Preston to Edinburgh bus with FlixBus

Sat, Mar 21
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National Express
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Preston to Edinburgh

Showing times and prices for Mar 21

Cheapest price

€25

Average price

€29

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 €29 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €25.

Fast buses

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

FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
05:15PM6h31
Preston, Bus Station
11:46PMEdinburgh, Princes Street West (Stop PF)
251One-way
1 transfer
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
05:15PM6h26
Preston, Bus Station
11:41PMEdinburgh, Haymarket Station (Stop HB)
251One-way
1 transfer
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
05:15PM6h18
Preston, Bus Station
11:33PMEdinburgh, Drum Brae South
261One-way
1 transfer
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
05:15PM6h38
Preston, Bus Station
11:53PMEdinburgh, Bus Station
261One-way
1 transfer
National ExpressNX181 · NX591
02:25AM8h00
Preston, Bus Station
10:25AMEdinburgh, Bus Station
441One-way
1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, 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 €12. 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 €12, and a flight costs an average of €110.

Distance: 245 km

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Train
Flight

€24

Average price

Cheapest

€49

Average price

€140

Average price

5h 17m

Average total duration

4h 47m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 47m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 17m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

8h 14m

Average total duration

5h 14m

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, Friday, March 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at 12:19 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus5:15 PM Preston, Bus Station
6h31
11:46 PM Edinburgh, Princes Street West (Stop PF)1 transfer
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus5:15 PM Preston, Bus Station
6h18
11:33 PM Edinburgh, Drum Brae South1 transfer
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus5:15 PM Preston, Bus Station
6h26
11:41 PM Edinburgh, Haymarket Station (Stop HB)1 transfer
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus5:15 PM Preston, Bus Station
6h38
11:53 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station1 transfer
Saturday, March 21
national_expressNX181 · NX5912:25 AM Preston, Bus Station
8h00
10:25 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station1 transfer

Find all the dates and times for this journey

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

Compare train, bus, 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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Why should you book Preston to Edinburgh buses with Omio?

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

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 National Express or Megabus to find the best option for your trip from Preston to Edinburgh.
  • 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, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Preston to Edinburgh.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of National Express or Megabus to find the best option for your trip from Preston to Edinburgh.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Preston to Edinburgh.

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 47m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €12 if you book in advance.

The earliest bus runs at 01:25, the last at 22:30. The fastest bus covers the 245 km distance in 6h 18m.

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 47m
Cheapest ticket price
€12
Buses per day
4
Fastest bus
6h 18m
First bus
01:25
Last bus
22:30
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: FlixBus, National Express, Megabus from Preston to EdinburghYou can travel by bus between Preston to Edinburgh with FlixBus, National Express, Megabus for as low as €12. 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 18m
Cheapest Price
€12
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.

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
€35
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.

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 €12 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Preston to Edinburgh is €24; 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 Edinburgh is 6h 18m to travel the 245 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 Edinburgh leaves at 1:25 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Preston to Edinburgh leaves at 10:30 PM.
There are 4 coaches a day from Preston to Edinburgh which require at least one change with FlixBus, National Express, Megabus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Preston to Edinburgh, you can count on FlixBus, National Express, Megabus for the best way to get you to Edinburgh. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Preston and Edinburgh and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A trip to Edinburgh from Preston is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 6h 18m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Preston to Edinburgh is September.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Preston and Edinburgh including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Preston to Edinburgh:
  • 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 Edinburgh for coach company FlixBus, National Express, Megabus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Preston to Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Preston to Edinburgh:
  • 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 Edinburgh:
  • 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 Edinburgh. 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 Edinburgh with the following coach company: FlixBus, National Express, Megabus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Preston to Edinburgh with the following coach company: FlixBus, National Express, Megabus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Preston to Edinburgh with the following coach company: FlixBus, National Express, Megabus.

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

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HomeBusesBus tickets to EdinburghPreston to Edinburgh bus

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