- Must visit
Reading Museum
Reading’s main museum explores local history, archaeology, and art. Best known for the Victorian copy of the Bayeux Tapestry.
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Bedford to Reading
Showing times and prices for 04 Aug
Cheapest price
£53
Average price
£55
Fastest journey
3 h 35 m
Average duration
3 h 40 m
Buses per day
13
Distance
83 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Bedford to Reading is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bedford to Reading will cost around £55 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £53.
Fast coaches
To travel from Bedford to Reading you need to make at least 2 changes.
4:423h35Bedford8:17Reading£531One-way2 changes- 6:423h43Bedford10:25Reading£531One-way2 changes
- 7:424h03Bedford11:45Reading£531One-way2 changes
- 9:423h44Bedford13:26Reading£531One-way2 changes
- 10:423h45Bedford14:27Reading£531One-way2 changes
- 4:423h35Bedford8:17Reading£571One-way3 changes
- 4:423h35Bedford8:17Reading£531One-way2 changes
- 6:423h43Bedford10:25Reading£571One-way3 changes
- 6:423h43Bedford10:25Reading£531One-way2 changes
- 9:423h44Bedford13:26Reading£571One-way3 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Bedford to Reading
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Bedford to Reading among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from £23. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 44m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £23, and a coach costs an average of £52.
Distance: 83 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
£55 Average Price | £51 Average Price Cheapest |
4h 38m Average total duration 4h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 14m Average total duration Fastest 1h 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Bedford to Reading bus times
The table below shows live departures for Bedford to Reading coaches for today, Monday 3 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9:42 Bedford | 3h44 | 13:26 Reading | 3 changes | |
| 9:42 Bedford | 3h44 | 13:26 Reading | 2 changes | |
| 10:42 Bedford | 3h45 | 14:27 Reading | 3 changes | |
| 10:42 Bedford | 3h45 | 14:27 Reading | 2 changes | |
| 13:42 Bedford | 4h08 | 17:50 Reading | 3 changes | |
| 13:42 Bedford | 4h08 | 17:50 Reading | 2 changes | |
| 14:52 Bedford | 4h33 | 19:25 Reading | 3 changes | |
| 14:52 Bedford | 4h33 | 19:25 Reading | 2 changes | |
| 17:07 Bedford | 4h10 | 21:17 Reading | 3 changes | |
| 17:07 Bedford | 4h10 | 21:17 Reading | 2 changes | |
| 19:07 Bedford | 4h08 | 23:15 Reading | 3 changes | |
| 19:07 Bedford | 4h08 | 23:15 Reading | 2 changes | |
| 20:07 Bedford | 4h08 | 0:15 Reading | 3 changes | |
| 20:07 Bedford | 9h04 | 5:11 Reading | 2 changes | |
| Tuesday 4 August | |||||
| 4:42 Bedford | 3h35 | 8:17 Reading | 3 changes | |
| 4:42 Bedford | 3h35 | 8:17 Reading | 2 changes | |
| 6:42 Bedford | 3h43 | 10:25 Reading | 3 changes | |
| 6:42 Bedford | 3h43 | 10:25 Reading | 2 changes | |
| 7:42 Bedford | 4h03 | 11:45 Reading | 3 changes | |
| 7:42 Bedford | 4h03 | 11:45 Reading | 2 changes | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Bedford to Reading by train or coach
Compare train and coach prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Tue
04 Aug
04 Aug
Wed
05 Aug
05 Aug
Thu
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06 Aug
Fri
07 Aug
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08 Aug
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Bedford to Reading
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Bedford to Reading run on average 3 times per day, taking around 4h 8m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £52 but you can travel from only £23 by train.
The earliest coach runs at 00:39, the last at 22:27. The fastest coach covers the 83 km distance in 3h 21m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from £23
Distance 83 km |
Average bus duration 4h 8m |
Cheapest ticket price £52 |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 3h 21m |
First bus 0:39 |
Last bus 22:27 |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 14 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from £23
Bus providers: Stagecoach East from Bedford to ReadingYou can travel by bus between Bedford to Reading with Stagecoach East for as low as £23. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Stagecoach East
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 21m
Cheapest Price
£52
Stagecoach East frequency
16 a day
Complete guide to Reading
Things to do in Reading
Discover the best of Reading — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Reading trip today.
- Must visit
The Museum of English Rural Life
Small museum beside the abbey ruins with exhibits on Reading’s medieval abbey. Good for context before walking the historic quarter.
- Recommended
Ure Museum of Greek Archaeology
University museum covering farming, countryside life, and design. Engaging displays make it a distinctive and family-friendly visit.
- Must visit
Forbury Gardens
Large riverside park with formal gardens, open lawns, and abbey remains. Ideal for relaxing walks close to the town centre.
- Recommended
Broad Street
Traffic-free shopping street at the heart of Reading. A practical and lively route linking major shops, historic lanes, and public spaces.
- Recommended
Thames Side Promenade
Riverside walking area along the Thames near Caversham Bridge. Visit for benches, water views, and an easy stroll near the centre.
Berkshire pork sausages
Berkshire pork sausages are a long-standing county staple, prized for well-seasoned local pork and often served with mash in traditional pubs.
- Vegetarian
Spotted dick
Spotted dick is a classic steamed suet pudding with dried fruit, commonly served with custard and strongly associated with traditional English cooking.
- Vegetarian
Summer pudding
Summer pudding is a Berkshire favourite in berry season, made by lining bread with soft fruit and juice for a bright, old-fashioned local dessert.
L'Ortolan
Refined modern British dining in elegant surroundings, known for carefully plated tasting-style dishes and polished service.
The Cunning Man
Traditional pub by the Thames serving British classics, Sunday roasts and local drinks in a relaxed historic setting.
Miller & Carter Oracle
Popular central Reading restaurant specialising in well-cooked steaks, grills and hearty sides in a lively contemporary space.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for England: hotels are often cheaper than London, but dining, drinks and rail fares still add up for visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is sometimes included. If not, tip about 10% in restaurants for good service. Taxis are often rounded up. Tipping in cafés is optional.
Reading Buses
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £3
- Day pass
- £5.40
To the city centre
Reading Station -> Reading Town Centre
- Distance
- 400 m
- Travel time
- 5 min
- Contactless tap on and tap off works on Reading Buses and caps at the simplyReading day ticket price of £5.40.
- Blagrave Street is beside Reading Station and within a short walk of the town centre, so walking is usually quickest from the station area.
FAQs: Bedford to Reading coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bedford to Reading by coach. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest coach, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Reading, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Bedford to Reading can start from as little as £52 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Bedford to Reading is £55; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by coach from Bedford to Reading is 3h 21m to travel the 83 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest coach from Bedford to Reading leaves at 0:39. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Bedford to Reading leaves at 22:27.
There are 3 coaches a day from Bedford to Reading which require at least one change with Stagecoach East. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Bedford to Reading, you can count on Stagecoach East for the best way to get you to Reading. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Bedford and Reading and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A trip to Reading from Bedford is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3h 21m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Bedford and Reading including taking a train and coach.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the coach from Bedford to Reading.
No, the coach from Bedford to Reading has no accessibility options.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the coach from Bedford to Reading.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the coach from Bedford to Reading.
No, luggage for the coach from Bedford to Reading needs to be booked in addition.
No, there are no additional luggage options for the coach from Bedford to Reading.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Bedford to Reading.
No, there are no USB plugs on board the coach from Bedford to Reading.
No, there is no WiFi on board the coach from Bedford to Reading.
More options for your journey from Bedford to Reading
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Reading and Bedford
Most popular bus connections
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