- Must visit
Museum of Making
Interactive museum in a restored mill exploring making, industry and design through hands-on galleries and working displays.
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Reading to Derby
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£50
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£51
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
7 h 41 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
8 h 18 m
Buses on 18 Sept
2
Distance
167 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Reading to Derby is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Reading to Derby will cost around £51 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £50.
Fast coaches
On Fri 18 Sept, we found 2 buses from Reading to Derby, including 2 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 167 km distance in an average of 8 h 18 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h 41 m .
The slowest buses will take 8 h 54 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.
7:047h41Reading14:45Derby£501One-way0 changes- 7:218h54Reading16:15Derby£521One-way0 changes
- 7:047h41Reading14:45Derby£501One-way0 changes
- 7:218h54Reading16:15Derby£521One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Reading to Derby
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Reading to Derby among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £35 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 46m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £35, while a coach costs an average of £54.
Distance: 167 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£54 Average Price | £35 Average Price Cheapest | £35 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 47m Average total duration 6h 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 46m Average total duration Fastest 2h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 47m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Reading to Derby is a train with an average price of £35.
This is compared to other travel options from Reading to Derby:
A train is £19 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Reading to Derby costing on average £54.
The fastest way to travel from Reading to Derby is by train with an average journey time of 2h 16m.
Other travel options to Derby take longer:
Coach takes on average 6h 17m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Reading and Derby including taking a coach and train.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.
Tickets start at around £54 compared to roughly £35 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-19.74. The journey takes 6h 17m versus 2h 47m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
Live departures
Reading to Derby bus times
The table below shows live departures for Reading to Derby coaches for today, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 19:40 Reading | 6h50 | 2:30 Derby | 0 changesdirect | |
| Friday 18 September | |||||
| 7:04 Reading | 7h41 | 14:45 Derby | 0 changesdirect | |
| 7:21 Reading | 8h54 | 16:15 Derby | 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 Derby by coach or train
Compare coach and train 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.
Fri
18 Sept
18 Sept
Sat
19 Sept
19 Sept
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20 Sept
20 Sept
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21 Sept
21 Sept
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22 Sept
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24 Sept
24 Sept
Why should you book Reading to Derby coaches with Omio?
National Express as well as RailAir offer coaches services from Reading to Derby.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Reading to Derby.
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 RailAir to find the best option for your trip from Reading to Derby.
- 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 and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Reading to Derby.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Reading to Derby.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Reading to Derby
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Reading to Derby run on average 12 times per day, taking around 6h 17m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £50 but you can travel from only £18 by train.
The earliest coach runs at 00:10, the last at 23:10. The fastest coach covers the 167 km distance in 7h 5m.
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 £18
Distance 167 km |
Average bus duration 6h 17m |
Cheapest ticket price £50 |
Buses per day 12 |
Fastest bus 7h 5m |
First bus 0:10 |
Last bus 23:10 |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 3 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 £18
Bus providers: National Express, RailAir from Reading to DerbyYou can travel by bus between Reading to Derby with National Express, RailAir for as low as £18. 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 5m
Cheapest National Express Price
£50
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.
RailAir
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average RailAir Duration
4h 17m
Cheapest RailAir Price
£60
RailAir frequency
7 a day
Complete guide to Derby
Things to do in Derby
Discover the best of Derby — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Derby trip today.
- Must visit
Derby Museum and Art Gallery
City museum and art gallery with collections on local history, archaeology, natural history and paintings by Joseph Wright.
- Recommended
QUAD
Independent contemporary art gallery in Derby’s Cathedral Quarter, showing changing exhibitions by regional and national artists.
- Must visit
Cathedral Quarter
Historic shopping and cultural quarter with independent businesses, heritage buildings and easy access to key city sights.
- Recommended
Derby Market Place
Revitalised city-centre square with water features, seating and event space, ideal for a pause between nearby attractions.
- Recommended
Markeaton Park
Large landscaped park with lakes, open lawns and riverside paths, popular for walks, picnics and seasonal events.
- Vegetarian
Derby Cob
A soft white bread roll unique to Derby, often filled with bacon, cheese or salad. It is a local bakery staple with a name strongly tied to the city.
- Gluten-free
Derbyshire Blue Cheese
A blue veined cow’s milk cheese traditionally made in Derbyshire. It is prized for its rich, mellow flavour and long connection to the county’s cheesemaking.
- Vegetarian
Derbyshire Oatcake
A crumbly, buttery oat biscuit from Derbyshire, traditionally baked on a griddle. It is a historic local bake often served with cheese or butter.
The Dining Room
Elegant modern British dining in a refined setting, known for carefully prepared tasting and seasonal menus in the city centre.
The Brunswick Inn
Well known Derby ale house and eatery serving British pub dishes, cobs and local beers in a characterful historic building.
Zest Restaurant
Smart yet relaxed restaurant serving Italian inspired dishes, steaks and seafood. Popular for polished service and central location.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local buses and casual meals remain fairly manageable 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 fine dining.
- Coffee
- £2.80-4 for a coffee.
Tipping culture
Service is often included. If not, 10-12.5% in restaurants is usual for good service. Round up or add £1-2 for taxis. Cafe tipping is optional.
Ride
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £3
- Day pass
- £7
To the city centre
Derby Bus Station -> Derby City Centre
- Distance
- 0.8 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Most local bus single fares in Derbyshire, including Derby, are capped at £3 on participating services until March 2027.
- For unlimited bus travel in the Derby city area, the adult Spectrum 1-day ticket is £7 and is valid from 5am to midnight on participating operators.
FAQs: Reading to Derby coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reading to Derby 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 Derby, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Reading to Derby can start from as little as £50 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Reading to Derby is £54; 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 Derby is 7h 5m to travel the 167 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 Derby leaves at 0:10. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Reading to Derby leaves at 23:10.
There are 12 coaches a day from Reading to Derby which require at least one change with National Express, RailAir. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Reading to Derby, you can count on National Express, RailAir for the best way to get you to Derby. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Reading and Derby and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A trip to Derby from Reading is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 7h 5m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Reading to Derby is February.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Reading and Derby including taking a coach and train.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Reading to Derby:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Reading to Derby for coach company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Reading to Derby 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 Derby.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Reading to Derby:
- 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 Derby:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Reading to Derby.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Reading to Derby with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Reading to Derby with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Reading to Derby with the following coach company: National Express.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Reading and Derby
Most Reading to Derby buses use the Reading, Blagrave Street to Derby, Bus Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Reading and Derby 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 Derby
Which Reading station do buses to Derby leave from?
Buses from Reading to Derby 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.
Derby, Bus Station
City-centre transport
Getting to Derby, Bus Station from Derby city centre
Bus70A · 4m
Sky · 4m · £2 · every ~14 min
U1, Dp1 · 10m · £0.90 · every ~2 min
Most popular bus connections from Reading
More options for your journey from Reading to Derby
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Derby and Reading
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