- Must visit
Reading Museum
Reading’s main museum explores local history, archaeology, and art. Best known for the Victorian copy of the Bayeux Tapestry.
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£54
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£57
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
6 h 56 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
7 h 15 m
Buses on 18 Sept
3
Distance
147 km
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Loughborough to Reading is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Loughborough to Reading will cost around £57 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £54.
On Fri 18 Sept, we found 3 buses from Loughborough to Reading, including 3 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 147 km distance in an average of 7 h 15 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h 56 m .
The slowest buses will take 7 h 25 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.






Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Loughborough to Reading among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £60 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 49m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £60, while a train costs an average of £69.
Distance: 147 km
| Coach | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£60 Average Price Cheapest | £69 Average Price | £30 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 15m Average total duration 4h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 49m Average total duration Fastest 2h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 27m 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 |
This is compared to other travel options from Loughborough to Reading:
A coach is £10 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Loughborough to Reading costing on average £69.
Other travel options to Reading take longer:
Coach takes on average 4h 45m.
Tickets start at around £60 compared to roughly £30 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-29.32. The journey takes 4h 45m versus 2h 27m 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.
The table below shows live departures for Loughborough to Reading coaches for today, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 13:45 Loughborough | 7h32 | 21:17 Reading | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Loughborough to Reading run on average 9 times per day, taking around 4h 45m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £60 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 03:15, the last at 22:03. The fastest coach covers the 147 km distance in 7h 32m.
Distance 147 km |
Average bus duration 4h 45m |
Cheapest ticket price £60 |
Buses per day 9 |
Fastest bus 7h 32m |
First bus 3:15 |
Last bus 22:03 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 5 days |
Discover the best of Reading — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Reading trip today.
Reading’s main museum explores local history, archaeology, and art. Best known for the Victorian copy of the Bayeux Tapestry.
Small museum beside the abbey ruins with exhibits on Reading’s medieval abbey. Good for context before walking the historic quarter.
University museum covering farming, countryside life, and design. Engaging displays make it a distinctive and family-friendly visit.
Large riverside park with formal gardens, open lawns, and abbey remains. Ideal for relaxing walks close to the town centre.
Traffic-free shopping street at the heart of Reading. A practical and lively route linking major shops, historic lanes, and public spaces.
Riverside walking area along the Thames near Caversham Bridge. Visit for benches, water views, and an easy stroll near the centre.
Berkshire pork sausages are a long-standing county staple, prized for well-seasoned local pork and often served with mash in traditional pubs.
Spotted dick is a classic steamed suet pudding with dried fruit, commonly served with custard and strongly associated with traditional English cooking.
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.
Refined modern British dining in elegant surroundings, known for carefully plated tasting-style dishes and polished service.
Traditional pub by the Thames serving British classics, Sunday roasts and local drinks in a relaxed historic setting.
Popular central Reading restaurant specialising in well-cooked steaks, grills and hearty sides in a lively contemporary space.
Moderate for England: hotels are often cheaper than London, but dining, drinks and rail fares still add up for visitors.
Service is sometimes included. If not, tip about 10% in restaurants for good service. Taxis are often rounded up. Tipping in cafés is optional.
Official public transport app
Reading Station -> Reading Town Centre
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Loughborough 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.

Most Loughborough to Reading buses use the Loughborough, University to Reading, Blagrave Street station pair. Use this guide to compare Loughborough and Reading bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Loughborough, The Rushes is 1 km from Loughborough city centre. Public transport options include:
Loughborough, The Rushes has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Loughborough, The Rushes. ATMs are available at Loughborough, The Rushes.
Ticket office support is available at Loughborough, The Rushes.
Available at Loughborough, The Rushes: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Loughborough, The Rushes: Basic accessibility features are available.
Loughborough, University is 1 km from Loughborough city centre. Public transport options include:
Loughborough, University has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafes and restaurants available on campus.
Free WiFi available for students and visitors. ATMs are aTMs available on campus.
Ticket office support is available at Loughborough, University.
Available at Loughborough, University: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Loughborough, University: Accessible buses and pathways available.
Reading, Blagrave Street has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Reading, Blagrave Street: The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need