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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Reading to Plymouth
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£70
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£74
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
8 h 35 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
8 h 41 m
Buses on 18 Sept
3
Distance
253 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Reading to Plymouth is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Reading to Plymouth will cost around £74 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £70.
Fast coaches
To travel from Reading to Plymouth you need to make at least 2 changes.
RRRA1 · NX200 · NX1047:418h49Reading, Blagrave Street16:30Plymouth, Coach Station£701One-way2 changes- RRRA1 · NX201 · NX1015:258h40Reading, Blagrave Street14:05Plymouth, Coach Station£741One-way2 changes
- RRRA1 · NX202 · NX10112:258h35Reading, Blagrave Street21:00Plymouth, Coach Station£791One-way2 changes
- RRRA1 · NX202 · NX10112:258h35Reading, Blagrave Street21:00Plymouth, Coach Station£791One-way2 changes
- RRRA1 · NX201 · NX1015:258h40Reading, Blagrave Street14:05Plymouth, Coach Station£741One-way2 changes
- RRRA1 · NX200 · NX1047:418h49Reading, Blagrave Street16:30Plymouth, Coach Station£701One-way2 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Reading to Plymouth
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Reading to Plymouth among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £56 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 17m. 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 coach costs an average of £56, while a train costs an average of £57.
Distance: 253 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£56 Average Price Cheapest | £57 Average Price | £49 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 19m Average total duration 5h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 17m Average total duration Fastest 2h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 31m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.3 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg 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 Plymouth is a coach with an average price of £56.
This is compared to other travel options from Reading to Plymouth:
A coach is £0.09 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Reading to Plymouth costing on average £57.
The fastest way to travel from Reading to Plymouth is by train with an average journey time of 2h 47m.
Other travel options to Plymouth take longer:
Coach takes on average 5h 49m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Reading and Plymouth 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 £56 compared to roughly £49 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-7.92. The journey takes 5h 49m versus 3h 31m 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 Plymouth bus times
The table below shows live departures for Reading to Plymouth 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11:45 Reading | 7h50 | 19:35 Plymouth | 0 changesdirect | |
| 16:43 Reading | 10h12 | 2:55 Plymouth | 0 changesdirect | |
| Friday 18 September | |||||
| RRRA1 · NX201 · NX101 | 5:25 Reading, Blagrave Street | 8h40 | 14:05 Plymouth, Coach Station | 2 changes | |
| RRRA1 · NX200 · NX104 | 7:41 Reading, Blagrave Street | 8h49 | 16:30 Plymouth, Coach Station | 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 Plymouth 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.
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18 Sept
18 Sept
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19 Sept
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Why should you book Reading to Plymouth coaches with Omio?
National Express as well as FlixBus or Reading Buses offer coaches services from Reading to Plymouth.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Reading to Plymouth.
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 Reading Buses to find the best option for your trip from Reading to Plymouth.
- 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 Plymouth.
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 Reading Buses to find the best option for your trip from Reading to Plymouth.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Reading to Plymouth.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Reading to Plymouth
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Reading to Plymouth run on average 5 times per day, taking around 5h 49m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £19 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 00:30, the last at 23:15. The fastest coach covers the 253 km distance in 5h 0m.
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 253 km |
Average bus duration 5h 49m |
Cheapest ticket price £19 |
Buses per day 5 |
Fastest bus 5h 0m |
First bus 0:30 |
Last bus 23:15 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 7 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
Bus providers: National Express, FlixBus, Reading Buses from Reading to PlymouthYou can travel by bus between Reading to Plymouth with National Express, FlixBus, Reading Buses for as low as £19. 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
5h 0m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
£19
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
7h 50m
Cheapest National Express Price
£60
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.
What's included in each class
Compare National Express classes and the amenities included in each one.
Reading Buses
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Reading Buses Duration
5h 33m
Cheapest Reading Buses Price
£25
Reading Buses frequency
1 a day
Complete guide to Plymouth
Things to do in Plymouth
Discover the best of Plymouth — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Plymouth trip today.
- Must visit
The Box
Plymouth’s main museum and gallery, covering local history, art, natural history and archives in a modern city-centre building.
- Recommended
Plymouth Gin Distillery
Independent museum exploring Plymouth’s role in gin distilling, set in a historic Barbican building with tours and original features.
- Recommended
Mayflower Museum
Small local museum on the Barbican focused on migration, seafaring and Plymouth’s links with transatlantic departures.
- Must visit
The Barbican
Historic waterfront quarter with cobbled lanes, independent shops, harbour views and many of Plymouth’s best-known heritage sights.
- Must visit
Plymouth Hoe
Large open seafront promenade and parkland with lawns, monuments and views over Plymouth Sound; ideal for walks and sunset stops.
- Recommended
West Hoe Park
Peaceful landscaped park beside the Hoe with formal planting, a lido nearby and excellent sea views across Plymouth Sound.
- Vegetarian
Devon Cream Tea
A Devon cream tea pairs scones with clotted cream and jam. In Devon, the cream goes on first, making it a proud local ritual across Plymouth and the county.
- Gluten-free
South Devon Crab
Fresh crab landed on the South Devon coast, often served simply dressed or in sandwiches. It is prized in Plymouth for its sweet flavour and strong fishing heritage.
Stargazy Pie
This traditional pie of pilchards, eggs and potatoes is linked to nearby Cornwall and often found in Plymouth. It reflects the area's historic reliance on coastal fishing.
Quay 33
Long-established seafood restaurant on the Barbican, popular for fresh fish, shellfish and harbour atmosphere close to the historic waterfront.
The Mission
Relaxed bistro in the Barbican area serving British and European dishes with seafood options. Well suited to an easy meal near the waterfront.
The Harbourside Fish & Chips
Historic Barbican pub known for seafood, pies and harbour views. A lively traditional setting for classic Plymouth fare and local ales.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK: dining and buses are reasonable, while hotels rise in summer and at weekends. Costs are usually lower than London but similar to other regional waterfront cities.
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
- £3-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service may be included in restaurants; otherwise tip around 10% for good service. Taxi tips are usually by rounding up. Tipping in cafés is optional.
Plymouth Citybus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £3.00
- Day pass
- £7.50
To the city centre
Plymouth Coach Station -> Plymouth City Centre
- Distance
- 0.6 km
- Travel time
- 8 min
- Contactless payment is available on Plymouth Citybus buses, and Tap & Cap limits pay-as-you-go spend to the dayrider or week ticket cap.
- The coach station is in the city centre on Armada Way, so many central destinations are reachable on foot without buying a ticket.
FAQs: Reading to Plymouth coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reading to Plymouth 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 Plymouth, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Reading to Plymouth can start from as little as £19 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Reading to Plymouth is £56; 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 Plymouth is 5h 0m to travel the 253 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 Plymouth leaves at 0:30. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Reading to Plymouth leaves at 23:15.
There are 5 coaches a day from Reading to Plymouth which require at least one change with National Express, FlixBus, Reading Buses. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Reading to Plymouth, you can count on National Express, FlixBus, Reading Buses for the best way to get you to Plymouth. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Reading and Plymouth 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 Plymouth , you can end your route in coach stations like Plymouth, Coach Station.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 Plymouth, Coach Station, located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Plymouth from Reading is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 5h 0m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Reading to Plymouth is July.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Reading and Plymouth including taking a coach and train.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Reading to Plymouth:
- 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 Plymouth for coach company National Express, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Reading to Plymouth 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 Plymouth.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Reading to Plymouth:
- 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 Plymouth:
- 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 Plymouth. 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 Plymouth with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Reading to Plymouth with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Reading to Plymouth with the following coach company: National Express, FlixBus.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Reading and Plymouth
Most Reading to Plymouth buses use the Reading, Blagrave Street to Plymouth, Coach Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Reading and Plymouth 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 Plymouth
Which Reading station do buses to Plymouth leave from?
Buses from Reading to Plymouth 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 Plymouth station do buses from Reading arrive at?
Buses from Reading to Plymouth arrive at Plymouth, Coach Station. Plymouth, Coach Station is from Plymouth city centre.
Plymouth, Coach StationPlymouth Coach Station, Plymouth PL1 1LR, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Plymouth, Coach Station from Plymouth city centre
TRUE
Plymouth, Coach Station bus station facilities and services
Plymouth, Coach Station 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 Plymouth, Coach Station. ATMs are available at Plymouth, Coach Station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Plymouth, Coach Station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Plymouth, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Plymouth, Coach Station: Station is accessible with ramps and level access.
Most popular bus connections from Reading
More options for your journey from Reading to Plymouth
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Plymouth and Reading
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