The cheapest and fastest buses from Luton to Reading
Cheapest price
$68
Average price
$73
Fastest journey
2 h 36 m
Average duration
2 h 42 m
Buses per day
16
Distance
61 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Luton to Reading is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Luton to Reading will cost around $73 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $68.
It's difficult to get from Luton to Reading without transferring at least once.
NX230 · RRRA14:10 PM3h03Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station7:13 PMReading, Blagrave Street$681One-way1 transfer
NX230 · RRRA19:40 AM3h07Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station12:47 PMReading, Blagrave Street$681One-way1 transfer
NX230 · RRRA18:10 AM3h05Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station11:15 AMReading, Blagrave Street$681One-way1 transfer
NX230 · RRRA15:00 AM2h40Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station7:40 AMReading, Blagrave Street$681One-way1 transfer
NX230 · RRRA13:50 AM2h50Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station6:40 AMReading, Blagrave Street$681One-way1 transfer
NX240 · RRRA15:35 AM2h36Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station8:11 AMReading, Blagrave Street$911One-way1 transfer
NX230 · RRRA15:00 AM2h40Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station7:40 AMReading, Blagrave Street$681One-way1 transfer
NX230 · RRRA17:00 PM2h41Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station9:41 PMReading, Blagrave Street$681One-way1 transfer
NX230 · RRRA11:30 PM2h45Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station4:15 PMReading, Blagrave Street$681One-way1 transfer
NX230 · RRRA13:50 AM2h50Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station6:40 AMReading, Blagrave Street$681One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Luton to Reading
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Luton to Reading among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $22. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 24m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $22, and a bus costs an average of $18.
Distance: 37 miles (61 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$65 Average price | $47 Average price Cheapest | $17 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 42m Average total duration 2h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 54m Average total duration Fastest 1h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 10m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
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 Luton to Reading:
A train is $18 (€14) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Luton to Reading costing on average $65 (€53).
Other travel options to Reading take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 12m.
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.
Luton to Reading Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:50AM | Arrival Time 05:10AM | Duration 3h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:50AM | Arrival Time 06:40AM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:35AM | Arrival Time 07:47AM | Duration 3h12 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:00AM | Arrival Time 07:40AM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:35AM | Arrival Time 08:11AM | Duration 2h36 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $76 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:05AM | Arrival Time 09:06AM | Duration 3h01 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:20AM | Arrival Time 09:12AM | Duration 2h52 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $76 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:10AM | Arrival Time 11:15AM | Duration 3h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:40AM | Arrival Time 12:47PM | Duration 3h07 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:25AM | Arrival Time 02:17PM | Duration 2h52 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:15PM | Arrival Time 03:16PM | Duration 3h01 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 04:15PM | Duration 2h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:25PM | Arrival Time 06:46PM | Duration 3h21 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:40PM | Arrival Time 06:43PM | Duration 3h03 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $76 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:05PM | Arrival Time 07:25PM | Duration 3h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:10PM | Arrival Time 07:13PM | Duration 3h03 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:10PM | Arrival Time 08:11PM | Duration 3h01 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $76 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:20PM | Arrival Time 08:02PM | Duration 2h42 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 09:41PM | Duration 2h41 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:10PM | Arrival Time 12:15AM | Duration 3h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:35PM | Arrival Time 05:11AM | Duration 5h36 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $73 |
Live departures
Luton to Reading bus times
The table below shows live departures for Luton to Reading buses for today, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX231 · RRRA1 | 9:10 PM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 3h05 | 12:15 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
| Sunday, June 21 | |||||
NX230 · RRRA1 | Delayed 1:50 AM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 3h20 | 6:27 AM 6:27 AMReading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
NX230 · RRRA1 | Delayed 3:50 AM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 2h50 | 6:27 AM 6:27 AMReading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
NX230 · RRRA1 | On time 5:00 AM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 2h40 | 7:40 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
NX240 · RRRA1 | On time 5:35 AM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 2h36 | 8:11 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
NX230 · RRRA1 | On time 6:20 AM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 2h52 | 9:12 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
NX230 · RRRA1 | On time 8:10 AM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 3h05 | 11:15 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
NX230 · RRRA1 | On time 9:40 AM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 3h07 | 12:47 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
NX230 · RRRA1 | On time 11:25 AM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 2h52 | 2:17 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
NX240 · RRRA1 | On time 12:15 PM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 3h01 | 3:16 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Luton 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.
Jun 21
Jun 22
Jun 23
Jun 24
Jun 25
Jun 26
Jun 27
Why should you book Luton to Reading buses with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs National Express?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for National Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of Stagecoach East or Arriva UK to find the best option for your trip from Luton 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 National Express with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Luton 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 Luton to Reading.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Luton to Reading
Buses from Luton to Reading run on average 18 times per day, taking around 2h 12m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $18 (€15) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:50, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 37 miles (61 km) distance in 2h 37m.
Distance 37 miles (61 km) |
Average bus duration 2h 12m |
Cheapest ticket price $18 (€15) |
Buses per day 18 |
Fastest bus 2h 37m |
First bus 12:50 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 42 days |
Bus providers: National Express, Stagecoach East, Arriva UK from Luton to ReadingYou can travel by bus between Luton to Reading with National Express, Stagecoach East, Arriva UK for as low as $18 (€15). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
National Express
Stagecoach East
Arriva UK
Buses from Luton to Reading: Journey Details
National Express is the sole provider of buses from Luton to Reading. Monday to Friday, the company lays on around 40 departures a day, starting at 2:05 a.m. and continuing to 10:05 p.m. From 10:00 a.m. to 2:50 p.m. there are three departures an hour, dropping to roughly one an hour from 6:30 p.m. onwards. Weekends follow a similar pattern but the last bus is earlier at 8:10 p.m. Journeys generally involve one change and take about 3 hours.
Taking the Bus from Luton
Buses from Luton to Reading depart from the National Express Luton Town coach stop, located at the town centre Bus Interchange, next to the railroad station, within easy walking distance of the Mall Shopping Centre, and 5 minutes by bus or bicycle from the University of Bedfordshire campus. Being based at the Interchange, the Luton Town coach stop is readily accessible by numerous bus routes across the local area. The bus service ceases operation between 12:15 am and 5:46 am.
Getting into Reading by Bus
Reading is a thriving university town, with a well attended music festival which takes place every year on the August bank Vacation weekend, an annual five day beer festival, and a vibrant performance arts scene. Buses from Luton terminate at the RailAir Coach Stop, which is situated near the South-West entrance to Reading railroad Station at the end of Gerrard Street. The station is centrally located for the town's attractions, with the Riverside Leisure Centre and Oracle Shopping Centre both within a 10 minutes' walk or short bus ride away, and the University of Reading's London Road Campus less than 1 mile to the south. Directly opposite the coach station there are three bus stops and more slightly further on, on Station Road, while cabs can be found at the rank by the railroad Station's Caversham Road exit.
FAQs: Bus from Luton to Reading
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Luton 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.

- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
- 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.
- National Express
- Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Luton to Reading
Most Luton to Reading buses use the Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station to Reading, Blagrave Street station pair. Use this guide to compare Luton and Reading bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Which Luton station do buses to Reading leave from?
Getting to Luton, Station Interchange from Luton city centre
Getting to Luton, Dunstable Road (Challney) from Luton city centre
Which Reading station do buses from Luton arrive at?
Getting to Reading, Blagrave Street from Reading city centre
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.
Most popular bus connections from Luton
More options for your journey from Luton to Reading
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

