- 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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Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Swindon to Reading
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Swindon to Reading among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £6 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 59m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £6, while a train costs an average of £25.
Distance: 57 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£6 Average Price Cheapest | £25 Average Price | £11 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 36m Average total duration 1h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 59m Average total duration Fastest 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 59m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Swindon to Reading is a coach with an average price of £6.
This is compared to other travel options from Swindon to Reading:
A coach is £19 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Swindon to Reading costing on average £25.
The fastest way to travel from Swindon to Reading is by train with an average journey time of 29m.
Other travel options to Reading take longer:
Coach takes on average 1h 6m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Swindon and Reading including taking a train and coach.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.
Tickets start at around £6 compared to roughly £11 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £6. The journey takes 1h 6m versus 59m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
Compare prices and tickets Swindon 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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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Swindon to Reading
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Swindon to Reading run on average 6 times per day, taking around 1h 6m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £6 if you book in advance.
There are 6 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:10, the last at 23:50. The fastest coach covers the 57 km distance in 50m.
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 57 km |
Average bus duration 1h 6m |
Cheapest ticket price £6 |
Buses per day 6 |
Direct buses 6 |
Fastest bus 50m |
First bus 0:10 |
Last bus 23:50 |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Mon |
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
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: Swindon to Reading coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Swindon 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 Swindon to Reading can start from as little as £6 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Swindon to Reading is £6; 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 Swindon to Reading is 50m to travel the 57 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 Swindon to Reading leaves at 0:10. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Swindon to Reading leaves at 23:50.
When departing from Swindon , you have various coach station options to start your route from including Swindon, Fleming Way (Stops N1&N2), Swindon, Queen's Drive, Swindon, Regent Circus (Stop C) . When arriving in Reading , you can end your route in coach stations like Three Mile Cross, Mereoak Lane - Park & Ride.Passengers board the coach most frequently from Swindon, Queen's Drive, which is located around 1 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 day trip to Reading from Swindon is worth doing with a journey time of 50m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Swindon to Reading is January.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Swindon and Reading including taking a train and coach.
No, the coach from Swindon to Reading has no accessibility options.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the coach from Swindon to Reading.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the coach from Swindon to Reading.
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.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the coach from Swindon to Reading.
No, luggage for the coach from Swindon to Reading needs to be booked in addition.
No, there are no additional luggage options for the coach from Swindon to Reading.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Swindon to Reading.
No, there are no USB plugs on board the coach from Swindon to Reading.
No, there is no WiFi on board the coach from Swindon to Reading.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Swindon and Reading
Most Swindon to Reading buses use the Swindon, Queen's Drive to Three Mile Cross, Mereoak Lane - Park & Ride station pair. Use this guide to compare Swindon and Reading bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Swindon
Arrival bus stations in Reading
Which Swindon station do buses to Reading leave from?
Buses from Swindon to Reading leave from Swindon, Fleming Way (Stops N1&N2). The station is 1 km from Swindon city centre at New Bridge Cl, Swindon SN1 1EB, UK.
Swindon, Fleming Way (Stops N1&N2)New Bridge Cl, Swindon SN1 1EB, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Swindon, Fleming Way (Stops N1&N2) from Swindon city centre
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Swindon, Fleming Way (Stops N1&N2) bus station facilities and services
Swindon, Fleming Way (Stops N1&N2) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Nearby eateries available in the city center.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Swindon, Fleming Way (Stops N1&N2). ATMs are available at Swindon, Fleming Way (Stops N1&N2).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Swindon, Fleming Way (Stops N1&N2).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Swindon, Fleming Way (Stops N1&N2): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Swindon, Fleming Way (Stops N1&N2): Accessible for standard wheelchairs.
Swindon, Queen's DriveQueens Dr, Swindon SN3, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Swindon, Queen's Drive from Swindon city centre
Swindon, Queen's Drive is 1 km from Swindon city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus81 · 6m · £4 · every ~1 min
17A, 17 · 11m · every ~17 min
Swindon, Queen's Drive bus station facilities and services
Swindon, Queen's Drive 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 Swindon, Queen's Drive. ATMs are available at Swindon, Queen's Drive.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Swindon, Queen's Drive.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Swindon, Queen's Drive: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Swindon, Queen's Drive: The station is accessible with provisions for disabled passengers.
More options for your journey from Swindon to Reading
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Reading and Swindon
Most popular bus connections
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