London to Reading bus with Megabus

Tue 07 Apr
+ Add return
Megabus
National Express
FlixBus
Alsa
Flibco
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from London to Reading

Showing times and prices for 07 Apr

Cheapest price

£34

Average price

£35

Fastest journey

2 h 11 m

Average duration

2 h 20 m

Buses per day

5

Distance

59 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from London 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 to Reading will cost around £35 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £34.

Fast coaches

Of the 5 buses that leave London for Reading every day 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct buses cover the 59 km distance in an average of 2 h 20 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 11 m .

The slowest buses will take 2 h 31 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.

  • National Express
    11:302h36
    London
    14:06Reading
    £341One-way
    0 changes
  • National Express
    22:002h15
    London
    0:15Reading
    £351One-way
    0 changes
  • National Express
    11:002h26
    London
    13:26Reading
    £351One-way
    0 changes
  • National Express
    15:002h31
    London
    17:31Reading
    £351One-way
    0 changes
  • National Express
    6:302h11
    London
    8:41Reading
    £371One-way
    0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for London to Reading

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from London to Reading among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from £13. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 55m. 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 £13, and a coach costs an average of £16.

Distance: 59 km

Compare bus with

Coach
Most popular
Train

£36

Average Price

£25

Average Price

Cheapest

2h 9m

Average total duration

1h 39m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 25m

Average total duration

Fastest

55m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest
Megabus

Most popular bus company

Great Western Railway

Most popular train company

Direct Options

Direct Options

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

Live departures

London to Reading bus times

The table below shows live departures for London to Reading coaches for tomorrow, Monday 6 April. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
national_express6:30 London
2h11
8:41 Reading0 changesdirect
national_express11:00 London
2h26
13:26 Reading0 changesdirect
national_express11:30 London
2h36
14:06 Reading0 changesdirect

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets London 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.

Tue
07 Apr
Wed
08 Apr
Thu
09 Apr
Fri
10 Apr
Sat
11 Apr
Sun
12 Apr
Mon
13 Apr
Tue
14 Apr
Wed
15 Apr
Thu
16 Apr
Fri
17 Apr
Sat
18 Apr
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19 Apr
Mon
20 Apr

Why should you book London to Reading coaches with Omio?

Megabus as well as National Express or FlixBus offer coaches services from London to Reading.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from London to Reading.

Why book with Omio vs Megabus?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Megabus, but also compare tickets for the likes of National Express or FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from London 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 Megabus with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from London 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 or FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from London to Reading.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from London to Reading.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from London to Reading

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from London to Reading run on average 27 times per day, taking around 1h 39m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £16 but you can travel from only £13 by train.

The earliest coach runs at 00:08, the last at 23:57. The fastest coach covers the 59 km distance in 1h 20m.

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 £13
Distance
59 km
Average bus duration
1h 39m
Cheapest ticket price
£16
Buses per day
27
Fastest bus
1h 20m
First bus
0:08
Last bus
23:57
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 £13

Bus providers: Megabus, National Express, FlixBus from London to ReadingYou can travel by bus between London to Reading with Megabus, National Express, FlixBus for as low as £13. 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
1h 20m
Cheapest Price
£16
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 Duration
2h 11m
Cheapest Price
£34
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.

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
1h 0m
Cheapest Price
£29
Megabus frequency
28 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.

Buses from London to Reading: Journey Details

For those who wish to travel to Reading from London without using the train, National Express Coaches offers an alternative in the form of a comfortable and convenient bus service. Departures are from London Victoria Coach station and the journey will take approximately 2 hours during peak hours and about 1.5 hours at less busy times of the day, the shortest trip is an express service which takes an hour and 15 minutes. The frequency of buses from London to Reading is variable from hourly to once every three hours, so travellers are advised to plan in advance. This is an affordable and relaxed way to travel to Reading.

Taking the Bus from London

London's Victoria Coach station is situated just to the north of the rail mainline terminal on Buckingham Palace Road. It is within a 20 minute walk from Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament. The coach station itself is well signposted and easy to navigate. Local buses also serve the coach station but it is notoriously slow when arriving from the East.

Getting into Reading by Bus

Reading is a thriving town with a young and fashionable demographic, it has a renowned cultural aspect with two theatres and a lively atmosphere after dark. Buses from London to Reading pull in at the Calcot Coachway Station which is located out of town to the West. Local connecting buses (or a taxi) will be needed to make an onward journey into Reading itself or the university campus. Football supporters should be aware that the Madejski Stadium is nowhere near Reading town centre or the Calcot terminal, most clubs will also organise dedicated coaches on match day.

FAQs: London to Reading coach

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from London 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 London to Reading can start from as little as £16 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for London to Reading is £36; 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 to Reading is 1h 20m to travel the 59 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 to Reading leaves at 0:08. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from London to Reading leaves at 23:57.
There are 27 coaches a day from London to Reading which require at least one change with Megabus, National Express, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from London to Reading, you can count on Megabus, National Express, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Reading. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between London and Reading and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
When departing from London , you have various coach station options to start your route from including London, Victoria Coach Station, London, Eastbourne Terrace (Paddington Station), London, Heathrow Airport Terminals 2 & 3, London, Heathrow Airport Terminal 5, London, Heathrow Terminal 3 (Stops 7-8), London, York Road (London Eye), London, Heathrow Airport Terminal 4, London, Baker Street Station, London, Heathrow Airport (T2 - Arrivals), London, Bishopsgate (Liverpool Street Station - Stop G), London, Southwark Street / Blackfriars Road, London, Marble Arch, London, Golders Green Station, London, Finchley Road ("Subway" restaurant), London, Kingsland Road / Middleton Road, London, Lithos Road, London, Elephant and Castle, London, Tottenham Hale Bus Station, London, Shoreditch High St / Bethnal Green Road (Stop L), London, Lewisham, London, Walworth, London, New Cross Gate, London, Eltham, London, Whitechapel Station Royal London Hospital (Stop B), London, St John's Wood, London, Gloucester Place (Baker Street Station), London, Hammersmith Bridge Road, Dartford, Bluewater Shopping Centre, London, Stratford City Bus Station, London, Mile End / Aberavon Rd, London, Bethnal Green . 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 London, Victoria Coach Station, which is located around 2 away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Reading, Blagrave Street, located 0 away from the city centre.
A day trip to Reading from London is worth doing with a journey time of 1h 20m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from London to Reading is December.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between London and Reading including taking a train and coach.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from London 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 London to Reading for coach company Megabus, National Express, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from London 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 London to Reading.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from London 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 London 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 London 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 London to Reading with the following coach company: Megabus, National Express, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from London to Reading with the following coach company: Megabus, National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from London to Reading with the following coach company: Megabus, National Express, FlixBus.

popular bus stations

Important Stations and Airports in London and Reading

London
Reading
The major coach station for departures in London is London, Victoria Coach Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at London, Victoria Coach Station for your trip from London to Reading.
London, Victoria Coach StationWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
Amenities at bus station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 06:00-23:00
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
2 km
carConnection
Car connection
Buckingham Palace Road
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi
Dining
Dining
  • Pret a Manger (in the station)
  • Starbucks (in the station).
Taxis
Taxis
  • Available outside the station on Buckingham Palace Road.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps
WC
WC
  • Available in the station.
Public transport options for London, Victoria Coach Station
  • Bus: 11, 44, 170, 211, C1, C10 Metro: Victoria Train: Southern, Gatwick Express
London, Eastbourne Terrace (Paddington Station)
information
Amenities at bus station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 00:00-23:59
carConnection
Car connection
Bath Road
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi
Dining
Dining
  • Pret a Manger (in the station)
  • Caffè Nero (in the station)
Taxis
Taxis
  • Available outside the arrivals area, with services provided by licensed black cabs and private hire vehicles.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Ramps, assistance
WC
WC
  • Available in the station.
Public transport options for London, Heathrow Airport Terminals 2 & 3
  • Bus: 105, 111, 140, 285, 423 Train: Heathrow Express Metro: Piccadilly

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