Preston to Birmingham bus with FlixBus

Fri, Sep 18
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FlixBus
Megabus
National Express
Alsa
Avanza
2,000+ travel companies
FlixBus
Megabus
National Express
Alsa
Avanza
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Preston to Birmingham

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 18

Cheapest price on Sep 18

€19

Average ticket price on Sep 18

€26

Fastest journey on Sep 18

3 h 5 m

Average journey duration on Sep 18

3 h 30 m

Buses on Sep 18

5

Distance

153 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Preston to Birmingham is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Preston to Birmingham will cost around €26 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €19.

Fast buses

On Fri, Sep 18, we found 5 buses from Preston to Birmingham, including 5 direct services.

On Fri, Sep 18 the direct buses cover the 153 km distance in an average of 3 h 30 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 5 m .

On Fri, Sep 18 the slowest buses will take 4 h 10 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.

  • National Express
    3:20 AM3h05
    Preston
    6:25 AMBirmingham
    €191One-way
    0 transfers
  • FlixBus
    2:15 PM3h35
    Preston
    5:50 PMBirmingham
    €221One-way
    0 transfers
  • National Express
    2:20 AM3h05
    Preston
    5:25 AMBirmingham
    €261One-way
    0 transfers
  • FlixBus
    1:15 PM3h35
    Preston
    4:50 PMBirmingham
    €281One-way
    0 transfers
  • National Express
    10:35 PM4h10
    Preston
    2:45 AMBirmingham
    €351One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Preston to Birmingham

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Preston to Birmingham among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €19 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 36m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €19, while a train costs an average of €20.

Distance: 153 km

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Train
Driving

€19

Average price

Cheapest

€20

Average price

€41

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

4h 8m

Average total duration

3h 38m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 36m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 6m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 8m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.2 - 0.4kg

CO2 emissions

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

-

CO2 emissions

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Avanti West Coast

Most popular train company

Your own car or car rental

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 Birmingham is a bus with an average price of €19.

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

A bus is €0.53 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Preston to Birmingham costing on average €20.

The fastest way to travel from Preston to Birmingham is by train with an average journey time of 2h 6m.

Other travel options to Birmingham take longer:

Bus takes on average 3h 38m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Preston and Birmingham including taking a train and bus.

Live departures

Preston to Birmingham bus times

The table below shows live departures for Preston to Birmingham buses for today, Thursday, September 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
National Express2:20 AM Preston
3h05
5:25 AM Birmingham0 transfersDirect
National Express3:20 AM Preston
3h05
6:25 AM Birmingham0 transfersDirect
FlixBus1:15 PM Preston
3h35
4:50 PM Birmingham0 transfersDirect
FlixBus2:15 PM Preston
3h35
5:50 PM Birmingham0 transfersDirect

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Preston to Birmingham by train or bus

Compare train and bus 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.

Fri
Sep 18
Sat
Sep 19
Sun
Sep 20
Mon
Sep 21
Tue
Sep 22
Wed
Sep 23
Thu
Sep 24

Why should you book Preston to Birmingham buses with Omio?

FlixBus as well as Megabus or National Express offer buses services from Preston to Birmingham.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Preston to Birmingham.

Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for FlixBus, but also compare tickets for the likes of Megabus or National Express to find the best option for your trip from Preston to Birmingham.
  • 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 FlixBus with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Preston to Birmingham.

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 National Express to find the best option for your trip from Preston to Birmingham.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Preston to Birmingham.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Preston to Birmingham

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Preston to Birmingham run on average 4 times per day, taking around 3h 38m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €17 but you can travel from only €15 by train.

There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 02:00, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 153 km distance in 3h 35m.

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 €15
Distance
153 km
Average bus duration
3h 38m
Cheapest ticket price
€17
Buses per day
4
Direct buses
2
Fastest bus
3h 35m
First bus
2:00 AM
Last bus
11:55 PM
Cheapest Month
Nov
Cheapest Day
Thu
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Wed
Least Busy Day
Sun
Best time to book
1 day
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 €15

Bus providers: FlixBus, Megabus, National Express from Preston to BirminghamYou can travel by bus between Preston to Birmingham with FlixBus, Megabus, National Express for as low as €15. 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
3h 35m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
€17
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.
Learn more about FlixBus

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
4h 10m
Cheapest National Express Price
€17
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.
Learn more about National Express

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
3h 25m
Cheapest Megabus Price
€18
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.

FAQs: Bus from Preston to Birmingham

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Preston to Birmingham by bus. 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 bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Birmingham, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap coach tickets from Preston to Birmingham can start from as little as €17 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Preston to Birmingham is €19; 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 Birmingham is 3h 35m to travel the 153 km long trip. 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 Birmingham leaves at 2:00 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Preston to Birmingham leaves at 11:55 PM.
Yes, there are 2 direct coaches a day from Preston to Birmingham with FlixBus, Megabus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from Preston to Birmingham, you can count on FlixBus, Megabus, National Express for the best way to get you to Birmingham. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Preston and Birmingham and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
When departing from Preston , you have various coach station options to start your trip from including Preston, Bus Station, Lancaster, University, Blackpool, Central Coach Station . When arriving in Birmingham , you can end your trip in coach stations like Birmingham, Coach Station, Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway .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 Birmingham, Coach Station, located 1 away from the city centre.
A trip to Birmingham from Preston is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3h 35m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Preston to Birmingham is November.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Preston and Birmingham including taking a train and bus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Preston to Birmingham:
  • 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 Birmingham for coach company FlixBus, Megabus, National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Preston to Birmingham 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 FlixBus, 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 Birmingham.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Preston to Birmingham:
  • 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 Birmingham:
  • 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 Birmingham. 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 Birmingham with the following coach company: FlixBus, Megabus, National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Preston to Birmingham with the following coach company: FlixBus, Megabus, National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Preston to Birmingham with the following coach company: FlixBus, Megabus, National Express.

popular bus stations

Popular bus stations from Preston to Birmingham

Most Preston to Birmingham buses use the Preston, Bus Station to Birmingham, Coach Station station pair, with some services arriving at Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway. Use this guide to compare Preston and Birmingham 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 Birmingham

Which Preston station do buses to Birmingham leave from?

Buses from Preston to Birmingham 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, UKWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
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 · €9 · 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.

More options for your journey from Preston to Birmingham

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

Tickets and more information for coaches to Preston
Tickets and more information for coaches to Birmingham
HomeBusesBuses in United KingdomBus tickets to BirminghamPreston to Birmingham bus

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