- Must visit
Reading Museum
Reading's main museum, famed for the Bayeux Tapestry replica, local history, Huntley & Palmers displays, and Abbey galleries.
Cheapest price on Sep 18
$55
Average ticket price on Sep 18
$77
Fastest journey on Sep 18
4 h 1 m
Average journey duration on Sep 18
4 h 44 m
Buses on Sep 18
6
Distance
131 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Birmingham to Reading is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Birmingham to Reading will cost around $77 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $55.
On Fri, Sep 18, we found 6 buses from Birmingham to Reading, including 6 direct services.
On Fri, Sep 18 the direct buses cover the 131 km distance in an average of 4 h 44 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h 1 m .
On Fri, Sep 18 the slowest buses will take 6 h 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.










Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Birmingham to Reading among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of $75 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 22m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $75, while a bus costs an average of $77.
Distance: 81 miles (131 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$77 Average price | $75 Average price Cheapest | $47 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 14m Average total duration 3h 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 22m Average total duration Fastest 1h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 10m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Birmingham to Reading:
A train is $2 (€1) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Birmingham to Reading costing on average $77 (€63).
Other travel options to Reading take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 44m.
Tickets start at around $77 (€63) compared to roughly $47 (€39) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-29.56 (€-24.18). The journey takes 3h 44m versus 2h 10m 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.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:30AM | Arrival Time 05:11AM | Duration 4h41 | Departure days Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $84 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:00AM | Arrival Time 05:41AM | Duration 3h41 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:05AM | Arrival Time 06:12AM | Duration 4h07 | Departure days Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $77 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:40AM | Arrival Time 07:47AM | Duration 4h07 | Departure days Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $84 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:10AM | Arrival Time 08:17AM | Duration 4h07 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:55AM | Arrival Time 09:06AM | Duration 4h11 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $84 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:10AM | Arrival Time 09:12AM | Duration 4h02 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $84 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:25AM | Arrival Time 10:45AM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $84 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:35AM | Arrival Time 10:44AM | Duration 4h09 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $84 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:45AM | Arrival Time 12:05PM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $71 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:55AM | Arrival Time 12:17PM | Duration 4h22 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 02:25PM | Duration 6h25 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 01:26PM | Duration 4h26 | Departure days Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $71 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 03:28PM | Duration 4h28 | Departure days Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $92 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:25PM | Arrival Time 04:49PM | Duration 4h24 | Departure days Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $92 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:20PM | Arrival Time 06:46PM | Duration 4h26 | Departure days Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $99 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:45PM | Arrival Time 06:46PM | Duration 4h01 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:05PM | Arrival Time 07:47PM | Duration 4h42 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $95 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:05PM | Arrival Time 08:47PM | Duration 4h42 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $84 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:15PM | Arrival Time 08:41PM | Duration 4h26 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $84 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 08:47PM | Duration 4h17 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:15PM | Arrival Time 11:15PM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:45PM | Arrival Time 12:15AM | Duration 6h30 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 10:11PM | Duration 4h11 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $84 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:15PM | Arrival Time 12:15AM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $69 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 04:11AM | Duration 7h41 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $87 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:00PM | Arrival Time 05:11AM | Duration 8h11 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $85 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:30PM | Arrival Time 04:11AM | Duration 4h41 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $71 |
The table below shows live departures for Birmingham to Reading buses for today, Thursday, September 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX210 · RRRA1 | 2:20 PM Birmingham, Coach Station | 4h26 | 6:46 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
NX210 · RRRA1 | 4:05 PM Birmingham, Coach Station | 4h42 | 8:47 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
NX210 · RRRA1 | 5:45 PM Birmingham, Coach Station | 4h31 | 10:16 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus 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.
Buses from Birmingham to Reading run on average 14 times per day, taking around 3h 44m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $24 (€19) but you can travel from only $19 (€16) by train.
The earliest bus runs at 00:15, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 81 miles (131 km) distance in 3h 10m.
Distance 81 miles (131 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 44m |
Cheapest ticket price $24 (€19) |
Buses per day 14 |
Fastest bus 3h 10m |
First bus 12:15 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Reading — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Reading trip today.
Reading's main museum, famed for the Bayeux Tapestry replica, local history, Huntley & Palmers displays, and Abbey galleries.
Modern art gallery in the civic centre showing changing exhibitions by regional and national artists in a central, accessible space.
University museum with strong agriculture, countryside, and design collections. Popular for families and one of Reading's standout visits.
Large central park with formal gardens, Thames views, and the iconic Maiwand Lion. A classic place to stroll or relax near downtown.
Historic quarter around the Abbey ruins, museum, and Forbury Gardens. Ideal for understanding Reading's origins on a compact walking route.
Riverside nature reserve and meadow walk beside the Thames. Peaceful paths and wildlife make it a favorite local escape close to the centre.
A Berkshire classic of smoked haddock in a creamy parsley sauce. Traditionally linked to Windsor and widely associated with the wider county.
A rich fruit cake made with currants, butter, eggs, sugar and mixed spice. A long-standing Berkshire tea-time bake.
A soft yeasted bun spiced with caraway and filled with currants, candied peel and sugar. Traditionally baked in Berkshire and nearby counties.
Polished fine dining restaurant known for seasonal British tasting menus and refined service in an elegant central Reading setting.
Popular Reading institution for Lebanese and Middle Eastern plates, known for generous mezze and a lively, casual atmosphere.
Well-regarded independent restaurant serving British and European dishes with seasonal ingredients in a relaxed modern dining room.
Reading is pricier than many UK towns. Hotels and dining are above average, but rail and local buses are manageable for most visitors.
Restaurants often add a 10-12.5% service charge; if not, tip around 10% for good service. Taxis are usually rounded up or tipped 10%. Cafes usually do not require tipping.
Official public transport app
Reading, Blagrave Street -> Reading Station, Reading
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Birmingham to Reading by bus. 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 bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Reading, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Birmingham to Reading buses use the Birmingham, Coach Station to Reading, Blagrave Street station pair. Use this guide to compare Birmingham and Reading bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Birmingham, Coach Station is 1 km from Birmingham city centre. Public transport options include:
Birmingham, Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria and fast-food options inside the station
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Birmingham, Coach Station.
Available at Birmingham, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham, Coach Station: Elevators, ramps.
Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway. ATMs are available at Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway.
Ticket office support is available at Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway.
Available at Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway: Bus stops are wheelchair accessible.
Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport) is 1 km from Birmingham city centre. Public transport options include:
Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Restaurants available in the airport terminal.
Free WiFi available. ATMs are aTMs available inside the airport terminal.
Ticket office support is available at Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport).
Available at Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport): Facilities accessible for disabled persons.
Reading, Blagrave Street has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Reading, Blagrave Street: The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need