Preston to Manchester bus with National Express

Mon, Nov 02
+ Add return
National Express
FlixBus
Alsa
Avanza
BlaBlaCar Bus
2,000+ travel companies
National Express
FlixBus
Alsa
Avanza
BlaBlaCar Bus
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Preston to Manchester

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Nov 02
Cheapest price on Nov 02
€7
Average ticket price on Nov 02
€10
Fastest journey on Nov 02
45 m
Average journey duration on Nov 02
1 h
Buses on Nov 02
3
Distance
45 km
Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Preston to Manchester will cost around €10 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €7.

Fast buses

On Mon, Nov 02, we found 3 buses from Preston to Manchester, including 3 direct services.

On Mon, Nov 02 the direct buses cover the 45 km distance in an average of 1 h but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 45 m .

On Mon, Nov 02 the slowest buses will take 1 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.

  • FlixBusFlixBus
    0 transfers
  • National ExpressNX424
    0 transfers
  • National ExpressNX181
    0 transfers

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Preston to Manchester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Preston to Manchester run on average 3 times per day, taking around 1h 1m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €7 but you can travel from only €3 by train.

There are 3 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:03, the last at 23:56. The fastest bus covers the 45 km distance in 45m.

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 €3
Distance
45 km
Average bus duration
1h 1m
Cheapest ticket price
€7
Buses per day
3
Direct buses
3
Fastest bus
45m
First bus
12:03 AM
Last bus
11:56 PM
Cheapest Month
Sep
Cheapest Day
Mon
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Wed
Least Busy Day
Fri
Best time to book
14 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 €3

Frequently asked questions about your Preston to Manchester trip

Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Preston to Manchester.

Cheap coach tickets from Preston to Manchester can start from as little as €7 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Preston to Manchester is €10; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The earliest coach from Preston to Manchester leaves at 12:03 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Preston to Manchester leaves at 11:56 PM.
Yes, there are 3 direct coaches a day from Preston to Manchester with National Express, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.

Live departures

Preston to Manchester bus times

The table below shows live departures for Preston to Manchester buses for today, Sunday, November 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
FlixBusFlixBus2:15 PM Preston, Bus Station
1h05
3:20 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange0 transfersDirect
National ExpressNX42410:35 PM Preston, Bus Station
1h10
11:45 PM Manchester, Coach Station0 transfersDirect
Monday, November 2
National ExpressNX1813:20 AM Preston, Bus Station
0h45
4:05 AM Manchester, Coach Station0 transfersDirect

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Preston to Manchester buses with Omio?

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

Why book with Omio vs National Express?

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

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?

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

Bus providers: National Express, FlixBus from Preston to ManchesterYou can travel by bus between Preston to Manchester with National Express, FlixBus for as low as €3. 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
1h 5m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
€7
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
45m
Cheapest National Express Price
€8
National Express frequency
2 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

Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Preston and Manchester

Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.

When taking a coach from Preston to Manchester, you can count on National Express, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Manchester. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Preston and Manchester and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Preston to Manchester:
  • 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 Manchester for coach company National Express, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Preston to Manchester 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.
  • 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 {providersWithBike}.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the coach from Preston to Manchester.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Preston to Manchester:
  • 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 Manchester:
  • 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 Manchester. 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 Manchester with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Preston to Manchester with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Preston to Manchester with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.

FAQs: Bus from Preston to Manchester

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

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

popular bus stations

Popular bus stations from Preston to Manchester

Most Preston to Manchester buses use the Preston, Bus Station to Manchester, Coach Station station pair, with some services arriving at Manchester, Airport. Use this guide to compare Preston and Manchester 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 Manchester

Which Preston station do buses to Manchester leave from?

Buses from Preston to Manchester 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.

Bus stations for Preston to Manchester

Check bus stations information for Preston and Manchester, including where buses depart and arrive on this route.

When departing from Preston , you have various coach station options to start your trip from including Preston, Bus Station . When arriving in Manchester , you can end your trip in coach stations like Manchester, Coach Station, Manchester, Airport, Manchester, Shudehill Interchange .Passengers board the coach most frequently from Preston, Bus Station, which is located around 2 km away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Manchester, Coach Station, located 0 away from the city centre.

More options for your journey from Preston to Manchester

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

Return journeys for buses from Manchester to Preston
Trains from Preston to Manchester
Tickets and more information for coaches to Preston
Tickets and more information for coaches to Manchester
HomeBusesBuses in United KingdomBus tickets to ManchesterPreston to Manchester bus

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