- Must visit
Reading Museum
Reading's main museum, famed for the Bayeux Tapestry replica, local history, Huntley & Palmers displays, and Abbey galleries.
Cheapest price on Sep 19
$75
Average ticket price on Sep 19
$87
Fastest journey on Sep 19
2 h 28 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
2 h 37 m
Buses on Sep 19
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 $87 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $75.
It's difficult to get from Luton to Reading without transferring at least once.
NXA2 · NXA40 · RRRA1
NX230 · RRRA1
NX230 · RRRA1
NX230 · RRRA1
NX230 · RRRA1
NX230 · RRRA1
NX240 · RRRA1
NX230 · RRRA1
NX230 · RRRA1
NX230 · RRRA1Omio 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 an average ticket price of $50 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 55m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $50, while a bus costs an average of $72.
Distance: 37 miles (61 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$72 Average price | $50 Average price Cheapest | $17 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 48m Average total duration 2h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 55m Average total duration Fastest 1h 25m 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 $22 (€18) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Luton to Reading costing on average $72 (€59).
Other travel options to Reading take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 18m.
Tickets start at around $72 (€59) compared to roughly $17 (€14) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-55.42 (€-45.35). The journey takes 2h 18m versus 1h 10m 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.
| 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, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:50AM | Arrival Time 05:42AM | Duration 2h52 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:35AM | Arrival Time 06:47AM | Duration 3h12 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:50AM | Arrival Time 06:42AM | Duration 2h52 | Departure days Everyday | 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 $65 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:00AM | Arrival Time 07:40AM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:35AM | Arrival Time 08:17AM | Duration 2h42 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $87 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:05AM | Arrival Time 09:06AM | Duration 3h01 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:20AM | Arrival Time 09:12AM | Duration 2h52 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:10AM | Arrival Time 11:25AM | Duration 3h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:40AM | Arrival Time 12:45PM | Duration 3h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:25AM | Arrival Time 02:06PM | Duration 2h41 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:15PM | Arrival Time 03:28PM | Duration 3h13 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $92 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 04:49PM | Duration 3h19 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:25PM | Arrival Time 06:46PM | Duration 3h21 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:40PM | Arrival Time 06:45PM | Duration 3h05 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $69 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:05PM | Arrival Time 07:25PM | Duration 3h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $77 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:10PM | Arrival Time 07:09PM | Duration 2h59 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $85 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:10PM | Arrival Time 07:38PM | Duration 2h28 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:20PM | Arrival Time 08:02PM | Duration 2h42 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 09:47PM | Duration 2h47 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $61 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:10PM | Arrival Time 12:15AM | Duration 3h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $68 |
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, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $71 |
The table below shows live departures for Luton to Reading buses for today, Friday, September 18. 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 | |
NXA2 · NXA40 · RRRA1 | 11:35 PM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 5h35 | 5:10 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 2 transfers | |
| Saturday, September 19 | |||||
NX230 · RRRA1 | 1:50 AM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 3h20 | 5:10 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
NX230 · RRRA1 | 3:50 AM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 2h50 | 6:40 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
NX230 · RRRA1 | 5:00 AM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 2h40 | 7:40 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
NX240 · RRRA1 | 5:35 AM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 2h36 | 8:11 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
NX230 · RRRA1 | 6:20 AM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 2h52 | 9:12 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 | 3h07 | 12:47 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
NX230 · RRRA1 | 11:25 AM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 2h42 | 2:07 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
NX240 · RRRA1 | 12:15 PM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 3h10 | 3:25 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
NX230 · RRRA1 | 1:30 PM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 3h15 | 4:45 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
NX230 · RRRA1 | 3:40 PM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 3h05 | 6:45 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
NX230 · RRRA1 | 4:10 PM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 2h59 | 7:09 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
NX230 · RRRA1 | 5:10 PM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 2h28 | 7:38 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
NX230 · RRRA1 | 7:00 PM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station | 2h37 | 9:37 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Luton to Reading run on average 15 times per day, taking around 2h 18m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $55 (€45) but you can travel from only $33 (€27) 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 18m |
Cheapest ticket price $55 (€45) |
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 |
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
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, 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.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need