Cardiff to Reading bus with Megabus

Thu 27 Nov
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Megabus
FlixBus
National Express
Alsa
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1,000+ travel companies
Megabus
FlixBus
National Express
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Cardiff to Reading

Showing times and prices for 28 Nov

Cheapest price

£55

Average price

£66

Fastest journey

4 h 32 m

Average duration

4 h 42 m

Buses per day

14

Distance

153 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Cardiff to Reading is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Cardiff to Reading will cost around £66 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £55.

Fast coaches

To travel from Cardiff to Reading you need to make at least one change.

National ExpressNX201 · RRRA1
16:305h17
Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
21:47Reading, Blagrave Street
£551One-way
1 change
National ExpressNX201 · RRRA1
05:254h40
Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
10:05Reading, Blagrave Street
£551One-way
1 change
National ExpressNX202 · RRRA1
02:355h12
Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
07:47Reading, Blagrave Street
£561One-way
1 change
National ExpressNX201 · RRRA1
01:404h32
Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
06:12Reading, Blagrave Street
£581One-way
1 change
National ExpressNX201 · RRRA1
07:204h45
Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
12:05Reading, Blagrave Street
£631One-way
1 change

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Cardiff to Reading

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Reading among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from £30. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 29m. 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 train costs an average of £30, and a coach costs an average of £9.

Distance: 153 km

Compare bus with

Coach
Most popular
Train

£51

Average Price

£48

Average Price

Cheapest

3h 21m

Average total duration

2h 51m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 59m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 29m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.2 - 0.4kg

CO2 emissions

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest
Megabus

Most popular bus company

Great Western Rail

Most popular train company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Cardiff to Reading bus times

The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Reading coaches for today, Thursday 27 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.

Last updated at 10:00
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
national_expressNX202 · RRRA110:40 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
5h29
16:09 Reading, Blagrave Street1 change
national_expressNX202 · RRRA112:35 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
5h34
18:09 Reading, Blagrave Street1 change
national_expressNX202 · RRRA114:55 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
5h52
20:47 Reading, Blagrave Street1 change
Friday 28 November
national_expressNX201 · RRRA101:40 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
4h32
06:12 Reading, Blagrave Street1 change
national_expressNX202 · RRRA102:35 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
5h12
07:47 Reading, Blagrave Street1 change
national_expressNX201 · RRRA103:25 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
4h52
08:17 Reading, Blagrave Street1 change
national_expressNX202 · RRRA104:30 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
5h15
09:45 Reading, Blagrave Street1 change
national_expressNX201 · RRRA105:25 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
4h40
10:05 Reading, Blagrave Street1 change
national_expressNX201 · RRRA107:20 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
4h45
12:05 Reading, Blagrave Street1 change
national_expressNX201 · RRRA109:25 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
4h41
14:06 Reading, Blagrave Street1 change

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Cardiff 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.

Fri
28 Nov
Sat
29 Nov
Sun
30 Nov
Mon
01 Dec
Tue
02 Dec
Wed
03 Dec
Thu
04 Dec

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Cardiff to Reading

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Cardiff to Reading run on average 12 times per day, taking around 2h 51m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £9 if you book in advance.

The earliest coach runs at 00:10, the last at 23:40. The fastest coach covers the 153 km distance in 2h 50m.

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
Distance
153 km
Average bus duration
2h 51m
Cheapest ticket price
£9
Buses per day
12
Fastest bus
2h 50m
First bus
00:10
Last bus
23:40
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

Bus providers: Megabus, FlixBus from Cardiff to ReadingYou can travel by bus between Cardiff to Reading with Megabus, FlixBus for as low as £9. 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 Duration
2h 50m
Cheapest Price
£9
FlixBus frequency
1 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.
Learn more about FlixBus

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
Average Duration
3h 0m
Cheapest Price
£23
Megabus frequency
1 a day
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.

FAQs: Cardiff to Reading coach

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff 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.

FAQs
Cheap coach tickets from Cardiff to Reading can start from as little as £11 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Cardiff to Reading is £57; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The coach time between Cardiff and Reading is on average 2 h 32 min   for the 95 mile long journey, but the time it takes to go to Reading from Cardiff by coach can vary depending on specific dates or if traveling on weekends and holidays.
The first coach from Cardiff to Reading leaves at 00: 45. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last coach from Cardiff to Reading leaves at 23: 40.
There are 6 coaches a day from Cardiff to Reading which require at least one change with Megabus, FlixBus or National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Cardiff to Reading, you can count on Megabus, FlixBus or National Express for the best way to get you to Reading. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service to Reading from Cardiff and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A trip to Reading from Cardiff is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2 h 32 min each way. Check with Omio app   the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Cardiff to Reading is September.
You have options as you can travel from Cardiff to Reading 2 different ways: train or coach.
No, the coach from Cardiff to Reading has no accessibility options.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the coach from Cardiff to Reading.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the coach from Cardiff to Reading.

To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Cardiff to Reading, follow these tips:

  • Book in advance: Tickets are often cheaper when booked early.
  • Be flexible with dates and times: Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money.
  • Use our search filters: Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options.
  • Look for special deals or discounts: Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.

    • Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!

    Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the coach from Cardiff to Reading.
    No, luggage for the coach from Cardiff to Reading needs to be booked in addition.
    No, there are no additional luggage options for the coach from Cardiff to Reading.
    Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Cardiff to Reading.
    No, there are no USB plugs on board the coach from Cardiff to Reading.
    No, there is no WiFi on board the coach from Cardiff to Reading.

    popular bus stations

    Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Reading

    Cardiff
    Reading
    The major coach station for departures in Cardiff is Cardiff, Sophia Gardens. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens for your trip from Cardiff to Reading.
    Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
    information
    Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
    information

    More options for your journey from Cardiff to Reading

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