- Must visit
Reading Museum
Museum on Reading’s history, Huntley & Palmers and local archaeology, housed in the Victorian Town Hall near the abbey quarter.
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Bristol to Reading Festival among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £15 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 38m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £15, while a train costs an average of £58.
Distance: 112 km
| Coach | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£15 Average Price Cheapest | £58 Average Price | £31 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 3m Average total duration 1h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 38m Average total duration Fastest 1h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 27m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Bristol to Reading Festival:
A coach is £43 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bristol to Reading Festival costing on average £58.
Other travel options to Reading Festival take longer:
Coach takes on average 1h 33m.
Tickets start at around £15 compared to roughly £31 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £16. The journey takes 1h 33m versus 1h 27m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by FlixBus.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
Compare coach and train 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.
Buses from Bristol to Reading Festival run on average 6 times per day, taking around 1h 33m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £11 if you book in advance.
There are 6 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 01:30, the last at 23:55. The fastest coach covers the 112 km distance in 1h 25m.
Distance 112 km |
Average bus duration 1h 33m |
Cheapest ticket price £11 |
Buses per day 6 |
Direct buses 6 |
Fastest bus 1h 25m |
First bus 1:30 |
Last bus 23:55 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Reading Festival — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Reading Festival trip today.
Museum on Reading’s history, Huntley & Palmers and local archaeology, housed in the Victorian Town Hall near the abbey quarter.
Riverside gallery focused on modern and contemporary art, with changing exhibitions in a converted waterworks by the River Kennet.
Specialist university museum exploring farming, countryside life and rural change. Its collections and displays are engaging and distinctive.
Central formal gardens beside the abbey ruins and museum. Popular for walks, monuments and relaxing close to Reading’s historic core.
Attractive stretch along the River Thames with boat activity, open views and a pleasant path linking Reading and Caversham.
Busy pedestrianised shopping street with historic frontages and easy access to the station, market routes and town-centre sights.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bristol 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.

Most Bristol to Reading Festival buses use the Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) to Three Mile Cross, Mereoak Lane - Park & Ride station pair. Use this guide to compare Bristol and Reading Festival bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
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