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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Leicester to Reading
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£46
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£64
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
4 h 46 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
4 h 57 m
Buses on 18 Sept
17
Distance
132 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Leicester to Reading is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Leicester to Reading will cost around £64 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £46.
Fast coaches
To travel from Leicester to Reading you need to make at least one change.
NX440 · NX032 · RRRA117:456h30Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station0:15Reading, Blagrave Street£461One-way2 changes- NX440 · NX035 · RRRA117:456h30Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station0:15Reading, Blagrave Street£461One-way2 changes
- NX440 · NX025 · RRRA116:456h01Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station22:46Reading, Blagrave Street£491One-way2 changes
- NX240 · RRRA13:304h47Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station8:17Reading, Blagrave Street£571One-way1 change
- NX230 · RRRA14:005h06Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station9:06Reading, Blagrave Street£631One-way1 change
- NX230 · RRRA19:204h46Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station14:06Reading, Blagrave Street£681One-way1 change
- NX240 · RRRA13:304h47Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station8:17Reading, Blagrave Street£571One-way1 change
- NX230 · RRRA11:454h57Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station6:42Reading, Blagrave Street£681One-way1 change
- NX230 · RRRA14:005h06Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station9:06Reading, Blagrave Street£631One-way1 change
- NX230 · RRRA114:555h07Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station20:02Reading, Blagrave Street£741One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Leicester to Reading
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Leicester to Reading among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £43 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 36m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £43, while a train costs an average of £52.
Distance: 132 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£43 Average Price Cheapest | £52 Average Price | £27 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 44m Average total duration 4h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 36m Average total duration Fastest 2h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 22m 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 Leicester to Reading is a coach with an average price of £43.
This is compared to other travel options from Leicester to Reading:
A coach is £9 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Leicester to Reading costing on average £52.
The fastest way to travel from Leicester to Reading is by train with an average journey time of 2h 6m.
Other travel options to Reading take longer:
Coach takes on average 4h 14m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Leicester 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 £43 compared to roughly £27 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-15.73. The journey takes 4h 14m versus 2h 22m 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
Leicester to Reading bus times
The table below shows live departures for Leicester 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NX230 · RRRA1 | 1:45 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 4h57 | 6:42 Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 change | |
| NX230 · RRRA1 | 2:30 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 5h17 | 7:47 Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 change | |
| NX240 · RRRA1 | 3:30 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 4h47 | 8:17 Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 change | |
| NX230 · RRRA1 | 4:00 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 5h06 | 9:06 Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 change | |
| NX230 · RRRA1 | 5:55 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 5h30 | 11:25 Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 change | |
| NX230 · RRRA1 | 7:25 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 5h20 | 12:45 Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 change | |
| NX230 · RRRA1 | 9:20 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 4h46 | 14:06 Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 change | |
| NX240 · RRRA1 | 10:05 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 5h23 | 15:28 Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 change | |
| NX230 · RRRA1 | 11:20 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 5h29 | 16:49 Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 change | |
| NX230 · RRRA1 | 13:10 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 5h36 | 18:46 Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 change | |
| NX230 · RRRA1 | 13:50 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 5h35 | 19:25 Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 change | |
| NX230 · RRRA1 | 14:55 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 5h07 | 20:02 Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 change | |
| NX230 · RRRA1 | 16:40 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 5h07 | 21:47 Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 change | |
| NX440 · NX032 · RRRA1 | 17:15 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 6h00 | 23:15 Reading, Blagrave Street | 2 changes | |
| NX440 · NX035 · RRRA1 | 17:15 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 6h00 | 23:15 Reading, Blagrave Street | 2 changes | |
| NX450 · NX030 · RRRA1 | 18:30 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 5h45 | 0:15 Reading, Blagrave Street | 2 changes | |
| NX450 · NX025 · RRRA1 | 18:30 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 5h45 | 0:15 Reading, Blagrave Street | 2 changes | |
| NX230 · RRRA1 | 23:45 Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 5h26 | 5:11 Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 change | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Leicester 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.
Fri
18 Sept
18 Sept
Sat
19 Sept
19 Sept
Sun
20 Sept
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
22 Sept
Wed
23 Sept
23 Sept
Thu
24 Sept
24 Sept
Why should you book Leicester to Reading coaches with Omio?
National Express as well as Megabus or FlixBus offer coaches services from Leicester to Reading.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Leicester to Reading.
Why book with Omio vs National Express?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for National Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of Megabus or FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Leicester 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 National Express with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Leicester 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 Megabus or FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Leicester to Reading.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Leicester to Reading.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Leicester to Reading
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Leicester to Reading run on average 17 times per day, taking around 4h 14m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £37 but you can travel from only £21 by train.
The earliest coach runs at 00:45, the last at 23:45. The fastest coach covers the 132 km distance in 4h 57m.
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 £21
Distance 132 km |
Average bus duration 4h 14m |
Cheapest ticket price £37 |
Buses per day 17 |
Fastest bus 4h 57m |
First bus 0:45 |
Last bus 23:45 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 4 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from £21
Bus providers: National Express, Megabus, FlixBus from Leicester to ReadingYou can travel by bus between Leicester to Reading with National Express, Megabus, FlixBus for as low as £21. 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
3h 51m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
£42
FlixBus frequency
5 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
4h 57m
Cheapest National Express Price
£37
National Express frequency
11 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.
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 Megabus Duration
5h 0m
Cheapest Megabus Price
£12
Megabus frequency
4 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.
What's included in each class
Compare Megabus classes and the amenities included in each one.
Comfort
- Free Wi-Fi
- Power plugs
- Extra legroom
Front seat
- Free Wi-Fi
- Power plugs
General
- Free Wi-Fi
- Power plugs
Leg
- Free Wi-Fi
- Power plugs
- Extra legroom
Reservable
- Free Wi-Fi
- Power plugs
Standard
- Free Wi-Fi
- Power plugs
Standard +
- Free Wi-Fi
- Power plugs
Table seat
- Free Wi-Fi
- Power plugs
- Extra legroom
Top of stairs
- Free Wi-Fi
- Power plugs
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: Leicester to Reading coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Leicester 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 Leicester to Reading can start from as little as £37 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Leicester to Reading is £43; 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 Leicester to Reading is 4h 57m to travel the 132 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 Leicester to Reading leaves at 0:45. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Leicester to Reading leaves at 23:45.
There are 17 coaches a day from Leicester to Reading which require at least one change with National Express, Megabus, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Leicester to Reading, you can count on National Express, Megabus, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Reading. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Leicester and Reading and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A trip to Reading from Leicester is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 4h 57m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Leicester to Reading is June.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Leicester and Reading including taking a coach and train.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Leicester 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.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Leicester to Reading for coach company National Express, Megabus, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Leicester 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.
- 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 National Express, FlixBus.
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 Leicester to Reading.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Leicester 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.
- 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 Leicester 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.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the coach from Leicester 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 Leicester to Reading with the following coach company: National Express, Megabus, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Leicester to Reading with the following coach company: National Express, Megabus, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Leicester to Reading with the following coach company: National Express, Megabus, FlixBus.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Leicester and Reading
Most Leicester to Reading buses use the Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station to Reading, Blagrave Street station pair. Use this guide to compare Leicester and Reading bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Leicester
Arrival bus stations in Reading
Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
City-centre transport
Getting to Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station from Leicester city centre
BusHop · 0m · £2 · every ~14 min
26 · 1m · every ~10 min
21 · 4m
Which Reading station do buses from Leicester arrive at?
Buses from Leicester to Reading arrive at Reading, Blagrave Street. Reading, Blagrave Street is from Reading city centre.
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.
Most popular bus connections from Leicester
More options for your journey from Leicester to Reading
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Reading and Leicester
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