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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Chester to Reading
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£35
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£35
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
6 h 46 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
6 h 46 m
Buses on 18 Sept
1
Distance
233 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Chester to Reading is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Chester to Reading will cost around £35 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £35.
Fast coaches
To travel from Chester to Reading you need to make at least one change.
0:306h46Chester7:16Reading£351One-way1 change
- 0:306h46Chester7:16Reading£351One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Chester to Reading
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chester to Reading among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £35 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 21m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £35, while a train costs an average of £203.
Distance: 233 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£35 Average Price Cheapest | £203 Average Price | £58 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 6m Average total duration 6h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 21m Average total duration Fastest 2h 51m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 43m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
 Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Chester to Reading is a coach with an average price of £35.
This is compared to other travel options from Chester to Reading:
A coach is £168 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chester to Reading costing on average £203.
The fastest way to travel from Chester to Reading is by train with an average journey time of 2h 51m.
Other travel options to Reading take longer:
Coach takes on average 6h 36m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Chester and Reading including taking a train and coach.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.
Tickets start at around £35 compared to roughly £58 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £23. The journey takes 6h 36m versus 3h 43m 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.
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.
Live departures
Chester to Reading bus times
The table below shows live departures for Chester to Reading coaches for today, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6:30 Chester | 7h58 | 14:28 Reading | 0 changesdirect | |
| 10:40 Chester | 8h40 | 19:20 Reading | 0 changesdirect | |
| Friday 18 September | |||||
| 0:30 Chester | 6h46 | 7:16 Reading | 1 change | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Chester 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
18 Sept
18 Sept
Sat
19 Sept
19 Sept
Sun
20 Sept
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
21 Sept
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22 Sept
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24 Sept
24 Sept
Why should you book Chester to Reading coaches with Omio?
FlixBus as well as National Express offer coaches services from Chester to Reading.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Chester to Reading.
Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for FlixBus, but also compare tickets for the likes of National Express to find the best option for your trip from Chester 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 FlixBus with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Chester 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 National Express to find the best option for your trip from Chester to Reading.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Chester to Reading.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Chester to Reading
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Chester to Reading run on average 2 times per day, taking around 6h 36m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £35 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 00:30, the last at 23:45. The fastest coach covers the 233 km distance in 6h 46m.
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 233 km |
Average bus duration 6h 36m |
Cheapest ticket price £35 |
Buses per day 2 |
Fastest bus 6h 46m |
First bus 0:30 |
Last bus 23:45 |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 3 days |
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: FlixBus, National Express from Chester to ReadingYou can travel by bus between Chester to Reading with FlixBus, National Express for as low as £35. 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
8h 40m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
£27
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
6h 46m
Cheapest National Express Price
£35
National Express frequency
1 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.
Bus providers: FlixBus, National Express from Chester to ReadingYou can travel by bus between Chester to Reading with FlixBus, National Express for as low as £35. 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
8h 40m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
£27
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
6h 46m
Cheapest National Express Price
£35
National Express frequency
1 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.
What's included in each class
Compare National Express classes and the amenities included in each one.
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
Reading Museum
Reading’s main museum explores local history, archaeology, and art. Best known for the Victorian copy of the Bayeux Tapestry.
- 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: Chester to Reading coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chester 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 Chester to Reading can start from as little as £35 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Chester to Reading is £35; 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 Chester to Reading is 6h 46m to travel the 233 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 Chester to Reading leaves at 0:30. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Chester to Reading leaves at 23:45.
There are 2 coaches a day from Chester to Reading which require at least one change with FlixBus, National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Chester to Reading, you can count on FlixBus, National Express for the best way to get you to Reading. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Chester and Reading and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
When departing from Chester , you have various coach station options to start your route from including Chester, Gorse Stacks (Bus Interchange) . 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 Chester, Gorse Stacks (Bus Interchange), which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Three Mile Cross, Mereoak Lane - Park & Ride, located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Reading from Chester is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 6h 46m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Chester to Reading is March.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Chester and Reading including taking a train and coach.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Chester 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 Chester to Reading for coach company FlixBus, National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Chester 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 FlixBus, 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 Chester to Reading.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Chester 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 Chester 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 Chester 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 Chester to Reading with the following coach company: FlixBus, National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Chester to Reading with the following coach company: FlixBus, National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Chester to Reading with the following coach company: FlixBus, National Express.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Chester and Reading
Most Chester to Reading buses use the Chester, Gorse Stacks (Bus Interchange) to Reading, Blagrave Street station pair. Use this guide to compare Chester and Reading bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Chester
Arrival bus stations in Reading
Which Chester station do buses to Reading leave from?
Buses from Chester to Reading leave from Chester, Gorse Stacks (Bus Interchange). The station is from Chester city centre at Bus Interchange, Chester CH1 3EF, UK.
Chester, Gorse Stacks (Bus Interchange)Bus Interchange, Chester CH1 3EF, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Chester, Gorse Stacks (Bus Interchange) from Chester city centre
Bus11, 11A · 4m · £2 · every ~8 min
61, 16, 62 · 8m · £4 · every ~9 min
Chester, Gorse Stacks (Bus Interchange) bus station facilities and services
Chester, Gorse Stacks (Bus Interchange) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi available within the interchange. ATMs are available at Chester, Gorse Stacks (Bus Interchange).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Chester, Gorse Stacks (Bus Interchange).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Chester, Gorse Stacks (Bus Interchange): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Chester, Gorse Stacks (Bus Interchange): Fully accessible with ramps and elevators.
Which Reading station do buses from Chester arrive at?
Buses from Chester 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.
More options for your journey from Chester to Reading
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Reading and Chester
Most popular bus connections
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