- Must visit
SeaCity Museum
Maritime museum telling the story of the Titanic, the docks and ocean travel. One of Southampton’s key visitor attractions.
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
The cheapest and fastest coaches from Reading to Southampton
Showing times and prices for 26 Aug
Cheapest price
£60
Average price
£60
Fastest journey
2 h 57 m
Average duration
2 h 57 m
Buses per day
1
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 £60 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £60.
Fast coaches
Of the 1 buses that leave Reading for Southampton every day 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct buses cover the 68 km distance in an average of 2 h 57 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 57 m .
The slowest buses will take 2 h 57 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.
22:032h57Reading1:00Southampton£601One-way0 changes
- 22:032h57Reading1:00Southampton£601One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Reading to Southampton
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Reading to Southampton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from £7. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 57m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £7, and a coach costs an average of £48.
Distance: 68 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
£52 Average Price | £16 Average Price Cheapest |
3h 30m Average total duration 3h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 27m Average total duration Fastest 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Reading to Southampton bus times
The table below shows live departures for Reading to Southampton coaches for today, Tuesday 25 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 | 9:45 Reading, Blagrave Street | 3h05 | 12:50 Southampton, Coach Station | 1 change | |
| RRRA1 · NX032 | 17:00 Reading, Blagrave Street | 3h10 | 20:10 Southampton, Coach Station | 1 change | |
| RRRA1 · NX032 | 17:43 Reading, Blagrave Street | 3h17 | 21:00 Southampton, Coach Station | 1 change | |
| RRRA1 · NX032 | 19:31 Reading, Blagrave Street | 2h49 | 22:20 Southampton, Coach Station | 1 change | |
| RRRA1 · NX032 | 20:33 Reading, Blagrave Street | 3h02 | 23:35 Southampton, Coach Station | 1 change | |
| RRRA1 · NX032 | 22:03 Reading, Blagrave Street | 2h57 | 1:00 Southampton, Coach Station | 1 change | |
| RRRA1 · NX032 | 23:03 Reading, Blagrave Street | 3h57 | 3:00 Southampton, Coach Station | 1 change | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Reading to Southampton by train or coach
Compare train and coach 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.
Wed
26 Aug
26 Aug
Thu
27 Aug
27 Aug
Fri
28 Aug
28 Aug
Sat
29 Aug
29 Aug
Sun
30 Aug
30 Aug
Mon
31 Aug
31 Aug
Tue
01 Sept
01 Sept
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.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Reading to Southampton
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Reading to Southampton run on average 12 times per day, taking around 3h 0m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £48 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 57m.
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 3h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price £48 |
Buses per day 12 |
Fastest bus 2h 57m |
First bus 2:00 |
Last bus 23:37 |
Cheapest Month Sept |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 21 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 £7
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 Duration
2h 57m
Cheapest Price
£48
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.
- 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.
- Must visit
Old Town
Historic quarter of lanes, walls and vaults near the waterfront. Best for wandering between medieval sites, museums and old pubs.
- Recommended
Southampton Common
Large central park popular for walks, events and green space between the civic buildings. A practical and pleasant break from shopping streets.
- Recommended
Ocean Village
Waterside promenade with marina views, cafés nearby and links to old town walks. Visit for harbour scenery and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Gluten-free
Hampshire Hoggers
A hearty Hampshire stew of beef, onions and root vegetables, slowly cooked. It is a traditional county comfort dish linked to local farmhouse cooking.
- Gluten-free
South Coast Crab
Fresh crab from the nearby Solent and south coast, often served simply dressed. It is prized locally for sweet flavour and strong coastal identity.
Plaice
A classic south coast catch, grilled or fried and served in local pubs and seafood spots. It reflects Southampton’s long maritime food culture.
The Oxford Brasserie
Lively Oxford Street seafood restaurant serving fish, shellfish and British classics in an established, bustling setting.
Bacaro
Well-known Italian restaurant in Ocean Village with pizzas, pasta and marina views in a relaxed modern setting.
The Jetty
Contemporary fine dining in a polished setting, known for seasonal British tasting menus and carefully presented plates.
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.
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.
Cheap coach tickets from Reading to Southampton can start from as little as £48 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Reading to Southampton is £52; 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 57m 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.
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 Southampton , you can end your route in coach stations like Southampton, Coach Station, Southampton, University.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.
A trip to Southampton from Reading is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2h 57m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Reading to Southampton is September.
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, with some services arriving at Southampton, University. 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, 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 Southampton station do buses from Reading arrive at?
Buses from Reading to Southampton most often arrive at Southampton, Coach Station. Some services arrive at Southampton, University, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Southampton arrival station.
Southampton, Coach StationHarbour Parade, Southampton SO15 1BA, United Kingdom
City-centre transport
Getting to Southampton, Coach Station from Southampton city centre
BusX4, X5 · 5m · £2 · every ~20 min
Southampton, Coach Station bus station facilities and services
Southampton, Coach 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 Express (in the station), Sandwich Bar (in the station).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance for cash withdrawals.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Southampton, Coach Station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Southampton, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Southampton, Coach Station: Elevators, ramps.
Southampton, UniversityUniversity Rd, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Southampton, University from Southampton city centre
Southampton, University is 3 km from Southampton city centre. Public transport options include:
BusU2b, U2 · 11m · £2 · every ~6 min
U1a, U1n, U1e · 25m · £2 · every ~37 min
U1a, U1n, U1e · 29m · £2 · every ~37 min
Southampton, University bus station facilities and services
Southampton, University 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 Southampton, University. ATMs are available at Southampton, University.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Southampton, University.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Southampton, University: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Southampton, University: Basic accessibility features are available for passengers.
Most popular bus connections from Reading
More options for your journey from Reading to Southampton
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Southampton and Reading
Most popular bus connections
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
