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London Stansted Airport to Reading bus with National Express

Tue, Jan 27
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The cheapest and fastest buses from London Stansted Airport to Reading

Showing times and prices for Jan 28

Cheapest price

$65

Average price

$74

Fastest journey

3 h 32 m

Average duration

4 h 40 m

Buses per day

3

Distance

98 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from London Stansted Airport to Reading is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from London Stansted Airport to Reading will cost around $74 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $65.

Fast buses

Of the 3 buses that leave London Stansted Airport for Reading on Wed, Jan 28, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Wed, Jan 28 the direct buses cover the 98 km distance in an average of 4 h 40 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 32 m .

On Wed, Jan 28 the slowest buses will take 5 h 21 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.

National Express
03:45AM3h32
London Stansted Airport
07:17AMReading
$651One-way
0 transfers
National Express
09:20AM5h08
London Stansted Airport
02:28PMReading
$751One-way
0 transfers
National Express
10:50PM5h21
London Stansted Airport
04:11AMReading
$831One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for London Stansted Airport to Reading

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from London Stansted Airport to Reading among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €51. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 1m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €51, and a train costs an average of €41.

Distance: 60 miles (98 km)

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Train

€59

Average price

Cheapest

€68

Average price

3h 6m

Average total duration

2h 36m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 31m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 1m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

National Express

Most popular bus company

Abellio Greater Anglia

Most popular train company

Direct Options

Direct Options

London Stansted Airport to Reading Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:30AM
Arrival Time
05:41AM
Duration
3h11
Departure days
Tue, Sat
Cheapest price
$84
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:45AM
Arrival Time
08:17AM
Duration
3h32
Departure days
Tue, Sat
Cheapest price
$88
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:40AM
Arrival Time
10:05AM
Duration
3h25
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
$91
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:00AM
Arrival Time
10:05AM
Duration
3h05
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$88
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:00AM
Arrival Time
12:05PM
Duration
3h05
Departure days
Tue, Sat
Cheapest price
$79
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:15AM
Arrival Time
01:26PM
Duration
3h11
Departure days
Tue, Sat
Cheapest price
$84
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:45AM
Arrival Time
04:05PM
Duration
5h20
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$73
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
01:15PM
Arrival Time
04:49PM
Duration
3h34
Departure days
Tue, Sat
Cheapest price
$91
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:55PM
Arrival Time
06:09PM
Duration
3h14
Departure days
Tue, Sat
Cheapest price
$91
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:15PM
Arrival Time
08:47PM
Duration
3h32
Departure days
Tue, Sat
Cheapest price
$84
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:15PM
Arrival Time
10:36PM
Duration
3h21
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$75
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:25PM
Arrival Time
10:46PM
Duration
3h21
Departure days
Tue, Sat
Cheapest price
$74
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:50PM
Arrival Time
05:11AM
Duration
5h21
Departure days
Tue, Sat
Cheapest price
$81

Live departures

London Stansted Airport to Reading bus times

The table below shows live departures for London Stansted Airport to Reading buses for today, Tuesday, January 27. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at 5:30 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
national_expressNX727 · RRRA16:40 AM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
3h25
10:05 AM Reading, Blagrave Street1 transfer
national_expressNX727 · RRRA19:00 AM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
3h05
12:05 PM Reading, Blagrave Street1 transfer
national_expressNX727 · RRRA110:15 AM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
3h11
1:26 PM Reading, Blagrave Street1 transfer
national_expressNX727 · RRRA11:15 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
3h34
4:49 PM Reading, Blagrave Street1 transfer
national_expressNX727 · RRRA12:55 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
3h14
6:09 PM Reading, Blagrave Street1 transfer
national_expressNX728 · RRRA15:15 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
3h32
8:47 PM Reading, Blagrave Street1 transfer
national_expressNX728 · RRRA17:25 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
3h21
10:46 PM Reading, Blagrave Street1 transfer
national_expressNXA8 · NXA40 · RRRA1
On time
11:50 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
5h21
5:11 AM Reading, Blagrave Street
2 transfers
Wednesday, January 28
national_express3:45 AM London Stansted Airport
3h32
7:17 AM Reading0 transfersDirect

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets London Stansted Airport to Reading by train or bus

Compare train and bus 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.

Wed
Jan 28
Thu
Jan 29
Fri
Jan 30
Sat
Jan 31
Sun
Feb 01
Mon
Feb 02
Tue
Feb 03

Journey information

Overview: Bus from London Stansted Airport to Reading

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from London Stansted Airport to Reading run on average 13 times per day, taking around 2h 36m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $64 (€51) but you can travel from only $52 (€41) by train.

The earliest bus runs at 03:45, the last at 22:50. The fastest bus covers the 60 miles (98 km) distance in 3h 5m.

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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from $52 (€41)
Distance
60 miles (98 km)
Average bus duration
2h 36m
Cheapest ticket price
$64 (€51)
Buses per day
13
Fastest bus
3h 5m
First bus
03:45
Last bus
22:50
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from $52 (€41)

Bus providers: National Express from London Stansted Airport to ReadingYou can travel by bus between London Stansted Airport to Reading with National Express for as low as $52 (€41). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

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
3h 26m
Cheapest Price
$64 (€50)
National Express frequency
12 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.

FAQs: Bus from London Stansted Airport to Reading

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from London Stansted Airport 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
Cheap bus tickets from London Stansted Airport (STN) to Reading can start from as little as $46 (€36) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for London Stansted Airport (STN) to Reading is $79 (€63); however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
On average the London Stansted Airport (STN) to Reading bus travel time is 3 h 6 min   for the 60 mile (97 km) long route, but the duration can vary if you travel on weekends and holidays.
The first bus from London Stansted Airport (STN) to Reading leaves at 12: 20AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last bus from London Stansted Airport (STN) to Reading leaves at 11: 40PM.
There are 12 buses a day from London Stansted Airport (STN) to Reading which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
Take the London Stansted Airport (STN) to Reading bus with National Express. However, it's always good to check out all possible bus companies for the trip to Reading from London Stansted Airport (STN) as there might be differences in the amenities they offer.
A trip to Reading from London Stansted Airport (STN) is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3 h 6 min each way. Check with Omio app   the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from London Stansted Airport (STN) to Reading is October.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel to Reading from London Stansted Airport (STN) including taking a train or bus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from London Stansted Airport (STN) to Reading:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from London Stansted Airport (STN) to Reading for bus company National Express.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from London Stansted Airport (STN) to Reading depends on the bus company:
  • 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.

To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from London Stansted Airport (STN) to Reading, follow these tips:

  • Book in advance: Tickets are often cheaper when booked early.
  • Be flexible with dates and times: Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money.
  • Use our search filters: Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options.
  • Look for special deals or discounts: Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
  • Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!

    Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from London Stansted Airport (STN) to Reading.
    Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from London Stansted Airport (STN) to Reading:
    • National Express
      • Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
    Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from London Stansted Airport (STN) to Reading:
    • National Express
      • 10€ per additional bag.
    Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from London Stansted Airport (STN) to Reading.
    You can reserve your seat on the bus from London Stansted Airport (STN) to Reading with the following bus company: National Express
    Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from London Stansted Airport (STN) to Reading with the following bus company: National Express.
    Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from London Stansted Airport (STN) to Reading with the following bus company: National Express.

    popular bus stations

    Popular bus stations from London Stansted Airport to Reading

    London
    Reading
    Reading, Blagrave StreetAccessibility
    Amenities at bus station
    AccessibilityAccessibility
    information
    Accessibility
    Accessibility
    • The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible
    HomeBusesBuses in United KingdomBus tickets to ReadingLondon Stansted Airport to Reading bus

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