- Must visit
Reading Museum
Reading’s main museum explores local history, archaeology, and art. Best known for the Victorian copy of the Bayeux Tapestry.
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Romford to Reading
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£0.00
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£33
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
3 h 38 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
4 h 15 m
Buses on 18 Sept
4
Distance
81 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Romford to Reading is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
Fast coaches
To travel from Romford to Reading you need to make at least 4 changes.
0:284h43Romford5:11ReadingFind prices4 changes- 3:014h14Romford7:15ReadingFind prices4 changes
- 4:393h38Romford8:17ReadingFind prices4 changes
- 1:164h25Romford5:41Reading£1331One-way4 changes
- 4:393h38Romford8:17ReadingFind prices4 changes
- 3:014h14Romford7:15ReadingFind prices4 changes
- 1:164h25Romford5:41Reading£1331One-way4 changes
- 0:284h43Romford5:11ReadingFind prices4 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Romford to Reading
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Romford to Reading among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £40 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 41m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £40, while a coach costs an average of £134.
Distance: 81 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£134 Average Price | £40 Average Price Cheapest | £16 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 50m Average total duration 1h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 41m Average total duration Fastest 1h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 46m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
 Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Romford to Reading is a train with an average price of £40.
This is compared to other travel options from Romford to Reading:
A train is £94 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Romford to Reading costing on average £134.
The fastest way to travel from Romford to Reading is by train with an average journey time of 1h 11m.
Other travel options to Reading take longer:
Coach takes on average 1h 20m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Romford and Reading including taking a train and coach.
Take the bus. It's the quicker way to make this trip, and the time saved usually justifies the slightly higher cost.
You'll arrive about 26m sooner (1h 20m by bus vs 1h 46m by car). Tickets start at around £134 compared to roughly £16 in fuel and tolls — a bit more, but you're getting time back, skipping traffic and parking, and you can work or rest on board.
Direct coaches are operated by FlixBus.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel splits across several people), want flexibility on timing, or plan to stop en route.
Live departures
Romford to Reading bus times
The table below shows live departures for Romford to Reading 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3:08 Romford | 4h07 | 7:15 Reading | 4 changes | |
| 4:38 Romford | 3h39 | 8:17 Reading | 4 changes | |
| Friday 18 September | |||||
| 0:28 Romford | 4h43 | 5:11 Reading | 4 changes | |
| 1:16 Romford | 4h25 | 5:41 Reading | 4 changes | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Romford to Reading 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.
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18 Sept
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Why should you book Romford to Reading coaches with Omio?
FlixBus as well as Go Ahead London offer coaches services from Romford to Reading.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Romford to Reading.
Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for FlixBus, but also compare tickets for the likes of Go Ahead London to find the best option for your trip from Romford to Reading.
- 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 FlixBus with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Romford to Reading.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Romford to Reading.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Romford to Reading
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Romford to Reading run on average 4 times per day, taking around 1h 20m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £133 but you can travel from only £35 by train.
There are 4 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 04:45, the last at 21:05. The fastest coach covers the 81 km distance in 3h 33m.
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 £35
Distance 81 km |
Average bus duration 1h 20m |
Cheapest ticket price £133 |
Buses per day 4 |
Direct buses 4 |
Fastest bus 3h 33m |
First bus 4:45 |
Last bus 21:05 |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
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 £35
Bus providers: FlixBus, Go Ahead London from Romford to ReadingYou can travel by bus between Romford to Reading with FlixBus, Go Ahead London for as low as £35. 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
1h 20m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
£10
FlixBus frequency
4 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.
Go Ahead London
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Go Ahead London Duration
3h 33m
Cheapest Go Ahead London Price
£133
Go Ahead London frequency
3 a day
Complete guide to Reading
Things to do in Reading
Discover the best of Reading — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Reading trip today.
- Must visit
The Museum of English Rural Life
Small museum beside the abbey ruins with exhibits on Reading’s medieval abbey. Good for context before walking the historic quarter.
- Recommended
Ure Museum of Greek Archaeology
University museum covering farming, countryside life, and design. Engaging displays make it a distinctive and family-friendly visit.
- Must visit
Forbury Gardens
Large riverside park with formal gardens, open lawns, and abbey remains. Ideal for relaxing walks close to the town centre.
- Recommended
Broad Street
Traffic-free shopping street at the heart of Reading. A practical and lively route linking major shops, historic lanes, and public spaces.
- Recommended
Thames Side Promenade
Riverside walking area along the Thames near Caversham Bridge. Visit for benches, water views, and an easy stroll near the centre.
Berkshire pork sausages
Berkshire pork sausages are a long-standing county staple, prized for well-seasoned local pork and often served with mash in traditional pubs.
- Vegetarian
Spotted dick
Spotted dick is a classic steamed suet pudding with dried fruit, commonly served with custard and strongly associated with traditional English cooking.
- Vegetarian
Summer pudding
Summer pudding is a Berkshire favourite in berry season, made by lining bread with soft fruit and juice for a bright, old-fashioned local dessert.
L'Ortolan
Refined modern British dining in elegant surroundings, known for carefully plated tasting-style dishes and polished service.
The Cunning Man
Traditional pub by the Thames serving British classics, Sunday roasts and local drinks in a relaxed historic setting.
Miller & Carter Oracle
Popular central Reading restaurant specialising in well-cooked steaks, grills and hearty sides in a lively contemporary space.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for England: hotels are often cheaper than London, but dining, drinks and rail fares still add up for visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is sometimes included. If not, tip about 10% in restaurants for good service. Taxis are often rounded up. Tipping in cafés is optional.
Reading Buses
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £3
- Day pass
- £5.40
To the city centre
Reading Station -> Reading Town Centre
- Distance
- 400 m
- Travel time
- 5 min
- Contactless tap on and tap off works on Reading Buses and caps at the simplyReading day ticket price of £5.40.
- Blagrave Street is beside Reading Station and within a short walk of the town centre, so walking is usually quickest from the station area.
FAQs: Romford to Reading coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Romford to Reading 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 Reading, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Romford to Reading can start from as little as £133 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Romford to Reading is £134; 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 Romford to Reading is 3h 33m to travel the 81 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 Romford to Reading leaves at 4:45. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Romford to Reading leaves at 21:05.
Yes, there are 4 direct coaches a day from Romford to Reading with FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from Romford to Reading, you can count on FlixBus, Go Ahead London for the best way to get you to Reading. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Romford and Reading and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
Passengers board the coach most frequently from London, Victoria Coach Station, which is located around 2 km away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Three Mile Cross, Mereoak Lane - Park & Ride, located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Reading from Romford is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3h 33m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Romford to Reading is October.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Romford and Reading including taking a train and coach.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Romford to Reading:
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Romford to Reading for coach company FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Romford to Reading depends on the coach companies:
- 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 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 Romford to Reading.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Romford to Reading:
- 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 Romford to Reading:
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the coach from Romford to Reading. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Romford to Reading with the following coach company: FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Romford to Reading with the following coach company: FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Romford to Reading with the following coach company: FlixBus.
Most popular bus connections from Romford
More options for your journey from Romford to Reading
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Reading and Romford
Most popular bus connections
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