- Must visit
Reading Museum
Museum on Reading’s history, Huntley & Palmers and local archaeology, housed in the Victorian Town Hall near the abbey quarter.
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Birmingham to Reading Festival
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Birmingham to Reading Festival run on average 12 times per day, taking around 3h 37m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £35 but you can travel from only £17 by train.
The earliest coach runs at 00:30, the last at 23:45. The fastest coach covers the 129 km distance in 3h 16m.
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 £17
Distance 129 km |
Average bus duration 3h 37m |
Cheapest ticket price £35 |
Buses per day 12 |
Fastest bus 3h 16m |
First bus 0:30 |
Last bus 23:45 |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
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 £17
Frequently asked questions about your Birmingham to Reading Festival trip
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Birmingham to Reading Festival.
Cheap coach tickets from Birmingham to Reading Festival can start from as little as £35 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Birmingham to Reading Festival is £49; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The earliest coach from Birmingham to Reading Festival leaves at 0:30. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Birmingham to Reading Festival leaves at 23:45.
There are 12 coaches a day from Birmingham to Reading Festival which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
Why should you book Birmingham to Reading Festival coaches with Omio?
National Express operates all coaches services from Birmingham to Reading Festival.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Birmingham to Reading Festival.
Why book with Omio vs National Express?
- 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 bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Birmingham to Reading Festival.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Birmingham to Reading Festival.
Bus providers: National Express from Birmingham to Reading FestivalYou can travel by bus between Birmingham to Reading Festival with National Express for as low as £17. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
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 16m
Cheapest National Express Price
£35
National Express frequency
12 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.
Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Birmingham and Reading Festival
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
When taking a coach from Birmingham to Reading Festival, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Reading Festival. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Birmingham and Reading Festival and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Birmingham to Reading Festival:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Birmingham to Reading Festival for coach company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Birmingham to Reading Festival 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company {providersWithBike}.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the coach from Birmingham to Reading Festival.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Birmingham to Reading Festival:
- National Express
- Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from Birmingham to Reading Festival:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Birmingham to Reading Festival.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Birmingham to Reading Festival with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Birmingham to Reading Festival with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Birmingham to Reading Festival with the following coach company: National Express.
Complete guide to Reading Festival
Things to do in Reading Festival
Discover the best of Reading Festival — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Reading Festival trip today.
- Must visit
The Museum of English Rural Life
Riverside gallery focused on modern and contemporary art, with changing exhibitions in a converted waterworks by the River Kennet.
- Recommended
The Ure Museum of Greek Archaeology
Specialist university museum exploring farming, countryside life and rural change. Its collections and displays are engaging and distinctive.
- Must visit
Forbury Gardens
Central formal gardens beside the abbey ruins and museum. Popular for walks, monuments and relaxing close to Reading’s historic core.
- Recommended
Thames Path at Caversham
Attractive stretch along the River Thames with boat activity, open views and a pleasant path linking Reading and Caversham.
- Recommended
Broad Street
Busy pedestrianised shopping street with historic frontages and easy access to the station, market routes and town-centre sights.
Berkshire Pork Sausages
Berkshire pork sausages are a traditional county staple, prized for well-seasoned local pork and long ties to pub and market cooking in the area.
Full English Breakfast
A full English breakfast is a classic festival and pub favourite, usually with sausages, bacon, eggs, beans, mushrooms and toast.
Fish and Chips
Fish and chips is a much-loved British staple of battered fish with chips, commonly eaten as a hearty casual meal across Berkshire.
Coconut Bar & Kitchen
Well-known Reading restaurant for Thai dishes and cocktails, with a stylish modern dining room suited to groups and evening meals.
The Oracle Riverside Dining Area
Lively riverside chain venue known for burgers, brunch and beers, popular for relaxed pre-festival meals near central Reading.
Las Iguanas Reading
Reliable Brazilian rodizio restaurant serving grilled meats and salads in a busy, casual setting close to Reading station.
Pound sterling (£)
Reading Festival is pricier than many UK city breaks, with high event-time accommodation and drinks, while casual food and local rail fares are typical for southern England.
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
Restaurants often add 10-12.5% service; otherwise round up or leave 10% for good service. Taxis: round up. Cafes: tipping is optional, small change appreciated.
FAQs: Birmingham to Reading Festival coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Birmingham to Reading Festival 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 Festival, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Birmingham and Reading Festival including taking a coach and train.
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.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Birmingham and Reading Festival
Most Birmingham to Reading Festival buses use the Birmingham, Coach Station to station pair. Use this guide to compare Birmingham and Reading Festival 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 Festival
Which Birmingham station do buses to Reading Festival leave from?
Buses from Birmingham to Reading Festival 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.
Most popular bus connections from Birmingham
More options for your journey from Birmingham to Reading Festival
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Reading Festival and Birmingham
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