- Must visit
Reading Museum
Reading's main museum, famed for the Bayeux Tapestry replica, local history, Huntley & Palmers displays, and Abbey galleries.
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 $59 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $19.
On Wed, Nov 04, we found 8 buses from Luton to Reading, including 8 direct services.
On Wed, Nov 04 the direct buses cover the 61 km distance in an average of 2 h 50 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 41 m .
On Wed, Nov 04 the slowest buses will take 3 h 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.

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Buses from Luton to Reading run on average 15 times per day, taking around 2h 16m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $54 but you can travel from only $32 by train.
The earliest bus runs at 00:50, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 37 miles (61 km) distance in 1h 45m.
Distance 37 miles (61 km) |
Average bus duration 2h 16m |
Cheapest ticket price $54 |
Buses per day 15 |
Fastest bus 1h 45m |
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 Sun |
Best time to book 14 days |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Luton to Reading.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:50AM | Arrival Time 05:11AM | Duration 3h21 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:50AM | Arrival Time 05:42AM | Duration 2h52 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:35AM | Arrival Time 06:47AM | Duration 3h12 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:50AM | Arrival Time 06:42AM | Duration 2h52 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:35AM | Arrival Time 07:47AM | Duration 3h12 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:00AM | Arrival Time 07:40AM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $77 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:35AM | Arrival Time 08:17AM | Duration 2h42 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $61 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:05AM | Arrival Time 09:06AM | Duration 3h01 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:20AM | Arrival Time 09:12AM | Duration 2h52 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $70 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:10AM | Arrival Time 11:25AM | Duration 3h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $70 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:40AM | Arrival Time 12:45PM | Duration 3h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:20AM | Arrival Time 02:25PM | Duration 3h05 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:25AM | Arrival Time 02:06PM | Duration 2h41 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:15PM | Arrival Time 03:28PM | Duration 3h13 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 04:49PM | Duration 3h19 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $77 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:25PM | Arrival Time 06:46PM | Duration 3h21 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri | Cheapest price $77 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:40PM | Arrival Time 06:43PM | Duration 3h03 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $77 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:05PM | Arrival Time 07:25PM | Duration 3h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri | Cheapest price $70 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:10PM | Arrival Time 07:13PM | Duration 3h03 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $70 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:10PM | Arrival Time 08:11PM | Duration 3h01 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $77 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:20PM | Arrival Time 08:02PM | Duration 2h42 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri | Cheapest price $77 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 08:47PM | Duration 2h47 | Departure days Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 09:47PM | Duration 2h47 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:10PM | Arrival Time 12:15AM | Duration 3h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $85 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:25PM | Arrival Time 12:25AM | Duration 3h00 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:35PM | Arrival Time 05:11AM | Duration 5h36 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $67 |
The table below shows live departures for Luton to Reading buses for today, Tuesday, November 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX230 · RRRA1 | 1:50 AM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 3h21 | 5:11 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
NX230 · RRRA1 | 3:50 AM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 2h52 | 6:42 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
NX230 · RRRA1 | 4:35 AM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 3h12 | 7:47 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
NX240 · RRRA1 | 5:35 AM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 2h42 | 8:17 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
NX230 · RRRA1 | 6:05 AM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 3h01 | 9:06 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
NX230 · RRRA1 | 8:10 AM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 3h15 | 11:25 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
NX230 · RRRA1 | 9:40 AM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 3h05 | 12:45 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
NX230 · RRRA1 | 11:25 AM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 2h41 | 2:06 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
NX240 · RRRA1 | 12:15 PM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 3h13 | 3:28 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
NX230 · RRRA1 | 1:30 PM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 3h19 | 4:49 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
NX230 · RRRA1 | 3:25 PM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 3h21 | 6:46 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
NX230 · RRRA1 | 4:05 PM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 3h20 | 7:25 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
NX230 · RRRA1 | 5:20 PM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 2h42 | 8:02 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
NX230 · RRRA1 | 7:00 PM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 2h47 | 9:47 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
NX231 · RRRA1 | 9:10 PM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 3h05 | 12:15 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
NXA2 · NXA40 · RRRA1 | 11:35 PM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 5h36 | 5:11 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 2 transfers | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
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
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Reading.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Most Luton to Reading buses use the Luton, Station Interchange 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.
Luton, Station Interchange has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafes and fast food options nearby.
WiFi is available at nearby facilities. ATMs are aTM available within short walking distance.
Ticket office support is available at Luton, Station Interchange.
Available at Luton, Station Interchange: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Luton, Station Interchange: Ramps and accessible routes available for wheelchairs.
Luton, Halfway Avenue/Dunstable Road (Challney) is 3 km from Luton city centre. Public transport options include:
Luton, Halfway Avenue/Dunstable Road (Challney) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Luton, Halfway Avenue/Dunstable Road (Challney). ATMs are available at Luton, Halfway Avenue/Dunstable Road (Challney).
Ticket office support is available at Luton, Halfway Avenue/Dunstable Road (Challney).
Available at Luton, Halfway Avenue/Dunstable Road (Challney): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Luton, Halfway Avenue/Dunstable Road (Challney): Limited accessibility.
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.
Check bus stations information for Luton and Reading, including where buses depart and arrive on this route.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need