- Must visit
National Museum of Scotland
National museum covering science, design, world cultures and Scottish history. Excellent for varied collections and a dramatic central hall.
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Reading to Edinburgh
Showing times and prices for 21 Aug
Cheapest price
£109
Average price
£111
Fastest journey
13 h 9 m
Average duration
13 h 53 m
Buses per day
5
Distance
521 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Reading to Edinburgh is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Reading to Edinburgh will cost around £111 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £109.
Fast coaches
To travel from Reading to Edinburgh you need to make at least 2 changes.
RRRA1 · NX032 · NX59417:4313h37Reading, Blagrave Street7:20Edinburgh, Bus Station£1091One-way2 changes- RRRA1 · NX025 · NX59417:4313h37Reading, Blagrave Street7:20Edinburgh, Bus Station£1111One-way2 changes
- RRRA1 · NX032 · NX5914:2014h30Reading, Blagrave Street18:50Edinburgh, Bus Station£1111One-way2 changes
- RRRA1 · NX035 · NX59818:3113h09Reading, Blagrave Street7:40Edinburgh, Bus Station£1111One-way2 changes
- RRRA1 · NX025 · NX5914:2014h30Reading, Blagrave Street18:50Edinburgh, Bus Station£1131One-way2 changes
- RRRA1 · NX035 · NX59818:3113h09Reading, Blagrave Street7:40Edinburgh, Bus Station£1111One-way2 changes
- RRRA1 · NX025 · NX59417:4313h37Reading, Blagrave Street7:20Edinburgh, Bus Station£1111One-way2 changes
- RRRA1 · NX032 · NX59417:4313h37Reading, Blagrave Street7:20Edinburgh, Bus Station£1091One-way2 changes
- RRRA1 · NX032 · NX5914:2014h30Reading, Blagrave Street18:50Edinburgh, Bus Station£1111One-way2 changes
- RRRA1 · NX025 · NX5914:2014h30Reading, Blagrave Street18:50Edinburgh, Bus Station£1131One-way2 changes
Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Reading to Edinburgh
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Reading to Edinburgh among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from £17. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 20m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.5kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of £17, and a train costs an average of £36.
Distance: 521 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£86 Average Price | £97 Average Price | £51 Average Price Cheapest |
11h 46m Average total duration 11h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 10m Average total duration 5h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 20m Average total duration Fastest 1h 20m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.5 - 1.3kg CO2 emissions | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.6 - 3.1kg CO2 emissions |
 Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company |  Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Reading to Edinburgh bus times
The table below shows live departures for Reading to Edinburgh coaches for tomorrow, Friday 21 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RRRA1 · NX032 · NX591 | 4:20 Reading, Blagrave Street | 14h30 | 18:50 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 2 changes | |
| RRRA1 · NX025 · NX591 | 4:20 Reading, Blagrave Street | 14h30 | 18:50 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 2 changes | |
| RRRA1 · NX025 · NX594 | 17:43 Reading, Blagrave Street | 13h37 | 7:20 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 2 changes | |
| RRRA1 · NX032 · NX594 | 17:43 Reading, Blagrave Street | 13h37 | 7:20 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 2 changes | |
| RRRA1 · NX035 · NX598 | 18:31 Reading, Blagrave Street | 13h09 | 7:40 Edinburgh, Bus Station | 2 changes |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Reading to Edinburgh by train, coach or flight
Compare train, coach 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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23 Aug
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24 Aug
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Why should you book Reading to Edinburgh coaches with Omio?
National Express as well as FlixBus or RailAir offer coaches services from Reading to Edinburgh.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Reading to Edinburgh.
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 FlixBus or RailAir to find the best option for your trip from Reading to Edinburgh.
- 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, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Reading to Edinburgh.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus or RailAir to find the best option for your trip from Reading to Edinburgh.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Reading to Edinburgh.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Reading to Edinburgh
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Reading to Edinburgh run on average 5 times per day, taking around 11h 16m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £31 but you can travel from only £17 by flight.
The earliest coach runs at 04:20, the last at 23:40. The fastest coach covers the 521 km distance in 11h 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from £17
Distance 521 km |
Average bus duration 11h 16m |
Cheapest ticket price £31 |
Buses per day 5 |
Fastest bus 11h 35m |
First bus 4:20 |
Last bus 23:40 |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 70 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
Flight from £17
Bus providers: National Express, FlixBus, RailAir from Reading to EdinburghYou can travel by bus between Reading to Edinburgh with National Express, FlixBus, RailAir for as low as £17. 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
11h 35m
Cheapest Price
£31
FlixBus frequency
9 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
12h 50m
Cheapest Price
£65
National Express frequency
5 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.
RailAir
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
10h 17m
Cheapest Price
£78
RailAir frequency
2 a day
Complete guide to Edinburgh
Things to do in Edinburgh
Discover the best of Edinburgh — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Edinburgh trip today.
- Must visit
Scottish National Gallery
Major art gallery with Scottish and international works from the Renaissance to the late nineteenth century, beside Princes Street Gardens.
- Recommended
Fruitmarket
Contemporary art gallery in a converted schoolhouse, known for thoughtful exhibitions by Scottish and international artists near the Royal Mile.
- Must visit
Royal Mile
Historic street linking the castle and Holyroodhouse, lined with closes, shops and public buildings. Ideal for first-time visitors on foot.
- Must visit
Arthur's Seat
Extinct volcano with popular walking routes and broad views over the city and coast. A rewarding outdoor escape close to the centre.
- Recommended
Princes Street Gardens
Large public gardens below the castle, good for a break between Old and New Town sights, with monuments, lawns and seasonal planting.
- Gluten-free
Cullen skink
A rich Scottish soup of smoked haddock, potatoes and onions, closely associated with east coast cooking and widely enjoyed in Edinburgh.
Haggis
Scotland’s iconic savoury pudding of sheep’s offal, oats and spices, traditionally served with neeps and tatties at Burns suppers.
- Vegetarian
Cranachan
A classic Scottish dessert of raspberries, whipped cream, honey and toasted oats, often linked with soft fruit from eastern Scotland.
The Kitchin
Elegant dining room serving refined Scottish tasting menus focused on seasonal produce in a calm central setting.
Whiski Rooms
Popular traditional restaurant near the Castle, specialising in haggis, game and hearty Scottish comfort food.
The Cafe Royal
Stylish brasserie and oyster bar with Scottish seafood, shellfish and classic dishes in a grand city-centre space.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK. Rooms and dining are pricier in peak season, but buses are affordable and budget eats are easy to find.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £70+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up taxi fares. Cafés and pubs usually do not expect tips.
Bus & Tram
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.40
- Day pass
- £5.00
To the city centre
Edinburgh Bus Station -> Princes Street, Edinburgh
- Distance
- 0.6 km
- Travel time
- 5 min
- Contactless payment works on Lothian Buses and for adult single tram tickets. Tram contactless capping is available, but Lothian bus TapTapCap does not apply on trams.
- City Day tickets are valid on Lothian Buses and on Edinburgh Trams within the city zone only. Travel to or from Edinburgh Airport needs the appropriate airport or network fare.
FAQs: Reading to Edinburgh coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reading to Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Reading to Edinburgh can start from as little as £31 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Reading to Edinburgh is £86; 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 Edinburgh is 11h 35m to travel the 521 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 Edinburgh leaves at 4:20. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Reading to Edinburgh leaves at 23:40.
There are 5 coaches a day from Reading to Edinburgh which require at least one change with National Express, FlixBus, RailAir. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Reading to Edinburgh, you can count on National Express, FlixBus, RailAir for the best way to get you to Edinburgh. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Reading and Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh , you can end your route in coach stations like Edinburgh, Bus Station, Edinburgh, Drum Brae South, Edinburgh, Haymarket Station (Stop HB), Edinburgh, Princes Street West (Stop PF), Edinburgh, Zoo North (Stop 1), Edinburgh, Zoo (Enterprise), Ingliston, Park & Ride.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 Edinburgh, Bus Station, located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Edinburgh from Reading is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 11h 35m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Reading to Edinburgh is December.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Reading and Edinburgh including taking a train, coach and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Reading to Edinburgh:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Reading to Edinburgh for coach company National Express, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Reading to Edinburgh 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.
- 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 National Express, FlixBus.
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 Edinburgh.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Reading to Edinburgh:
- 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 Edinburgh:
- 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 Edinburgh. 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 Edinburgh with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Reading to Edinburgh with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Reading to Edinburgh with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Reading and Edinburgh
Most Reading to Edinburgh buses use the Reading, Blagrave Street to Edinburgh, Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Edinburgh, Zoo North (Stop 1). Use this guide to compare Reading and Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh
Which Reading station do buses to Edinburgh leave from?
Buses from Reading to Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh station do buses from Reading arrive at?
Buses from Reading to Edinburgh most often arrive at Edinburgh, Bus Station. Some services arrive at {secondaryArrivalStation}, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Edinburgh arrival station.
Edinburgh, Bus StationElder Street, Edinburgh EH1 3DX, United Kingdom
City-centre transport
Getting to Edinburgh, Bus Station from Edinburgh city centre
Bus10, 11 · 2m · £2 · every ~30 min
Uk090 · 5m · £0.90 · every ~32 min
TramEdinburgh York Place - Edinburgh Airport, T50 · 3m · £4 · every ~38 min
Edinburgh, Bus Station bus station facilities and services
Edinburgh, Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Café at the Station (in the station), Sandwich Shop (in the station).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Edinburgh, Bus Station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Edinburgh, Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh, Bus Station: Elevators, ramps.
Edinburgh, Zoo North (Stop 1)Edinburgh Zoo, 134 Corstorphine Rd, Corstorphine, Edinburgh EH12 6TS, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Edinburgh, Zoo North (Stop 1) from Edinburgh city centre
Edinburgh, Zoo North (Stop 1) is 4 km from Edinburgh city centre. Public transport options include:
TRUE
Edinburgh, Zoo North (Stop 1) bus station facilities and services
Edinburgh, Zoo North (Stop 1) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Edinburgh, Zoo North (Stop 1). ATMs are available at Edinburgh, Zoo North (Stop 1).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Edinburgh, Zoo North (Stop 1).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Edinburgh, Zoo North (Stop 1): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh, Zoo North (Stop 1): Bus stop is accessible with a curbside stop.
Most popular bus connections from Reading
More options for your journey from Reading to Edinburgh
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Edinburgh and Reading
Most popular bus connections
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