rich fruit cake packed with currants and topped with almond paste. It is a classic Lancashire celebration cake still eaten across Preston.
- Gluten-free
Lancashire Cheese
A crumbly, mild white cheese from Lancashire often made in creamy, tasty and crumbly layers. It reflects the county’s long dairy heritage.
263 Restaurant
Stylish modern restaurant serving British and European plates with cocktails. Good for a polished dinner in central Preston.
Angelo's
Established local spot for Neapolitan-style pizza and Italian comfort food in a friendly, informal setting.
The Continental
Traditional city-centre pub known for cask ales and hearty British dishes in a historic, relaxed setting.
Pound sterling (£)
Preston is moderate by UK standards, with cheaper stays and dining than Manchester or London, while local buses, rail and casual meals remain 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
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual if service is not included. Round up taxi fares. Cafes do not expect tips, but small change is appreciated.
Preston Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.50
- Day pass
- £4.20
To the city centre
Preston Bus Station -> Preston Railway Station
- Distance
- 0.8 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Contactless Tap & Go works on Preston Bus services; daily charging is capped at the day ticket price when all taps are recorded. ([lancashire.gov.uk](https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/roads-parking-and-travel/public-transport/paying-for-your-journey/tap-and-go/?utm_source=openai))
- Fares in Preston vary by operator, so use the operator's own fare page before travelling. Preston Bus publishes its current tickets and fares online. ([lancashire.gov.uk](https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/roads-parking-and-travel/public-transport/paying-for-your-journey/daily-and-weekly-tickets/?utm_source=openai))
FAQs: Reading to Preston coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reading to Preston 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 Preston, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The earliest coach from Reading to Preston leaves at 3:15. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Reading to Preston leaves at 22:35.
There are 5 coaches a day from Reading to Preston which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Reading to Preston, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Preston. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Reading and Preston and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
When departing from Reading , you have various coach station options to start your route from including Reading, Blagrave Street, Three Mile Cross, Mereoak Lane - Park & Ride . When arriving in Preston , you can end your route in coach stations like Preston, Bus Station.Passengers board the coach most frequently from Reading, Blagrave Street, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Preston, Bus Station, located 1 away from the city centre.
The cheapest month for a coach from Reading to Preston is August.
Yes, you can take a train between Reading and Preston.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Reading to Preston:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Reading to Preston for coach company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Reading to Preston 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 Reading to Preston.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Reading to Preston:
- 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 Reading to Preston:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Reading to Preston.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Reading to Preston with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Reading to Preston with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Reading to Preston with the following coach company: National Express.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Reading and Preston
Most Reading to Preston buses use the Reading, Blagrave Street to Preston, Bus Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Reading and Preston bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Reading
Arrival bus stations in Preston
Which Reading station do buses to Preston leave from?
Buses from Reading to Preston leave from Reading, Blagrave Street. The station is from Reading city centre at Reading RG1 1PZ, UK.
Reading, Blagrave StreetReading RG1 1PZ, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Reading, Blagrave Street from Reading city centre
Bus19a, 19c · 1h 21m · £2
Reading, Blagrave Street bus station facilities and services
Reading, Blagrave Street has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Reading, Blagrave Street: The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible.
Which Preston station do buses from Reading arrive at?
Buses from Reading to Preston arrive at Preston, Bus Station. Preston, Bus Station is 2 km from Preston city centre.
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.
Most popular bus connections from Reading
More options for your journey from Reading to Preston
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Preston and Reading
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