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The cheapest and fastest buses from Preston to Reading
Showing times and prices for Feb 04
Cheapest price
$82
Average price
$94
Fastest journey
10 h 6 m
Average duration
10 h 21 m
Buses per day
3
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 $94 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $82.
Fast buses
It's difficult to get from Preston to Reading without transferring at least 2 times.
NX181 · NX540 · NX035 · RRRA103:20AM10h06
Preston, Bus Station01:26PMReading, Blagrave Street
$821One-way
3 transfers
NX181 · NX540 · NX025 · RRRA103:20AM10h06
Preston, Bus Station01:26PMReading, Blagrave Street
$871One-way
3 transfers
NX424 · NX025 · RRRA110:35PM10h50
Preston, Bus Station09:25AMReading, Blagrave Street
$1111One-way
2 transfers
NX181 · NX540 · NX035 · RRRA103:20AM10h06
Preston, Bus Station01:26PMReading, Blagrave Street
$821One-way
3 transfers
NX181 · NX540 · NX025 · RRRA103:20AM10h06
Preston, Bus Station01:26PMReading, Blagrave Street
$871One-way
3 transfers
NX424 · NX025 · RRRA110:35PM10h50
Preston, Bus Station09:25AMReading, Blagrave Street
$1111One-way
2 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 €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.
Preston to Reading Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:20AM | Arrival Time 01:26PM | Duration 10h06 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $79 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:15PM | Arrival Time 01:25AM | Duration 11h10 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:35PM | Arrival Time 09:25AM | Duration 10h50 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $107 |
Live departures
Preston to Reading bus times
The table below shows live departures for Preston to Reading buses for today, Tuesday, February 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at 1:24 PM
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NX424 · NX025 · RRRA1 | 10:35 PM Preston, Bus Station | 10h50 | 9:25 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 2 transfers | |
| Wednesday, February 4 | |||||
| NX181 · NX540 · NX025 · RRRA1 | On time 3:20 AM Preston, Bus Station | 10h06 | 1:26 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 3 transfers | |
| NX181 · NX540 · NX035 · RRRA1 | On time 3:20 AM Preston, Bus Station | 10h06 | 1:26 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 3 transfers | |
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.
Wed
Feb 04
Feb 04
Thu
Feb 05
Feb 05
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Feb 06
Feb 06
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Feb 07
Feb 07
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Tue
Feb 10
Feb 10
Why should you book Preston to Reading buses with Omio?
National Express as well as Megabus 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 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 Megabus 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 National Express 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 Megabus 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 14m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $82 (€65) but you can travel from only $52 (€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 $52 (€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 $52 (€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 $52 (€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.
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 $82 (€65) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Preston to Reading is $94 (€75) ; 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 11m 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 11m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Preston to Reading is November.
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, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Preston to Reading for bus company Megabus, National Express.
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.
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
information
The major bus station for arrivals in Reading is Reading, Blagrave Street. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Reading, Blagrave Street for your trip to Reading from Preston.
Reading, Blagrave Street
Amenities at bus station
Accessibilityinformation
Accessibility
- 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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