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Preferential flow is a crucial factor in salt leaching during saline–alkali land improvement through alterations in soil water movement. However, the effect of biochar, which can modify soil structure and soil water repellency, on preferential flow remains unclear. Therefore, the study aimed to investigate the effects of biochar on preferential flow in saline soil and explored the mechanisms through which preferential flow influenced water movement in coastal soil. Four biochar addition treatments were tested: CK (0 t ha−1), C1 (7.5 t ha−1), C2 (15 t ha−1), and C3 (30 t ha−1). In situ double-ring infiltration experiments were conducted along with dye tracer techniques to evaluate the effects of biochar on water infiltration.