- Must visit
Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery
Major museum and gallery with fine art, local history, decorative arts and changing exhibitions in the city centre.
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Reading to Birmingham
Showing times and prices for 26 Aug
Cheapest price
£36
Average price
£38
Fastest journey
4 h 17 m
Average duration
4 h 27 m
Buses per day
12
Distance
131 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Reading to Birmingham is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Reading to Birmingham will cost around £38 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £36.
Fast coaches
To travel from Reading to Birmingham you need to make at least one change.
RRRA1 · NX2105:554h20Reading, Blagrave Street10:15Birmingham, Coach Station£361One-way1 change- RRRA1 · NX21019:314h39Reading, Blagrave Street0:10Birmingham, Coach Station£361One-way1 change
- RRRA1 · NX21021:034h42Reading, Blagrave Street1:45Birmingham, Coach Station£361One-way1 change
- RRRA1 · NX21017:434h37Reading, Blagrave Street22:20Birmingham, Coach Station£361One-way1 change
- RRRA1 · NX21023:034h17Reading, Blagrave Street3:20Birmingham, Coach Station£361One-way1 change
- RRRA1 · NX21023:034h17Reading, Blagrave Street3:20Birmingham, Coach Station£361One-way1 change
- RRRA1 · NX2105:554h20Reading, Blagrave Street10:15Birmingham, Coach Station£361One-way1 change
- RRRA1 · NX2107:044h21Reading, Blagrave Street11:25Birmingham, Coach Station£371One-way1 change
- RRRA1 · NX21017:434h37Reading, Blagrave Street22:20Birmingham, Coach Station£361One-way1 change
- RRRA1 · NX21019:314h39Reading, Blagrave Street0:10Birmingham, Coach Station£361One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Reading to Birmingham
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Reading to Birmingham among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from £9. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 4m. 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 £9, and a coach costs an average of £12.
Distance: 131 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
£48 Average Price | £32 Average Price Cheapest |
2h 54m Average total duration 2h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 34m Average total duration Fastest 2h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.3kg 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
Reading to Birmingham bus times
The table below shows live departures for Reading to Birmingham coaches for today, Tuesday 25 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RRRA1 · NX210 | 8:21 Reading, Blagrave Street | 4h54 | 13:15 Birmingham, Coach Station | 1 change | |
| RRRA1 · NX210 | 10:25 Reading, Blagrave Street | 4h55 | 15:20 Birmingham, Coach Station | 1 change | |
| RRRA1 · NX210 | 11:45 Reading, Blagrave Street | 5h00 | 16:45 Birmingham, Coach Station | 1 change | |
| RRRA1 · NX210 | 13:45 Reading, Blagrave Street | 4h50 | 18:35 Birmingham, Coach Station | 1 change | |
| RRRA1 · NX210 | 15:05 Reading, Blagrave Street | 4h50 | 19:55 Birmingham, Coach Station | 1 change | |
| RRRA1 · NX210 | 16:20 Reading, Blagrave Street | 4h55 | 21:15 Birmingham, Coach Station | 1 change | |
| RRRA1 · NX210 | 17:43 Reading, Blagrave Street | 4h37 | 22:20 Birmingham, Coach Station | 1 change | |
| RRRA1 · NX210 | 19:31 Reading, Blagrave Street | 4h39 | 0:10 Birmingham, Coach Station | 1 change | |
| RRRA1 · NX210 | 21:03 Reading, Blagrave Street | 4h42 | 1:45 Birmingham, Coach Station | 1 change | |
| RRRA1 · NX210 | 23:03 Reading, Blagrave Street | 4h17 | 3:20 Birmingham, Coach Station | 1 change | |
| RRRA1 · NX210 | 5:55 Reading, Blagrave Street | 4h20 | 10:15 Birmingham, Coach Station | 1 change | |
| RRRA1 · NX210 | 7:04 Reading, Blagrave Street | 4h21 | 11:25 Birmingham, Coach Station | 1 change | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Reading to Birmingham 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.
Wed
26 Aug
26 Aug
Thu
27 Aug
27 Aug
Fri
28 Aug
28 Aug
Sat
29 Aug
29 Aug
Sun
30 Aug
30 Aug
Mon
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31 Aug
Tue
01 Sept
01 Sept
Why should you book Reading to Birmingham coaches with Omio?
Megabus operates all coaches services from Reading to Birmingham.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Reading to Birmingham.
Why book with Omio vs Megabus?
- 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 Reading to Birmingham.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Reading to Birmingham.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Reading to Birmingham
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Reading to Birmingham run on average 12 times per day, taking around 2h 24m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £12 but you can travel from only £9 by train.
The earliest coach runs at 00:15, the last at 23:55. The fastest coach covers the 131 km distance in 4h 17m.
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 £9
Distance 131 km |
Average bus duration 2h 24m |
Cheapest ticket price £12 |
Buses per day 12 |
Fastest bus 4h 17m |
First bus 0:15 |
Last bus 23:55 |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 14 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 £9
Bus providers: Megabus from Reading to BirminghamYou can travel by bus between Reading to Birmingham with Megabus for as low as £9. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
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
2h 25m
Cheapest Price
£14
Megabus frequency
2 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.
Entertaiment on board
Complete guide to Birmingham
Things to do in Birmingham
Discover the best of Birmingham — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Birmingham trip today.
- Must visit
Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum
Science museum with interactive galleries on industry, transport and invention, making it a strong family-friendly visit.
- Recommended
Pen Museum
Independent museum in a converted factory, exploring Birmingham's pen trade with demonstrations and hands-on exhibits.
- Must visit
Digbeth
Creative district with street art, independent shops and converted industrial buildings, popular for urban walks and photography.
- Must visit
Jewellery Quarter
Historic quarter known for jewellery workshops, heritage trails, museums and distinctive Georgian and Victorian streetscapes.
- Recommended
Brindleyplace
Waterside district of canals, bars and cultural venues, ideal for strolling, boat trips and seeing Birmingham's industrial past.
Balti
A Birmingham-born curry with spiced meat in rich tomato gravy. It reflects the city’s famed Balti Triangle and its South Asian culinary heritage.
Black Country faggots and peas
A slow-cooked stew of beef, vegetables and stock topped with sliced potatoes. A Black Country classic closely associated with the Birmingham area.
Faggots
Pork offal sausage traditionally served with peas, mash and gravy. It is a long-standing working-class dish from the Black Country near Birmingham.
Simpsons
Elegant modern dining in Edgbaston with refined tasting menus and polished service in a calm, intimate setting.
Anderson & Hill
Popular Jewish-style deli and restaurant famous for piled-high sandwiches, baked treats and relaxed daytime dining.
Shababs
Lively Indian restaurant in the Balti Triangle, known for Balti dishes cooked in pressed-steel bowls and a bustling local atmosphere.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for UK city breaks: hotels and dining sit below London, while local transport and casual meals are fairly manageable for most tourists.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or casual eats.
- Mid-range
- £20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £60+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service may be included in restaurants; otherwise tip around 10%. Taxis are often rounded up or tipped 10%. Tipping in cafés is optional, usually just small change.
TfWM
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £3.00
- Day pass
- £5.50
To the city centre
Birmingham Coach Station -> Birmingham New Street
- Distance
- 1.2 km
- Travel time
- 15 min
- Contactless payment is widely accepted on buses and trams via Swift Go, which caps fares automatically for eligible journeys.
- Check TfWM for disruptions and city-centre stop changes before travel, as Birmingham city-centre bus routing can change during roadworks.
FAQs: Reading to Birmingham coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reading to Birmingham 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 Birmingham, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Reading to Birmingham can start from as little as £12 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Reading to Birmingham is £48; 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 Reading to Birmingham is 4h 17m to travel the 131 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 Reading to Birmingham leaves at 0:15. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Reading to Birmingham leaves at 23:55.
There are 12 coaches a day from Reading to Birmingham which require at least one change with Megabus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Reading to Birmingham, you can count on Megabus for the best way to get you to Birmingham. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Reading and Birmingham and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
When departing from Reading , you have various coach station options to start your route from including Reading, Blagrave Street, Three Mile Cross, Mereoak Lane - Park & Ride . When arriving in Birmingham , you can end your route in coach stations like Birmingham, Coach Station, Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway, Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport), Birmingham, Birmingham, Hagley Road West, Coventry, Pool Meadow Bus Station.Passengers board the coach most frequently from Reading, Blagrave Street, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Birmingham, Coach Station, located 1 away from the city centre.
A trip to Birmingham from Reading is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 4h 17m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Reading to Birmingham is November.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Reading and Birmingham including taking a train and coach.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Reading to Birmingham:
- Megabus
- Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Reading to Birmingham for coach company Megabus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Reading to Birmingham 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.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the coach from Reading to Birmingham.
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 Reading to Birmingham.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Reading to Birmingham:
- 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).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from Reading to Birmingham:
- 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.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Reading to Birmingham.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Reading to Birmingham with the following coach company: Megabus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Reading to Birmingham with the following coach company: Megabus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Reading to Birmingham with the following coach company: Megabus.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Reading and Birmingham
Most Reading to Birmingham buses use the Reading, Blagrave Street to Birmingham, Coach Station station pair, with some services arriving at Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway. Use this guide to compare Reading and Birmingham bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Reading
Arrival bus stations in Birmingham
Which Reading station do buses to Birmingham leave from?
Buses from Reading to Birmingham leave from Reading, Blagrave Street. The station is from Reading city centre at Reading RG1 1PZ, UK.
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.
Which Birmingham station do buses from Reading arrive at?
Buses from Reading to Birmingham most often arrive at Birmingham, Coach Station. Some services arrive at Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Birmingham arrival station.
Birmingham, Coach StationMill Lane, Digbeth, Birmingham, B5 6DD, United Kingdom
City-centre transport
Getting to Birmingham, Coach Station from Birmingham city centre
Birmingham, Coach Station is 1 km from Birmingham city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus4, 97, 6, X2, 3, 97A, 2, 4A, 5, X1 · 4m · £2 · every ~191 min
X2, 4A, X1, 2, 3, 6, 4, 5 · 13m · £2 · every ~149 min
Birmingham, Coach Station bus station facilities and services
Birmingham, Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Cafeteria and fast-food options inside the station
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Birmingham, Coach Station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Birmingham, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham, Coach Station: Elevators, ramps.
Birmingham, Great Charles Street QueenswayGreat Charles Street Queensway, Birmingham, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway from Birmingham city centre
Bus822, X8, 12, 24, 126, 13, 23, X10, 829, 9 · 2m · £2 · every ~153 min
Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway bus station facilities and services
Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway 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 Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway. ATMs are available at Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway: Bus stops are wheelchair accessible.
Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport)Comet Rd, Birmingham B26, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport) from Birmingham city centre
Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport) is 1 km from Birmingham city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainRugeley Trent Valley - Birmingham International, Birmingham New Street - London Euston, Birmingham New Street - Birmingham International, Birmingham New Street - Coventry, Birmingham New Street - Northampton, Walsall - London Euston, Birmingham New Street - Milton Keynes Central, Birmingham New Street - Rugby, Liverpool Lime Street - Coventry, Wolverhampton - Birmingham International, Liverpool Lime Street - Birmingham International · 14m · £4 · every ~8 min
BusUk920, Uk025 · 25m · £0.90
X1 · 27m · £4 · every ~5 min
X1 · 29m · £4 · every ~5 min
X12 · 1h 10m · £4 · every ~8 min
Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport) bus station facilities and services
Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Restaurants available in the airport terminal.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free WiFi available. ATMs are aTMs available inside the airport terminal.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport): Facilities accessible for disabled persons.
Most popular bus connections from Reading
More options for your journey from Reading to Birmingham
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Birmingham and Reading
Most popular bus connections
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