- Must visit
M Shed
Large harbourside museum covering Bristol’s people, industry and global links, with varied galleries and family-friendly displays.
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Reading Festival to Bristol among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £14 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 41m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £14, while a train costs an average of £60.
Distance: 112 km
| Coach | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£14 Average Price Cheapest | £60 Average Price | £31 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 9m Average total duration 1h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 41m Average total duration Fastest 1h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 34m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Reading Festival to Bristol:
A coach is £46 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Reading Festival to Bristol costing on average £60.
Other travel options to Bristol take longer:
Coach takes on average 1h 39m.
Tickets start at around £14 compared to roughly £31 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £17. The journey takes 1h 39m versus 1h 34m 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.
Direct services are operated by FlixBus.
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.
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.
Buses from Reading Festival to Bristol run on average 5 times per day, taking around 1h 39m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £10 if you book in advance.
There are 5 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 01:30, the last at 23:55. The fastest coach covers the 112 km distance in 1h 30m.
Distance 112 km |
Average bus duration 1h 39m |
Cheapest ticket price £10 |
Buses per day 5 |
Direct buses 5 |
Fastest bus 1h 30m |
First bus 1:30 |
Last bus 23:55 |
Cheapest Month Sept |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Best time to book 5 days |
Discover the best of Bristol — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bristol trip today.
Large harbourside museum covering Bristol’s people, industry and global links, with varied galleries and family-friendly displays.
City museum and art gallery with natural history, archaeology, applied art and paintings in a grand central building.
Former passenger liner turned museum ship, where visitors explore restored decks and learn about transatlantic travel and engineering.
Lively floating harbour area with waterside walks, museums, boats and year-round city views, ideal for first-time visitors.
Elegant Georgian square with lawns and paths, useful as a calm stop between the old city, harbour and nearby cultural sights.
Colourful hillside neighbourhood famed for street art, independent character and broad views over the city from nearby green spaces.
A cider from apples grown in the surrounding West Country. Bristol’s long cider-trading history makes it a classic local drink to try in pubs and cider houses.
A rich cheese from Somerset, often eaten across Bristol in sandwiches, ploughman’s lunches and pub dishes. It is one of the region’s best-known traditional foods.
A traditional bun flavoured with dried fruit, spice and candied peel, linked to Bristol since the 18th century. It is a distinctive local teatime bake.
Long-running St Nicholas Market favourite serving pitta sandwiches packed with falafel, salad and sauces in a casual setting.
Elegant modern British dining in Clifton, with tasting menus and polished service in an intimate setting.
Lively harbourside restaurant known for excellent steaks, burgers and strong cocktails in a smart but relaxed room.
Moderate for the UK: hotels and dining cost less than London, but more than many smaller cities. Buses are reasonable; central attractions and cafés can add up.
Restaurants: 10-12.5% if service is not included. Cafés: rounding up is enough. Taxis: round up or tip about 10% for good service.
Official public transport app
Bristol Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) -> Broadmead, Bristol
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reading Festival to Bristol 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 Bristol, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Reading Festival to Bristol buses use the Three Mile Cross, Mereoak Lane - Park & Ride to Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) station pair. Use this guide to compare Reading Festival and Bristol bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need