Reading to Bournemouth bus with National Express

Mon 12 Oct
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Reading to Bournemouth

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 12 Oct

Cheapest price on 12 Oct

£69

Average ticket price on 12 Oct

£69

Fastest journey on 12 Oct

3 h 4 m

Average journey duration on 12 Oct

3 h 21 m

Buses on 12 Oct

9

Distance

104 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Reading to Bournemouth is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Reading to Bournemouth will cost around £69 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £69.

Fast coaches

To travel from Reading to Bournemouth you need to make at least one change.

  • National ExpressRRRA1 · NX035
    8:213h14
    Reading, Blagrave Street
    11:35Bournemouth, Coach Station
    £691One-way
    1 change
  • National ExpressRRRA1 · NX035
    17:003h25
    Reading, Blagrave Street
    20:25Bournemouth, Coach Station
    £691One-way
    1 change
  • National ExpressRRRA1 · NX035
    19:013h04
    Reading, Blagrave Street
    22:05Bournemouth, Coach Station
    £691One-way
    1 change
  • National ExpressRRRA1 · NX035
    20:333h22
    Reading, Blagrave Street
    23:55Bournemouth, Coach Station
    £691One-way
    1 change
  • National ExpressRRRA1 · NX035
    5:554h05
    Reading, Blagrave Street
    10:00Bournemouth, Coach Station
    £691One-way
    1 change

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Reading to Bournemouth

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Reading to Bournemouth run on average 10 times per day, taking around 2h 36m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £41 but you can travel from only £9 by train.

The earliest coach runs at 00:50, the last at 23:38. The fastest coach covers the 104 km distance in 2h 22m.

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
104 km
Average bus duration
2h 36m
Cheapest ticket price
£41
Buses per day
10
Fastest bus
2h 22m
First bus
0:50
Last bus
23:38
Cheapest Month
May
Cheapest Day
Sun
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Sun
Least Busy Day
Tue
Best time to book
1 day
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

Live departures

Reading to Bournemouth bus times

The table below shows live departures for Reading to Bournemouth coaches for today, Sunday 11 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX0359:57 Reading, Blagrave Street
3h08
13:05 Bournemouth, Coach Station1 change
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX03510:56 Reading, Blagrave Street
3h39
14:35 Bournemouth, Coach Station1 change
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX03512:56 Reading, Blagrave Street
3h09
16:05 Bournemouth, Coach Station1 change
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX03514:56 Reading, Blagrave Street
3h39
18:35 Bournemouth, Coach Station1 change
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX03516:26 Reading, Blagrave Street
3h09
19:35 Bournemouth, Coach Station1 change
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX03517:56 Reading, Blagrave Street
3h09
21:05 Bournemouth, Coach Station1 change
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX03519:26 Reading, Blagrave Street
3h09
22:35 Bournemouth, Coach Station1 change
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX03521:03 Reading, Blagrave Street
3h22
0:25 Bournemouth, Coach Station1 change
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX03522:03 Reading, Blagrave Street
3h42
1:45 Bournemouth, Coach Station1 change
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX025 · NX03523:03 Reading, Blagrave Street
10h57
10:00 Bournemouth, Coach Station2 changes
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX0355:55 Reading, Blagrave Street
4h05
10:00 Bournemouth, Coach Station1 change

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Reading to Bournemouth coaches with Omio?

National Express operates all coaches services from Reading to Bournemouth.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Reading to Bournemouth.

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 train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Reading to Bournemouth.

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 Bournemouth.

Bus providers: National Express from Reading to BournemouthYou can travel by bus between Reading to Bournemouth with National Express for as low as £9. 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 22m
Cheapest National Express Price
£41
National Express frequency
10 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 Bournemouth

Things to do in Bournemouth

Discover the best of Bournemouth — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bournemouth trip today.

  • Must visit

Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum

Town-centre museum with local history, archaeology and changing exhibitions in a Victorian villa beside Bournemouth's gardens.

  • Recommended

Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre

Small local museum on Hengistbury Head covering archaeology, wildlife and the headland's long human history in a scenic coastal setting.

The Gallery at The Library

Free gallery inside Bournemouth Library showing contemporary art exhibitions, talks and touring displays in a central location.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for a UK seaside resort. Hotels rise in summer, but dining and local buses are usually cheaper than in London or Bath.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or a casual meal.
Mid-range
£18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£50+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£3-4 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is typical if service is not included. Round up for taxis, and small change is fine in cafés.

Best day trips from Bournemouth by bus

The most popular day trips by bus from Bournemouth are London, Southampton, Portsmouth, Salisbury and Poole. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your bus from Bournemouth on Omio.

A view of London

Day trip from Bournemouth to London by bus

Why visit London for the day?

London blends royal history with modern city life, known for its museums, theatre and global food scene. Along the Thames, grand landmarks sit beside diverse neighbourhoods shaped by finance, fashion and contemporary culture.

How to get from Bournemouth to London by bus?

There are 40 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:02, the last at 23:57. The fastest coach covers the 151 km distance in 1h 55m.

A view of Southampton

Day trip from Bournemouth to Southampton by bus

Why visit Southampton for the day?

Southampton is a maritime city on England’s south coast, known for its ocean liner history and links to the Titanic. Medieval walls and museums stand near a busy waterfront and modern shopping centre, giving it a lively yet practical feel.

How to get from Bournemouth to Southampton by bus?

There are 10 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest coach covers the 39 km distance in 40m.

A view of Portsmouth

Day trip from Bournemouth to Portsmouth by bus

Why visit Portsmouth for the day?

Portsmouth is a waterfront city on England’s south coast, known for its naval heritage and historic dockyard. Its island setting, working harbour and seafront give it a distinctly maritime character, with Old Portsmouth adding older streets and pubs.

How to get from Bournemouth to Portsmouth by bus?

There are 6 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:55, the last at 23:32. The fastest coach covers the 56 km distance in 1h 40m.

A view of Salisbury

Day trip from Bournemouth to Salisbury by bus

Why visit Salisbury for the day?

Salisbury is best known for its magnificent cathedral and its well-preserved medieval centre. The city feels compact and traditional, with historic streets, a lively market square and easy links to nearby Stonehenge.

How to get from Bournemouth to Salisbury by bus?

The earliest coach runs at 04:10, the last at 23:16.

A view of Poole

Day trip from Bournemouth to Poole by bus

Why visit Poole for the day?

Poole is known for its vast natural harbour, historic quay and strong sailing culture. It blends a working waterfront with nearby beaches and a relaxed Dorset coastal feel.

How to get from Bournemouth to Poole by bus?

The earliest coach runs at 01:15, the last at 23:49.

FAQs: Reading to Bournemouth coach

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reading to Bournemouth 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 Bournemouth, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap coach tickets from Reading to Bournemouth can start from as little as £41 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Reading to Bournemouth is £62; 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 Bournemouth is 2h 22m to travel the 104 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 Bournemouth leaves at 0:50. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Reading to Bournemouth leaves at 23:38.
There are 10 coaches a day from Reading to Bournemouth which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Reading to Bournemouth, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Bournemouth. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Reading and Bournemouth and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Reading and Bournemouth including taking a train and coach.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Reading to Bournemouth:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Reading to Bournemouth for coach company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Reading to Bournemouth 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 Reading to Bournemouth.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Reading to Bournemouth:
  • 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 Reading to Bournemouth:
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Reading to Bournemouth.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Reading to Bournemouth with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Reading to Bournemouth with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Reading to Bournemouth with the following coach company: National Express.

popular bus stations

Important Stations and Airports in Reading and Bournemouth

Most Reading to Bournemouth buses use the Reading, Blagrave Street to Bournemouth, Coach Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Reading and Bournemouth 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 Bournemouth

Which Reading station do buses to Bournemouth leave from?

Buses from Reading to Bournemouth leave from Reading, Blagrave Street. The station is from Reading city centre at Reading RG1 1PZ, UK.
Reading, Blagrave StreetReading RG1 1PZ, UKAccessibility
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.

More options for your journey from Reading to Bournemouth

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

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