Reading to Birmingham bus with Megabus

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The cheapest and fastest buses from Reading to Birmingham

Showing times and prices for Mar 22

Cheapest price

$87

Average price

$117

Fastest journey

3 h 59 m

Average duration

4 h 10 m

Buses per day

13

Distance

131 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Reading to Birmingham will cost around $117 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $87.

Fast buses

It's difficult to get from Reading to Birmingham without transferring at least once.

National ExpressRRRA1 · NX025 · NX400
11:03PM10h07
Reading, Blagrave Street
09:10AMBirmingham, Coach Station
$871One-way
2 transfers
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX210
10:03PM4h17
Reading, Blagrave Street
02:20AMBirmingham, Coach Station
$941One-way
1 transfer
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX210
02:56PM4h24
Reading, Blagrave Street
07:20PMBirmingham, Coach Station
$1151One-way
1 transfer
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX210
08:26PM4h14
Reading, Blagrave Street
12:40AMBirmingham, Coach Station
$1151One-way
1 transfer
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX210
04:26PM4h34
Reading, Blagrave Street
09:00PMBirmingham, Coach Station
$1151One-way
1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Reading to Birmingham

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Reading to Birmingham among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $16. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 52m. 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 train costs an average of $16, and a bus costs an average of $24.

Distance: 81 miles (131 km)

Compare bus with

Most popular
Bus
Train

$65

Average price

$53

Average price

Cheapest

2h 51m

Average total duration

2h 21m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 22m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 52m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest
Megabus

Most popular bus company

CrossCountry

Most popular train company

Direct Options

Direct Options

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

Reading to Birmingham Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:25AM
Arrival Time
10:30AM
Duration
4h05
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$119
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:27AM
Arrival Time
10:30AM
Duration
4h03
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$124
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:27AM
Arrival Time
12:00PM
Duration
4h33
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$124
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:45AM
Arrival Time
12:00PM
Duration
4h15
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$103
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:25AM
Arrival Time
01:00PM
Duration
4h35
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$103
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:27AM
Arrival Time
01:00PM
Duration
4h33
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$124
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:57AM
Arrival Time
01:40PM
Duration
4h43
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$124
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:05AM
Arrival Time
01:40PM
Duration
4h35
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$101
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:56AM
Arrival Time
03:35PM
Duration
4h39
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$124
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:03AM
Arrival Time
03:35PM
Duration
4h32
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$134
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:43AM
Arrival Time
04:35PM
Duration
4h52
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$103
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:56AM
Arrival Time
04:35PM
Duration
4h39
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$124
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
01:43PM
Arrival Time
06:15PM
Duration
4h32
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$119
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
01:56PM
Arrival Time
06:15PM
Duration
4h19
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$124
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:56PM
Arrival Time
07:20PM
Duration
4h24
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$115
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:03PM
Arrival Time
07:20PM
Duration
4h17
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$101
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:23PM
Arrival Time
09:00PM
Duration
4h37
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$101
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:26PM
Arrival Time
09:00PM
Duration
4h34
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$115
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:20PM
Arrival Time
10:25PM
Duration
4h05
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$103
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:26PM
Arrival Time
10:25PM
Duration
3h59
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$124
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:23PM
Arrival Time
12:40AM
Duration
4h17
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$101
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:26PM
Arrival Time
12:40AM
Duration
4h14
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$115
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:03PM
Arrival Time
02:20AM
Duration
4h17
Departure days
Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$94
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:03PM
Arrival Time
08:55AM
Duration
9h52
Departure days
Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$75

Live departures

Reading to Birmingham bus times

The table below shows live departures for Reading to Birmingham buses for today, Saturday, March 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at 7:02 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
national_expressRRRA1 · NX210
On time
8:23 PM Reading, Blagrave Street
4h17
12:40 AM Birmingham, Coach Station
1 transfer
national_expressRRRA1 · NX210
On time
10:03 PM Reading, Blagrave Street
4h17
2:20 AM Birmingham, Coach Station
1 transfer
national_expressRRRA1 · NX025 · NX400
On time
11:03 PM Reading, Blagrave Street
9h52
8:55 AM Birmingham, Coach Station
2 transfers
Sunday, March 22
national_expressRRRA1 · NX2106:27 AM Reading, Blagrave Street
4h03
10:30 AM Birmingham, Coach Station1 transfer
national_expressRRRA1 · NX2107:27 AM Reading, Blagrave Street
4h33
12:00 PM Birmingham, Coach Station1 transfer
national_expressRRRA1 · NX2108:27 AM Reading, Blagrave Street
4h33
1:00 PM Birmingham, Coach Station1 transfer
national_expressRRRA1 · NX2108:57 AM Reading, Blagrave Street
4h43
1:40 PM Birmingham, Coach Station1 transfer
national_expressRRRA1 · NX21010:56 AM Reading, Blagrave Street
4h39
3:35 PM Birmingham, Coach Station1 transfer
national_expressRRRA1 · NX21011:56 AM Reading, Blagrave Street
4h39
4:35 PM Birmingham, Coach Station1 transfer
national_expressRRRA1 · NX2101:56 PM Reading, Blagrave Street
4h19
6:15 PM Birmingham, Coach Station1 transfer
national_expressRRRA1 · NX2102:56 PM Reading, Blagrave Street
4h24
7:20 PM Birmingham, Coach Station1 transfer
national_expressRRRA1 · NX2104:26 PM Reading, Blagrave Street
4h34
9:00 PM Birmingham, Coach Station1 transfer
national_expressRRRA1 · NX2106:26 PM Reading, Blagrave Street
3h59
10:25 PM Birmingham, Coach Station1 transfer

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Reading to Birmingham by train or bus

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.

Sun
Mar 22
Mon
Mar 23
Tue
Mar 24
Wed
Mar 25
Thu
Mar 26
Fri
Mar 27
Sat
Mar 28

Why should you book Reading to Birmingham buses with Omio?

Megabus operates all buses services from Reading to Birmingham.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Reading to Birmingham.

Why book with Omio vs Megabus?

  • 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 and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Reading to Birmingham.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Reading to Birmingham.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Reading to Birmingham

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Reading to Birmingham run on average 12 times per day, taking around 2h 21m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $24 (€20) but you can travel from only $16 (€13) by train.

The earliest bus runs at 00:15, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 81 miles (131 km) distance in 4h 7m.

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 $16 (€13)
Distance
81 miles (131 km)
Average bus duration
2h 21m
Cheapest ticket price
$24 (€20)
Buses per day
12
Fastest bus
4h 7m
First bus
00:15
Last bus
23:55
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 $16 (€13)

Bus providers: Megabus from Reading to BirminghamYou can travel by bus between Reading to Birmingham with Megabus for as low as $16 (€13). 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
2h 25m
Cheapest Price
$19 (€15)
Megabus frequency
2 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

FAQs: Bus from Reading to Birmingham

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reading to Birmingham 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 Birmingham, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Reading to Birmingham can start from as little as $24 (€20) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Reading to Birmingham is $65 (€53) ; 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 Reading to Birmingham is 4h 7m to travel the 81 miles (131 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 Reading to Birmingham leaves at 12:15 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Reading to Birmingham leaves at 11:55 PM.
There are 12 buses a day from Reading to Birmingham which require at least one change with Megabus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Reading to Birmingham, you can count on Megabus for the best way to get you to Birmingham. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Reading and Birmingham and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
When departing from Reading , you have various bus station options to start your journey from including Reading, Blagrave Street, Three Mile Cross, Mereoak Lane - Park & Ride . When arriving in Birmingham , you can end your journey in bus stations like Birmingham, Coach Station, Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport), Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway, Birmingham, Hagley Road West, Coventry, Pool Meadow Bus Station .Passengers board the bus most frequently from Reading, Blagrave Street, which is located around 0 away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Birmingham, Coach Station, located 1 away from the city centre.
A trip to Birmingham from Reading is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 4h 7m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Reading to Birmingham is November.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Reading and Birmingham including taking a train and bus.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Reading to Birmingham for bus company Megabus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Reading to Birmingham:
  • Megabus
    • Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Birmingham are:
  • Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, a cultural institution housing a vast collection of art and historical artifacts
  • Cadbury World, an interactive chocolate-themed attraction offering tours and exhibits
  • Birmingham Botanical Gardens, a serene 15-acre garden featuring exotic plants and glasshouses
  • Symphony Hall, a renowned concert venue known for its exceptional acoustics and diverse performances
  • The Bullring, a major shopping center with a wide range of retail outlets and dining options.
The best things to do in Birmingham include:
  • Explore the historic Jewellery Quarter, known for its unique shops and vibrant atmosphere
  • Take a canal boat tour to see the city from a different perspective
  • Visit the National SEA LIFE Centre, home to a variety of marine life and interactive exhibits
  • Enjoy a performance at the Birmingham Hippodrome, one of the busiest theatres in the UK
  • Discover the rich history of the city at the Birmingham Back to Backs, a preserved 19th-century courtyard of working people's houses.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Reading to Birmingham 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.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the bus from Reading to Birmingham.
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 Reading to Birmingham.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Reading to Birmingham:
  • 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).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Reading to Birmingham:
  • 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.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Reading to Birmingham.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Reading to Birmingham with the following bus company: Megabus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Reading to Birmingham with the following bus company: Megabus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Reading to Birmingham with the following bus company: Megabus.

popular bus stations

Popular bus stations from Reading to Birmingham

Reading
Birmingham
The major bus station for departures 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 from Reading to Birmingham.
Reading, Blagrave StreetAccessibility
Amenities at bus station
AccessibilityAccessibility
information
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible

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