- 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 Swansea to Reading
Showing times and prices for 29 Aug
Cheapest price
£42
Average price
£46
Fastest journey
6 h 15 m
Average duration
6 h 16 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
206 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Swansea to Reading is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Swansea to Reading will cost around £46 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £42.
Fast coaches
Of the 2 buses that leave Swansea for Reading every day 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct buses cover the 206 km distance in an average of 6 h 16 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h 15 m .
The slowest buses will take 6 h 17 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.
1:256h15Swansea7:40Reading£421One-way0 changes- 15:206h17Swansea21:37Reading£501One-way0 changes
- 1:256h15Swansea7:40Reading£421One-way0 changes
- 15:206h17Swansea21:37Reading£501One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Swansea to Reading
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Swansea to Reading among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £14. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 30m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £14, and a train costs an average of £37.
Distance: 206 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
£14 Average Price Cheapest | £52 Average Price |
5h 35m Average total duration 5h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 0m Average total duration Fastest 2h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg 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
Swansea to Reading bus times
The table below shows live departures for Swansea to Reading coaches for today, Friday 28 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 9:50 Swansea | 5h00 | 14:50 Reading | 0 changesdirect | |
| Saturday 29 August | |||||
| 1:25 Swansea | 6h15 | 7:40 Reading | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Swansea 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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29 Aug
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Why should you book Swansea to Reading coaches with Omio?
Megabus as well as National Express offer coaches services from Swansea to Reading.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Swansea to Reading.
Why book with Omio vs Megabus?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Megabus, but also compare tickets for the likes of National Express to find the best option for your trip from Swansea 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 Megabus with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Swansea to Reading.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of National Express to find the best option for your trip from Swansea to Reading.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Swansea to Reading.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Swansea to Reading
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Swansea to Reading run on average 10 times per day, taking around 5h 5m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £14 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 00:25, the last at 23:30. The fastest coach covers the 206 km distance in 4h 40m.
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 206 km |
Average bus duration 5h 5m |
Cheapest ticket price £14 |
Buses per day 10 |
Fastest bus 4h 40m |
First bus 0:25 |
Last bus 23:30 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 84 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: Megabus, National Express from Swansea to ReadingYou can travel by bus between Swansea to Reading with Megabus, National Express for as low as £14. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Megabus
About
Megabus is a low-cost intercity bus service operating across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Known for its affordable fares, including promotional $1 tickets, Megabus offers routes connecting over 500 cities and university campuses in North America. The company provides amenities such as air conditioning, power outlets, free Wi-Fi, and onboard restrooms, with many routes utilizing double-decker buses for scenic views. Megabus aims to provide safe, convenient, and affordable express bus travel.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 25m
Cheapest Price
£26
Megabus frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One piece of luggage is included per passenger reservation. For guidance, a piece of luggage must not exceed 62 inches (length + width + height) and should not weigh more than 50 pounds (23kg).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased by buying an additional travel ticket in advance or by adding up to two additional pieces when booking for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
Megabus reservations cannot be canceled or refunded, but they can be traded in for another journey up to 3 hours before your original scheduled departure for a fee.
Refund
If Megabus fails to provide on-time reliable service for reasons wholly within their control, refunds or alternative travel arrangements may be offered.
Pregnant on board
Being pregnant on board is allowed, but no specific details or restrictions are provided.
Unaccompagned minor
Unaccompanied minors under the age of 17 are not permitted to travel on Megabus.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cold food and drinks, as well as hot drinks with a lid, are allowed on board, but hot food is not.
Seat reservation
Reserved seats can be purchased for an additional fee, starting from £2.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.
Entertaiment on board
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
4h 4m
Cheapest Price
£34
National Express frequency
1 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.
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: Swansea to Reading coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Swansea 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 Swansea to Reading can start from as little as £14 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Swansea to Reading is £14; 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 Swansea to Reading is 4h 40m to travel the 206 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 Swansea to Reading leaves at 0:25. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Swansea to Reading leaves at 23:30.
There are 10 coaches a day from Swansea to Reading which require at least one change with Megabus, National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Swansea to Reading, you can count on Megabus, National Express for the best way to get you to Reading. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Swansea and Reading and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
When departing from Swansea , you have various coach station options to start your route from including Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station, Swansea, University Bay Campus . When arriving in Reading , you can end your route in coach stations like Reading, Blagrave Street, Three Mile Cross, Mereoak Lane - Park & Ride.Passengers board the coach most frequently from Swansea, Quadrant Bus 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.
A trip to Reading from Swansea is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 4h 40m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Swansea to Reading is July.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Swansea and Reading including taking a train and coach.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Swansea to Reading:
- Megabus
- Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Swansea to Reading for coach company Megabus, National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Swansea to Reading depends on the coach companies:
- Megabus
- Megabus reservations cannot be canceled or refunded, but they can be traded in for another journey up to 3 hours before your original scheduled departure for a fee.
- 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 Swansea to Reading.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Swansea to Reading:
- Megabus
- One piece of luggage is included per passenger reservation. For guidance, a piece of luggage must not exceed 62 inches (length + width + height) and should not weigh more than 50 pounds (23kg).
- 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 Swansea to Reading:
- Megabus
- Additional luggage can be purchased by buying an additional travel ticket in advance or by adding up to two additional pieces when booking for a fee.
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Swansea to Reading.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Swansea to Reading with the following coach company: Megabus, National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Swansea to Reading with the following coach company: Megabus, National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Swansea to Reading with the following coach company: Megabus, National Express.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Swansea and Reading
Most Swansea to Reading buses use the Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station to Reading, Blagrave Street station pair. Use this guide to compare Swansea and Reading bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Swansea
Arrival bus stations in Reading
Which Swansea station do buses to Reading leave from?
Buses from Swansea to Reading leave from Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station. The station is from Swansea city centre at Swansea, Swansea SA1 3QX, UK.
Swansea, Quadrant Bus StationSwansea, Swansea SA1 3QX, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station from Swansea city centre
Bus49, 30, 54 · 3m · £4 · every ~3 min
Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station bus station facilities and services
Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Food outlets available within the station.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free WiFi available in the station premises. ATMs are aTMs are located near the main entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station: The station is wheelchair accessible.
Swansea, University Bay CampusFabian Way, Crymlyn Burrows, Skewen, Swansea SA1 8EN, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Swansea, University Bay Campus from Swansea city centre
Swansea, University Bay Campus is 4 km from Swansea city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus84, X5, X1, 38, X7, 90, 92, N92 · 10m · £4 · every ~11 min
X1, 38, X7, X5, 84, 92, N92, 90 · 12m · £0.90 · every ~11 min
Swansea, University Bay Campus bus station facilities and services
Swansea, University Bay Campus has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Several cafes and a restaurant on campus.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi available within campus buildings. ATMs are aTM located near the student union building.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Swansea, University Bay Campus.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Swansea, University Bay Campus: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Swansea, University Bay Campus: Campus is accessible with ramps and elevators.
Which Reading station do buses from Swansea arrive at?
Buses from Swansea to Reading most often arrive at Reading, Blagrave Street. Some services arrive at Three Mile Cross, Mereoak Lane - Park & Ride, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Reading arrival station.
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 Swansea
More options for your journey from Swansea to Reading
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Reading and Swansea
Most popular bus connections
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