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The cheapest and fastest buses from Cardiff to Reading
Showing times and prices for Jun 19
Cheapest price
$12
Average price
$59
Fastest journey
2 h 45 m
Average duration
4 h 7 m
Buses per day
7
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 $59 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $12.
Fast buses
Of the 7 buses that leave Cardiff for Reading on Fri, Jun 19, 7 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jun 19 the direct buses cover the 153 km distance in an average of 4 h 7 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 45 m .
On Fri, Jun 19 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.
12:05 PM2h45Cardiff2:50 PMReading$121One-way0 transfers- 1:00 PM2h50Cardiff3:50 PMReading$201One-way0 transfers
3:25 AM4h52Cardiff8:17 AMReading$571One-way0 transfers- 10:40 PM5h30Cardiff4:10 AMReading$741One-way0 transfers
- 11:40 PM5h30Cardiff5:10 AMReading$741One-way0 transfers
- 12:05 PM2h45Cardiff2:50 PMReading$121One-way0 transfers
- 1:00 PM2h50Cardiff3:50 PMReading$201One-way0 transfers
- 1:35 PM4h50Cardiff6:25 PMReading$881One-way0 transfers
- 3:25 AM4h52Cardiff8:17 AMReading$571One-way0 transfers
- 4:30 PM5h17Cardiff9:47 PMReading$881One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus and train 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 bus with prices starting from $10. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 28m. 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 bus costs an average of $10, and a train costs an average of $41.
Distance: 95 miles (153 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$54 Average price Cheapest | $68 Average price | $40 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 47m Average total duration 3h 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 58m Average total duration Fastest 1h 28m 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.
The cheapest way to travel from Cardiff to Reading is a bus with an average price of $54 (€44).
This is compared to other travel options from Cardiff to Reading:
A bus is $14 (€11) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Reading costing on average $68 (€56).
The fastest way to travel from Cardiff to Reading is by train with an average journey time of 1h 28m.
Other travel options to Reading take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 17m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Reading including taking a bus and train.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Cardiff to Reading among Omio's users.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.
You'll arrive about -2h -7m sooner (3h 17m by bus vs 2h 10m by car) and save roughly $-14.53 (€-11.91) compared to fuel and tolls ($54 (€44) vs $40 (€33)). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by Megabus, FlixBus.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
Cardiff to Reading Bus Timetables
| 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 $58 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:50AM | Arrival Time 05:10AM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:35AM | Arrival Time 06:47AM | Duration 5h12 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:40AM | Arrival Time 06:12AM | Duration 4h32 | Departure days Mon, Thu | Cheapest price $74 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:50AM | Arrival Time 06:10AM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:25AM | Arrival Time 07:17AM | Duration 4h52 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:35AM | Arrival Time 07:47AM | Duration 5h12 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:40AM | Arrival Time 07:11AM | Duration 4h31 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:45AM | Arrival Time 07:40AM | Duration 4h55 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:25AM | Arrival Time 08:17AM | Duration 4h52 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:40AM | Arrival Time 08:11AM | Duration 4h31 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:30AM | Arrival Time 09:45AM | Duration 5h15 | Departure days Mon, Thu | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:45AM | Arrival Time 09:43AM | Duration 4h58 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:25AM | Arrival Time 10:05AM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:40AM | Arrival Time 10:05AM | Duration 4h25 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:20AM | Arrival Time 12:05PM | Duration 4h45 | Departure days Mon, Thu | Cheapest price $85 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:30AM | Arrival Time 12:07PM | Duration 4h37 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:25AM | Arrival Time 02:06PM | Duration 4h41 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $69 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:40AM | Arrival Time 04:09PM | Duration 5h29 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:40AM | Arrival Time 04:49PM | Duration 5h09 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $77 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:05PM | Arrival Time 02:50PM | Duration 2h45 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $12 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:35PM | Arrival Time 06:09PM | Duration 5h34 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 03:50PM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $11 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:05PM | Arrival Time 03:50PM | Duration 2h45 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:35PM | Arrival Time 06:25PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $88 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:35PM | Arrival Time 07:25PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Mon, Thu | Cheapest price $96 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:40PM | Arrival Time 07:09PM | Duration 4h29 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:55PM | Arrival Time 08:47PM | Duration 5h52 | Departure days Mon, Thu | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:05PM | Arrival Time 08:08PM | Duration 5h03 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 09:47PM | Duration 5h17 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:40PM | Arrival Time 09:37PM | Duration 4h57 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:40PM | Arrival Time 04:11AM | Duration 5h31 | Departure days Tue, Fri | Cheapest price $74 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:35PM | Arrival Time 04:40AM | Duration 5h05 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:40PM | Arrival Time 05:11AM | Duration 5h31 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $66 |
Live departures
Cardiff to Reading bus times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Reading buses for tomorrow, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3:25 AM Cardiff | 4h52 | 8:17 AM Reading | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 12:05 PM Cardiff | 2h45 | 2:50 PM Reading | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 1:00 PM Cardiff | 2h50 | 3:50 PM Reading | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 1:35 PM Cardiff | 4h50 | 6:25 PM Reading | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 4:30 PM Cardiff | 5h17 | 9:47 PM Reading | 0 transfersDirect |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff 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.
Fri
Jun 19
Jun 19
Sat
Jun 20
Jun 20
Sun
Jun 21
Jun 21
Mon
Jun 22
Jun 22
Tue
Jun 23
Jun 23
Wed
Jun 24
Jun 24
Thu
Jun 25
Jun 25
Why should you book Cardiff to Reading buses with Omio?
Megabus as well as FlixBus or National Express offer buses services from Cardiff to Reading.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Reading.
Why book with Omio vs Megabus?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Megabus, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus or National Express to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff 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 Megabus with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff to Reading.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus or National Express to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Reading.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Reading.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Cardiff to Reading
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Cardiff to Reading run on average 11 times per day, taking around 3h 17m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $10 (€8) 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 45m.
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 3h 17m |
Cheapest ticket price $10 (€8) |
Buses per day 11 |
Fastest bus 2h 45m |
First bus 12:10 AM |
Last bus 11:40 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 42 days |
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, National Express from Cardiff to ReadingYou can travel by bus between Cardiff to Reading with Megabus, FlixBus, National Express for as low as $10 (€8). 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 45m
Cheapest Price
$10 (€8)
FlixBus frequency
2 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.
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
4h 20m
Cheapest Price
$55 (€45)
National Express frequency
13 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.
Bikes
Folding Bikes are allowed; non-folding bikes are not allowed.
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.
Cheap bus tickets from Cardiff to Reading can start from as little as $10 (€8) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Cardiff to Reading is $54 (€44) ; 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 Cardiff to Reading is 2h 45m to travel the 95 miles (153 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 Cardiff to Reading leaves at 12:10 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Cardiff to Reading leaves at 11:40 PM.
There are 11 buses a day from Cardiff to Reading which require at least one change with Megabus, FlixBus, National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Cardiff to Reading, you can count on Megabus, FlixBus, National Express for the best way to get you to Reading. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Cardiff and Reading and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Reading from Cardiff is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2h 45m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Cardiff to Reading is July.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Reading including taking a bus and train.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Cardiff to Reading for bus company Megabus, FlixBus, National Express.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Cardiff 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.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Cardiff 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.
- 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company FlixBus, 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 Cardiff to Reading.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Cardiff 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.
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Cardiff 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.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
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 company: Megabus, FlixBus, National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Cardiff to Reading with the following bus company: Megabus, FlixBus, National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Cardiff to Reading with the following bus company: Megabus, FlixBus, National Express.
Since neither Cardiff nor Reading are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United Kingdom and United Kingdom. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Cardiff to Reading among Omio's users.
The currency used in the United Kingdom is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). For travelers, using a card is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially in cities and for transportation tickets, though carrying some cash can be useful for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Reading, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and petty theft, especially in crowded areas and on public transportation. Common scams include overcharging by taxis and unofficial tour guides. Staying vigilant in busy spots and using licensed services helps ensure safety.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
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
Cardiff, North Road (St Josephs Convent)
information
The major bus station for arrivals in Reading is Reading, Blagrave Street. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Reading, Blagrave Street for your trip to Reading from Cardiff.
Reading, Blagrave Street
Amenities at bus station
Accessibilityinformation
Accessibility
- The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Reading
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Reading and Cardiff
Most popular bus connections to Reading
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