How to get from Exeter to Preston

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What is the best way to travel from Exeter to Preston?

Looking for a trip? Check and compare all the available Trains and Buses to Preston from Exeter. Look at different modes of transportation, search for the cheapest tickets, fastest rides and most popular stations, and see all 5 available companies to find your perfect trip!
Bus is the cheapest, while Train is the fastest way on this route
Transport type
Travel time
Cheapest price
Average price
Daily departures
Bus
9h 10m
£27
£39
3
Train
4h 16m
£96
£104
13

What is the cheapest way to reach Preston from Exeter?

You can reach Preston with just £27 by taking a Bus from National Express, but there are many more cheap offers: we have selected the best ones for you for the next few days here.

Monday
from £96
Tuesday
Wednesday
from £27
Thursday
from £96
Friday
from £40
Saturday
from £96
Sunday
from £40

    Cheapest Trains Monday

  • Great Western Railway (GWR)
    4h 35m
    0
    06:16
    Exeter
    Central Station
    10:51
    Preston
    Central Station
    0
    Great Western Railway (GWR)
    Economy
    from £96
  • Great Western Railway (GWR)
    5h 9m
    0
    06:42
    Exeter
    Central Station
    11:51
    Preston
    Central Station
    0
    Great Western Railway (GWR)
    Economy
    from £96
  • Great Western Railway (GWR)
    4h 58m
    0
    08:53
    Exeter
    Central Station
    13:51
    Preston
    Central Station
    0
    Great Western Railway (GWR)
    Economy
    from £96
  • Great Western Railway (GWR)
    6h 12m
    0
    05:47
    Exeter
    St Davids Station
    11:59
    Preston
    Central Station
    0
    Great Western Railway (GWR)
    Economy
    from £169
  • Great Western Railway (GWR)
    7h 4m
    0
    05:47
    Exeter
    St Davids Station
    12:51
    Preston
    Central Station
    0
    Great Western Railway (GWR)
    Economy
    from £169

    Cheapest Buses Wednesday

  • National Express
    9h 10m
    0
    17:15
    Exeter
    Honiton Road
    02:25
    Preston
    Coach Station
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £27

    Cheapest Trains Thursday

  • Great Western Railway (GWR)
    7h 4m
    0
    05:47
    Exeter
    St Davids Station
    12:51
    Preston
    Central Station
    0
    Great Western Railway (GWR)
    Economy
    from £96
  • Great Western Railway (GWR)
    4h 35m
    0
    06:16
    Exeter
    Central Station
    10:51
    Preston
    Central Station
    0
    Great Western Railway (GWR)
    Economy
    from £96
  • Great Western Railway (GWR)
    5h 9m
    0
    06:42
    Exeter
    Central Station
    11:51
    Preston
    Central Station
    0
    Great Western Railway (GWR)
    Economy
    from £96
  • Great Western Railway (GWR)
    4h 47m
    0
    08:04
    Exeter
    Central Station
    12:51
    Preston
    Central Station
    0
    Great Western Railway (GWR)
    Economy
    from £96
  • Great Western Railway (GWR)
    4h 58m
    0
    08:53
    Exeter
    Central Station
    13:51
    Preston
    Central Station
    0
    Great Western Railway (GWR)
    Economy
    from £96

    Cheapest Buses Friday

  • National Express
    9h 20m
    0
    17:05
    Exeter
    Coach Station
    02:25
    Preston
    Coach Station
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £40
  • National Express
    9h 10m
    0
    17:15
    Exeter
    Honiton Road
    02:25
    Preston
    Coach Station
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £40
  • FlixBus
    15h 20m
    0
    01:10
    Exeter
    Coach Station
    16:30
    Preston
    Coach Station
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £50

    Cheapest Trains Saturday

  • Great Western Railway (GWR)
    5h 57m
    0
    05:42
    Exeter
    St Davids Station
    11:39
    Preston
    Central Station
    0
    Great Western Railway (GWR)
    Economy
    from £96
  • Great Western Railway (GWR)
    5h 26m
    0
    08:13
    Exeter
    Central Station
    13:39
    Preston
    Central Station
    0
    Great Western Railway (GWR)
    Economy
    from £96
  • Great Western Railway (GWR)
    5h 24m
    0
    09:15
    Exeter
    Central Station
    14:39
    Preston
    Central Station
    0
    Great Western Railway (GWR)
    Economy
    from £96
  • South Western Railway
    6h 10m
    0
    06:29
    Exeter
    Central Station
    12:39
    Preston
    Central Station
    0
    South Western Railway
    Economy
    from £96

    Cheapest Buses Sunday

  • National Express
    9h 10m
    0
    17:15
    Exeter
    Honiton Road
    02:25
    Preston
    Coach Station
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £40
  • Cheapest Trains Sunday

  • Great Western Railway (GWR)
    5h 40m
    0
    07:59
    Exeter
    St Davids Station
    13:39
    Preston
    Central Station
    0
    Great Western Railway (GWR)
    Economy
    from £96
  • Great Western Railway (GWR)
    5h 48m
    0
    11:57
    Exeter
    St Davids Station
    17:45
    Preston
    Central Station
    0
    Great Western Railway (GWR)
    Economy
    from £96
  • CrossCountry
    4h 16m
    0
    10:27
    Exeter
    St Davids Station
    14:43
    Preston
    Central Station
    0
    CrossCountry
    Economy
    from £96
  • CrossCountry
    4h 18m
    0
    11:27
    Exeter
    St Davids Station
    15:45
    Preston
    Central Station
    0
    CrossCountry
    Economy
    from £96
  • South Western Railway
    5h 4m
    0
    10:41
    Exeter
    Central Station
    15:45
    Preston
    Central Station
    0
    South Western Railway
    Economy
    from £96

What are the fastest trips from Exeter to Preston?

You can get to Preston from Exeter in just 4h 16m with a Train from CrossCountry. But this is just one option, click on any of the offers below to compare it with the other available modes of transportations.

Monday
from 4h 35m
Tuesday
Wednesday
from 9h 10m
Thursday
from 4h 35m
Friday
from 9h 10m
Saturday
from 5h 24m
Sunday
from 4h 16m

    Fastest Trains Monday

  • Great Western Railway (GWR)
    4h 35m
    0
    06:16
    Exeter
    Central Station
    10:51
    Preston
    Central Station
    0
    Great Western Railway (GWR)
    Economy
    from £96
  • Great Western Railway (GWR)
    4h 58m
    0
    08:53
    Exeter
    Central Station
    13:51
    Preston
    Central Station
    0
    Great Western Railway (GWR)
    Economy
    from £96
  • Great Western Railway (GWR)
    5h 9m
    0
    06:42
    Exeter
    Central Station
    11:51
    Preston
    Central Station
    0
    Great Western Railway (GWR)
    Economy
    from £96
  • Great Western Railway (GWR)
    6h 12m
    0
    05:47
    Exeter
    St Davids Station
    11:59
    Preston
    Central Station
    0
    Great Western Railway (GWR)
    Economy
    from £169
  • Great Western Railway (GWR)
    7h 4m
    0
    05:47
    Exeter
    St Davids Station
    12:51
    Preston
    Central Station
    0
    Great Western Railway (GWR)
    Economy
    from £169

    Fastest Buses Wednesday

  • National Express
    9h 10m
    0
    17:15
    Exeter
    Honiton Road
    02:25
    Preston
    Coach Station
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £27

    Fastest Trains Thursday

  • Great Western Railway (GWR)
    4h 35m
    0
    06:16
    Exeter
    Central Station
    10:51
    Preston
    Central Station
    0
    Great Western Railway (GWR)
    Economy
    from £96
  • Great Western Railway (GWR)
    4h 47m
    0
    08:04
    Exeter
    Central Station
    12:51
    Preston
    Central Station
    0
    Great Western Railway (GWR)
    Economy
    from £96
  • Great Western Railway (GWR)
    4h 58m
    0
    08:53
    Exeter
    Central Station
    13:51
    Preston
    Central Station
    0
    Great Western Railway (GWR)
    Economy
    from £96
  • Great Western Railway (GWR)
    5h 9m
    0
    06:42
    Exeter
    Central Station
    11:51
    Preston
    Central Station
    0
    Great Western Railway (GWR)
    Economy
    from £96
  • Great Western Railway (GWR)
    7h 4m
    0
    05:47
    Exeter
    St Davids Station
    12:51
    Preston
    Central Station
    0
    Great Western Railway (GWR)
    Economy
    from £96

    Fastest Buses Friday

  • National Express
    9h 10m
    0
    17:15
    Exeter
    Honiton Road
    02:25
    Preston
    Coach Station
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £40
  • National Express
    9h 20m
    0
    17:05
    Exeter
    Coach Station
    02:25
    Preston
    Coach Station
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £40
  • FlixBus
    15h 20m
    0
    01:10
    Exeter
    Coach Station
    16:30
    Preston
    Coach Station
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £50

    Fastest Trains Saturday

  • Great Western Railway (GWR)
    5h 24m
    0
    09:15
    Exeter
    Central Station
    14:39
    Preston
    Central Station
    0
    Great Western Railway (GWR)
    Economy
    from £96
  • Great Western Railway (GWR)
    5h 26m
    0
    08:13
    Exeter
    Central Station
    13:39
    Preston
    Central Station
    0
    Great Western Railway (GWR)
    Economy
    from £96
  • Great Western Railway (GWR)
    5h 57m
    0
    05:42
    Exeter
    St Davids Station
    11:39
    Preston
    Central Station
    0
    Great Western Railway (GWR)
    Economy
    from £96
  • South Western Railway
    6h 10m
    0
    06:29
    Exeter
    Central Station
    12:39
    Preston
    Central Station
    0
    South Western Railway
    Economy
    from £96

    Fastest Trains Sunday

  • CrossCountry
    4h 16m
    0
    10:27
    Exeter
    St Davids Station
    14:43
    Preston
    Central Station
    0
    CrossCountry
    Economy
    from £96
  • CrossCountry
    4h 18m
    0
    11:27
    Exeter
    St Davids Station
    15:45
    Preston
    Central Station
    0
    CrossCountry
    Economy
    from £96
  • South Western Railway
    5h 4m
    0
    10:41
    Exeter
    Central Station
    15:45
    Preston
    Central Station
    0
    South Western Railway
    Economy
    from £96
  • Great Western Railway (GWR)
    5h 40m
    0
    07:59
    Exeter
    St Davids Station
    13:39
    Preston
    Central Station
    0
    Great Western Railway (GWR)
    Economy
    from £96
  • Great Western Railway (GWR)
    5h 48m
    0
    11:57
    Exeter
    St Davids Station
    17:45
    Preston
    Central Station
    0
    Great Western Railway (GWR)
    Economy
    from £96
  • Fastest Buses Sunday

  • National Express
    9h 10m
    0
    17:15
    Exeter
    Honiton Road
    02:25
    Preston
    Coach Station
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £40
Here you will find all operators and timetables for a Bus from Exeter to Preston

What are the most popular stations in Exeter and Preston?

In Exeter, you will usually depart from St Thomas Station, St Davids Station or Central Station, while in Preston you will be arriving at Coach Station, Central Station or Little Oaks Coach Stop, but there are many more stops to explore in both locations.

How do I decide? Some tips and tricks from our experience

Are you having trouble deciding on how to get to Preston from Exeter? With 4 connections between 5 Train and Bus operators, it can be difficult to find the one ride that will make you happy. But we have some tips that can help you make the best informed decision. First of all, the best trip is always the one that meets all your needs, so make a list of all the things that you want from this journey and look for something that will satisfy all of them. Here we will go through some of the factors mostly commonly taken into consideration.

Look for the lowest price

Ticket price is usually the main concern: even if you can afford to pay more, why do it if there are cheaper options? Saving on the trip means that you can spend more on the vacation itself! Between Exeter and Preston, you can pay as low as £27 with a Bus from National Express.

Travel duration

Time is also an important factor. An earlier departure may allow you to see a beautiful sunset or relax before an important event. And remember, time is money, so paying more for a shorter trip may be well worth it. For longer distances, flights are without doubt the best options, but be mindful of airport times and possible delays: a high-speed train may end up cheaper and faster! Here the quicker option is definitely the Train from CrossCountry: you will get to Preston in just 4h 16m.

Comfort makes all the difference

You should always take into account what your personal travelling preferences are. Is one hand luggage enough, or are you trasporting more? Would you like to have a snack during the journey? Can you relax in a busy compartment, or do you need space for yourself? Even among the same mode of transportation, different companies will offer you varying levels of comfort and amenities. The main operators connecting Exeter and Preston are Great Western Railway (GWR), National Express and South Western Railway, but be sure to check what they have to offer!

Save money with deals, and always compare

One last tip? Even if you live in Exeter and Preston is your only destination, it may be wise to check the offers from and to nearby cities or, if you are flyng, nearby airports. Check the trips from Topsham or to Bamber Bridge, and look at flights from Exeter Airport, and landing at Blackpool Airport. Comparing different routes may allow you to find deals or promotions you were not aware of. Consider also signing up to CheckMyBus to see even more exclusive promotions!

Which companies offer a trip from Exeter to Preston?

The most popular companies between Exeter and Preston, are Great Western Railway (GWR), National Express and South Western Railway. Be sure to check their seat class offers and the amenities that they provide.

Bus companies: National Express and FlixBus

Train companies: Great Western Railway (GWR), South Western Railway and CrossCountry

All you need to know when you travel from Exeter to Preston

Check all information on comfort and services on all modes of transports from Exeter to Preston. See which seat classes are available, and what amenities are other advantages offered by the operators on your journey.

FAQs about the trip from Exeter to Preston

How can I reach Preston from Exeter?

Every day, there are on average 4 connections between Train and Bus, with which you can get to Preston from Exeter.

How far is Preston from Exeter?

The distance between Exeter and Preston is 343.3 km.

What is the most ecofriendly mode of transport between Exeter and Preston?

Trains and buses are by far the greenest options, with trains surpassing buses on longer routes. Planes will always be the worst polluters, especially in shorter flights, were the emissions from the takeoff and landing are less offset by the distance. On this particular route, a bus will emit, per person, a total of 9 kgs of CO2, a train 12 kgs, a car 58 kgs, and a flight 84 kgs.

What is the cheapest mode of transport from Exeter to Preston?

You can get to Preston with just £27 by taking a Bus from National Express.

What is the fastest way to get from Exeter to Preston?

While a plane is travelling fastest boarding and transfer to airport consumes a lot of time. Usually, high speed trains are better than flights if pure train travel time is below 4 hours. For this particular route, you can get to Preston in just 4h 16m with a Train from CrossCountry.

More routes to Exeter and to Preston

Looking for more options? Here you can see the most popular routes to Exeter and to Preston. Simply click on a connection, and you’ll find all the details about the route!

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