Preston to Edinburgh bus with National Express

Sun, Dec 21
+ Add return
National Express
FlixBus
Megabus
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Preston to Edinburgh

Showing times and prices for Dec 21

Cheapest price

€32

Average price

€38

Fastest journey

6 h 18 m

Average duration

6 h 47 m

Buses per day

5

Distance

245 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Preston to Edinburgh will cost around €38 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €32.

Fast buses

It's difficult to get from Preston to Edinburgh without transferring at least once.

FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
05:15PM6h18
Preston, Bus Station
11:33PMEdinburgh, Drum Brae South
€321One-way
1 transfer
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
05:15PM6h31
Preston, Bus Station
11:46PMEdinburgh
€351One-way
1 transfer
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
05:15PM6h26
Preston, Bus Station
11:41PMEdinburgh, Haymarket Station (Stop HB)
€351One-way
1 transfer
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
05:15PM6h38
Preston, Bus Station
11:53PMEdinburgh, Bus Station
€361One-way
1 transfer
National ExpressNX181 · NX591
02:25AM8h00
Preston, Bus Station
10:25AMEdinburgh, Bus Station
€501One-way
1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare bus, train, and flight for Preston to Edinburgh

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Preston to Edinburgh among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €15. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 17m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €15, and a flight costs an average of €83.

Distance: 245 km

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Train
Flight

€27

Average price

Cheapest

€51

Average price

€192

Average price

5h 23m

Average total duration

4h 53m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 47m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 17m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

8h 34m

Average total duration

5h 34m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.2 - 0.6kg

CO2 emissions

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.7 - 1.5kg

CO2 emissions

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Preston to Edinburgh bus times

The table below shows live departures for Preston to Edinburgh buses for today, Saturday, December 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at 4:06 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
meinfernbus_flixbus3:35 PM Preston
6h15
9:50 PM Edinburgh0 transfersDirect
meinfernbus_flixbus4:15 PM Preston
6h18
10:33 PM Edinburgh0 transfersDirect
Sunday, December 21
national_expressNX181 · NX5912:25 AM Preston, Bus Station
8h00
10:25 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station1 transfer

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Preston to Edinburgh by bus, train, or flight

Compare bus, 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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Journey information

Overview: Bus from Preston to Edinburgh

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Preston to Edinburgh run on average 4 times per day, taking around 4h 53m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €15 if you book in advance.

The earliest bus runs at 01:25, the last at 22:17. The fastest bus covers the 245 km distance in 4h 38m.

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
245 km
Average bus duration
4h 53m
Cheapest ticket price
€15
Buses per day
4
Fastest bus
4h 38m
First bus
01:25
Last bus
22:17
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, FlixBus, Megabus from Preston to EdinburghYou can travel by bus between Preston to Edinburgh with National Express, FlixBus, Megabus 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 Duration
6h 15m
Cheapest Price
€15
FlixBus frequency
3 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 Duration
8h 0m
Cheapest Price
€46
National Express frequency
1 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.
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 Duration
4h 55m
Megabus frequency
2 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 Edinburgh

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Preston to Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap coach tickets from Preston to Edinburgh can start from as little as €14 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Preston to Edinburgh is €25; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
On average the Preston to Edinburgh coach time is 4 h 15 min   covering the 244 km long journey, but the journey time can vary depending on specific dates or if traveling on weekends and holidays.
The first coach from Preston to Edinburgh leaves at 02: 25. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last coach from Preston to Edinburgh leaves at 16: 35.
Yes, it is possible to travel from Preston to Edinburgh without having to change trains with FlixBus. There is 1 direct coach from Preston to Edinburgh each day. There may be fewer direct services available on weekends or holidays.
For the best Preston to Edinburgh coach to buy, you can travel safely and comfortably with National Express, FlixBus or Megabus. However, it's always good to check all possible coach companies with services from Preston to Edinburgh to compare what amenities they may offer.

Passengers board the coach most frequently from Preston, Bus Station, which is located around 1.2 miles (1.9 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Edinburgh, Bus Station, located 0.4 miles (687 m) away from the city centre.

A trip to Edinburgh from Preston is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 4 h 15 min each way. Check with Omio app   the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Preston to Edinburgh is September.
You have options as you can travel to Edinburgh from Preston 3 different ways: train, coach or flight.
No, the coach from Preston to Edinburgh has no accessibility options.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the coach from Preston to Edinburgh.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the coach from Preston to Edinburgh.

To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Preston to Edinburgh, follow these tips:

  • Book in advance: Tickets are often cheaper when booked early.
  • Be flexible with dates and times: Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money.
  • Use our search filters: Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options.
  • Look for special deals or discounts: Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.

    • Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!

    Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the coach from Preston to Edinburgh.
    No, luggage for the coach from Preston to Edinburgh needs to be booked in addition.
    No, there are no additional luggage options for the coach from Preston to Edinburgh.
    Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Preston to Edinburgh.
    No, there are no USB plugs on board the coach from Preston to Edinburgh.
    No, there is no WiFi on board the coach from Preston to Edinburgh.

    popular bus stations

    Popular bus stations from Preston to Edinburgh

    Preston
    Edinburgh
    The major bus station for departures in Preston is Preston, Bus Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Preston, Bus Station for your trip from Preston to Edinburgh.
    Preston, Bus Station
    information

    More options for your journey from Preston to Edinburgh

    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 Edinburgh
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