Checked offer from Preston to London: Coach, about 6h 10min, from €20. Main companies selling this route on 12Go (checked on November 5, 2026): FlixBus, National Express; main departure point: Preston Bus Station.
One option to get from Preston to London
Select an option below to see the route details and compare prices. Secure booking via our partner 12go.asia.
Companies selling this route on 12Go
Offers listed on 12Go on November 5, 2026 for a departure on November 26, 2026. Timetables and prices change with the date: check them before booking.
| Company | Mode | Departs from | From | Offers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus | Bus | Preston Bus Station | €20 | 2 |
| National Express | Bus | Preston Bus Station | €41 | 1 |
Activate an eSIM before you go: internet the moment you land, no SIM to swap, zero roaming fees.
Practical tips
Coach fares rise as departures fill up. Booking ahead online usually gets you the lowest price and a guaranteed seat, which matters on Fridays, Sundays, bank holidays and summer weekends when services often sell out.
Buying a train ticket on the day is often far more expensive than the coach. Unless you need the fastest option, compare before you commit, and never assume the station counter offers the cheapest choice.
London has several coach stops and railway stations, and they are not interchangeable. Read your e-ticket carefully to confirm exactly where your coach arrives, so you do not head to the wrong station.
Once you know your arrival point, check how it links to the Tube or buses toward your accommodation. If you are flying out afterwards, leave a generous buffer and confirm your airport terminal in advance.
Be at the stop well before departure with your e-ticket on your phone and ID if requested. Missing the last coach of the day is the main risk, so avoid cutting it fine.
The journey experience
Heading from Preston to London without a car? The coach is the answer that most independent travellers land on, and for good reason: it is the simplest, most budget-friendly way to cover the distance between Lancashire and the capital, with no ticket-type puzzle to solve.
Long-distance coaches on this route are comfortable, with reclining seats, luggage space under the vehicle, and usually onboard Wi-Fi and power sockets on the main operators. The journey is a straightforward point-to-point ride, so you can relax, catch up on messages or plan your London days. You board in Preston and step off in central London, which saves you from juggling several connections with a big bag. Evening and early departures also let you travel when you would otherwise be losing a day.
The real risk is not the route, it is the timing of your booking. Coach fares move with the day, the hour and how early you buy, and sold-out departures are common on Fridays, Sundays, bank holidays and summer weekends. Book ahead online, pick your date, and you receive an instant e-ticket. Check which London stop your coach arrives at before you leave, so your onward Tube or train connection is already planned. You will arrive calm and on budget.
Frequently asked questions — Preston → London
Coach tickets from Preston to London start from around €20, and typical fares go up to about €21. Prices vary with the day, the time of departure and how early you book, so reserving ahead online is the best way to secure the lowest fare available.
The coach journey from Preston to London takes roughly 6 to 7 hours. The exact time depends on the departure, traffic on the motorways and the time of day, so allow some flexibility, especially on busy Friday evenings, Sundays and bank holiday weekends.
For most budget-conscious independent travellers, the coach is the best choice: it is straightforward, comfortable and inexpensive, with fares starting from around €20. You travel point to point and avoid confusing train ticket types. Book early to secure a seat and a good price.
Arrival points in London can differ depending on the operator and the departure, and the city has several coach stops and stations. Always check the arrival location printed on your e-ticket before travelling, so you can plan your Tube or bus connection to your accommodation.
Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and Luton are all linked to central London by coach and other public transport. If you are flying in or out after your Preston trip, check your terminal and allow a generous buffer for the onward connection.
Why visit London?
- ✓ Explore the British Museum and its Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies and Parthenon sculptures, all with free entry
- ✓ Watch the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, then stroll through St James's Park
- ✓ Ride the London Eye or climb The Shard for panoramic views over the Thames and Tower Bridge
- ✓ Wander through Borough Market, Camden Market and Portobello Road for street food and vintage finds
- ✓ Catch a West End show in Covent Garden or Shaftesbury Avenue, then enjoy a pint in a historic pub
When to visit London?
TEMPERATE OCEANIC CLIMATE
May to September — mild temperatures, long daylight hours and the best chance of dry weather for sightseeing
What to do in London?
Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you
How long to visit London?
Allow 4 to 5 days to cover London properly. In 2 days, focus on the essentials: Westminster, the Tower of London, the British Museum and a Thames walk. With 4 to 5 days, add Greenwich, Camden, Kew Gardens and a West End show. Buy an Oyster card or use contactless payment, and book major attractions online in advance to skip the queues.
Related searches