How much does a bus ticket from Preston to Carlisle cost?

The bus ticket price from Preston to Carlisle starts at $20. The best way to find cheap bus tickets from Preston to Carlisle is to book your tickets as early as possible. Prices tend to rise as your travel date approaches, so book in advance to secure the best prices!

How long is the bus ride from Preston to Carlisle?

The average travel time between Preston and Carlisle is around 2h, although the fastest bus will take about 2h. This is the time it takes to travel the 79 miles that separates the two cities.

How many daily bus connections are there between Preston and Carlisle?

The number of buses from Preston to Carlisle can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 1 on this route. Some buses run direct routes, while others have layovers. Simplify your bus trip from Preston to Carlisle by comparing and selecting the bus that fits you travel style and budget on Busbud.

Which bus companies travel from Preston to Carlisle?

When taking the bus from Preston to Carlisle, you can travel comfortably and safely with Megabus UK, National Express, FlixBus.

What are the departure and arrival stations when taking the bus from Preston to Carlisle?

Buses traveling between Preston and Carlisle leave from Preston City Centre Bus Station or Preston Bus Stop and arrive at Carlisle Bus Station, Court Square.

Bus Preston to Carlisle from $16 | Refundable Tickets

Next bus departures

Next departures for Preston to Carlisle on November 17
Operated by	Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended	Price and booking link
	Bus	4:30pm	Preston City Centre Bus Station	2h	6:30pm	Carlisle Parkhouse Rd	CheapestFastest

Next departures for Preston to Carlisle on November 18
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Bus	4:30pm	Preston City Centre Bus Station	2h	6:30pm	Carlisle Parkhouse Rd	CheapestFastest
Bus	2:25am	Preston City Centre Bus Station	2h 25m	4:50am	Carlisle Bus Station	No tags
Bus	2:25am	Preston City Centre Bus Station	2h 25m	4:50am	Carlisle Bus Station	No tags

Next departures for Preston to Carlisle on November 19
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Bus	4:30pm	Preston City Centre Bus Station	2h	6:30pm	Carlisle Parkhouse Rd	CheapestFastest
Bus	2:25am	Preston City Centre Bus Station	2h 25m	4:50am	Carlisle Bus Station	No tags
Bus	2:25am	Preston City Centre Bus Station	2h 25m	4:50am	Carlisle Bus Station	No tags

Next departures for Preston to Carlisle on November 20
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Bus	4:30pm	Preston City Centre Bus Station	2h	6:30pm	Carlisle Parkhouse Rd	CheapestFastest
Bus	2:25am	Preston City Centre Bus Station	2h 25m	4:50am	Carlisle Bus Station	No tags
Bus	2:25am	Preston City Centre Bus Station	2h 25m	4:50am	Carlisle Bus Station	No tags

Next departures for Preston to Carlisle on November 21
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Bus	4:30pm	Preston City Centre Bus Station	2h	6:30pm	Carlisle Parkhouse Rd	CheapestFastest
Bus	2:25am	Preston City Centre Bus Station	2h 25m	4:50am	Carlisle Bus Station	No tags
Bus	2:25am	Preston City Centre Bus Station	2h 25m	4:50am	Carlisle Bus Station	No tags

Next departures for Preston to Carlisle on November 22
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Bus	4:30pm	Preston City Centre Bus Station	2h	6:30pm	Carlisle Parkhouse Rd	CheapestFastest
Bus	2:25am	Preston City Centre Bus Station	2h 25m	4:50am	Carlisle Bus Station	No tags
Bus	2:25am	Preston City Centre Bus Station	2h 25m	4:50am	Carlisle Bus Station	No tags

Next departures for Preston to Carlisle on November 23
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Bus	4:30pm	Preston City Centre Bus Station	2h	6:30pm	Carlisle Parkhouse Rd	CheapestFastest
Bus	2:25am	Preston City Centre Bus Station	2h 25m	4:50am	Carlisle Bus Station	No tags
Bus	2:25am	Preston City Centre Bus Station	2h 25m	4:50am	Carlisle Bus Station	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Today at 11:38 AM GMT.

Compare 3 ways to go from Preston to Carlisle

We recommend carpooling

Among the sustainable travel choices, the carpool stands out as the good way to reach Carlisle. The journey takes about 1 hour 40 minutes and with fares starting at just $16, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

1carpool per day

1h 40mAverage Duration

79 milesDistance

5kgCO₂ emissions

	Average Price	Average Duration	CO₂ emissions
Bus	Average Price$20 - $45	Average Duration2h	CO₂ emissions 3kg CO₂e
Train	Average Price$13 - $86	Average Duration1h 11m	CO₂ emissions 3kg CO₂e
Carpool	Average Price$16 - $16	Average Duration1h 40m	CO₂ emissions 5kg CO₂e

Compare bus companies

Megabus UK

3.5/54,272 reviews

Staff4.4

Timeliness3.4

Cleanliness4.4

Wifi2.6

National Express

4/529,713 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness4

Cleanliness4.7

Wifi3.4

Based on 29713 reviews, the company was rated 4.2 stars on Busbud. Travelers were especially satisfied with the ticket access and the staff but often complained with the wifi. National Express ticket prices on this trip start at $26

National Express Preston Carlisle recent customer reviews

My experience on National express was a good one. The bus was running late due to storm Ciara and flooding. The driver was friendly and helpful and the staff at Preston were really nice. The coach was comfortable and clean.

Claire G.

February 10, 2020

Only problem I had was not knowing were to go to wait for the bus at Preston Station not enough information, notice for what end to go and bay.

Leigh D.

February 10, 2020

FlixBus

3.5/511,350 reviews

Staff4.1

Timeliness3.9

Cleanliness4.1

Wifi2.7

Flixbus is a European bus operator that offers intercity and bus travel in over 38 countries. Known for their easy-to-spot lime green buses and for offering affordable transportation between cities in Europe and the Americas, Flixbus is a good option for those looking for an affordable, reliable bus company. In their buses, you'll find free WiFi, bathrooms, and power outlets. You can also pay extra to choose your seat and get extra legroom, or even buy a snack or drink onboard directly from the driver. You can reschedule your ticket for a small fee, which varies from $1 to $5, depending on how close you are to the departure date.

GB bus companies: FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus, ALSA, Greyhound, Intercape, Trenitalia, Sindbad

Where are the popular stops in Preston and Carlisle?

Stops in Preston

A - Preston City Centre Bus Station

B - Preston Bus Stop

Stops in Carlisle

A - Carlisle Bus Station

B - Court Square

Frequently asked questions about traveling from Preston to Carlisle by bus

How much does a bus ticket from Preston to Carlisle cost?
How long is the bus ride from Preston to Carlisle?
How many daily bus connections are there between Preston and Carlisle?
Which bus companies travel from Preston to Carlisle?
What are the departure and arrival stations when taking the bus from Preston to Carlisle?

Find cheapest prices for buses

Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.

Best price found

11/15

$23

11/16

$23

Today

$22

11/18

$22

11/19

$22

11/20

$20

11/21

$22

11/22

$22

The cheapest trip from Preston to Carlisle was searched and found on Nov 20, 2025 with a price of $20

To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your bus tickets from Preston to Carlisle, as early as possible.

You can expect to pay from $20 to $32 for a bus ticket from Preston to Carlisle based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $20 which is on 2025-11-20.

Usually National Express will charge you higher prices for tickets closer to the departure date. To find the best prices, you should be flexible on your date of travel.