- Must visit
Reading Museum
Reading's main museum, famed for the Bayeux Tapestry replica, local history, Huntley & Palmers displays, and Abbey galleries.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from London Stansted Airport to Reading
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 17
Cheapest price on Sep 17
€67
Average ticket price on Sep 17
€70
Fastest journey on Sep 17
3 h 5 m
Average journey duration on Sep 17
3 h 12 m
Buses on Sep 17
10
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 €70 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €67.
Fast buses
It's difficult to get from London Stansted Airport to Reading without transferring at least once.
NXA8 · NXA40 · RRRA111:50 PM5h21Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station5:11 AMReading, Blagrave Street€671One-way2 transfers- NX727 · RRRA12:30 AM3h11Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station5:41 AMReading, Blagrave Street€701One-way1 transfer
- NX727 · RRRA11:15 PM3h34Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station4:49 PMReading, Blagrave Street€701One-way1 transfer
- NX727 · RRRA14:45 AM3h32Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station8:17 AMReading, Blagrave Street€701One-way1 transfer
- NX727 · RRRA19:00 AM3h05Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station12:05 PMReading, Blagrave Street€701One-way1 transfer
- NX727 · RRRA19:00 AM3h05Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station12:05 PMReading, Blagrave Street€701One-way1 transfer
- NX727 · RRRA12:30 AM3h11Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station5:41 AMReading, Blagrave Street€701One-way1 transfer
- NX727 · RRRA110:15 AM3h11Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station1:26 PMReading, Blagrave Street€701One-way1 transfer
- NX727 · RRRA12:55 PM3h14Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station6:09 PMReading, Blagrave Street€701One-way1 transfer
- NX728 · RRRA17:25 PM3h21Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station10:46 PMReading, Blagrave Street€701One-way1 transfer
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 train, with an average ticket price of €48 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 8m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €48, while a bus costs an average of €63.
Distance: 60 miles (98 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€63 Average price | €48 Average price Cheapest | €24 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 25m Average total duration 2h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 8m Average total duration Fastest 1h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 35m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from London Stansted Airport to Reading is a train with an average price of €48.
This is compared to other travel options from London Stansted Airport to Reading:
A train is €15 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from London Stansted Airport to Reading costing on average €63.
The fastest way to travel from London Stansted Airport to Reading is by train with an average journey time of 1h 38m.
Other travel options to Reading take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 55m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between London Stansted Airport and Reading including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from London Stansted Airport to Reading among Omio's users.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.
Tickets start at around €63 compared to roughly €24 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €-39.33. The journey takes 2h 55m versus 1h 35m 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.
London Stansted Airport to Reading Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:30AM | Arrival Time 05:41AM | Duration 3h11 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €70 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:45AM | Arrival Time 08:17AM | Duration 3h32 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €52 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:40AM | Arrival Time 10:05AM | Duration 3h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €52 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 10:13AM | Duration 3h13 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €55 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 12:05PM | Duration 3h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €52 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:45AM | Arrival Time 03:15PM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price €54 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:15AM | Arrival Time 01:26PM | Duration 3h11 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €52 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:40AM | Arrival Time 04:09PM | Duration 5h29 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price €53 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:45AM | Arrival Time 04:15PM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €53 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:15PM | Arrival Time 04:49PM | Duration 3h34 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €52 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:55PM | Arrival Time 06:09PM | Duration 3h14 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €52 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:15PM | Arrival Time 08:47PM | Duration 3h32 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €52 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:25PM | Arrival Time 11:15PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price €55 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:15PM | Arrival Time 10:41PM | Duration 3h26 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €52 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:25PM | Arrival Time 10:46PM | Duration 3h21 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €52 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:50PM | Arrival Time 05:10AM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €60 |
Live departures
London Stansted Airport to Reading bus times
The table below shows live departures for London Stansted Airport to Reading buses for tomorrow, Thursday, September 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NX727 · RRRA1 | 2:30 AM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 3h11 | 5:41 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
| NX727 · RRRA1 | 4:45 AM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 3h32 | 8:17 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
| NX727 · RRRA1 | 6:40 AM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 3h25 | 10:05 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
| NX727 · RRRA1 | 9:00 AM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 3h05 | 12:05 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
| NX727 · RRRA1 | 10:15 AM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 3h11 | 1:26 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
| NX727 · RRRA1 | 1:15 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 3h34 | 4:49 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
| NX727 · RRRA1 | 2:55 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 3h14 | 6:09 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
| NX728 · RRRA1 | 5:15 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 3h32 | 8:47 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
| NX728 · RRRA1 | 7:25 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 3h21 | 10:46 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
| NXA8 · NXA40 · RRRA1 | 11:50 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station | 5h21 | 5:11 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 2 transfers | |
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.
Thu
Sep 17
Sep 17
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Why should you book London Stansted Airport to Reading buses with Omio?
National Express operates all buses services from London Stansted Airport to Reading.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from London Stansted Airport to Reading.
Why book with Omio vs National Express?
- 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 National Express with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from London Stansted Airport to Reading.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from London Stansted Airport to Reading.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from London Stansted Airport to Reading
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from London Stansted Airport to Reading run on average 12 times per day, taking around 2h 55m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €51 but you can travel from only €31 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 2h 29m.
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 €31
Distance 60 miles (98 km) |
Average bus duration 2h 55m |
Cheapest ticket price €51 |
Buses per day 12 |
Fastest bus 2h 29m |
First bus 3:45 AM |
Last bus 10:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sat |
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from €31
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 €31. 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 National Express Duration
2h 29m
Cheapest National Express Price
€51
National Express frequency
11 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.
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
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.
- Must visit
Forbury Gardens
Large central park with formal gardens, Thames views, and the iconic Maiwand Lion. A classic place to stroll or relax near downtown.
- Must visit
Reading Abbey Quarter
Historic quarter around the Abbey ruins, museum, and Forbury Gardens. Ideal for understanding Reading's origins on a compact walking route.
- Recommended
King's Meadow
Riverside nature reserve and meadow walk beside the Thames. Peaceful paths and wildlife make it a favorite local escape close to the centre.
Windsor Fish Pie
A Berkshire classic of smoked haddock in a creamy parsley sauce. Traditionally linked to Windsor and widely associated with the wider county.
- Vegetarian
Berkshire Lardy Cake
A rich fruit cake made with currants, butter, eggs, sugar and mixed spice. A long-standing Berkshire tea-time bake.
- Vegetarian
Sally Lunn Bun
A soft yeasted bun spiced with caraway and filled with currants, candied peel and sugar. Traditionally baked in Berkshire and nearby counties.
L'Ortolan
Polished fine dining restaurant known for seasonal British tasting menus and refined service in an elegant central Reading setting.
Bakery House
Popular Reading institution for Lebanese and Middle Eastern plates, known for generous mezze and a lively, casual atmosphere.
London Street Brasserie
Well-regarded independent restaurant serving British and European dishes with seasonal ingredients in a relaxed modern dining room.
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.
Reading Buses
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.00
- Day pass
- £4.50
To the city center
Reading, Blagrave Street -> Reading Station, Reading
- Distance
- 0.3 km
- Travel time
- 4 min
- Contactless card and mobile payments are accepted on Reading Buses, and fares are capped on Simply Reading services.
- Buy tickets in the Reading Buses app before boarding for faster travel and live bus times.
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.
Cheap bus tickets from London Stansted Airport to Reading can start from as little as €51 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for London Stansted Airport to Reading is €63 ; 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 London Stansted Airport to Reading is 2h 29m to travel the 60 miles (98 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 London Stansted Airport to Reading leaves at 3:45 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from London Stansted Airport to Reading leaves at 10:50 PM.
There are 12 buses a day from London Stansted Airport to Reading which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from London Stansted Airport to Reading, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Reading. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between London Stansted Airport and Reading and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Reading from London Stansted Airport is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2h 29m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from London Stansted Airport to Reading is October.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between London Stansted Airport and Reading including taking a train and bus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from London Stansted Airport to Reading:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from London Stansted Airport to Reading for bus company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from London Stansted Airport 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company 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 London Stansted Airport to Reading.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from London Stansted Airport 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 to Reading:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from London Stansted Airport to Reading.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from London Stansted Airport to Reading with the following bus company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from London Stansted Airport to Reading with the following bus company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from London Stansted Airport to Reading with the following bus company: National Express.
Since neither London Stansted Airport 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 London Stansted Airport 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 London Stansted Airport to Reading
Most London Stansted Airport to Reading buses use the London, Victoria Coach Station to Reading, Blagrave Street station pair. Use this guide to compare London Stansted Airport and Reading bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in London
Arrival bus stations in Reading
Reading, Blagrave StreetReading RG1 1PZ, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Reading, Blagrave Street from Reading city centre
Bus19a, 19c · 1h 21m · €2
Reading, Blagrave Street bus station facilities and services
Reading, Blagrave Street has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Reading, Blagrave Street: The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible.
More options for your journey from London Stansted Airport to Reading
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Reading and London Stansted Airport
Most popular bus connections to Reading
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