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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Reading to Cardiff
Showing times and prices for 03 Feb
Cheapest price
£43
Average price
£60
Fastest journey
4 h 37 m
Average duration
4 h 47 m
Buses per day
16
Distance
153 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Reading to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Reading to Cardiff will cost around £60 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £43.
Fast coaches
To travel from Reading to Cardiff you need to make at least one change.
RRRA1 · NX20121:034h37
Reading, Blagrave Street01:40Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
£431One-way
1 change
RRRA1 · NX20122:035h57
Reading, Blagrave Street04:00Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
£451One-way
1 change
RRRA1 · NX20113:454h55
Reading, Blagrave Street18:40Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
£461One-way
1 change
RRRA1 · NX20117:434h57
Reading, Blagrave Street22:40Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
£501One-way
1 change
RRRA1 · NX20111:455h00
Reading, Blagrave Street16:45Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
£531One-way
1 change
RRRA1 · NX20121:034h37
Reading, Blagrave Street01:40Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
£431One-way
1 change
RRRA1 · NX20109:454h40
Reading, Blagrave Street14:25Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
£621One-way
1 change
RRRA1 · NX20107:414h44
Reading, Blagrave Street12:25Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
£651One-way
1 change
RRRA1 · NX20113:454h55
Reading, Blagrave Street18:40Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
£461One-way
1 change
RRRA1 · NX20117:434h57
Reading, Blagrave Street22:40Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
£501One-way
1 change
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Reading to Cardiff
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Reading to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £8. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 30m. 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 coach costs an average of £8, and a train costs an average of £30.
Distance: 153 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
£45 Average Price Cheapest | £52 Average Price |
4h 10m Average total duration 3h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 0m Average total duration Fastest 1h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.2 - 0.4kg 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 Cardiff bus times
The table below shows live departures for Reading to Cardiff coaches for today, Monday 2 February. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at 14:41
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20:03 Reading | 4h37 | 00:40 Cardiff | 0 changesdirect | |
| 21:03 Reading | 5h57 | 03:00 Cardiff | 0 changesdirect | |
| Tuesday 3 February | |||||
| RRRA1 · NX201 | 05:25 Reading, Blagrave Street | 5h35 | 11:00 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 change | |
| RRRA1 · NX202 | 06:45 Reading, Blagrave Street | 5h20 | 12:05 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 change | |
| RRRA1 · NX201 | 07:41 Reading, Blagrave Street | 4h44 | 12:25 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 change | |
| RRRA1 · NX202 | 08:21 Reading, Blagrave Street | 5h44 | 14:05 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 change | |
| RRRA1 · NX201 | 09:45 Reading, Blagrave Street | 4h40 | 14:25 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 change | |
| RRRA1 · NX202 | 10:25 Reading, Blagrave Street | 6h05 | 16:30 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 change | |
| RRRA1 · NX201 | 11:45 Reading, Blagrave Street | 5h00 | 16:45 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 change | |
| RRRA1 · NX202 | 12:25 Reading, Blagrave Street | 5h50 | 18:15 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 change | |
| RRRA1 · NX201 | 13:45 Reading, Blagrave Street | 4h55 | 18:40 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 1 change | |
| RRRA1 · NX202 | 14:25 Reading, Blagrave Street | 5h40 | 20:05 Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 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 Cardiff 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.
Tue
03 Feb
03 Feb
Wed
04 Feb
04 Feb
Thu
05 Feb
05 Feb
Fri
06 Feb
06 Feb
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07 Feb
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09 Feb
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Reading to Cardiff
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Reading to Cardiff run on average 13 times per day, taking around 3h 40m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £8 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 00:10, the last at 23:40. The fastest coach covers the 153 km distance in 2h 35m.
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
Distance 153 km |
Average bus duration 3h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price £8 |
Buses per day 13 |
Fastest bus 2h 35m |
First bus 00:10 |
Last bus 23:40 |
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
Bus providers: Megabus, FlixBus, National Express from Reading to CardiffYou can travel by bus between Reading to Cardiff with Megabus, FlixBus, National Express for as low as £8. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 35m
Cheapest Price
£8
FlixBus frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.
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 Duration
4h 37m
Cheapest Price
£41
National Express frequency
14 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.
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
8h 10m
Cheapest Price
£26
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.
FAQs: Reading to Cardiff coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reading to Cardiff 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 Cardiff, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Reading to Cardiff can start from as little as £8 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Reading to Cardiff 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 Reading to Cardiff is 2h 35m to travel the 153 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 Cardiff leaves at 0:10. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Reading to Cardiff leaves at 23:40.
There are 13 coaches a day from Reading to Cardiff which require at least one change with Megabus, FlixBus, National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Reading to Cardiff, you can count on Megabus, FlixBus, National Express for the best way to get you to Cardiff. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Reading and Cardiff and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A trip to Cardiff from Reading is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2h 35m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Reading to Cardiff is November.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Reading and Cardiff including taking a train and coach.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Reading to Cardiff for coach company Megabus, FlixBus, National Express.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Reading to Cardiff:
- Megabus
- Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Reading to Cardiff 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.
- 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.
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company FlixBus, 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 Cardiff.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Reading to Cardiff:
- 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).
- National Express
- Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from Reading to Cardiff:
- 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.
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the coach from Reading to Cardiff. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Reading to Cardiff with the following coach company: Megabus, FlixBus, National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Reading to Cardiff with the following coach company: Megabus, FlixBus, National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Reading to Cardiff with the following coach company: Megabus, FlixBus, National Express.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Reading and Cardiff
Reading
Cardiff
The major coach station for departures in Reading is Reading, Blagrave Street. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Reading, Blagrave Street for your trip from Reading to Cardiff.
Reading, Blagrave Street
Amenities at bus station
Accessibilityinformation
Accessibility
- The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible
The major coach station for arrivals in Cardiff is Cardiff, Sophia Gardens. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens for your trip to Cardiff from Reading.
Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
information
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
information
Cardiff, Kingsway (Stop GB)
information
Most popular bus connections from Reading
More options for your journey from Reading to Cardiff
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Cardiff and Reading
Most popular bus connections
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