Reading to Southampton bus with National Express

Sat 10 Oct
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Reading to Southampton

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 10 Oct

Cheapest price on 10 Oct

£46

Average ticket price on 10 Oct

£51

Fastest journey on 10 Oct

2 h 42 m

Average journey duration on 10 Oct

2 h 55 m

Buses on 10 Oct

13

Distance

68 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Reading to Southampton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Reading to Southampton will cost around £51 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £46.

Fast coaches

To travel from Reading to Southampton you need to make at least one change.

  • National ExpressRRRA1 · NX032
    23:032h57
    Reading, Blagrave Street
    2:00Southampton, Coach Station
    £461One-way
    1 change
  • National ExpressRRRA1 · NX032
    20:232h42
    Reading, Blagrave Street
    23:05Southampton, Coach Station
    £481One-way
    1 change
  • National ExpressRRRA1 · NX032
    13:433h07
    Reading, Blagrave Street
    16:50Southampton, Coach Station
    £481One-way
    1 change
  • National ExpressRRRA1 · NX032
    11:033h17
    Reading, Blagrave Street
    14:20Southampton, Coach Station
    £481One-way
    1 change
  • National ExpressRRRA1 · NX032
    21:033h27
    Reading, Blagrave Street
    0:30Southampton, Coach Station
    £481One-way
    1 change

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Reading to Southampton

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Reading to Southampton run on average 12 times per day, taking around 2h 20m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £41 but you can travel from only £7 by train.

The earliest coach runs at 02:00, the last at 23:37. The fastest coach covers the 68 km distance in 2h 7m.

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 £7
Distance
68 km
Average bus duration
2h 20m
Cheapest ticket price
£41
Buses per day
12
Fastest bus
2h 7m
First bus
2:00
Last bus
23:37
Cheapest Month
Aug
Cheapest Day
Sun
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Mon
Least Busy Day
Fri
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 £7

Live departures

Reading to Southampton bus times

The table below shows live departures for Reading to Southampton coaches for today, Friday 9 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX03215:44 Reading, Blagrave Street
3h06
18:50 Southampton, Coach Station1 change
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX03217:00 Reading, Blagrave Street
3h20
20:20 Southampton, Coach Station1 change
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX03219:31 Reading, Blagrave Street
2h49
22:20 Southampton, Coach Station1 change
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX03221:03 Reading, Blagrave Street
3h27
0:30 Southampton, Coach Station1 change
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX03223:03 Reading, Blagrave Street
2h57
2:00 Southampton, Coach Station1 change
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX0355:55 Reading, Blagrave Street
3h00
8:55 Southampton, Coach Station1 change
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX0327:45 Reading, Blagrave Street
3h05
10:50 Southampton, Coach Station1 change
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX0329:05 Reading, Blagrave Street
3h15
12:20 Southampton, Coach Station1 change
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX03210:23 Reading, Blagrave Street
3h07
13:30 Southampton, Coach Station1 change
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX03211:03 Reading, Blagrave Street
3h17
14:20 Southampton, Coach Station1 change
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX03212:23 Reading, Blagrave Street
2h57
15:20 Southampton, Coach Station1 change
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX03213:43 Reading, Blagrave Street
3h07
16:50 Southampton, Coach Station1 change

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Reading to Southampton coaches with Omio?

National Express operates all coaches services from Reading to Southampton.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Reading to Southampton.

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.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare National Express with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Reading to Southampton.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Reading to Southampton.

Bus providers: National Express from Reading to SouthamptonYou can travel by bus between Reading to Southampton with National Express for as low as £7. 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
2h 7m
Cheapest National Express Price
£41
National Express frequency
12 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.

Complete guide to Southampton

Things to do in Southampton

Discover the best of Southampton — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Southampton trip today.

  • Must visit

SeaCity Museum

Maritime museum telling the story of the Titanic, the docks and ocean travel. One of Southampton’s key visitor attractions.

  • Recommended

Tudor House and Garden

Historic house museum with period rooms and displays on local history. A rewarding visit in the heart of the old town.

  • Recommended

Southampton City Art Gallery

Gallery in the Civic Centre showing art from several periods, including modern British works. Good for a cultural stop in the city centre.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for UK city breaks. Hotels and dining cost less than London, while buses and casual meals are fairly manageable for most tourists.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-12 for fast food or a basic meal.
Mid-range
£18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£60+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£3-4 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Restaurants may add a 10-12.5% service charge; if not, tip around 10% for good service. Taxi fares are often rounded up. Tipping in cafés is optional.

Best day trips from Southampton by bus

The most popular day trips by bus from Southampton are London, Portsmouth, Bournemouth, Winchester and Oxford. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your bus from Southampton on Omio.

A view of London

Day trip from Southampton to London by bus

Why visit London for the day?

London blends royal history with modern city life, known for its museums, theatre and global food scene. Along the Thames, grand landmarks sit beside diverse neighbourhoods shaped by finance, fashion and contemporary culture.

How to get from Southampton to London by bus?

There are 38 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:02, the last at 23:57. The fastest coach covers the 112 km distance in 1h 55m.

A view of Portsmouth

Day trip from Southampton to Portsmouth by bus

Why visit Portsmouth for the day?

Portsmouth is a waterfront city on England’s south coast, known for its naval heritage and historic dockyard. Its island setting, working harbour and seafront give it a distinctly maritime character, with Old Portsmouth adding older streets and pubs.

How to get from Southampton to Portsmouth by bus?

There are 5 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:04, the last at 23:57. The fastest coach covers the 25 km distance in 40m.

A view of Bournemouth

Day trip from Southampton to Bournemouth by bus

Why visit Bournemouth for the day?

Bournemouth is a south coast seaside town known for its long sandy beach, Victorian gardens and pier. It has a relaxed holiday feel, with a busy seafront, clifftop views and a lively town centre.

How to get from Southampton to Bournemouth by bus?

There are 10 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest coach covers the 39 km distance in 40m.

A view of Winchester

Day trip from Southampton to Winchester by bus

Why visit Winchester for the day?

Winchester is a historic Hampshire city known for its cathedral, medieval streets and links to King Alfred the Great. Once an Anglo-Saxon capital, it feels compact, walkable and quietly elegant.

How to get from Southampton to Winchester by bus?

There are 1 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:03, the last at 23:55. The fastest coach covers the 19 km distance in 25m.

A view of Oxford

Day trip from Southampton to Oxford by bus

Why visit Oxford for the day?

Oxford is known for its historic university, elegant colleges and long academic tradition. Its medieval streets, museums and riverside setting give the city a thoughtful but lively character.

How to get from Southampton to Oxford by bus?

There are 3 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 01:50, the last at 23:45. The fastest coach covers the 95 km distance in 1h 35m.

FAQs: Reading to Southampton coach

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reading to Southampton 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 Southampton, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap coach tickets from Reading to Southampton can start from as little as £41 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Reading to Southampton is £53; 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 Southampton is 2h 7m to travel the 68 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 Southampton leaves at 2:00. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Reading to Southampton leaves at 23:37.
There are 12 coaches a day from Reading to Southampton which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Reading to Southampton, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Southampton. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Reading and Southampton and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
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 Southampton, Coach Station, located 0 away from the city centre.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Reading and Southampton including taking a train and coach.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Reading to Southampton:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Reading to Southampton for coach company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Reading to Southampton 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 Southampton.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Reading to Southampton:
  • 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 Southampton:
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Reading to Southampton.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Reading to Southampton with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Reading to Southampton with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Reading to Southampton with the following coach company: National Express.

popular bus stations

Important Stations and Airports in Reading and Southampton

Most Reading to Southampton buses use the Reading, Blagrave Street to Southampton, Coach Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Reading and Southampton 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 Southampton

Which Reading station do buses to Southampton leave from?

Buses from Reading to Southampton leave from Reading, Blagrave Street. The station is from Reading city centre at Reading RG1 1PZ, UK.
Reading, Blagrave StreetReading RG1 1PZ, UKAccessibility
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.

More options for your journey from Reading to Southampton

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

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