- Must visit
Reading Museum
Reading's main museum, famed for the Bayeux Tapestry replica, local history, Huntley & Palmers displays, and Abbey galleries.
Cheapest price
$94
Average price
$103
Fastest journey
13 h 20 m
Average duration
13 h 20 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
521 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Edinburgh to Reading is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Edinburgh to Reading will cost around $103 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $94.
Of the 2 buses that leave Edinburgh for Reading on Tue, Aug 04, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Aug 04 the direct buses cover the 521 km distance in an average of 13 h 20 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 13 h 20 m .
On Tue, Aug 04 the slowest buses will take 13 h 20 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.




Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Edinburgh to Reading among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from $25. For those with little time consider booking a flight 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 0.2 - 0.5kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of $25, and a train costs an average of $58.
Distance: 323 miles (521 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$116 Average price | $147 Average price | $68 Average price Cheapest | $198 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
10h 56m Average total duration 10h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 11m Average total duration 5h 41m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 28m Average total duration Fastest 1h 28m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 7h 24m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.5 - 1.3kg CO2 emissions | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.6 - 3.1kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | 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 Edinburgh to Reading:
A flight is $48 (€39) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Edinburgh to Reading costing on average $116 (€94).
A flight is $79 (€64) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Edinburgh to Reading costing on average $147 (€120).
Other travel options to Reading take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 41m.
Bus takes on average 10h 26m.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). 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 {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:35AM | Arrival Time 11:15PM | Duration 13h40 | Departure days Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $184 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:15AM | Arrival Time 12:25AM | Duration 14h10 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:35AM | Arrival Time 12:15AM | Duration 13h40 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $92 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:25PM | Arrival Time 09:45AM | Duration 13h20 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $189 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:05PM | Arrival Time 10:25AM | Duration 13h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu | Cheapest price $111 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:25PM | Arrival Time 10:45AM | Duration 13h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $93 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:40PM | Arrival Time 01:05PM | Duration 15h25 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:05PM | Arrival Time 11:25AM | Duration 13h20 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $107 |
The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Reading buses for today, Monday, August 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 10:15 AM Edinburgh | 14h10 | 12:25 AM Reading | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:35 AM Edinburgh | 13h40 | 12:15 AM Reading | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:25 PM Edinburgh | 13h20 | 9:45 AM Reading | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:05 PM Edinburgh | 13h20 | 10:25 AM Reading | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:05 PM Edinburgh | 13h20 | 11:25 AM Reading | 0 transfersDirect |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, flight, 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 Edinburgh to Reading run on average 4 times per day, taking around 10h 26m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $38 (€31) but you can travel from only $25 (€20) by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 02:24, the last at 23:40. The fastest bus covers the 323 miles (521 km) distance in 12h 35m.
Distance 323 miles (521 km) |
Average bus duration 10h 26m |
Cheapest ticket price $38 (€31) |
Buses per day 4 |
Fastest bus 12h 35m |
First bus 2:24 AM |
Last bus 11:40 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 21 days |
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 Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh to Reading buses use the Edinburgh, Bus Station to Reading, Blagrave Street station pair. Use this guide to compare Edinburgh and Reading bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Edinburgh, Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Café at the Station (in the station), Sandwich Shop (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Edinburgh, Bus Station.
Available at Edinburgh, Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh, Bus Station: Elevators, ramps.
Edinburgh, St Andrew's House has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh, St Andrew's House: The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible.
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