How to get to Preston from Exeter

Sat 07 Nov
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Travel Information

Compare coach, train and flight for Exeter to Preston

Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Exeter to Preston among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £40 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 4h 47m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £40, while a flight costs an average of £414.

Distance: 343 km

Compare bus with

Most popular
Coach
Train
Flight
Driving

£40

Average Price

Cheapest

£139

Average Price

£414

Average Price

£69

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

9h 7m

Average total duration

8h 37m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 47m

Average total duration

Fastest

4h 17m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 7m

Average total duration

3h 7m

Onboard

+

2h 0m

Additional time*

4h 56m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

National Express

Most popular bus company

CrossCountry

Most popular train company

Loganair

Most popular airline

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Compare ways to travel from Exeter to Preston

Compare the available ways to get from Exeter to Preston, with the key details around price, speed, convenience, and direct service.

The cheapest way to travel from Exeter to Preston is a coach with an average price of £40.

This is compared to other travel options from Exeter to Preston:

A coach is £99 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Exeter to Preston costing on average £139.

A coach is £374 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Exeter to Preston costing on average £414.

The fastest way to travel from Exeter to Preston is by train with an average journey time of 4h 47m.

Other travel options to Preston take longer:

Flight takes on average 5h 7m.

Coach takes on average 9h 7m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Exeter and Preston 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 £40 compared to roughly £69 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £30. The journey takes 8h 37m versus 4h 56m 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.

Travel options
from Exeter to Preston

How to get to Preston from Exeter by train, bus, flight or ferry.

Our recommendation

bus

The best way to travel from Exeter to Preston is by taking a coach because it’s the best combination of price and speed.

  • National Express
    2 changes

Cheapest

  • National Express
    2 changes

Fastest

  • National Express
    2 changes

Other options

  • National Express
    2 changes

Find all the dates and times for this journey by train, bus, flight, and ferry .

Compare prices and tickets Prices for trains, coaches, flights and ferries

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.

Train
Coach
Flight

Best day trips from Preston by train

The most popular day trips by train from Preston are Manchester, Liverpool, Blackpool, Lancaster and Leeds. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your train from Preston on Omio.

A view of Manchester

Day trip from Preston to Manchester by train

Why visit Manchester for the day?

Manchester is known for its industrial heritage, influential music and deep football culture. Red-brick canalside areas, major museums and lively nightlife give it an energetic northern character.

A view of Liverpool

Day trip from Preston to Liverpool by train

Why visit Liverpool for the day?

Liverpool is known for The Beatles, football and a waterfront shaped by its maritime past. Its grand docks, museums and lively city centre give it a proud, creative character.

A view of Blackpool

Day trip from Preston to Blackpool by train

Why visit Blackpool for the day?

Blackpool is a classic Lancashire seaside resort known for its piers, ballroom heritage and the Blackpool Illuminations. The long promenade and Blackpool Tower give the town a lively, traditional holiday feel.

A view of Lancaster

Day trip from Preston to Lancaster by train

Why visit Lancaster for the day?

Lancaster is known for its castle, Georgian architecture and ties to the House of Lancaster. Its compact centre, River Lune setting and student energy give the city a historic yet easy-going feel.

A view of Leeds

Day trip from Preston to Leeds by train

Why visit Leeds for the day?

Leeds is a major West Yorkshire city known for Victorian arcades, shopping and a lively music scene. Its industrial heritage, regenerated waterfront and large student population give it an energetic but down-to-earth character.

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FAQs: Exeter to Preston

Travel to Preston easily. Whether you want fast, cheap or something entirely different, our travel experts have collected everything you need to know so you can find the best option from Exeter to Preston.

FAQs
There are 3 options to travel between Exeter and Preston including taking a coach, train and flight.
The cheapest way to travel from Exeter to Preston is a coach with an average price of £40.

This is compared to other travel options from Exeter to Preston:

A coach is £99 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Exeter to Preston costing on average £139.

A coach is £374 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Exeter to Preston costing on average £414.

The fastest way to travel from Exeter to Preston is by train with an average journey time of 4h 47m.

Other travel options to Preston take longer:

Flight takes on average 5h 7m.

Coach takes on average 9h 7m.

The Exeter to Preston distance is approximately 343 km.
The average frequency per day from Exeter to Preston is:
  • Around 13 trains per day.
  • Around 3 coaches per day.
  • Around 2 flights per day.

However, we recommend checking specific travel dates for your route between Exeter and Preston as scheduled services by coach, train and flight can vary by season or day of the week.

These are the most popular departure and arrival points from Exeter to Preston:
  • Flights mostly depart from Exeter International Airport and arrive in Manchester Airport.
  • Trains mostly depart from Exeter St Davids (EXD) and arrive in Preston station (PRE).
  • Coaches mostly depart from Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court and arrive in Preston, Bus Station.
If finding a good deal is your main consideration for your trip from Exeter to Preston, then we'll help you find the best value travel companies for you:
  • Travel with CrossCountry to go to Preston by train.
  • Travel with National Express, FlixBus to go to Preston by coach.
  • Travel with Loganair to go to Preston by flight.
Yes, there is a direct route available from Exeter to Preston:
  • 1 direct flights per day with Loganair.
Omio customers who travel from Exeter to Preston often also extend their vacation to go to London, Manchester Piccadilly (MAN), London Euston (EUS), Manchester, Manchester Oxford Road (MCO). Omio can help you plan your trip by finding the best connections between Preston and these popular destinations at a great price.
To get from Exeter to Preston, you can choose from several travel options including coach, train and flight.
To fully explore Preston's key attractions, such as the Harris Museum, Avenham and Miller Parks, and the Ribble Steam Railway, a stay of two to three days is recommended.

Travelling from Exeter to Preston: related information

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

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