- Must visit
Hopetown Darlington
Railway museum celebrating the Stockton and Darlington Railway with locomotives, carriages and stories of early rail travel.
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Reading to Darlington
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Reading to Darlington run on average 2 times per day, taking around 8h 5m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £70 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 00:45, the last at 18:50. The fastest coach covers the 343 km distance in 7h 53m.
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 343 km |
Average bus duration 8h 5m |
Cheapest ticket price £70 |
Buses per day 2 |
Fastest bus 7h 53m |
First bus 0:45 |
Last bus 18:50 |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 42 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
Frequently asked questions about your Reading to Darlington trip
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Reading to Darlington.
Cheap coach tickets from Reading to Darlington can start from as little as £70 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Reading to Darlington is £71; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The earliest coach from Reading to Darlington leaves at 0:45. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Reading to Darlington leaves at 18:50.
There are 2 coaches a day from Reading to Darlington which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
Why should you book Reading to Darlington coaches with Omio?
National Express operates all coaches services from Reading to Darlington.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Reading to Darlington.
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.
Bus providers: National Express from Reading to DarlingtonYou can travel by bus between Reading to Darlington with National Express for as low as £70. 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
7h 53m
Cheapest National Express Price
£70
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.
Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Reading and Darlington
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
When taking a coach from Reading to Darlington, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Darlington. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Reading and Darlington and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Reading to Darlington:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Reading to Darlington for coach company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Reading to Darlington 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 {providersWithBike}.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the coach from Reading to Darlington.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Reading to Darlington:
- 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 Darlington:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Reading to Darlington.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Reading to Darlington with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Reading to Darlington with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Reading to Darlington with the following coach company: National Express.
Complete guide to Darlington
Things to do in Darlington
Discover the best of Darlington — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Darlington trip today.
- Recommended
Raby Castle
Historic country house with art, furnishings and estate collections, offering a museum-style visit alongside parkland walks.
Hullabaloo Gallery
Local arts centre with changing exhibitions, performances and creative events in a restored Victorian building.
- Recommended
South Park
Large public park with bandstand, aviary, café-free green space, sports areas and pleasant paths close to the town centre.
- Recommended
Market Place
Historic market square surrounded by civic buildings and shops, useful for seeing the town centre's layout and daily life.
- Recommended
West Park
Popular woodland and lakeside park on the edge of Darlington with walking trails, sculpture and open green views.
Pease pudding stottie
A classic North-East pease pudding spread in a bread bun, often with ham. It is a long-standing local lunch tied to Teesside and County Durham.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Pease pudding
Slow-cooked split peas seasoned into a thick savoury paste. It is a regional staple traditionally served with ham or pork pies.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
Stottie cake
A large round flat loaf with a soft crumb, common across North-East England. It is traditionally used for hearty sandwiches and local fillings.
The Orangery at Rockliffe Hall
Refined dining in a country house setting, known for modern British cooking and polished service. Best for a special meal near Darlington.
Spice Village
Stylish restaurant serving Indian small plates and grilled dishes in an upbeat modern setting. A popular choice for groups and evening meals.
Estabulo Darlington
Smart casual steakhouse focused on quality beef, burgers and hearty mains. Relaxed atmosphere suited to an easy dinner in town.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local buses and everyday costs are fairly reasonable for visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.80-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual if service is not included. Round up taxi fares. Cafés do not require tips, but small change is appreciated.
Stagecoach Bus App
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.00
- Day pass
- £4.50
To the city centre
Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre) -> Market Square, Darlington
- Distance
- 0.5 km
- Travel time
- 8 min
- Most town services use stops on Feethams and around the town centre loop. Walking from the Dolphin Centre to Market Square is straightforward and usually quickest.
- Contactless payment is commonly available on local buses, but check the operator’s app or ticket page before travel.
Best day trips from Darlington by bus
The most popular day trips by bus from Darlington are York, Leeds, Middlesbrough and Durham. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your bus from Darlington on Omio.
Day trip from Darlington to York by bus
Why visit York for the day?
York is known for its Roman and Viking heritage, medieval streets and the imposing York Minster. Its compact centre, old walls and busy mix of shops, pubs and museums make it easy to grasp the city's historic character.
How to get from Darlington to York by bus?
The earliest coach runs at 00:20, the last at 23:50. The fastest coach covers the 70 km distance in 2h 23m.
Day trip from Darlington to Leeds by bus
Why visit Leeds for the day?
Leeds is a major West Yorkshire city known for Victorian arcades, shopping and a lively music scene. Its industrial heritage, regenerated waterfront and large student population give it an energetic but down-to-earth character.
How to get from Darlington to Leeds by bus?
There are 2 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 01:12, the last at 23:30. The fastest coach covers the 81 km distance in 1h 30m.
Day trip from Darlington to Middlesbrough by bus
Why visit Middlesbrough for the day?
Middlesbrough is a Teesside town known for its industrial roots, especially steelmaking and the Transporter Bridge. Its Victorian centre and MIMA gallery give it a practical, cultural character with easy access to nearby moorland.
How to get from Darlington to Middlesbrough by bus?
The earliest coach runs at 00:17, the last at 23:49. The fastest coach covers the 21 km distance in 2h 5m.
Day trip from Darlington to Durham by bus
Why visit Durham for the day?
Durham is best known for its Norman cathedral and castle above the River Wear. The city feels historic and compact, with old streets and a lively university atmosphere.
How to get from Darlington to Durham by bus?
There are 1 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:10, the last at 23:50. The fastest coach covers the 28 km distance in 30m.
FAQs: Reading to Darlington coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reading to Darlington 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 Darlington, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Yes, you can take a train between Reading and Darlington.
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.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Reading and Darlington
Most Reading to Darlington buses use the Reading, Blagrave Street to Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre) station pair. Use this guide to compare Reading and Darlington 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 Darlington
Which Reading station do buses to Darlington leave from?
Buses from Reading to Darlington 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 Darlington station do buses from Reading arrive at?
Buses from Reading to Darlington arrive at Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre). Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre) is from Darlington city centre.
Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre)Darlington Feethams Dolphin Centre, Darlington DL1 5PT, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre) from Darlington city centre
Bus6B, 6 · 5m · £4 · every ~6 min
Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre) bus station facilities and services
Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre) 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 nearby.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Available at the station. ATMs are available within walking distance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre): Wheelchair accessible.
Bus stations for Reading to Darlington
Check bus stations information for Reading and Darlington, including where buses depart and arrive on this route.
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 Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre), located 0 away from the city centre.
More options for your journey from Reading to Darlington
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Darlington and Reading
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