Luton to Reading bus with National Express

Sun, Jun 21
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National Express
Stagecoach East
Arriva UK
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National Express
Stagecoach East
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2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Luton to Reading

Showing times and prices for Jun 21

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

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 $73 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $68.

Fast buses

It's difficult to get from Luton to Reading without transferring at least once.

  • National ExpressNX230 · RRRA1
    4:10 PM3h03
    Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station
    7:13 PMReading, Blagrave Street
    $681One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNX230 · RRRA1
    9:40 AM3h07
    Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station
    12:47 PMReading, Blagrave Street
    $681One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNX230 · RRRA1
    8:10 AM3h05
    Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station
    11:15 AMReading, Blagrave Street
    $681One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNX230 · RRRA1
    5:00 AM2h40
    Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station
    7:40 AMReading, Blagrave Street
    $681One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNX230 · RRRA1
    3:50 AM2h50
    Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station
    6:40 AMReading, Blagrave Street
    $681One-way
    1 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

National Express

Most popular bus company

Thameslink

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.

The cheapest way to travel from Luton to Reading is a train with an average price of $47 (€39).

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).

The fastest way to travel from Luton to Reading is by train with an average journey time of 1h 24m.

Other travel options to Reading take longer:

Bus takes on average 2h 12m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Luton and Reading including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Luton to Reading among Omio's users.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.

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

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest 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.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
National ExpressNX231 · RRRA19:10 PM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station
3h05
12:15 AM Reading, Blagrave Street1 transfer
Sunday, June 21
National ExpressNX230 · RRRA1
Delayed
1:50 AM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station
3h20
6:27 AM 6:27 AMReading, Blagrave Street
1 transfer
National ExpressNX230 · RRRA1
Delayed
3:50 AM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station
2h50
6:27 AM 6:27 AMReading, Blagrave Street
1 transfer
National ExpressNX230 · RRRA1
On time
5:00 AM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station
2h40
7:40 AM Reading, Blagrave Street
1 transfer
National ExpressNX240 · RRRA1
On time
5:35 AM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station
2h36
8:11 AM Reading, Blagrave Street
1 transfer
National ExpressNX230 · RRRA1
On time
6:20 AM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station
2h52
9:12 AM Reading, Blagrave Street
1 transfer
National ExpressNX230 · RRRA1
On time
8:10 AM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station
3h05
11:15 AM Reading, Blagrave Street
1 transfer
National ExpressNX230 · RRRA1
On time
9:40 AM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station
3h07
12:47 PM Reading, Blagrave Street
1 transfer
National ExpressNX230 · RRRA1
On time
11:25 AM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station
2h52
2:17 PM Reading, Blagrave Street
1 transfer
National ExpressNX240 · 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.

Sun
Jun 21
Mon
Jun 22
Tue
Jun 23
Wed
Jun 24
Thu
Jun 25
Fri
Jun 26
Sat
Jun 27

Why should you book Luton to Reading buses with Omio?

National Express as well as Stagecoach East or Arriva UK offer buses services from Luton to Reading.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Luton to Reading.

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

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

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.

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
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
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

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

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 37m
Cheapest Price
$56 (€46)
National Express frequency
9 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.

Stagecoach East

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 25m
Cheapest Price
$71 (€58)
Stagecoach East frequency
2 a day

Arriva UK

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 19m
Cheapest Price
$72 (€59)
Arriva UK frequency
1 a day

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 $18 (€15) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Luton to Reading is $65 (€53) ; 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 Luton to Reading is 2h 37m to travel the 37 miles (61 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 Luton to Reading leaves at 12:50 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Luton to Reading leaves at 11:50 PM.
There are 18 buses a day from Luton to Reading which require at least one change with National Express, Stagecoach East, Arriva UK. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Luton to Reading, you can count on National Express, Stagecoach East, Arriva UK for the best way to get you to Reading. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Luton and Reading and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
When departing from Luton , you have various bus station options to start your journey from including Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station, Luton, Station Interchange, Luton, Dunstable Road (Challney) . When arriving in Reading , you can end your journey in bus stations like Reading, Blagrave Street, Three Mile Cross, Mereoak Lane - Park & Ride .Passengers board the bus most frequently from Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station, which is located around 1 miles (2 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Reading, Blagrave Street, located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Reading from Luton is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2h 37m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Luton to Reading is January.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Luton and Reading including taking a train and bus.
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.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Luton 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 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.
Since neither Luton 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 Luton 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 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.

Departure bus stations in Luton
Arrival bus stations in Reading

Which Luton station do buses to Reading leave from?

Buses from Luton to Reading leave from Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station. The station is 1 miles (3 km) from Luton city centre at Luton Airport, Airport Way, Luton LU2 9LU, UK.
Luton, Station Interchange
City-centre transport

Getting to Luton, Station Interchange from Luton city centre

Bus17 · 7m · $2 · every ~2 min
Luton, Dunstable Road (Challney)
City-centre transport

Getting to Luton, Dunstable Road (Challney) from Luton city centre

BusZ · 11m · $2 · every ~15 min
A · 1h 5m · $2 · every ~13 min

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