Cardiff to Reading bus with National Express

Mon, Nov 02
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Cardiff to Reading

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Nov 02
Cheapest price on Nov 02
$58
Average ticket price on Nov 02
$68
Fastest journey on Nov 02
4 h 32 m
Average journey duration on Nov 02
4 h 41 m
Buses on Nov 02
14
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 $68 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $58.

Fast buses

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

  • National ExpressNX202 · RRRA1
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNX201 · RRRA1
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNX201 · RRRA1
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNX201 · RRRA1
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNX201 · RRRA1
    1 transfer

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 4h 15m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $11 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
4h 15m
Cheapest ticket price
$11
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
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

Frequently asked questions about your Cardiff to Reading trip

Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Cardiff to Reading.

Cheap bus tickets from Cardiff to Reading can start from as little as $11 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Cardiff to Reading is $76 ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
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 12 buses a day from Cardiff to Reading which require at least one change with FlixBus, National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.

Cardiff to Reading Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
12:40AM
Arrival Time
05:12AM
Duration
4h32
Departure days
Tue, Wed
Cheapest price
$57
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
01:35AM
Arrival Time
06:47AM
Duration
5h12
Departure days
Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
$64
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
01:40AM
Arrival Time
06:10AM
Duration
4h30
Departure days
Mon, Fri, Sun
Cheapest price
$61
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
01:45AM
Arrival Time
06:40AM
Duration
4h55
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$67
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:25AM
Arrival Time
07:17AM
Duration
4h52
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
$61
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:35AM
Arrival Time
07:47AM
Duration
5h12
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$59
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:40AM
Arrival Time
07:11AM
Duration
4h31
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$60
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:45AM
Arrival Time
07:40AM
Duration
4h55
Departure days
Mon, Fri, Sun
Cheapest price
$58
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:25AM
Arrival Time
08:17AM
Duration
4h52
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
$69
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:30AM
Arrival Time
08:11AM
Duration
4h41
Departure days
Mon, Fri, Sun
Cheapest price
$61
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:40AM
Arrival Time
08:11AM
Duration
4h31
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$64
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:40AM
Arrival Time
09:45AM
Duration
5h05
Departure days
Mon, Fri
Cheapest price
$61
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:45AM
Arrival Time
09:42AM
Duration
4h57
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$76
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:25AM
Arrival Time
10:05AM
Duration
4h40
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
Cheapest price
$58
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:35AM
Arrival Time
10:13AM
Duration
4h38
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$76
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:40AM
Arrival Time
10:05AM
Duration
4h25
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$67
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:15AM
Arrival Time
12:05PM
Duration
4h50
Departure days
Mon, Fri
Cheapest price
$65
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:25AM
Arrival Time
12:17PM
Duration
4h52
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$76
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:35AM
Arrival Time
01:47PM
Duration
5h12
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$76
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:30AM
Arrival Time
02:17PM
Duration
4h47
Departure days
Mon, Fri, Sun
Cheapest price
$61
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:35AM
Arrival Time
03:45PM
Duration
5h10
Departure days
Mon, Fri, Sun
Cheapest price
$76
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:35AM
Arrival Time
04:15PM
Duration
4h40
Departure days
Mon, Fri, Sun
Cheapest price
$87
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
12:05PM
Arrival Time
02:50PM
Duration
2h45
Departure days
Wed, Thu, Sat
Cheapest price
$12
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
12:40PM
Arrival Time
06:14PM
Duration
5h34
Departure days
Mon, Fri, Sun
Cheapest price
$82
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
01:00PM
Arrival Time
03:50PM
Duration
2h50
Departure days
Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat
Cheapest price
$11
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:35PM
Arrival Time
07:25PM
Duration
4h50
Departure days
Mon, Fri
Cheapest price
$82
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:40PM
Arrival Time
07:13PM
Duration
4h33
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$106
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:05PM
Arrival Time
08:47PM
Duration
5h42
Departure days
Mon, Fri
Cheapest price
$70
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:10PM
Arrival Time
08:11PM
Duration
5h01
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$98
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:30PM
Arrival Time
08:47PM
Duration
5h17
Departure days
Thu
Cheapest price
$67
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:25PM
Arrival Time
09:47PM
Duration
5h22
Departure days
Mon, Fri
Cheapest price
$65
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:30PM
Arrival Time
09:47PM
Duration
5h17
Departure days
Tue, Thu
Cheapest price
$54
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:40PM
Arrival Time
09:41PM
Duration
5h01
Departure days
Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$66
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:40PM
Arrival Time
04:11AM
Duration
5h31
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
$80
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
11:35PM
Arrival Time
04:40AM
Duration
5h05
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$16
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:40PM
Arrival Time
05:11AM
Duration
5h31
Departure days
Tue, Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
$73
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:45PM
Arrival Time
05:11AM
Duration
5h26
Departure days
Mon, Fri, Sun
Cheapest price
$61

Live departures

Cardiff to Reading bus times

The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Reading buses for today, Sunday, November 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
National ExpressNX202 · RRRA14:45 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
4h57
9:42 AM Reading, Blagrave Street1 transfer
National ExpressNX201 · RRRA15:35 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
4h38
10:13 AM Reading, Blagrave Street1 transfer
National ExpressNX201 · RRRA17:25 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
4h52
12:17 PM Reading, Blagrave Street1 transfer
National ExpressNX202 · RRRA18:35 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
5h12
1:47 PM Reading, Blagrave Street1 transfer
National ExpressNX201 · RRRA19:30 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
4h47
2:17 PM Reading, Blagrave Street1 transfer
National ExpressNX202 · RRRA110:35 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
5h10
3:45 PM Reading, Blagrave Street1 transfer
National ExpressNX201 · RRRA111:35 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
4h40
4:15 PM Reading, Blagrave Street1 transfer
National ExpressNX202 · RRRA112:40 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
5h34
6:14 PM Reading, Blagrave Street1 transfer
National ExpressNX201 · RRRA12:40 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
4h33
7:13 PM Reading, Blagrave Street1 transfer
National ExpressNX202 · RRRA13:10 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
5h01
8:11 PM Reading, Blagrave Street1 transfer
National ExpressNX201 · RRRA14:40 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
5h01
9:41 PM Reading, Blagrave Street1 transfer
National ExpressNX201 · RRRA111:45 PM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
5h26
5:11 AM Reading, Blagrave Street1 transfer
Monday, November 2
National ExpressNX201 · RRRA11:40 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
4h32
6:12 AM Reading, Blagrave Street1 transfer
National ExpressNX202 · RRRA12:45 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
5h02
7:47 AM Reading, Blagrave Street1 transfer
National ExpressNX201 · RRRA13:30 AM Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
4h47
8:17 AM Reading, Blagrave Street1 transfer

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Cardiff to Reading buses with Omio?

FlixBus as well as 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 FlixBus?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for FlixBus, but also compare tickets for the likes of 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 FlixBus 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 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.

Bus providers: National Express, FlixBus from Cardiff to ReadingYou can travel by bus between Cardiff to Reading with National Express, FlixBus for as low as $11. 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 FlixBus Duration
2h 50m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
$11
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 National Express Duration
3h 45m
Cheapest National Express Price
$54
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.

Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Cardiff and Reading

Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.

When taking a bus from Cardiff to Reading, you can count on 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.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Cardiff to Reading for bus company FlixBus, National Express.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Cardiff to Reading:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
  • FlixBus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company {providersWithBike}.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Cardiff to Reading depends on the bus companies:
  • 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, 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:
  • 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:
  • 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: FlixBus, National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Cardiff to Reading with the following bus company: FlixBus, National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Cardiff to Reading with the following bus company: FlixBus, National Express.

Complete guide to Reading

Things to do in Reading

Discover the best of Reading — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Reading trip today.

  • Must visit

Reading Museum

Reading's main museum, famed for the Bayeux Tapestry replica, local history, Huntley & Palmers displays, and Abbey galleries.

  • Must visit

The Museum of English Rural Life

Modern art gallery in the civic centre showing changing exhibitions by regional and national artists in a central, accessible space.

  • Must visit

The Museum of English Rural Life

University museum with strong agriculture, countryside, and design collections. Popular for families and one of Reading's standout visits.

Pound sterling (£)

Reading is pricier than many UK towns. Hotels and dining are above average, but rail and local buses are manageable for most visitors.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
£18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£60+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£3-4.50 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

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.

Plan your visit to Reading

Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Reading.

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.

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
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Reading including taking a bus and train.
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.

popular bus stations

Popular bus stations from Cardiff to Reading

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.

Departure bus stations in Cardiff
Arrival bus stations in Reading

Which Cardiff station do buses to Reading leave from?

Buses from Cardiff to Reading leave from Cardiff, Sophia Gardens. The station is 0 miles (1 km) from Cardiff city centre at Cardiff Coach Station, Sophia Gardens, 2 Sophia Cl, Pontcanna, Cardiff CF11 9HW, UK.
Cardiff, Sophia GardensCardiff Coach Station, Sophia Gardens, 2 Sophia Cl, Pontcanna, Cardiff CF11 9HW, UKWifiParkingATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Cardiff, Sophia Gardens from Cardiff city centre

Bus25, 62, 63, 25A, 64 · 3m · $3 · every ~14 min
C1 · 16m · every ~8 min

Cardiff, Sophia Gardens 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 and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens. ATMs are available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens: Basic accessibility features available.

Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)Cardiff North Road (Friary Gardens), Cardiff CF10 3AF, UKWifiParkingATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) from Cardiff city centre

TRUE

Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) bus station facilities and services

Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens). ATMs are available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens).

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens).

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens): Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens): Accessible for passengers with reduced mobility.

Bus stations for Cardiff to Reading

Check bus stations information for Cardiff and Reading, including where buses depart and arrive on this route.

When departing from Cardiff , you have various bus station options to start your journey from including Cardiff, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens) . When arriving in Reading , you can end your journey in bus stations like Reading, Blagrave Street .Passengers board the bus most frequently from Cardiff, Sophia Gardens, which is located around 0 miles (1 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Reading, Blagrave Street, located 0 away from the city centre.

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.

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