Preston to Reading bus with Megabus

Sun, Dec 21
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Megabus
National Express
FlixBus
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
1,000+ travel companies
Megabus
National Express
FlixBus
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
1,000+ travel companies
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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 €65. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 3m. 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 €65, and a flight costs an average of €84.

Distance: 175 miles (283 km)

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Train
Flight

€75

Average price

Cheapest

€101

Average price

€159

Average price

8h 44m

Average total duration

8h 14m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 56m

Average total duration

3h 26m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 3m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 3m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.3 - 0.7kg

CO2 emissions

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.8 - 1.7kg

CO2 emissions

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

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

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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Dec 21
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Journey information

Overview: Bus from Preston to Reading

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Preston to Reading run on average 2 times per day, taking around 8h 14m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $82 (€65) but you can travel from only $51 (€41) by train.

The earliest bus runs at 03:15, the last at 22:35. The fastest bus covers the 175 miles (283 km) distance in 10h 11m.

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 $51 (€41)
Distance
175 miles (283 km)
Average bus duration
8h 14m
Cheapest ticket price
$82 (€65)
Buses per day
2
Fastest bus
10h 11m
First bus
03:15
Last bus
22:35
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 $51 (€41)

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 $51 (€41). 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 11m
Cheapest Price
$79 (€63)
National Express frequency
2 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.
Learn more about National Express

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.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Preston to Reading can start from as little as $64 (€51) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Preston to Reading is $90 (€72); however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The bus time to Reading from Preston is on average 6 h 46 min   for the 175 mile (282 km) long journey, but the time it takes to go between Preston and Reading by bus can vary depending on specific dates or if traveling on weekends and holidays.
The first bus from Preston to Reading leaves at 3: 15AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last bus from Preston to Reading leaves at 10: 20PM.
There are 2 buses a day from Preston to Reading which require at least one change with Megabus or National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
For the trip from Preston to Reading you can take a bus with Megabus or National Express. Be sure to check out all possible bus providers that offer services from Preston to Reading on Omio to compare what amenities they may have.
The cheapest month to travel from Preston to Reading by bus is September.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel from Preston to Reading including taking a bus, train or flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Preston to Reading:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Preston 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 Preston 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 Preston 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 Preston to Reading.
    Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Preston 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 Preston to Reading:
    • 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: National Express
    Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Preston to Reading with the following bus company: National Express.
    Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Preston to Reading with the following bus company: National Express.

    popular bus stations

    Popular bus stations from Preston to Reading

    Preston
    Reading
    The major bus station for departures in Preston is Preston, Bus Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Preston, Bus Station for your trip from Preston to Reading.
    Preston, Bus Station
    information

    More options for your journey from Preston to Reading

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