- Must visit
No. 1 Royal Crescent
Museum inside No. 1 Royal Crescent, restored to the late 18th century. Best place to understand Bath's Georgian domestic life and design.
Cheapest price
$18
Average price
$18
Fastest journey
6 h 15 m
Average duration
7 h
Buses per day
2
Distance
97 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Reading to Bath is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Reading to Bath will cost around $18 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $18.
Of the 2 buses that leave Reading for Bath on Tue, Jul 28, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Jul 28 the direct buses cover the 97 km distance in an average of 7 h but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h 15 m .
On Tue, Jul 28 the slowest buses will take 7 h 45 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.




Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Reading to Bath among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $14. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 55m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $14, and a train costs an average of $22.
Distance: 60 miles (97 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$19 Average price Cheapest | $37 Average price | $22 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 7m Average total duration 1h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 25m Average total duration Fastest 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 41m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
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 Reading to Bath:
A bus is $19 (€19) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Reading to Bath costing on average $37 (€37).
Other travel options to Bath take longer:
Bus takes on average 1h 37m.
You'll arrive about 4m sooner (1h 37m by bus vs 1h 41m by car) and save roughly $3 (€3) compared to fuel and tolls ($19 (€19) vs $22 (€22)). 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 National Express.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:45AM | Arrival Time 09:25AM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:10PM | Arrival Time 07:25PM | Duration 6h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:55PM | Arrival Time 09:30PM | Duration 6h35 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $15 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:55PM | Arrival Time 11:40PM | Duration 7h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $15 |
Operator Great Western Railway | Departure Time 11:16PM | Arrival Time 01:10AM | Duration 1h54 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $42 |
The table below shows live departures for Reading to Bath buses for today, Monday, July 27. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 1:10 PM Reading | 6h15 | 7:25 PM Bath | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 2:55 PM Reading | 6h35 | 9:30 PM Bath | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 3:55 PM Reading | 7h45 | 11:40 PM Bath | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:16 PM Reading | 1h54 | 1:10 AM Bath | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus 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.
Buses from Reading to Bath run on average 2 times per day, taking around 1h 37m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $14 (€14) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:04, the last at 22:55. The fastest bus covers the 60 miles (97 km) distance in 1h 54m.
Distance 60 miles (97 km) |
Average bus duration 1h 37m |
Cheapest ticket price $14 (€14) |
Buses per day 2 |
Fastest bus 1h 54m |
First bus 12:04 AM |
Last bus 10:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 7 days |
Discover the best of Bath — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bath trip today.
Museum inside No. 1 Royal Crescent, restored to the late 18th century. Best place to understand Bath's Georgian domestic life and design.
Major museum of painting, decorative arts, and fashion in a grand historic building. Strong collection and central location near the Abbey.
Bath's leading museum of decorative arts with ceramics, furniture, and changing displays. Housed in handsome Assembly Rooms surroundings.
Long-distance footpath section encircling Bath's hills and valleys. Excellent for walkers wanting nature, heritage, and superior city viewpoints.
Large landscaped park west of the centre with lawns, botanical gardens, and iconic views toward the Royal Crescent. Ideal for relaxed walking.
Historic cobbled lane below Pulteney Bridge with artisan fronts and riverside charm. One of Bath's prettiest short walks and photo spots.
Bath Bun is a rich sweet bun with currants and crushed sugar, long linked to Georgian Bath tea rooms and the city’s spa-era dining culture.
Sally Lunn Bun is Bath’s famous large brioche-like bun, served sweet or savoury, and associated with one of the city’s oldest historic eating houses.
Bath Chap is a traditional Somerset cured and smoked pig’s cheek or jowl, valued for its rich flavour and old West Country farmhouse roots.
Refined fine dining in a Georgian setting, known for seasonal British tasting menus and polished service.
Well-known modern Indian restaurant with bold regional flavours, stylish rooms and a strong reputation in central Bath.
Historic bakery and tea room famed for the Sally Lunn Bun. Casual, atmospheric and one of Bath’s classic food stops.
Bath is pricier than many UK cities. Hotels, dining, and attractions are often above average, though buses and casual meals remain manageable for tourists.
Service may be included at restaurants; otherwise tip about 10-12.5% for good service. Round up taxi fares. Cafe tipping is optional.
Official public transport app
Bath Bus Station -> Bath Abbey
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reading to Bath 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 Bath, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Reading to Bath buses use the Three Mile Cross, Mereoak Lane - Park & Ride to Bath, Bus Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Reading and Bath bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Bath, Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Café and fast food options (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Bath, Bus Station.
Available at Bath, Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bath, Bus Station: Ramps, assistance.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need