- 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
$95
Average ticket price on Sep 18
$106
Fastest journey on Sep 18
12 h 40 m
Average journey duration on Sep 18
13 h 15 m
Buses on Sep 18
4
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 $106 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $95.
It's difficult to get from Edinburgh to Reading without transferring at least 2 times.
NX591 · NX030 · RRRA1
NX591 · NX025 · RRRA1
NX598 · NX035 · RRRA1
NX598 · NX035 · RRRA1
NX598 · NX035 · RRRA1
NX598 · NX035 · RRRA1
NX591 · NX025 · RRRA1
NX591 · NX030 · RRRA1Omio 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 bus, with an average ticket price of $123 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 5m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.2 - 0.5kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $123, while a flight costs an average of $294.
Distance: 323 miles (521 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$123 Average price Cheapest | $156 Average price | $294 Average price | $198 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
12h 23m Average total duration 11h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 53m Average total duration 5h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 5m Average total duration Fastest 2h 5m Onboard + 2h 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 bus is $33 (€27) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Edinburgh to Reading costing on average $156 (€127).
A bus is $171 (€140) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Edinburgh to Reading costing on average $294 (€240).
Other travel options to Reading take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 23m.
Bus takes on average 11h 53m.
Tickets start at around $123 (€101) compared to roughly $198 (€162) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $75 (€62). The journey takes 11h 53m versus 7h 24m 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 09:35AM | Arrival Time 11:15PM | Duration 13h40 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $184 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:35AM | Arrival Time 12:15AM | Duration 13h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $90 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:45PM | Arrival Time 08:20AM | Duration 12h35 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:25PM | Arrival Time 03:25PM | Duration 18h00 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $83 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:25PM | Arrival Time 10:13AM | Duration 12h48 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $90 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:40PM | Arrival Time 01:05PM | Duration 15h25 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:45PM | Arrival Time 11:25AM | Duration 13h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $109 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:05PM | Arrival Time 10:44AM | Duration 12h39 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $96 |
The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX594 · NX030 · RRRA1 | 9:25 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 13h20 | 10:45 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 2 transfers | |
NX594 · NX025 · RRRA1 | 9:25 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 13h20 | 10:45 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 2 transfers | |
NX598 · NX032 · RRRA1 | 9:45 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 13h40 | 11:25 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 2 transfers | |
NX598 · NX035 · RRRA1 | 9:45 PM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 13h40 | 11:25 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 2 transfers | |
| Friday, September 18 | |||||
NX591 · NX025 · RRRA1 | 10:35 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 13h40 | 12:15 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 2 transfers | |
NX591 · NX030 · RRRA1 | 10:35 AM Edinburgh, Bus Station | 13h40 | 12:15 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 2 transfers | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, and flight 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 5 times per day, taking around 11h 53m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $88 (€72) but you can travel from only $30 (€24) 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 10h 46m.
Distance 323 miles (521 km) |
Average bus duration 11h 53m |
Cheapest ticket price $88 (€72) |
Buses per day 5 |
Fastest bus 10h 46m |
First bus 2:24 AM |
Last bus 11:40 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
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.
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