- Must visit
Reading Museum
Reading’s main museum explores local history, archaeology, and art. Best known for the Victorian copy of the Bayeux Tapestry.
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
The cheapest and fastest coaches from Birmingham to Reading
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 10 Oct
Cheapest price on 10 Oct
£49
Average ticket price on 10 Oct
£58
Fastest journey on 10 Oct
4 h
Average journey duration on 10 Oct
4 h 5 m
Buses on 10 Oct
13
Distance
131 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Birmingham to Reading is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Birmingham to Reading will cost around £58 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £49.
Fast coaches
To travel from Birmingham to Reading you need to make at least one change.
NX210 · RRRA116:154h23Birmingham, Coach Station20:38Reading, Blagrave Street£491One-way1 change- NX210 · RRRA112:254h20Birmingham, Coach Station16:45Reading, Blagrave Street£491One-way1 change
- NX400 · NXA40 · RRRA121:008h10Birmingham, Coach Station5:10Reading, Blagrave Street£511One-way2 changes
- NX210 · RRRA19:004h27Birmingham, Coach Station13:27Reading, Blagrave Street£571One-way1 change
- NX210 · RRRA114:204h25Birmingham, Coach Station18:45Reading, Blagrave Street£571One-way1 change
- NX210 · RRRA13:404h00Birmingham, Coach Station7:40Reading, Blagrave Street£681One-way1 change
- NX210 · RRRA15:104h02Birmingham, Coach Station9:12Reading, Blagrave Street£621One-way1 change
- NX210 · RRRA12:054h05Birmingham, Coach Station6:10Reading, Blagrave Street£621One-way1 change
- NX210 · RRRA118:004h07Birmingham, Coach Station22:07Reading, Blagrave Street£571One-way1 change
- NX210 · RRRA16:354h10Birmingham, Coach Station10:45Reading, Blagrave Street£621One-way1 change
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Birmingham to Reading
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Birmingham to Reading run on average 14 times per day, taking around 3h 44m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £17 but you can travel from only £14 by train.
The earliest coach runs at 00:15, the last at 23:50. The fastest coach covers the 131 km distance in 3h 10m.
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 £14
Distance 131 km |
Average bus duration 3h 44m |
Cheapest ticket price £17 |
Buses per day 14 |
Fastest bus 3h 10m |
First bus 0:15 |
Last bus 23:50 |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 1 day |
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 £14
Live departures
Birmingham to Reading bus times
The table below shows live departures for Birmingham to Reading coaches for today, Friday 9 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NX210 · RRRA1 | 16:05 Birmingham, Coach Station | 4h42 | 20:47 Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 change | |
| NX210 · RRRA1 | 17:45 Birmingham, Coach Station | 4h31 | 22:16 Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 change | |
| NX400 · NXA40 · RRRA1 | 21:00 Birmingham, Coach Station | 8h10 | 5:10 Reading, Blagrave Street | 2 changes | |
| Saturday 10 October | |||||
| NX210 · RRRA1 | 0:30 Birmingham, Coach Station | 4h40 | 5:10 Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 change | |
| NX210 · RRRA1 | 2:05 Birmingham, Coach Station | 4h05 | 6:10 Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 change | |
| NX210 · RRRA1 | 3:40 Birmingham, Coach Station | 4h00 | 7:40 Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 change | |
| NX210 · RRRA1 | 5:10 Birmingham, Coach Station | 4h02 | 9:12 Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 change | |
| NX210 · RRRA1 | 6:35 Birmingham, Coach Station | 4h10 | 10:45 Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 change | |
| NX210 · RRRA1 | 7:35 Birmingham, Coach Station | 4h32 | 12:07 Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 change | |
| NX210 · RRRA1 | 9:00 Birmingham, Coach Station | 4h27 | 13:27 Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 change | |
| NX210 · RRRA1 | 11:00 Birmingham, Coach Station | 4h25 | 15:25 Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 change | |
| NX210 · RRRA1 | 12:25 Birmingham, Coach Station | 4h20 | 16:45 Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 change | |
| NX210 · RRRA1 | 14:20 Birmingham, Coach Station | 4h25 | 18:45 Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 change | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Birmingham to Reading coaches with Omio?
National Express as well as FlixBus offer coaches services from Birmingham to Reading.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Birmingham to Reading.
Why book with Omio vs National Express?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for National Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Birmingham to Reading.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare National Express with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Birmingham to Reading.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Birmingham to Reading.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Birmingham to Reading.
Bus providers: National Express, FlixBus from Birmingham to ReadingYou can travel by bus between Birmingham to Reading with National Express, FlixBus for as low as £14. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average FlixBus Duration
3h 30m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
£17
FlixBus frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.
National Express
About
National Express is the UK’s leading long-distance coach company, operating over 550 services per day and serving more than 900 destinations nationwide. It also runs frequent services to major UK airports — including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Bristol — 24 hours a day. All National Express coaches are air-conditioned and offer free Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment. Most vehicles are equipped with seat belts and power outlets at every seat, allowing you to charge your phone or laptop during your journey. Ticket options include Restricted Fare, Standard Fare, and Fully Flexible Fare, with the latter providing maximum flexibility for cancellations or changes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average National Express Duration
3h 10m
Cheapest National Express Price
£35
National Express frequency
15 a day
Luggage included
Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible toilets.
Bikes
Folding Bikes are allowed; non-folding bikes are not allowed.
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: Birmingham to Reading coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Birmingham 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 Birmingham to Reading can start from as little as £17 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Birmingham to Reading is £56; 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 Birmingham to Reading is 3h 10m to travel the 131 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 Birmingham to Reading leaves at 0:15. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Birmingham to Reading leaves at 23:50.
There are 14 coaches a day from Birmingham to Reading which require at least one change with National Express, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Birmingham to Reading, you can count on National Express, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Reading. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Birmingham and Reading and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
When departing from Birmingham , you have various coach station options to start your route from including Birmingham, Coach Station, Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway, Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport), Birmingham, Birmingham, Hagley Road West . When arriving in Reading , you can end your route in coach stations like Reading, Blagrave Street, Three Mile Cross, Mereoak Lane - Park & Ride.Passengers board the coach most frequently from Birmingham, Coach Station, which is located around 1 km away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Reading, Blagrave Street, located 0 away from the city centre.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Birmingham and Reading including taking a train and coach.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Birmingham to Reading:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Birmingham to Reading for coach company National Express, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Birmingham to Reading depends on the coach companies:
- National Express
- You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company National Express, FlixBus.
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.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the coach from Birmingham to Reading.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Birmingham to Reading:
- National Express
- Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from Birmingham to Reading:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the coach from Birmingham to Reading. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Birmingham to Reading with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Birmingham to Reading with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Birmingham to Reading with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Birmingham and Reading
Most Birmingham to Reading buses use the Birmingham, Coach Station to Reading, Blagrave Street station pair. Use this guide to compare Birmingham and Reading bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Birmingham
Arrival bus stations in Reading
Which Birmingham station do buses to Reading leave from?
Buses from Birmingham to Reading leave from Birmingham, Coach Station. The station is 1 km from Birmingham city centre at Mill Lane, Digbeth, Birmingham, B5 6DD, United Kingdom.
Birmingham, Coach StationMill Lane, Digbeth, Birmingham, B5 6DD, United Kingdom
City-centre transport
Getting to Birmingham, Coach Station from Birmingham city centre
Birmingham, Coach Station is 1 km from Birmingham city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus4, 97, 6, X2, 3, 97A, 2, 4A, 5, X1 · 4m · £2 · every ~191 min
X2, 4A, X1, 2, 3, 6, 4, 5 · 13m · £2 · every ~149 min
Birmingham, Coach Station bus station facilities and services
Birmingham, Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Cafeteria and fast-food options inside the station
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Birmingham, Coach Station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Birmingham, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham, Coach Station: Elevators, ramps.
Birmingham, Great Charles Street QueenswayGreat Charles Street Queensway, Birmingham, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway from Birmingham city centre
Bus822, X8, 12, 24, 126, 13, 23, X10, 829, 9 · 2m · £2 · every ~153 min
Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway bus station facilities and services
Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway. ATMs are available at Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway: Bus stops are wheelchair accessible.
Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport)Comet Rd, Birmingham B26, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport) from Birmingham city centre
Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport) is 1 km from Birmingham city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainRugeley Trent Valley - Birmingham International, Birmingham New Street - London Euston, Birmingham New Street - Birmingham International, Birmingham New Street - Coventry, Birmingham New Street - Northampton, Walsall - London Euston, Birmingham New Street - Milton Keynes Central, Birmingham New Street - Rugby, Liverpool Lime Street - Coventry, Wolverhampton - Birmingham International, Liverpool Lime Street - Birmingham International · 14m · £4 · every ~8 min
BusUk920, Uk025 · 25m · £0.89
X1 · 27m · £4 · every ~5 min
X1 · 29m · £4 · every ~5 min
X12 · 1h 10m · £4 · every ~8 min
Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport) bus station facilities and services
Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Restaurants available in the airport terminal.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free WiFi available. ATMs are aTMs available inside the airport terminal.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport): Facilities accessible for disabled persons.
Which Reading station do buses from Birmingham arrive at?
Buses from Birmingham to Reading most often arrive at Reading, Blagrave Street. Some services arrive at Three Mile Cross, Mereoak Lane - Park & Ride, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Reading arrival station.
Reading, Blagrave StreetReading RG1 1PZ, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Reading, Blagrave Street from Reading city centre
Bus19a, 19c · 1h 21m · £2
Reading, Blagrave Street bus station facilities and services
Reading, Blagrave Street has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Reading, Blagrave Street: The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible.
Most popular bus connections from Birmingham
More options for your journey from Birmingham to Reading
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Reading and Birmingham
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
