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The cheapest and fastest coaches from London Stansted Airport to Reading
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£47
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£49
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
3 h 5 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
3 h 12 m
Buses on 18 Sept
11
Distance
98 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from London Stansted Airport to Reading is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from London Stansted Airport to Reading will cost around £49 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £47.
Fast coaches
To travel from London Stansted Airport to Reading you need to make at least one change.
NX728 · RRRA119:253h21Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station22:46Reading, Blagrave Street£471One-way1 change- NX728 · RRRA117:153h32Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station20:47Reading, Blagrave Street£471One-way1 change
- NX727 · RRRA110:153h11Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station13:26Reading, Blagrave Street£471One-way1 change
- NX727 · RRRA14:453h32Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station8:17Reading, Blagrave Street£471One-way1 change
- NX727 · RRRA19:003h05Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station12:05Reading, Blagrave Street£471One-way1 change
- NX727 · RRRA19:003h05Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station12:05Reading, Blagrave Street£471One-way1 change
- NX727 · RRRA110:153h11Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station13:26Reading, Blagrave Street£471One-way1 change
- NX727 · RRRA12:303h11Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station5:41Reading, Blagrave Street£631One-way1 change
- NX727 · RRRA114:553h14Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station18:09Reading, Blagrave Street£471One-way1 change
- NX728 · RRRA119:253h21Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station22:46Reading, Blagrave Street£471One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for London Stansted Airport to Reading
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from London Stansted Airport to Reading among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, 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 8m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £43, while a coach costs an average of £57.
Distance: 98 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£57 Average Price | £43 Average Price Cheapest | £21 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 25m Average total duration 2h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 8m Average total duration Fastest 1h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 35m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from London Stansted Airport to Reading is a train with an average price of £43.
This is compared to other travel options from London Stansted Airport to Reading:
A train is £14 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from London Stansted Airport to Reading costing on average £57.
The fastest way to travel from London Stansted Airport to Reading is by train with an average journey time of 1h 38m.
Other travel options to Reading take longer:
Coach takes on average 2h 55m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between London Stansted Airport 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 £57 compared to roughly £21 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-35.39. The journey takes 2h 55m versus 1h 35m 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
London Stansted Airport to Reading bus times
The table below shows live departures for London Stansted Airport 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NX727 · RRRA1 | 2:30 Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 3h11 | 5:41 Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 change | |
| NX727 · RRRA1 | 4:45 Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 3h32 | 8:17 Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 change | |
| NX727 · RRRA1 | 6:40 Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 3h25 | 10:05 Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 change | |
| NX727 · RRRA1 | 9:00 Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 3h05 | 12:05 Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 change | |
| NX727 · RRRA1 | 10:15 Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 3h11 | 13:26 Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 change | |
| NX727 · RRRA1 | 13:15 Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 3h34 | 16:49 Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 change | |
| NX727 · RRRA1 | 14:55 Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 3h14 | 18:09 Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 change | |
| NX728 · RRRA1 | 17:15 Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 3h32 | 20:47 Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 change | |
| NX728 · RRRA1 | 19:25 Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 3h21 | 22:46 Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 change | |
| NXA8 · NXA40 · RRRA1 | 23:50 Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 5h21 | 5:11 Reading, Blagrave Street | 2 changes | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets London Stansted Airport 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
Tue
22 Sept
22 Sept
Wed
23 Sept
23 Sept
Thu
24 Sept
24 Sept
Why should you book London Stansted Airport to Reading coaches with Omio?
National Express operates all coaches services from London Stansted Airport to Reading.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from London Stansted Airport to Reading.
Why book with Omio vs National Express?
- 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 train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from London Stansted Airport to Reading.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from London Stansted Airport to Reading.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from London Stansted Airport to Reading
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from London Stansted Airport to Reading run on average 12 times per day, taking around 2h 39m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £47 but you can travel from only £28 by train.
The earliest coach runs at 03:45, the last at 22:50. The fastest coach covers the 98 km distance in 3h 25m.
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 £28
Distance 98 km |
Average bus duration 2h 39m |
Cheapest ticket price £47 |
Buses per day 12 |
Fastest bus 3h 25m |
First bus 3:45 |
Last bus 22:50 |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sat |
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from £28
Bus providers: National Express from London Stansted Airport to ReadingYou can travel by bus between London Stansted Airport to Reading with National Express for as low as £28. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
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
3h 25m
Cheapest National Express Price
£47
National Express frequency
7 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: London Stansted Airport to Reading coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from London Stansted Airport 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 London Stansted Airport to Reading can start from as little as £47 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for London Stansted Airport 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 London Stansted Airport to Reading is 3h 25m to travel the 98 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 London Stansted Airport to Reading leaves at 3:45. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from London Stansted Airport to Reading leaves at 22:50.
There are 12 coaches a day from London Stansted Airport to Reading which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from London Stansted Airport to Reading, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Reading. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between London Stansted Airport and Reading and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A trip to Reading from London Stansted Airport is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3h 25m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from London Stansted Airport to Reading is October.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between London Stansted Airport and Reading including taking a train and coach.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from London Stansted Airport to Reading:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from London Stansted Airport to Reading for coach company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from London Stansted Airport 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.
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 London Stansted Airport to Reading.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from London Stansted Airport to Reading:
- 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 London Stansted Airport to Reading:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from London Stansted Airport to Reading.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from London Stansted Airport to Reading with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from London Stansted Airport to Reading with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from London Stansted Airport to Reading with the following coach company: National Express.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in London Stansted Airport and Reading
Most London Stansted Airport to Reading buses use the London, Victoria Coach Station to Reading, Blagrave Street station pair. Use this guide to compare London Stansted Airport and Reading bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in London
Arrival bus stations in Reading
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 London Stansted Airport
More options for your journey from London Stansted Airport to Reading
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Reading and London Stansted Airport
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