- 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 Preston to Reading
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 02 Nov
- Cheapest price on 02 Nov
- £54
- Average ticket price on 02 Nov
- £66
- Fastest journey on 02 Nov
- 10 h 6 m
- Average journey duration on 02 Nov
- 11 h 8 m
- Buses on 02 Nov
- 4
- Distance
- 283 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Preston to Reading is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Preston to Reading will cost around £66 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £54.
Fast coaches
To travel from Preston to Reading you need to make at least 2 changes.
NX181 · NX540 · NX030 · RRRA13:20 10h06 Preston, Bus Station 13:26 Reading, Blagrave Street £54 1 One-way 3 changes- NX181 · NX540 · NX035 · RRRA1
3:20 10h06 Preston, Bus Station 13:26 Reading, Blagrave Street £60 1 One-way 3 changes - NX424 · NX030 · RRRA1
22:35 12h10 Preston, Bus Station 10:45 Reading, Blagrave Street £73 1 One-way 2 changes - NX424 · NX025 · RRRA1
22:35 12h10 Preston, Bus Station 10:45 Reading, Blagrave Street £77 1 One-way 2 changes
- NX181 · NX540 · NX035 · RRRA1
3:20 10h06 Preston, Bus Station 13:26 Reading, Blagrave Street £60 1 One-way 3 changes - NX181 · NX540 · NX030 · RRRA1
3:20 10h06 Preston, Bus Station 13:26 Reading, Blagrave Street £54 1 One-way 3 changes - NX424 · NX030 · RRRA1
22:35 12h10 Preston, Bus Station 10:45 Reading, Blagrave Street £73 1 One-way 2 changes - NX424 · NX025 · RRRA1
22:35 12h10 Preston, Bus Station 10:45 Reading, Blagrave Street £77 1 One-way 2 changes
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Preston to Reading
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Preston to Reading run on average 3 times per day, taking around 7h 47m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £52 but you can travel from only £32 by train.
The earliest coach runs at 03:15, the last at 22:35. The fastest coach covers the 283 km distance in 7h 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 £32
Distance 283 km |
Average bus duration 7h 47m |
Cheapest ticket price £52 |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 7h 20m |
First bus 3:15 |
Last bus 22:35 |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
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 £32
Frequently asked questions about your Preston to Reading trip
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Preston to Reading.
Cheap coach tickets from Preston to Reading can start from as little as £52 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Preston to Reading is £65; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The earliest coach from Preston to Reading leaves at 3:15. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Preston to Reading leaves at 22:35.
There are 3 coaches a day from Preston to Reading which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
Live departures
Preston to Reading bus times
The table below shows live departures for Preston to Reading coaches for tomorrow, Monday 2 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NX181 · NX540 · NX035 · RRRA1 | 3:20 Preston, Bus Station | 10h06 | 13:26 Reading, Blagrave Street | 3 changes | |
| NX181 · NX540 · NX030 · RRRA1 | 3:20 Preston, Bus Station | 10h06 | 13:26 Reading, Blagrave Street | 3 changes | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Preston to Reading coaches with Omio?
National Express operates all coaches services from Preston to Reading.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Preston 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.
Bus providers: National Express from Preston to ReadingYou can travel by bus between Preston to Reading with National Express for as low as £32. 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
7h 20m
Cheapest National Express Price
£52
National Express frequency
3 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.
Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Preston and Reading
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
When taking a coach from Preston 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 Preston and Reading and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Preston to Reading:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Preston to Reading for coach company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Preston 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 {providersWithBike}.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the coach from Preston to Reading.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Preston 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 Preston to Reading:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Preston to Reading.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Preston to Reading with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Preston to Reading with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Preston to Reading with the following coach company: National Express.
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: Preston to Reading coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Preston 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.
Yes, you can take a train between Preston and Reading.
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.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Preston and Reading
Most Preston to Reading buses use the Preston, Bus Station to Reading, Blagrave Street station pair. Use this guide to compare Preston and Reading bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Preston
Arrival bus stations in Reading
Which Preston station do buses to Reading leave from?
Buses from Preston to Reading leave from Preston, Bus Station. The station is 2 km from Preston city centre at Preston Bus Station, Tithebarn St, Preston PR1 1YT, UK.
Preston, Bus StationPreston Bus Station, Tithebarn St, Preston PR1 1YT, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Preston, Bus Station from Preston city centre
Preston, Bus Station is 1 km from Preston city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus23 · 6m · £8 · every ~8 min
Preston, Bus Station bus station facilities and services
Preston, Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Cafes and fast food are available within the station.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi is available in the station concourse. ATMs are multiple ATMs are located in the main concourse.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Preston, Bus Station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Preston, Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Preston, Bus Station: Full accessibility for wheelchairs and mobility aids.
Which Reading station do buses from Preston arrive at?
Buses from Preston 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.
Bus stations for Preston to Reading
Check bus stations information for Preston and Reading, including where buses depart and arrive on this route.
Passengers board the coach most frequently from Preston, Bus Station, which is located around 2 km away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Reading, Blagrave Street, located 0 away from the city centre.
Most popular bus connections from Preston
More options for your journey from Preston to Reading
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Reading and Preston
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