- Must visit
Reading Museum
Reading's main museum, famed for the Bayeux Tapestry replica, local history, Huntley & Palmers displays, and Abbey galleries.
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Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Preston to Reading
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Preston to Reading among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €60. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 10m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €60, and a flight costs an average of €74.
Distance: 175 miles (283 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€65 Average price Cheapest | €105 Average price | €130 Average price | €60 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 45m Average total duration 8h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 57m Average total duration 3h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 10m Average total duration Fastest 1h 10m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 48m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.8 - 1.7kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | 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 Preston to Reading is a bus with an average price of €65.
This is compared to other travel options from Preston to Reading:
A bus is €39 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Preston to Reading costing on average €105.
A bus is €64 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Preston to Reading costing on average €130.
The fastest way to travel from Preston to Reading is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 10m.
Other travel options to Reading take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 27m.
Bus takes on average 8h 15m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Preston and Reading including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Preston 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.
Preston to Reading Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:20AM | Arrival Time 12:26PM | Duration 10h06 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €61 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:20AM | Arrival Time 01:27PM | Duration 10h07 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €60 |
Compare prices and tickets Preston to Reading by train, bus, or flight
Compare train, bus, and flight 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.
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Why should you book Preston to Reading buses with Omio?
Megabus as well as National Express offer buses services from Preston to Reading.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Preston to Reading.
Why book with Omio vs Megabus?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Megabus, but also compare tickets for the likes of National Express to find the best option for your trip from Preston 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 Megabus with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Preston to Reading.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of National Express to find the best option for your trip from Preston to Reading.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Preston to Reading.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Preston to Reading
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Preston to Reading run on average 2 times per day, taking around 8h 15m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €60 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 03:15, the last at 22:35. The fastest bus covers the 175 miles (283 km) distance in 10h 6m.
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 175 miles (283 km) |
Average bus duration 8h 15m |
Cheapest ticket price €60 |
Buses per day 2 |
Fastest bus 10h 6m |
First bus 3:15 AM |
Last bus 10:35 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 5 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: Megabus, National Express from Preston to ReadingYou can travel by bus between Preston to Reading with Megabus, National Express for as low as €60. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Megabus
About
Megabus is a low-cost intercity bus service operating across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Known for its affordable fares, including promotional $1 tickets, Megabus offers routes connecting over 500 cities and university campuses in North America. The company provides amenities such as air conditioning, power outlets, free Wi-Fi, and onboard restrooms, with many routes utilizing double-decker buses for scenic views. Megabus aims to provide safe, convenient, and affordable express bus travel.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
14h 0m
Megabus frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One piece of luggage is included per passenger reservation. For guidance, a piece of luggage must not exceed 62 inches (length + width + height) and should not weigh more than 50 pounds (23kg).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased by buying an additional travel ticket in advance or by adding up to two additional pieces when booking for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
Megabus reservations cannot be canceled or refunded, but they can be traded in for another journey up to 3 hours before your original scheduled departure for a fee.
Refund
If Megabus fails to provide on-time reliable service for reasons wholly within their control, refunds or alternative travel arrangements may be offered.
Pregnant on board
Being pregnant on board is allowed, but no specific details or restrictions are provided.
Unaccompagned minor
Unaccompanied minors under the age of 17 are not permitted to travel on Megabus.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cold food and drinks, as well as hot drinks with a lid, are allowed on board, but hot food is not.
Seat reservation
Reserved seats can be purchased for an additional fee, starting from £2.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.
Entertaiment on board
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
10h 6m
Cheapest Price
€60
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.
Complete guide to Reading
Things to do in Reading
Discover the best of Reading — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Reading trip today.
- Must visit
The Museum of English Rural Life
Modern art gallery in the civic centre showing changing exhibitions by regional and national artists in a central, accessible space.
- Must visit
The Museum of English Rural Life
University museum with strong agriculture, countryside, and design collections. Popular for families and one of Reading's standout visits.
- Must visit
Forbury Gardens
Large central park with formal gardens, Thames views, and the iconic Maiwand Lion. A classic place to stroll or relax near downtown.
- Must visit
Reading Abbey Quarter
Historic quarter around the Abbey ruins, museum, and Forbury Gardens. Ideal for understanding Reading's origins on a compact walking route.
- Recommended
King's Meadow
Riverside nature reserve and meadow walk beside the Thames. Peaceful paths and wildlife make it a favorite local escape close to the centre.
Windsor Fish Pie
A Berkshire classic of smoked haddock in a creamy parsley sauce. Traditionally linked to Windsor and widely associated with the wider county.
- Vegetarian
Berkshire Lardy Cake
A rich fruit cake made with currants, butter, eggs, sugar and mixed spice. A long-standing Berkshire tea-time bake.
- Vegetarian
Sally Lunn Bun
A soft yeasted bun spiced with caraway and filled with currants, candied peel and sugar. Traditionally baked in Berkshire and nearby counties.
L'Ortolan
Polished fine dining restaurant known for seasonal British tasting menus and refined service in an elegant central Reading setting.
Bakery House
Popular Reading institution for Lebanese and Middle Eastern plates, known for generous mezze and a lively, casual atmosphere.
London Street Brasserie
Well-regarded independent restaurant serving British and European dishes with seasonal ingredients in a relaxed modern dining room.
Pound sterling (£)
Reading is pricier than many UK towns. Hotels and dining are above average, but rail and local buses are manageable for most visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
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.
Reading Buses
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.00
- Day pass
- £4.50
To the city center
Reading, Blagrave Street -> Reading Station, Reading
- Distance
- 0.3 km
- Travel time
- 4 min
- Contactless card and mobile payments are accepted on Reading Buses, and fares are capped on Simply Reading services.
- Buy tickets in the Reading Buses app before boarding for faster travel and live bus times.
FAQs: Bus from Preston to Reading
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Preston 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.
Cheap bus tickets from Preston to Reading can start from as little as €60 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Preston to Reading is €65 ; 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 Preston to Reading is 10h 6m to travel the 175 miles (283 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 Preston to Reading leaves at 3:15 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Preston to Reading leaves at 10:35 PM.
There are 2 buses a day from Preston to Reading which require at least one change with Megabus, National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Preston to Reading, you can count on Megabus, National Express for the best way to get you to Reading. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Preston and Reading and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
When departing from Preston , you have various bus station options to start your journey from including Preston, Bus Station, Lancaster, University . 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 Preston, Bus Station, which is located around 0 miles (1 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 Preston is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 10h 6m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Preston to Reading is January.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Preston and Reading including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Preston to Reading:
- Megabus
- Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Preston to Reading for bus company Megabus, National Express.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Preston to Reading depends on the bus companies:
- Megabus
- Megabus reservations cannot be canceled or refunded, but they can be traded in for another journey up to 3 hours before your original scheduled departure for a fee.
- 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 Preston to Reading.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Preston to Reading:
- Megabus
- One piece of luggage is included per passenger reservation. For guidance, a piece of luggage must not exceed 62 inches (length + width + height) and should not weigh more than 50 pounds (23kg).
- 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 Preston to Reading:
- Megabus
- Additional luggage can be purchased by buying an additional travel ticket in advance or by adding up to two additional pieces when booking for a fee.
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Preston to Reading.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Preston to Reading with the following bus company: Megabus, National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Preston to Reading with the following bus company: Megabus, National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Preston to Reading with the following bus company: Megabus, National Express.
Since neither Preston 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 Preston 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 Preston to Reading
Most Preston to Reading buses use the Preston, Bus Station to Reading, Blagrave Street station pair. Use this guide to compare Preston and Reading bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Preston
Arrival bus stations in Reading
Which Preston station do buses to Reading leave from?
Buses from Preston to Reading leave from Preston, Bus Station. The station is 1 miles (2 km) from Preston city centre at Preston Bus Station, Tithebarn St, Preston PR1 1YT, UK.
Preston, Bus StationPreston Bus Station, Tithebarn St, Preston PR1 1YT, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Preston, Bus Station from Preston city centre
Preston, Bus Station is 1 km from Preston city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus23 · 6m · €9 · every ~8 min
Preston, Bus Station bus station facilities and services
Preston, Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Cafes and fast food are available within the station.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi is available in the station concourse. ATMs are multiple ATMs are located in the main concourse.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Preston, Bus Station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Preston, Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Preston, Bus Station: Full accessibility for wheelchairs and mobility aids.
Which Reading station do buses from Preston arrive at?
Buses from Preston to Reading most often arrive at Reading, Blagrave Street. Some services arrive at Three Mile Cross, Mereoak Lane - Park & Ride, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Reading arrival station.
Reading, Blagrave StreetReading RG1 1PZ, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Reading, Blagrave Street from Reading city centre
Bus19a, 19c · 1h 21m · €2
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 Preston
More options for your journey from Preston to Reading
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Reading and Preston
Most popular bus connections to Reading
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