The cheapest and fastest buses from Preston to Reading
Cheapest price
$95
Average price
$95
Fastest journey
10 h 7 m
Average duration
10 h 7 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
283 km
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 $95 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $95.
Of the 1 buses that leave Preston for Reading on Sat, Jun 20, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jun 20 the direct buses cover the 283 km distance in an average of 10 h 7 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 10 h 7 m .
On Sat, Jun 20 the slowest buses will take 10 h 7 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.
3:20 AM10h07Preston1:27 PMReading$951One-way0 transfers
3:20 AM10h07Preston1:27 PMReading$951One-way0 transfers
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 $74. 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 $74, and a flight costs an average of $90.
Distance: 175 miles (283 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$80 Average price Cheapest | $128 Average price | $158 Average price | $73 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.
This is compared to other travel options from Preston to Reading:
A bus is $48 (€39) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Preston to Reading costing on average $128 (€105).
A bus is $79 (€64) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Preston to Reading costing on average $158 (€130).
Other travel options to Reading take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 27m.
Bus takes on average 8h 15m.
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 | Cheapest price $75 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:20AM | Arrival Time 01:27PM | Duration 10h07 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $89 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:35PM | Arrival Time 10:45AM | Duration 12h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $101 |
Live departures
Preston to Reading bus times
The table below shows live departures for Preston to Reading buses for today, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX424 · NX025 · RRRA1 | 10:35 PM Preston, Bus Station | 12h10 | 10:45 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 2 transfers | |
NX424 · NX030 · RRRA1 | 10:35 PM Preston, Bus Station | 12h10 | 10:45 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 2 transfers | |
| Saturday, June 20 | |||||
![]() | 3:20 AM Preston | 10h07 | 1:27 PM Reading | 0 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 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.
Jun 20
Jun 21
Jun 22
Jun 23
Jun 24
Jun 25
Jun 26
Why should you book Preston to Reading buses with Omio?
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
Buses from Preston to Reading run on average 2 times per day, taking around 8h 15m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $74 (€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.
Distance 175 miles (283 km) |
Average bus duration 8h 15m |
Cheapest ticket price $74 (€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 |
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 $74 (€60). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Megabus
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.

- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
Getting to Preston, Bus Station from Preston city centre
Which Reading station do buses from Preston arrive at?
Getting to Reading, Blagrave Street from Reading city centre
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
