🚌 Bus from Manchester City Centre to Preston City Centre
2 direct routes · about 60 min · first bus 06:10, last bus 06:10 (weekdays).
💷 Single fares on this journey are capped at £3 on participating routes
(England cap, until 31 Dec 2026 — then £2). Details →
Direct routes
| Route | Operator | Journey time | Weekday journeys | First | Last | Board at |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 424 | National Express | ~60 min | 2 | 06:10 | 06:10 | Manchester Central Coach Station |
| 181 | National Express | ~50 min | 1 | 01:35 | 01:35 | Manchester Central Coach Station |
Times are for the first boarding point in Manchester City Centre on each route's weekday timetable — open the route for the full timetable, live map and every stop.
Frequently asked questions
Which bus goes from Manchester City Centre to Preston City Centre?
2 routes run directly from Manchester City Centre to Preston City Centre: the 424 (National Express), the 181 (National Express).
How long does the bus take from Manchester City Centre to Preston City Centre?
Around 60 minutes on the 424, depending on time of day and traffic.
What time is the first and last bus from Manchester City Centre to Preston City Centre?
On weekdays the first direct bus (the 424) leaves around 06:10 and the last around 06:10. Check the route timetable for weekends.
How much is the bus from Manchester City Centre to Preston City Centre?
Most single fares in England are capped at £3 until 31 December 2026, then £2 from 1 January 2027.