- Must visit
Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery
City museum with local history, archaeology, world cultures and changing exhibitions in a landmark Victorian building.
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Reading to Exeter
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 11 Sept
Cheapest price on 11 Sept
£14
Average ticket price on 11 Sept
£53
Fastest journey on 11 Sept
3 h 45 m
Average journey duration on 11 Sept
6 h 27 m
Buses on 11 Sept
3
Distance
196 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Reading to Exeter is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Reading to Exeter will cost around £53 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £14.
Fast coaches
On Fri 11 Sept, we found 3 buses from Reading to Exeter, including 3 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 196 km distance in an average of 6 h 27 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 45 m .
The slowest buses will take 8 h 12 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.
8:253h45Reading12:10Exeter£141One-way0 changes
17:438h12Reading1:55Exeter£711One-way0 changes- 4:277h23Reading11:50Exeter£731One-way0 changes
- 8:253h45Reading12:10Exeter£141One-way0 changes
- 4:277h23Reading11:50Exeter£731One-way0 changes
- 17:438h12Reading1:55Exeter£711One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Reading to Exeter
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Reading to Exeter among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £53 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 56m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £53, while a flight costs an average of £287.
Distance: 196 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£59 Average Price | £53 Average Price Cheapest | £287 Average Price | £37 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 42m Average total duration 4h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 56m Average total duration Fastest 2h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 36m Average total duration 8h 36m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 2h 52m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | 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 Exeter is a train with an average price of £53.
This is compared to other travel options from Reading to Exeter:
A train is £5 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Reading to Exeter costing on average £59.
A train is £234 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Reading to Exeter costing on average £287.
The fastest way to travel from Reading to Exeter is by train with an average journey time of 2h 26m.
Other travel options to Exeter take longer:
Coach takes on average 4h 12m.
Flight takes on average 8h 36m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Reading and Exeter including taking a train, coach and flight.
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 £59 compared to roughly £37 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-21.55. The journey takes 4h 12m versus 2h 52m 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 Exeter bus times
The table below shows live departures for Reading to Exeter coaches for today, Thursday 10 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RRRA1 · NX200 · NX104 | 7:41 Reading, Blagrave Street | 7h14 | 14:55 Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court | 2 changes | |
| RRRA1 · NX202 · NX101 | 12:25 Reading, Blagrave Street | 7h05 | 19:30 Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court | 2 changes | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Reading to Exeter 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.
Fri
11 Sept
11 Sept
Sat
12 Sept
12 Sept
Sun
13 Sept
13 Sept
Mon
14 Sept
14 Sept
Tue
15 Sept
15 Sept
Wed
16 Sept
16 Sept
Thu
17 Sept
17 Sept
Why should you book Reading to Exeter coaches with Omio?
National Express as well as FlixBus offer coaches services from Reading to Exeter.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Reading to Exeter.
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 to find the best option for your trip from Reading to Exeter.
- 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 Exeter.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Reading to Exeter.
- 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 Exeter.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Reading to Exeter
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Reading to Exeter run on average 5 times per day, taking around 4h 12m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £53 but you can travel from only £44 by train.
The earliest coach runs at 00:09, the last at 22:28. The fastest coach covers the 196 km distance in 6h 49m.
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 £44
Distance 196 km |
Average bus duration 4h 12m |
Cheapest ticket price £53 |
Buses per day 5 |
Fastest bus 6h 49m |
First bus 0:09 |
Last bus 22:28 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Wed |
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from £44
Bus providers: National Express, FlixBus from Reading to ExeterYou can travel by bus between Reading to Exeter with National Express, FlixBus for as low as £44. 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 FlixBus Duration
3h 45m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
£14
FlixBus frequency
2 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 National Express Duration
6h 49m
Cheapest National Express Price
£53
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.
Complete guide to Exeter
Things to do in Exeter
Discover the best of Exeter — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Exeter trip today.
- Recommended
Exeter's Underground Passages
Underground medieval passages beneath the city, explored on guided tours that reveal Exeter’s engineering and history.
- Recommended
The Bill Douglas Cinema Museum
Working print museum with historic presses, typesetting equipment and hands-on insight into traditional printing methods.
- Must visit
Exeter Quayside
Historic quay with waterside walks, canal heritage, independent shops and easy access to cycling and boat trips.
- Recommended
Northernhay Gardens
Well-kept Victorian park with broad lawns, flower beds, mature trees and links to the castle and city walls.
- Recommended
Gandy Street
Historic shopping street lined with timber-framed buildings, independent businesses and one of Exeter’s most distinctive walks.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Devon cider brandy
A cider brandy from nearby Topsham, distilled from West Country cider apples. It is a long-standing Devon drink linked to the area’s orchards.
Devon split and ham
Traditional Devon split bread roll filled with thick slices of cured ham. It is a classic county snack and picnic staple around Exeter.
- Vegetarian
Devon fairings
Sweet fried dough pieces once sold at Devon fairs, often dusted with sugar. They are a nostalgic West Country treat associated with local baking.
Rendezvous Wine Bar
Stylish city-centre restaurant serving modern British cooking with Devon produce. Smart but approachable setting for a more refined meal.
The Old Firehouse
Historic quayside pub known for pies, British classics and local drinks. Relaxed atmosphere in one of Exeter’s most characterful old buildings.
Exeter Farmers Market
Lively indoor market food hall with several independent traders. Good for sampling local produce, casual meals and coffee in a social setting.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK: stays and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local buses and casual meals remain manageable for most visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Restaurants: 10-12.5% if service is not included. Cafés: rounding up is fine. Taxis: round up or add about 10% for good service.
Stagecoach Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.00
- Day pass
- £6.50
To the city centre
Exeter, Sidwell Street (City Centre) -> Exeter Central Station
- Distance
- 0.8 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Stagecoach buses in Exeter accept contactless card and Apple Pay or Google Pay on board.
- Buy Dayrider tickets in the Stagecoach Bus app before travel for unlimited bus travel in the Greater Exeter zone that day.
FAQs: Reading to Exeter coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reading to Exeter 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 Exeter, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Reading to Exeter can start from as little as £53 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Reading to Exeter is £59; 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 Exeter is 6h 49m to travel the 196 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 Exeter leaves at 0:09. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Reading to Exeter leaves at 22:28.
There are 5 coaches a day from Reading to Exeter which require at least one change with National Express, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Reading to Exeter, you can count on National Express, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Exeter. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Reading and Exeter 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 Exeter , you can end your route in coach stations like Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court, Exeter, Honiton Road.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 Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court, located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Exeter from Reading is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 6h 49m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Reading to Exeter is June.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Reading and Exeter including taking a train, coach and flight.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Reading to Exeter for coach company National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Reading to Exeter:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Reading to Exeter 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 Exeter.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Reading to Exeter:
- 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 Exeter:
- 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 Exeter. 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 Exeter with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Reading to Exeter with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Reading to Exeter with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Reading and Exeter
Most Reading to Exeter buses use the Reading, Blagrave Street to Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court station pair, with some services arriving at Exeter, Honiton Road. Use this guide to compare Reading and Exeter 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 Exeter
Which Reading station do buses to Exeter leave from?
Buses from Reading to Exeter 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 Exeter station do buses from Reading arrive at?
Buses from Reading to Exeter most often arrive at Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court. Some services arrive at Exeter, Honiton Road, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Exeter arrival station.
Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover CourtExeter Coach Station, Bampfylde St, Exeter EX1 2JX, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court from Exeter city centre
Bus173 · 5m · £0.90 · every ~1 min
A, E · 6m · £2 · every ~21 min
Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court bus station facilities and services
Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court 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 Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court. ATMs are available at Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Exeter, Bampfylde Street / Stover Court: Wheelchair accessible.
Exeter, Honiton RoadHoniton Road, Exeter, EX2 7NL, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Exeter, Honiton Road from Exeter city centre
Exeter, Honiton Road is 3 km from Exeter city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus9, 9A, 44, 44A, 4A, 4 · 13m · £2 · every ~29 min
9, 9A, 44, 44A, 4A, 4 · 14m · £2 · every ~29 min
Coly 8 · 18m
78 · 33m
Exeter, Honiton Road bus station facilities and services
Exeter, Honiton Road has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Café in the station (in the station).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Exeter, Honiton Road.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Exeter, Honiton Road: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Exeter, Honiton Road: Ramps.
Most popular bus connections from Reading
More options for your journey from Reading to Exeter
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Exeter and Reading
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