Cardiff to Reading bus with Megabus

Tue, Dec 16
+ Add return
Megabus
FlixBus
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
Rede Expressos
1,000+ travel companies
Megabus
FlixBus
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
Rede Expressos
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 Cardiff to Reading

Showing times and prices for Dec 16

Cheapest price

$14

Average price

$57

Fastest journey

2 h 50 m

Average duration

4 h 20 m

Buses per day

3

Distance

153 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Cardiff to Reading is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Cardiff to Reading will cost around $57 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $14.

Fast buses

Of the 3 buses that leave Cardiff for Reading on Tue, Dec 16, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Tue, Dec 16 the direct buses cover the 153 km distance in an average of 4 h 20 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 50 m .

On Tue, Dec 16 the slowest buses will take 5 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.

FlixBus
12:00PM2h50
Cardiff
02:50PMReading
$141One-way
0 transfers
National Express
02:25AM4h52
Cardiff
07:17AMReading
$771One-way
0 transfers
National Express
03:30PM5h17
Cardiff
08:47PMReading
$811One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Cardiff to Reading

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Reading among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from €33. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 29m. 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 €33, and a bus costs an average of €10.

Distance: 95 miles (153 km)

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Train

€55

Average price

€52

Average price

Cheapest

3h 21m

Average total duration

2h 51m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 59m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 29m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.2 - 0.4kg

CO2 emissions

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest
Megabus

Most popular bus company

Great Western Rail

Most popular train company

Direct Options

Direct Options

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

Live departures

Cardiff to Reading bus times

The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Reading buses for today, Monday, December 15. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at 4:01 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
national_express10:40 PM Cardiff
5h31
4:11 AM Reading0 transfersDirect
Tuesday, December 16
national_express2:25 AM Cardiff
4h52
7:17 AM Reading0 transfersDirect
meinfernbus_flixbus12:00 PM Cardiff
2h50
2:50 PM Reading0 transfersDirect
national_express3:30 PM Cardiff
5h17
8:47 PM Reading0 transfersDirect

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Reading by train or bus

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.

Tue
Dec 16
Wed
Dec 17
Thu
Dec 18
Fri
Dec 19
Sat
Dec 20
Sun
Dec 21
Mon
Dec 22

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Cardiff to Reading

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Cardiff to Reading run on average 12 times per day, taking around 2h 51m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $12 (€10) if you book in advance.

The earliest bus runs at 00:10, the last at 23:40. The fastest bus covers the 95 miles (153 km) distance in 2h 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
95 miles (153 km)
Average bus duration
2h 51m
Cheapest ticket price
$12 (€10)
Buses per day
12
Fastest bus
2h 50m
First bus
00:10
Last bus
23:40
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, FlixBus from Cardiff to ReadingYou can travel by bus between Cardiff to Reading with Megabus, FlixBus for as low as $12 (€10). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

FlixBus

About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 50m
Cheapest Price
$12 (€10)
FlixBus frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.

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 0m
Cheapest Price
$31 (€25)
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.

FAQs: Bus from Cardiff to Reading

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff 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 Cardiff to Reading can start from as little as $15 (€12) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Cardiff to Reading is $77 (€62); however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
On average the Cardiff to Reading bus time is 2 h 32 min   covering the 95 mile (153 km) long trip, but the journey time can vary depending on specific dates or if traveling on weekends and holidays.
The first bus from Cardiff to Reading leaves at 12: 45AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last bus from Cardiff to Reading leaves at 11: 40PM.
There are 6 buses a day from Cardiff to Reading which require at least one change with Megabus, FlixBus or National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
For the best Cardiff to Reading bus to buy, you can travel safely and comfortably with Megabus, FlixBus or National Express. However, it's always good to check all possible bus companies with services between Cardiff and Reading to compare what amenities they may offer.
A trip to Reading from Cardiff is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2 h 32 min each way. Check with Omio app   the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Cardiff to Reading is September.
You have options as you can travel to Reading from Cardiff 2 different ways: train or bus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Cardiff to Reading:
  • FlixBus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Cardiff to Reading for bus providers FlixBus and National Express.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus providers FlixBus and National Express.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Cardiff to Reading depends on the bus companies:
  • FlixBus
    • You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
  • 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.

To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Cardiff to Reading, follow these tips:

  • Book in advance: Tickets are often cheaper when booked early.
  • Be flexible with dates and times: Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money.
  • Use our search filters: Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options.
  • Look for special deals or discounts: Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
  • Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!

    Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Cardiff to Reading.
    Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Cardiff to Reading:
    • FlixBus
      • One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
    • 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 Cardiff to Reading:
    • FlixBus
      • Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
    • National Express
      • 10€ per additional bag.
    Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Cardiff to Reading. The following conditions apply:
    • FlixBus
      • Small pets in carriers allowed
      • Guide dogs travel for free.
    You can reserve your seat on the bus from Cardiff to Reading with the following bus companies: FlixBus and National Express
    Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Cardiff to Reading with the following bus companies: FlixBus and National Express.
    Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Cardiff to Reading with the following bus providers: FlixBus and National Express.

    popular bus stations

    Popular bus stations from Cardiff to Reading

    Cardiff
    Reading
    The major bus station for departures in Cardiff is Cardiff, Sophia Gardens. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens for your trip from Cardiff to Reading.
    Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
    information
    Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)
    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