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Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Canterbury to Reading
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Canterbury to Reading among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £47. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 37m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £47, and a train costs an average of £36.
Distance: 144 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
£51 Average Price Cheapest | £66 Average Price |
4h 5m Average total duration 3h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 7m Average total duration Fastest 1h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest |
 Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Compare prices and tickets Canterbury 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.
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Canterbury to Reading
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Canterbury to Reading run on average 21 times per day, taking around 3h 35m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £47 but you can travel from only £36 by train.
The earliest coach runs at 03:20, the last at 19:20. The fastest coach covers the 144 km distance in 4h 52m.
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 £36
Distance 144 km |
Average bus duration 3h 35m |
Cheapest ticket price £47 |
Buses per day 21 |
Fastest bus 4h 52m |
First bus 03:20 |
Last bus 19:20 |
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 £36
Bus providers: Megabus, National Express from Canterbury to ReadingYou can travel by bus between Canterbury to Reading with Megabus, National Express for as low as £36. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Megabus
About
Megabus is a low-cost intercity bus service operating across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Known for its affordable fares, including promotional $1 tickets, Megabus offers routes connecting over 500 cities and university campuses in North America. The company provides amenities such as air conditioning, power outlets, free Wi-Fi, and onboard restrooms, with many routes utilizing double-decker buses for scenic views. Megabus aims to provide safe, convenient, and affordable express bus travel.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Luggage included
One piece of luggage is included per passenger reservation. For guidance, a piece of luggage must not exceed 62 inches (length + width + height) and should not weigh more than 50 pounds (23kg).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased by buying an additional travel ticket in advance or by adding up to two additional pieces when booking for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
Megabus reservations cannot be canceled or refunded, but they can be traded in for another journey up to 3 hours before your original scheduled departure for a fee.
Refund
If Megabus fails to provide on-time reliable service for reasons wholly within their control, refunds or alternative travel arrangements may be offered.
Pregnant on board
Being pregnant on board is allowed, but no specific details or restrictions are provided.
Unaccompagned minor
Unaccompanied minors under the age of 17 are not permitted to travel on Megabus.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cold food and drinks, as well as hot drinks with a lid, are allowed on board, but hot food is not.
Seat reservation
Reserved seats can be purchased for an additional fee, starting from £2.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.
Entertaiment on board
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 Duration
4h 52m
Cheapest Price
£47
National Express frequency
9 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.
FAQs: Canterbury to Reading coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Canterbury 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 Canterbury to Reading can start from as little as £47 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Canterbury to Reading is £51; 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 Canterbury to Reading is 4h 52m to travel the 144 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 Canterbury to Reading leaves at 3:20. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Canterbury to Reading leaves at 19:20.
There are 21 coaches a day from Canterbury to Reading which require at least one change with Megabus, National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Canterbury to Reading, you can count on Megabus, National Express for the best way to get you to Reading. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Canterbury and Reading and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A trip to Reading from Canterbury is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 4h 52m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Canterbury to Reading is January.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Canterbury and Reading including taking a train and coach.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Canterbury to Reading:
- Megabus
- Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Canterbury to Reading for coach company Megabus, National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Canterbury to Reading depends on the coach companies:
- Megabus
- Megabus reservations cannot be canceled or refunded, but they can be traded in for another journey up to 3 hours before your original scheduled departure for a fee.
- 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 National Express.
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 Canterbury to Reading.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Canterbury to Reading:
- Megabus
- One piece of luggage is included per passenger reservation. For guidance, a piece of luggage must not exceed 62 inches (length + width + height) and should not weigh more than 50 pounds (23kg).
- 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 Canterbury to Reading:
- Megabus
- Additional luggage can be purchased by buying an additional travel ticket in advance or by adding up to two additional pieces when booking for a fee.
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Canterbury to Reading.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Canterbury to Reading with the following coach company: Megabus, National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Canterbury to Reading with the following coach company: Megabus, National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Canterbury to Reading with the following coach company: Megabus, National Express.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Canterbury and Reading
Canterbury
Reading
The major coach station for departures in Canterbury is Canterbury, St. Georges Lane. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Canterbury, St. Georges Lane for your trip from Canterbury to Reading.
Canterbury, St. Georges Lane
information
Canterbury, University Of Kent
Amenities at bus station
WifiParkingATMAccessibilityWCinformation
Distance to city center
1 km
Car connection
University RoadWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps
WC
- Available in the station.
Public transport options for Canterbury, University Of Kent
- Bus: 4, 4X, 5, 6, 6A
The major coach station for arrivals in Reading is Reading, Blagrave Street. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Reading, Blagrave Street for your trip to Reading from Canterbury.
Reading, Blagrave Street
Amenities at bus station
Accessibilityinformation
Accessibility
- The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible
Most popular bus connections from Canterbury
More options for your journey from Canterbury to Reading
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Reading and Canterbury
Most popular bus connections
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