- Recommended
Deva Roman Experience
Interactive museum exploring Roman Chester with artefacts, reconstructions and family-friendly displays that bring Deva’s military past to life.
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Reading to Chester
Showing times and prices for 21 Aug
Cheapest price
£29
Average price
£54
Fastest journey
7 h 7 m
Average duration
7 h 54 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
233 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Reading to Chester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Reading to Chester will cost around £54 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £29.
Fast coaches
Of the 2 buses that leave Reading for Chester every day 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct buses cover the 233 km distance in an average of 7 h 54 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h 7 m .
The slowest buses will take 8 h 40 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
19:408h40Reading4:20Chester£291One-way0 changes
22:037h07Reading5:10Chester£801One-way0 changes
- 22:037h07Reading5:10Chester£801One-way0 changes
- 19:408h40Reading4:20Chester£291One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach, train and flight for Reading to Chester
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Reading to Chester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £19. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 55m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £19, and a train costs an average of £82.
Distance: 233 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£26 Average Price Cheapest | £99 Average Price | £72 Average Price |
6h 57m Average total duration 6h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 19m Average total duration 2h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 55m Average total duration Fastest 55m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Reading to Chester bus times
The table below shows live departures for Reading to Chester coaches for today, Thursday 20 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22:03 Reading | 7h07 | 5:10 Chester | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Reading to Chester by coach, train or flight
Compare coach, train and flight 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.
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21 Aug
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Why should you book Reading to Chester coaches with Omio?
National Express as well as Thames Travel offer coaches services from Reading to Chester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Reading to Chester.
Why book with Omio vs National Express?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for National Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of Thames Travel to find the best option for your trip from Reading to Chester.
- 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 bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Reading to Chester.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Reading to Chester.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Reading to Chester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Reading to Chester run on average 2 times per day, taking around 6h 27m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £19 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 00:30, the last at 23:45. The fastest coach covers the 233 km distance in 8h 15m.
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 233 km |
Average bus duration 6h 27m |
Cheapest ticket price £19 |
Buses per day 2 |
Fastest bus 8h 15m |
First bus 0:30 |
Last bus 23:45 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Thu |
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
Bus providers: National Express, Thames Travel from Reading to ChesterYou can travel by bus between Reading to Chester with National Express, Thames Travel for as low as £19. 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 Duration
7h 7m
Cheapest Price
£71
National Express frequency
2 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.
Thames Travel
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 55m
Cheapest Price
£36
Thames Travel frequency
1 a day
Complete guide to Chester
Things to do in Chester
Discover the best of Chester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chester trip today.
- Recommended
Cheshire Military Museum
Museum in a former mill on the River Dee, covering Chester’s social history, period rooms and local stories from Roman times onward.
- Recommended
Dewa Roman Experience
Museum inside Chester Castle tracing regional regiments through uniforms, medals and campaigns in a compact but informative setting.
- Must visit
Chester Rows
Chester’s two-level covered walkways lined with historic shopfronts, ideal for browsing architecture and experiencing the city’s character.
- Recommended
The Groves
Pleasant riverside promenade beside the Dee, popular for walks, boat views and access to bridges, green spaces and the old city centre.
- Recommended
Grosvenor Park
Victorian park near the river with broad lawns, mature trees, bandstand and a peaceful setting for a break from the busy city centre.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Cheshire Cheese
A crumbly local cheese from Cheshire, often served on bread or in recipes. It is one of England’s oldest recorded cheeses and closely tied to the county.
- Vegetarian
Cheshire Fruit Loaf
A traditional fruit loaf linked with nearby Cheshire and the North West, made with dried fruit and spice, often sliced and buttered for tea.
Steak And Kidney Pudding
A historic English pudding of suet pastry filled with meat and onion. It is a hearty regional comfort dish long found in Cheshire pubs and homes.
Upstairs At The Grill
Elegant restaurant focused on modern British cooking and tasting menus. A refined choice for a special meal in central Chester.
Jaunty Goat Coffee
Long-established local favourite for hearty breakfasts, lunches and baked goods. Relaxed café atmosphere in the centre of Chester.
Opera Grill
Well-known riverside and city-centre restaurant serving modern British food with steaks, grills and cocktails in a stylish but relaxed setting.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK: hotels and dining are cheaper than London, but tourist areas can feel pricey. Buses are reasonable, while central stays cost more in peak season.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- £18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Restaurants: 10-12.5% if service is not included. Taxis: round up or tip about 10%. Cafés and pubs: tipping is optional, though small change is appreciated for table service.
Stagecoach Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- Unknown
- Day pass
- £2.50
To the city centre
Chester, Gorse Stacks (Bus Interchange) -> Chester Town Hall
- Distance
- 400 m
- Travel time
- 5 min
- Park and Ride adult day tickets are £2.50 and can be bought from the driver with cash or contactless card, or in the Stagecoach Bus app.
- Gorse Stacks is in the city centre. Many central sights, including the Town Hall area, are a short walk away.
FAQs: Reading to Chester coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reading to Chester 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 Chester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Reading to Chester can start from as little as £19 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Reading to Chester is £26; 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 Chester is 8h 15m to travel the 233 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 Chester leaves at 0:30. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Reading to Chester leaves at 23:45.
There are 2 coaches a day from Reading to Chester which require at least one change with National Express, Thames Travel. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Reading to Chester, you can count on National Express, Thames Travel for the best way to get you to Chester. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Reading and Chester 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 Chester , you can end your route in coach stations like Chester, Gorse Stacks (Bus Interchange), Liverpool, Liverpool One.Passengers board the coach most frequently from Three Mile Cross, Mereoak Lane - Park & Ride, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Chester, Gorse Stacks (Bus Interchange), located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Chester from Reading is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 8h 15m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Reading to Chester is July.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Reading and Chester including taking a coach, train and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Reading to Chester:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Reading to Chester for coach company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Reading to Chester 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 Chester.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Reading to Chester:
- 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 Chester:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Reading to Chester.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Reading to Chester with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Reading to Chester with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Reading to Chester with the following coach company: National Express.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Reading and Chester
Most Reading to Chester buses use the Reading, Blagrave Street to Chester, Gorse Stacks (Bus Interchange) station pair. Use this guide to compare Reading and Chester 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 Chester
Which Reading station do buses to Chester leave from?
Buses from Reading to Chester 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 Chester station do buses from Reading arrive at?
Buses from Reading to Chester most often arrive at Chester, Gorse Stacks (Bus Interchange). Some services arrive at Liverpool, Liverpool One, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Chester arrival station.
Chester, Gorse Stacks (Bus Interchange)Bus Interchange, Chester CH1 3EF, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Chester, Gorse Stacks (Bus Interchange) from Chester city centre
Bus11, 11A · 4m · £2 · every ~8 min
61, 16, 62 · 8m · £4 · every ~9 min
Chester, Gorse Stacks (Bus Interchange) bus station facilities and services
Chester, Gorse Stacks (Bus Interchange) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi available within the interchange. ATMs are available at Chester, Gorse Stacks (Bus Interchange).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Chester, Gorse Stacks (Bus Interchange).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Chester, Gorse Stacks (Bus Interchange): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Chester, Gorse Stacks (Bus Interchange): Fully accessible with ramps and elevators.
Most popular bus connections from Reading
More options for your journey from Reading to Chester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Chester and Reading
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