Preston to Reading bus with Megabus

Fri, Mar 20
+ Add return
Megabus
National Express
FlixBus
Alsa
Costa Verde
2,000+ travel companies
Megabus
National Express
FlixBus
Alsa
Costa Verde
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Preston to Reading

Showing times and prices for Mar 21

Cheapest price

$47

Average price

$47

Fastest journey

11 h 10 m

Average duration

11 h 10 m

Buses per day

1

Distance

283 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Preston to Reading is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Preston to Reading will cost around $47 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $47.

Fast buses

Of the 1 buses that leave Preston for Reading on Sat, Mar 21, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Sat, Mar 21 the direct buses cover the 283 km distance in an average of 11 h 10 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 11 h 10 m .

On Sat, Mar 21 the slowest buses will take 11 h 10 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.

FlixBus
02:15PM11h10
Preston
01:25AMReading
$471One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus, train, 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 $41. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 11m. 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 $41, and a flight costs an average of $86.

Distance: 175 miles (283 km)

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Train
Flight

$71

Average price

Cheapest

$136

Average price

$246

Average price

8h 44m

Average total duration

8h 14m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 7m

Average total duration

3h 37m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 11m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 11m

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.

Live departures

Preston to Reading bus times

The table below shows live departures for Preston to Reading buses for tomorrow, Friday, March 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at 4:48 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
meinfernbus_flixbus2:15 PM Preston
11h10
1:25 AM Reading0 transfersDirect

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Preston to Reading by bus, train, or flight

Compare bus, train, 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.

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

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 bus, train 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 bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Preston to Reading.

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 $41 (€33) but you can travel from only $28 (€23) 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 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from $28 (€23)
Distance
175 miles (283 km)
Average bus duration
8h 14m
Cheapest ticket price
$41 (€33)
Buses per day
2
Fastest bus
10h 6m
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 $28 (€23)

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 $28 (€23). 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
$76 (€62)
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.

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 $41 (€33) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Preston 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.
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.
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 bus, train, 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.

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
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