- Must visit
Reading Museum
Reading’s main museum explores local history, archaeology, and art. Best known for the Victorian copy of the Bayeux Tapestry.
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Hemel Hempstead to Reading
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 06 Sept
Cheapest price on 06 Sept
£0.00
Average ticket price on 06 Sept
£4
Fastest journey on 06 Sept
2 h 30 m
Average journey duration on 06 Sept
3 h 9 m
Buses on 06 Sept
10
Distance
48 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Hemel Hempstead to Reading is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
Fast coaches
To travel from Hemel Hempstead to Reading you need to make at least 2 changes.
11:343h42Hemel Hempstead15:16ReadingFind prices2 changes- 13:343h41Hemel Hempstead17:15ReadingFind prices2 changes
- 14:343h40Hemel Hempstead18:14ReadingFind prices2 changes
- 15:343h39Hemel Hempstead19:13ReadingFind prices2 changes
- 16:343h37Hemel Hempstead20:11ReadingFind prices2 changes
- 19:412h30Hemel Hempstead22:11ReadingFind prices2 changes
- 18:382h33Hemel Hempstead21:11ReadingFind prices2 changes
- 21:423h33Hemel Hempstead1:15ReadingFind prices2 changes
- 20:413h34Hemel Hempstead0:15ReadingFind prices2 changes
- 16:343h37Hemel Hempstead20:11ReadingFind prices2 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Hemel Hempstead to Reading
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Hemel Hempstead to Reading among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £37 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 46m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.0kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £37, while a train costs an average of £40.
Distance: 48 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£37 Average Price Cheapest | £40 Average Price | £10 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 53m Average total duration 3h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 46m Average total duration Fastest 1h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 59m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Hemel Hempstead to Reading is a coach with an average price of £37.
This is compared to other travel options from Hemel Hempstead to Reading:
A coach is £4 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Hemel Hempstead to Reading costing on average £40.
The fastest way to travel from Hemel Hempstead to Reading is by train with an average journey time of 1h 16m.
Other travel options to Reading take longer:
Coach takes on average 3h 23m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Hemel Hempstead and Reading including taking a coach and train.
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 £37 compared to roughly £10 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-26.66. The journey takes 3h 23m versus 59m 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.
Compare prices and tickets Hemel Hempstead to Reading by coach or train
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.
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06 Sept
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Hemel Hempstead to Reading
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Hemel Hempstead to Reading run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 23m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £35 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 03:10, the last at 22:03. The fastest coach covers the 48 km distance in 2h 30m.
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 48 km |
Average bus duration 3h 23m |
Cheapest ticket price £35 |
Buses per day 6 |
Fastest bus 2h 30m |
First bus 3:10 |
Last bus 22:03 |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 1 day |
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: Red Eagle, Vale Travel, Arriva UK, Carousel Buses from Hemel Hempstead to ReadingYou can travel by bus between Hemel Hempstead to Reading with Red Eagle, Vale Travel, Arriva UK, Carousel Buses for as low as £35. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Red Eagle
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Red Eagle Duration
2h 57m
Red Eagle frequency
1 a day
Vale Travel
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Vale Travel Duration
5h 41m
Vale Travel frequency
1 a day
Arriva UK
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Arriva UK Duration
2h 30m
Cheapest Arriva UK Price
£35
Arriva UK frequency
15 a day
Carousel Buses
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Carousel Buses Duration
3h 16m
Carousel Buses frequency
1 a day
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
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: Hemel Hempstead to Reading coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Hemel Hempstead 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 Hemel Hempstead to Reading can start from as little as £35 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Hemel Hempstead to Reading is £37; 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 Hemel Hempstead to Reading is 2h 30m to travel the 48 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 Hemel Hempstead to Reading leaves at 3:10. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Hemel Hempstead to Reading leaves at 22:03.
There are 6 coaches a day from Hemel Hempstead to Reading which require at least one change with Red Eagle, Vale Travel, Arriva UK, Carousel Buses. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Hemel Hempstead to Reading, you can count on Red Eagle, Vale Travel, Arriva UK, Carousel Buses for the best way to get you to Reading. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Hemel Hempstead and Reading and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A trip to Reading from Hemel Hempstead is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2h 30m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Hemel Hempstead and Reading including taking a coach and train.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the coach from Hemel Hempstead to Reading.
No, the coach from Hemel Hempstead to Reading has no accessibility options.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the coach from Hemel Hempstead to Reading.
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.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the coach from Hemel Hempstead to Reading.
No, luggage for the coach from Hemel Hempstead to Reading needs to be booked in addition.
No, there are no additional luggage options for the coach from Hemel Hempstead to Reading.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Hemel Hempstead to Reading.
No, there are no USB plugs on board the coach from Hemel Hempstead to Reading.
No, there is no WiFi on board the coach from Hemel Hempstead to Reading.
More options for your journey from Hemel Hempstead to Reading
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Reading and Hemel Hempstead
Most popular bus connections
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