- 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
€47
Average ticket price on Sep 18
€61
Fastest journey on Sep 18
4 h 32 m
Average journey duration on Sep 18
4 h 42 m
Buses on Sep 18
14
Distance
153 km
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 €61 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €47.
It's difficult to get from Cardiff to Reading without transferring at least once.
NX201 · RRRA1
NX202 · RRRA1
NX201 · RRRA1
NX202 · RRRA1
NX201 · RRRA1
NX201 · RRRA1
NX201 · RRRA1
NX201 · RRRA1
NX201 · RRRA1
NX201 · RRRA1Omio 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 an average ticket price of €63 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 6m. 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 €63, while a bus costs an average of €64.
Distance: 95 miles (153 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€64 Average price | €63 Average price Cheapest | €33 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 44m Average total duration 4h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 6m Average total duration Fastest 1h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 10m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.4kg 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 Cardiff to Reading:
A train is €1 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Cardiff to Reading costing on average €64.
Other travel options to Reading take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 14m.
Tickets start at around €64 compared to roughly €33 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €-31.21. The journey takes 4h 14m 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 12:40AM | Arrival Time 05:12AM | Duration 4h32 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price €47 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:35AM | Arrival Time 06:47AM | Duration 5h12 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price €53 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:40AM | Arrival Time 06:12AM | Duration 4h32 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €45 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:50AM | Arrival Time 06:10AM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €57 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:25AM | Arrival Time 07:17AM | Duration 4h52 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price €51 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:35AM | Arrival Time 07:47AM | Duration 5h12 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €49 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:45AM | Arrival Time 07:40AM | Duration 4h55 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €53 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:25AM | Arrival Time 08:17AM | Duration 4h52 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €45 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:40AM | Arrival Time 08:11AM | Duration 4h31 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €53 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:30AM | Arrival Time 09:45AM | Duration 5h15 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €49 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:45AM | Arrival Time 09:43AM | Duration 4h58 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €53 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:25AM | Arrival Time 10:05AM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €48 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:40AM | Arrival Time 10:05AM | Duration 4h25 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €47 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:20AM | Arrival Time 12:05PM | Duration 4h45 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €49 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:30AM | Arrival Time 12:07PM | Duration 4h37 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €57 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:40AM | Arrival Time 01:47PM | Duration 5h07 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price €62 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:25AM | Arrival Time 02:07PM | Duration 4h42 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €53 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:40AM | Arrival Time 04:05PM | Duration 5h25 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €49 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:40AM | Arrival Time 04:45PM | Duration 5h05 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €62 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:05PM | Arrival Time 02:50PM | Duration 2h45 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price €10 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:35PM | Arrival Time 06:05PM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €49 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 03:50PM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price €9 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:35PM | Arrival Time 07:25PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €53 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:40PM | Arrival Time 07:09PM | Duration 4h29 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €67 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:55PM | Arrival Time 08:47PM | Duration 5h52 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €49 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:05PM | Arrival Time 08:08PM | Duration 5h03 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €62 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 09:47PM | Duration 5h17 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €45 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:40PM | Arrival Time 09:37PM | Duration 4h57 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €49 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:40PM | Arrival Time 04:11AM | Duration 5h31 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price €67 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:40PM | Arrival Time 05:10AM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €49 |
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX202 · RRRA1 | 2:35 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 5h12 | 7:47 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
NX201 · RRRA1 | 3:25 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 4h52 | 8:17 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
NX202 · RRRA1 | 4:30 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 5h15 | 9:45 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
NX201 · RRRA1 | 5:25 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 4h40 | 10:05 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
NX201 · RRRA1 | 7:20 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 4h45 | 12:05 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
NX201 · RRRA1 | 9:25 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 4h41 | 2:06 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
NX202 · RRRA1 | 10:40 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 5h29 | 4:09 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
NX201 · RRRA1 | 11:40 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 5h09 | 4:49 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
NX202 · RRRA1 | 12:35 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 5h34 | 6:09 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
NX201 · RRRA1 | 2:35 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 4h50 | 7:25 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
NX202 · RRRA1 | 2:55 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 5h52 | 8:47 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
NX201 · RRRA1 | 4:30 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 5h17 | 9:47 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
NX201 · RRRA1 | 11:40 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 5h31 | 5:11 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
| Friday, September 18 | |||||
NX201 · RRRA1 | 1:40 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens | 4h32 | 6:12 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Cardiff to Reading run on average 12 times per day, taking around 4h 14m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €9 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.
Distance 95 miles (153 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 14m |
Cheapest ticket price €9 |
Buses per day 12 |
Fastest bus 2h 50m |
First bus 12:10 AM |
Last bus 11:40 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Tue |
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 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.

Most Cardiff to Reading buses use the Cardiff, Sophia Gardens to Reading, Blagrave Street station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Reading bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Cardiff, Sophia Gardens has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens. ATMs are available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens.
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens.
Available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens: Basic accessibility features available.
Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens). ATMs are available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens).
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens).
Available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens): Accessible for passengers with reduced mobility.
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