Preston to Manchester bus with Megabus

Fri, Dec 19
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Megabus
National Express
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Preston to Manchester

Showing times and prices for Dec 21

Cheapest price

€11

Average price

€13

Fastest journey

45 m

Average duration

1 h

Buses per day

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 €13 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €11.

Fast buses

Of the 3 buses that leave Preston for Manchester on Sun, Dec 21, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Sun, Dec 21 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 Sun, Dec 21 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.

National ExpressNX424
10:35PM1h10
Preston, Bus Station
11:45PMManchester, Coach Station
€111One-way
0 transfers
National ExpressNX181
03:15AM0h45
Preston, Bus Station
04:00AMManchester, Coach Station
€111One-way
0 transfers
FlixBusFlixBus
02:15PM1h05
Preston, Bus Station
03:20PMManchester, Shudehill Interchange
€161One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Preston to Manchester

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Preston to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from €2. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 41m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.0kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €2, and a bus costs an average of €6.

Distance: 45 km

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Train

€10

Average price

€9

Average price

Cheapest

1h 48m

Average total duration

1h 18m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 11m

Average total duration

Fastest

41m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

0.0 - 0.0kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest
Megabus

Most popular bus company

Northern Rail (3)

Most popular train company

Direct Options

Direct Options

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

Live departures

Preston to Manchester bus times

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

Last updated at 5:25 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
meinfernbus_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
Sunday, December 21
national_expressNX1813:15 AM Preston, Bus Station
0h45
4:00 AM Manchester, Coach Station0 transfersDirect

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Preston to Manchester 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.

Sun
Dec 21
Mon
Dec 22
Tue
Dec 23
Wed
Dec 24
Thu
Dec 25
Fri
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Jan 03

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 18m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €6 but you can travel from only €2 by train.

There are 3 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:03, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 45 km distance in 1h 5m.

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 €2
Distance
45 km
Average bus duration
1h 18m
Cheapest ticket price
€6
Buses per day
3
Direct buses
3
Fastest bus
1h 5m
First bus
00:03
Last bus
23:55
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 €2

Bus providers: Megabus, National Express, FlixBus from Preston to ManchesterYou can travel by bus between Preston to Manchester with Megabus, National Express, FlixBus for as low as €2. 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
1h 5m
Cheapest Price
€6
FlixBus frequency
2 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
1h 10m
Cheapest Price
€11
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

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
1h 0m
Cheapest Price
€13
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 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
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.
On average the Preston to Manchester coach travel time is 45 min   for the 44 km long route, but the duration can vary if you travel on weekends and holidays.
The first coach from Preston to Manchester leaves at 00: 03. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last coach from Preston to Manchester leaves at 22: 55.
Yes, there are 4 direct coaches a day from Preston to Manchester with Megabus or FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
Take the Preston to Manchester coach with Megabus, National Express or FlixBus. However, it's always good to check out all possible coach companies for the route to Manchester from Preston as there might be differences in the amenities they 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 Manchester, Coach Station, located 0.9 miles (1.5 km) away from the city centre.

A day trip to Manchester from Preston is worth doing with a journey time of 45 min each way. Check with Omio app   the best way to travel.
The cheapest month to travel from Preston to Manchester by coach is February.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel from Preston to Manchester including taking a coach or train.
No, the coach from Preston to Manchester has no accessibility options.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the coach from Preston to Manchester.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the coach from Preston to Manchester.

To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Preston to Manchester, 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 Manchester.
    No, luggage for the coach from Preston to Manchester needs to be booked in addition.
    No, there are no additional luggage options for the coach from Preston to Manchester.
    Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Preston to Manchester.
    No, there are no USB plugs on board the coach from Preston to Manchester.
    No, there is no WiFi on board the coach from Preston to Manchester.

    popular bus stations

    Popular bus stations from Preston to Manchester

    Preston
    Manchester
    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 Manchester.
    Preston, Bus Station
    information

    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
    HomeBusesBus tickets to ManchesterPreston to Manchester bus

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