- 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 Portsmouth to Reading
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 30 Aug
Cheapest price on 30 Aug
£45
Average ticket price on 30 Aug
£48
Fastest journey on 30 Aug
2 h 37 m
Average journey duration on 30 Aug
2 h 48 m
Buses on 30 Aug
14
Distance
74 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Portsmouth to Reading is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Portsmouth to Reading will cost around £48 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £45.
Fast coaches
To travel from Portsmouth to Reading you need to make at least one change.
NX030 · RRRA116:393h32Portsmouth, University20:11Reading, Blagrave Street£451One-way1 change- NX030 · RRRA119:553h20Portsmouth, University23:15Reading, Blagrave Street£451One-way1 change
- NX030 · RRRA18:143h01Portsmouth, University11:15Reading, Blagrave Street£461One-way1 change
- NX030 · RRRA113:343h11Portsmouth, University16:45Reading, Blagrave Street£461One-way1 change
- NX030 · RRRA16:052h37Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange8:42Reading, Blagrave Street£461One-way1 change
- NX030 · RRRA16:052h37Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange8:42Reading, Blagrave Street£461One-way1 change
- NX030 · RRRA18:302h45Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange11:15Reading, Blagrave Street£481One-way1 change
- NX030 · RRRA13:202h50Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange6:10Reading, Blagrave Street£501One-way1 change
- NX030 · RRRA15:502h52Portsmouth, University8:42Reading, Blagrave Street£491One-way1 change
- NX030 · RRRA113:502h55Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange16:45Reading, Blagrave Street£471One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Portsmouth to Reading
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Portsmouth to Reading among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £31 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 4m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £31, while a coach costs an average of £45.
Distance: 74 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
£45 Average Price | £31 Average Price Cheapest |
4h 40m Average total duration 4h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 4m Average total duration Fastest 1h 34m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Portsmouth to Reading bus times
The table below shows live departures for Portsmouth to Reading coaches for today, Saturday 29 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NX030 · RRRA1 | 13:50 Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange | 2h55 | 16:45 Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 change | |
| NX030 · RRRA1 | 16:39 Portsmouth, University | 2h59 | 19:38 Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 change | |
| NX030 · RRRA1 | 16:55 Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange | 2h43 | 19:38 Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 change | |
| NX030 · RRRA1 | 19:55 Portsmouth, University | 3h20 | 23:15 Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 change | |
| NX030 · RRRA1 | 20:10 Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange | 3h05 | 23:15 Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 change | |
| NX030 · RRRA1 | 3:05 Portsmouth, University | 3h05 | 6:10 Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 change | |
| NX030 · RRRA1 | 3:20 Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange | 2h50 | 6:10 Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 change | |
| NX030 · RRRA1 | 5:50 Portsmouth, University | 2h52 | 8:42 Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 change | |
| NX030 · RRRA1 | 6:05 Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange | 2h37 | 8:42 Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 change | |
| NX030 · RRRA1 | 8:14 Portsmouth, University | 3h01 | 11:15 Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 change | |
| NX030 · RRRA1 | 8:30 Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange | 2h45 | 11:15 Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 change | |
| NX030 · RRRA1 | 10:34 Portsmouth, University | 3h13 | 13:47 Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 change | |
| NX030 · RRRA1 | 10:50 Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange | 2h57 | 13:47 Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 change | |
| NX030 · RRRA1 | 13:34 Portsmouth, University | 3h11 | 16:45 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 Portsmouth 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.
Sun
30 Aug
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31 Aug
Tue
01 Sept
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02 Sept
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05 Sept
05 Sept
Why should you book Portsmouth to Reading coaches with Omio?
National Express operates all coaches services from Portsmouth to Reading.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Portsmouth 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 bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Portsmouth to Reading.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Portsmouth to Reading.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Portsmouth to Reading
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Portsmouth to Reading run on average 13 times per day, taking around 4h 10m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £42 but you can travel from only £27 by train.
The earliest coach runs at 03:05, the last at 23:05. The fastest coach covers the 74 km distance in 2h 36m.
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 £27
Distance 74 km |
Average bus duration 4h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price £42 |
Buses per day 13 |
Fastest bus 2h 36m |
First bus 3:05 |
Last bus 23:05 |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Best time to book 28 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 £27
Bus providers: National Express from Portsmouth to ReadingYou can travel by bus between Portsmouth to Reading with National Express for as low as £27. 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
2h 36m
Cheapest National Express Price
£42
National Express frequency
1 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.
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: Portsmouth to Reading coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth to Reading can start from as little as £42 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Portsmouth to Reading is £45; 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 Portsmouth to Reading is 2h 36m to travel the 74 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 Portsmouth to Reading leaves at 3:05. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Portsmouth to Reading leaves at 23:05.
There are 13 coaches a day from Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth and Reading and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
When departing from Portsmouth , you have various coach station options to start your route from including Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange, Portsmouth, University, Southsea, Clarence Esplanade, Portsmouth, International Port . 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 Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange, which is located around 1 km away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Reading, Blagrave Street, located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Reading from Portsmouth is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2h 36m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Portsmouth to Reading is January.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Portsmouth and Reading including taking a coach and train.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Portsmouth to Reading:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Portsmouth to Reading for coach company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth to Reading.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth to Reading:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Portsmouth to Reading.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Portsmouth to Reading with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Portsmouth to Reading with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Portsmouth to Reading with the following coach company: National Express.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Portsmouth and Reading
Most Portsmouth to Reading buses use the Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange to Reading, Blagrave Street station pair. Use this guide to compare Portsmouth and Reading bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Portsmouth
Arrival bus stations in Reading
Which Portsmouth station do buses to Reading leave from?
Buses from Portsmouth to Reading leave from Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange. The station is 1 km from Portsmouth city centre at The Hard Interchange, Portsmouth PO1 3DT, UK.
Portsmouth, The Hard InterchangeThe Hard Interchange, Portsmouth PO1 3DT, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange from Portsmouth city centre
Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange is 1 km from Portsmouth city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainLondon Victoria - Portsmouth Harbour, Brighton - Portsmouth Harbour, Littlehampton - Portsmouth Harbour, Three Bridges - Portsmouth Harbour, Barnham - Portsmouth Harbour, Gatwick Airport - Portsmouth Harbour, Havant - Portsmouth Harbour, Bognor Regis - Portsmouth Harbour · 3m · £0.90 · every ~4 min
Bus1, 2, 8, 3, 7, X4, H1, X5, Pr1 · 6m · £2 · every ~214 min
Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange bus station facilities and services
Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Café at The Hard (in the station), Fast Food Outlet (in the station).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange: Elevators, ramps.
Portsmouth, University
Southsea, Clarence EsplanadeClarence Esplanade, Southsea, Portsmouth, Southsea, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Southsea, Clarence Esplanade from Portsmouth city centre
Southsea, Clarence Esplanade is 1 km from Portsmouth city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus23 · 23m · £2 · every ~27 min
Southsea, Clarence Esplanade bus station facilities and services
Southsea, Clarence Esplanade has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Southsea, Clarence Esplanade. ATMs are available at Southsea, Clarence Esplanade.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Southsea, Clarence Esplanade.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Southsea, Clarence Esplanade: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Southsea, Clarence Esplanade: Bus station is accessible for persons with reduced mobility.
Which Reading station do buses from Portsmouth arrive at?
Buses from Portsmouth to Reading most often arrive at Reading, Blagrave Street. Some services arrive at Three Mile Cross, Mereoak Lane - Park & Ride, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Reading arrival station.
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 Portsmouth
More options for your journey from Portsmouth to Reading
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Reading and Portsmouth
Most popular bus connections
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