Birmingham to Reading bus with Megabus

Wed, Feb 04
+ Add return
Megabus
National Express
FlixBus
Costa Verde
Alsa
1,000+ travel companies
Megabus
National Express
FlixBus
Costa Verde
Alsa
1,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest buses from Birmingham to Reading

Showing times and prices for Feb 04

Cheapest price

$65

Average price

$72

Fastest journey

3 h 41 m

Average duration

3 h 57 m

Buses per day

17

Distance

131 km

Cheap tickets

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 $72 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $65.

Fast buses

It's difficult to get from Birmingham to Reading without transferring at least once.

National ExpressNX590 · NX035 · RRRA1
05:00PM6h15
Birmingham, Coach Station
11:15PMReading, Blagrave Street
$651One-way
2 transfers
National ExpressNX210 · RRRA1
02:00AM3h41
Birmingham, Coach Station
05:41AMReading, Blagrave Street
$661One-way
1 transfer
National ExpressNX210 · RRRA1
06:25AM4h20
Birmingham, Coach Station
10:45AMReading, Blagrave Street
$661One-way
1 transfer
National ExpressNX210 · RRRA1
11:00AM4h28
Birmingham, Coach Station
03:28PMReading, Blagrave Street
$661One-way
1 transfer
National ExpressNX210 · RRRA1
09:45AM4h21
Birmingham, Coach Station
02:06PMReading, Blagrave Street
$661One-way
1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare bus and train for Birmingham to Reading

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Birmingham to Reading among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from €17. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 55m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €17, and a bus costs an average of €43.

Distance: 81 miles (131 km)

Compare bus with

Most popular
Bus
Train

€53

Average price

€51

Average price

Cheapest

3h 18m

Average total duration

2h 48m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 25m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 55m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest
Megabus

Most popular bus company

CrossCountry

Most popular train company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Birmingham to Reading Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
12:50AM
Arrival Time
05:11AM
Duration
4h21
Departure days
Tue, Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
$74
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:00AM
Arrival Time
05:41AM
Duration
3h41
Departure days
Tue, Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
$66
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:15AM
Arrival Time
07:15AM
Duration
4h00
Departure days
Tue, Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
$74
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:10AM
Arrival Time
08:17AM
Duration
4h07
Departure days
Tue, Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
$66
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:10AM
Arrival Time
09:06AM
Duration
3h56
Departure days
Tue, Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
$79
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:25AM
Arrival Time
10:45AM
Duration
4h20
Departure days
Tue, Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
$66
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:50AM
Arrival Time
12:05PM
Duration
4h15
Departure days
Tue, Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
$66
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:45AM
Arrival Time
02:06PM
Duration
4h21
Departure days
Tue, Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
$66
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:00AM
Arrival Time
03:28PM
Duration
4h28
Departure days
Tue, Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
$66
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
12:30PM
Arrival Time
04:49PM
Duration
4h19
Departure days
Tue, Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
$74
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:45PM
Arrival Time
06:46PM
Duration
4h01
Departure days
Tue, Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
$74
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:30PM
Arrival Time
08:47PM
Duration
4h17
Departure days
Tue, Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
$66
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:00PM
Arrival Time
11:15PM
Duration
6h15
Departure days
Tue, Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
$65
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:45PM
Arrival Time
12:15AM
Duration
6h30
Departure days
Tue, Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
$67
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:30PM
Arrival Time
05:11AM
Duration
7h41
Departure days
Tue, Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
$71

Live departures

Birmingham to Reading bus times

The table below shows live departures for Birmingham to Reading buses for today, Tuesday, February 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at 11:52 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
national_expressNX590 · NX032 · RRRA15:00 PM Birmingham, Coach Station
6h15
11:15 PM Reading, Blagrave Street2 transfers
national_expressNX590 · NX035 · RRRA15:00 PM Birmingham, Coach Station
6h15
11:15 PM Reading, Blagrave Street2 transfers
Wednesday, February 4
national_expressNX210 · RRRA112:50 AM Birmingham, Coach Station
4h21
5:11 AM Reading, Blagrave Street1 transfer
national_expressNX210 · RRRA12:00 AM Birmingham, Coach Station
3h41
5:41 AM Reading, Blagrave Street1 transfer
national_expressNX210 · RRRA13:15 AM Birmingham, Coach Station
4h00
7:15 AM Reading, Blagrave Street1 transfer
national_expressNX210 · RRRA14:10 AM Birmingham, Coach Station
4h07
8:17 AM Reading, Blagrave Street1 transfer
national_expressNX210 · RRRA15:10 AM Birmingham, Coach Station
3h56
9:06 AM Reading, Blagrave Street1 transfer
national_expressNX210 · RRRA16:25 AM Birmingham, Coach Station
4h20
10:45 AM Reading, Blagrave Street1 transfer
national_expressNX210 · RRRA17:50 AM Birmingham, Coach Station
4h15
12:05 PM Reading, Blagrave Street1 transfer
national_expressNX210 · RRRA19:45 AM Birmingham, Coach Station
4h21
2:06 PM Reading, Blagrave Street1 transfer
national_expressNX210 · RRRA111:00 AM Birmingham, Coach Station
4h28
3:28 PM Reading, Blagrave Street1 transfer

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Birmingham to Reading by bus or train

Compare bus and train 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.

Wed
Feb 04
Thu
Feb 05
Fri
Feb 06
Sat
Feb 07
Sun
Feb 08
Mon
Feb 09
Tue
Feb 10

Why should you book Birmingham to Reading buses with Omio?

National Express as well as Megabus offer buses services from Birmingham to Reading.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Birmingham to Reading.

Why book with Omio vs National Express?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for National Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of Megabus to find the best option for your trip from Birmingham 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 National Express with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Birmingham to Reading.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Megabus to find the best option for your trip from Birmingham to Reading.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Birmingham to Reading.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Birmingham to Reading

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Birmingham to Reading run on average 14 times per day, taking around 2h 48m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $55 (€43) but you can travel from only $21 (€17) by train.

The earliest bus runs at 00:15, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 81 miles (131 km) distance in 3h 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from $21 (€17)
Distance
81 miles (131 km)
Average bus duration
2h 48m
Cheapest ticket price
$55 (€43)
Buses per day
14
Fastest bus
3h 40m
First bus
00:15
Last bus
23:55
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 $21 (€17)

Bus providers: Megabus, National Express from Birmingham to ReadingYou can travel by bus between Birmingham to Reading with Megabus, National Express for as low as $21 (€17). 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
3h 23m
Cheapest Price
$25 (€20)
Megabus frequency
2 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
3h 40m
Cheapest Price
$38 (€31)
National Express frequency
14 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.

FAQs: Bus from Birmingham to 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.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Birmingham to Reading can start from as little as $55 (€43) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Birmingham to Reading is $67 (€53) ; 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 bus from Birmingham to Reading is 3h 40m to travel the 81 miles (131 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Birmingham to Reading leaves at 12:15 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Birmingham to Reading leaves at 11:55 PM.
There are 14 buses a day from Birmingham to Reading which require at least one change with Megabus, National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Birmingham to Reading, you can count on Megabus, National Express for the best way to get you to Reading. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Birmingham and Reading and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
When departing from Birmingham , you have various bus station options to start your journey from including Birmingham, Coach Station, Birmingham, Paradise Circus Queensway, Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport), Coventry, Pool Meadow Bus Station, Birmingham, Hagley Road West . When arriving in Reading , you can end your journey in bus stations like Reading, Blagrave Street, Three Mile Cross, Mereoak Lane - Park & Ride .Passengers board the bus most frequently from Birmingham, Coach Station, which is located around 1 away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Reading, Blagrave Street, located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Reading from Birmingham is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3h 40m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Birmingham to Reading is April.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Birmingham and Reading including taking a bus and train.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Birmingham 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 bus from Birmingham to Reading for bus company Megabus, National Express.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Birmingham to Reading depends on the bus 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 bus with bus 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.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Birmingham to Reading.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Birmingham 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 bus ticket from Birmingham 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 bus from Birmingham to Reading.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Birmingham to Reading with the following bus company: Megabus, National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Birmingham to Reading with the following bus company: Megabus, National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Birmingham to Reading with the following bus company: Megabus, National Express.

popular bus stations

Popular bus stations from Birmingham to Reading

Birmingham
Reading
The major bus station for departures in Birmingham is Birmingham, Coach Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Birmingham, Coach Station for your trip from Birmingham to Reading.
Birmingham, Coach StationWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
Amenities at bus station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 06:00-23:00
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
carConnection
Car connection
Mill Lane
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi
Dining
Dining
  • Cafeteria and fast-food options inside the station
Taxis
Taxis
  • Available outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps
WC
WC
  • Available in the station.
Public transit options for Birmingham, Coach Station
  • Bus: 97, 97A, X1, X2 Train: Birmingham New Street
Birmingham, Paradise Circus Queensway
information
Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport)
information

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone