Luton to Reading bus with National Express

Thu, Nov 06
+ Add return
National Express
FlixBus
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
Rede Expressos
1,000+ travel companies
National Express
FlixBus
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
Rede Expressos
1,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest buses from Luton to Reading

Showing times and prices for Nov 06

Cheapest price

$65

Average price

$66

Fastest journey

2 h 47 m

Average duration

3 h 26 m

Buses per day

3

Distance

61 km

Cheap tickets

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 $66 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 Luton for Reading on Thu, Nov 06, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Thu, Nov 06 the direct buses cover the 61 km distance in an average of 3 h 26 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 47 m .

On Thu, Nov 06 the slowest buses will take 4 h 20 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
06:55PM4h20
Luton
11:15PMReading
$651One-way
0 transfers
National Express
03:35AM3h12
Luton
06:47AMReading
$671One-way
0 transfers
National Express
06:00PM2h47
Luton
08:47PMReading
$671One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus and train 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 €24. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 25m. 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 €24, and a bus costs an average of €45.

Distance: 37 miles (61 km)

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Train

€54

Average price

€48

Average price

Cheapest

2h 47m

Average total duration

2h 17m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 55m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 25m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest
National Express

Most popular bus company

Thameslink

Most popular train company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Luton to Reading Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
01:50AM
Arrival Time
05:11AM
Duration
3h21
Departure days
Mon, Wed
Cheapest price
$69
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:50AM
Arrival Time
06:42AM
Duration
2h52
Departure days
Mon, Wed
Cheapest price
$63
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:35AM
Arrival Time
07:47AM
Duration
3h12
Departure days
Mon, Wed
Cheapest price
$67
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:25AM
Arrival Time
08:17AM
Duration
2h52
Departure days
Mon, Wed
Cheapest price
$86
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:00AM
Arrival Time
08:46AM
Duration
2h46
Departure days
Mon, Wed
Cheapest price
$70
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:10AM
Arrival Time
11:25AM
Duration
3h15
Departure days
Mon, Wed
Cheapest price
$69
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:40AM
Arrival Time
12:45PM
Duration
3h05
Departure days
Mon, Wed
Cheapest price
$69
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:25AM
Arrival Time
02:06PM
Duration
2h41
Departure days
Mon, Wed
Cheapest price
$69
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
12:20PM
Arrival Time
03:28PM
Duration
3h08
Departure days
Mon, Wed
Cheapest price
$69
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
12:45PM
Arrival Time
04:09PM
Duration
3h24
Departure days
Mon, Wed
Cheapest price
$91
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:25PM
Arrival Time
06:46PM
Duration
3h21
Departure days
Mon, Wed
Cheapest price
$70
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:05PM
Arrival Time
07:25PM
Duration
3h20
Departure days
Mon, Wed
Cheapest price
$67
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:20PM
Arrival Time
08:02PM
Duration
2h42
Departure days
Mon, Wed
Cheapest price
$69
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:00PM
Arrival Time
09:47PM
Duration
2h47
Departure days
Mon, Wed
Cheapest price
$67
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:30PM
Arrival Time
12:15AM
Duration
4h45
Departure days
Mon, Wed
Cheapest price
$67
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:30PM
Arrival Time
05:11AM
Duration
5h41
Departure days
Mon, Wed
Cheapest price
$74

Live departures

Luton to Reading bus times

The table below shows live departures for Luton to Reading buses for today, Wednesday, November 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at 4:27 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
national_express6:00 PM Luton
2h47
8:47 PM Reading0 transfersDirect
national_express6:20 PM Luton
4h55
11:15 PM Reading0 transfersDirect
national_express6:55 PM Luton
4h20
11:15 PM Reading0 transfersDirect
Thursday, November 6
national_express3:35 AM Luton
3h12
6:47 AM Reading0 transfersDirect

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Luton to Reading by bus or train

Compare bus and train 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
Nov 06
Fri
Nov 07
Sat
Nov 08
Sun
Nov 09
Mon
Nov 10
Tue
Nov 11
Wed
Nov 12

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Luton to Reading

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus
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 $30 (€24)
Distance
37 miles (61 km)
Average bus duration
2h 17m
Cheapest ticket price
$55 (€45)
Buses per day
20
Fastest bus
2h 41m
First bus
00:24
Last bus
23:55

Key Takeaways

Train Ticket Prices
  • Budget Options: Train tickets from Luton to Reading start from as low as $55 (€45) if booked well in advance.
  • Standard Fares: Typically, trains cost $65 (€54) depending on the train type and class.
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 $30 (€24)

Bus providers: National Express from Luton to ReadingYou can travel by bus between Luton to Reading with National Express for as low as $30 (€24). 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
2h 41m
Cheapest Price
$56 (€46)
National Express frequency
19 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.

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.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Luton to Reading can start from as little as $59 (€48) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Luton to Reading is $71 (€58); however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
On average the Luton to Reading bus travel time is 2 h 37 min   for the 37 mile (60 km) long trip, but the duration can vary if you travel on weekends and holidays.
The first bus from Luton to Reading leaves at 1: 50AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last bus from Luton to Reading leaves at 11: 30PM.
There are 19 buses a day from Luton to Reading which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
For the route from Luton to Reading you can take a bus with National Express. Be sure to check out all possible bus providers that offer services to Reading from Luton on Omio to compare what amenities they may have.
A trip to Reading from Luton is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2 h 37 min each way. Check with Omio app   the best way to travel.
The cheapest month to travel from Luton to Reading by bus is December.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel from Luton to Reading including taking a bus or train.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Luton to Reading:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Luton 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 Luton 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 Luton 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 Luton to Reading.
    Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Luton 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 Luton to Reading:
    • National Express
      • 10€ per additional bag.
    Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Luton to Reading.
    You can reserve your seat on the bus from Luton to Reading with the following bus company: National Express
    Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Luton to Reading with the following bus company: National Express.
    Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Luton to Reading with the following bus company: National Express.

    popular bus stations

    Popular bus stations from Luton to Reading

    Luton
    Reading
    The major bus station for departures in Luton is Luton, Dunstable Road (Challney). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Luton, Dunstable Road (Challney) for your trip from Luton to Reading.
    Luton, Dunstable Road (Challney)
    information
    Luton, Station Interchange
    information

    The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

    We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

    ios-badge
    android-badge
    Hand With Phone