- 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 Southampton to Reading
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 14 Oct
Cheapest price on 14 Oct
£42
Average ticket price on 14 Oct
£48
Fastest journey on 14 Oct
2 h 47 m
Average journey duration on 14 Oct
3 h 2 m
Buses on 14 Oct
3
Distance
68 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Southampton to Reading is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Southampton to Reading will cost around £48 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £42.
Fast coaches
On Wed 14 Oct, we found 3 buses from Southampton to Reading, including 3 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 68 km distance in an average of 3 h 2 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 47 m .
The slowest buses will take 3 h 9 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.
18:302h47Southampton21:17Reading£421One-way0 changes- 15:003h09Southampton18:09Reading£511One-way0 changes
- 14:003h09Southampton17:09Reading£531One-way0 changes
- 18:302h47Southampton21:17Reading£421One-way0 changes
- 15:003h09Southampton18:09Reading£511One-way0 changes
- 14:003h09Southampton17:09Reading£531One-way0 changes
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Southampton to Reading
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Southampton to Reading run on average 11 times per day, taking around 2h 19m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £44 but you can travel from only £7 by train.
The earliest coach runs at 02:00, the last at 23:34. The fastest coach covers the 68 km distance in 2h 5m.
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 19m |
Cheapest ticket price £44 |
Buses per day 11 |
Fastest bus 2h 5m |
First bus 2:00 |
Last bus 23:34 |
Cheapest Month Sept |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Thu |
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
Southampton to Reading bus times
The table below shows live departures for Southampton to Reading coaches for today, Tuesday 13 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18:30 Southampton | 2h47 | 21:17 Reading | 0 changesdirect | |
| 20:30 Southampton | 2h45 | 23:15 Reading | 0 changesdirect | |
| Wednesday 14 October | |||||
| 14:00 Southampton | 3h09 | 17:09 Reading | 0 changesdirect | |
| 15:00 Southampton | 3h09 | 18:09 Reading | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Southampton to Reading coaches with Omio?
National Express operates all coaches services from Southampton to Reading.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Southampton to Reading.
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 Southampton to Reading.
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 Southampton to Reading.
Bus providers: National Express from Southampton to ReadingYou can travel by bus between Southampton to Reading 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 5m
Cheapest National Express Price
£44
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 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.
Best day trips from Reading by bus
The most popular day trips by bus from Reading are London, Oxford, Bath, Bristol and Windsor. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your bus from Reading on Omio.
Day trip from Reading 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 Reading to London by bus?
The earliest coach runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest coach covers the 59 km distance in 1h 0m.
Day trip from Reading 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 Reading to Oxford by bus?
The earliest coach runs at 00:05, the last at 23:37. The fastest coach covers the 38 km distance in 1h 37m.
Day trip from Reading to Bath by bus
Why visit Bath for the day?
Bath is known for its Roman Baths, graceful Georgian architecture and links to Jane Austen. Its compact centre feels elegant yet lively, with historic streets, independent shops and a long-standing spa culture.
How to get from Reading to Bath by bus?
The earliest coach runs at 00:04, the last at 22:55. The fastest coach covers the 97 km distance in 2h 55m.
Day trip from Reading to Bristol by bus
Why visit Bristol for the day?
Bristol is known for its maritime past, inventive culture and distinctive street art. Around the harbourside and Clifton, historic landmarks and a strong independent scene give the city an energetic but relaxed feel.
How to get from Reading to Bristol by bus?
The earliest coach runs at 00:55, the last at 23:55. The fastest coach covers the 113 km distance in 1h 35m.
Day trip from Reading to Windsor by bus
Why visit Windsor for the day?
Windsor is a historic Thames-side town known for Windsor Castle and its strong royal identity. Its compact centre, riverside setting and nearby parkland give it a refined but approachable character.
How to get from Reading to Windsor by bus?
The earliest coach runs at 00:11, the last at 22:45. The fastest coach covers the 26 km distance in 1h 18m.
FAQs: Southampton to Reading coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Southampton 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 Southampton to Reading can start from as little as £44 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Southampton to Reading is £55; 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 Southampton to Reading is 2h 5m 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 Southampton to Reading leaves at 2:00. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Southampton to Reading leaves at 23:34.
There are 11 coaches a day from Southampton to Reading which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Southampton to Reading, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Reading. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Southampton and Reading and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
Passengers board the coach most frequently from Southampton, Coach Station, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Reading, Blagrave Street, located 0 away from the city centre.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Southampton and Reading including taking a train and coach.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Southampton to Reading:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Southampton to Reading for coach company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Southampton to Reading 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 Southampton to Reading.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Southampton to Reading:
- 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 Southampton to Reading:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Southampton to Reading.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Southampton to Reading with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Southampton to Reading with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Southampton to Reading with the following coach company: National Express.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Southampton and Reading
Most Southampton to Reading buses use the Southampton, Coach Station to Reading, Blagrave Street station pair. Use this guide to compare Southampton and Reading bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Southampton
Arrival bus stations in Reading
Which Southampton station do buses to Reading leave from?
Buses from Southampton to Reading leave from Southampton, Coach Station. The station is from Southampton city centre at Harbour Parade, Southampton SO15 1BA, United Kingdom.
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.
Which Reading station do buses from Southampton arrive at?
Buses from Southampton to Reading arrive at Reading, Blagrave Street. Reading, Blagrave Street is from Reading city centre.
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.
Most popular bus connections from Southampton
More options for your journey from Southampton to Reading
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Reading and Southampton
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