- Must visit
Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery
Major city museum and gallery with fine art, Birmingham history and global collections in a landmark building.
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 $82 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $64.
On Tue, Nov 03, we found 4 buses from Reading to Birmingham, including 4 direct services.
On Tue, Nov 03 the direct buses cover the 131 km distance in an average of 5 h 50 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h 17 m .
On Tue, Nov 03 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.

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Buses from Reading to Birmingham run on average 11 times per day, taking around 3h 44m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $25 but you can travel from only $19 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 3h 0m.
Plan this route
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Reading to Birmingham.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:55AM | Arrival Time 09:15AM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Tue, Fri | Cheapest price $78 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:57AM | Arrival Time 09:10AM | Duration 4h13 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $83 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:55AM | Arrival Time 10:15AM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $78 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:04AM | Arrival Time 11:25AM | Duration 4h21 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $85 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:21AM | Arrival Time 01:15PM | Duration 4h54 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $85 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:25AM | Arrival Time 01:40PM | Duration 5h15 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $15 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:23AM | Arrival Time 02:20PM | Duration 4h57 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $106 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:25AM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 4h55 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $85 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:45AM | Arrival Time 04:45PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:45PM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:05PM | Arrival Time 06:55PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $89 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 07:25PM | Duration 4h55 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:05PM | Arrival Time 07:55PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:20PM | Arrival Time 09:15PM | Duration 4h55 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:43PM | Arrival Time 09:20PM | Duration 4h37 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $70 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:43PM | Arrival Time 10:20PM | Duration 4h37 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:31PM | Arrival Time 11:10PM | Duration 4h39 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $92 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:31PM | Arrival Time 12:10AM | Duration 4h39 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:33PM | Arrival Time 12:40AM | Duration 4h07 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $56 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:40PM | Arrival Time 03:10AM | Duration 6h30 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $25 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:03PM | Arrival Time 01:20AM | Duration 4h17 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:03PM | Arrival Time 02:20AM | Duration 4h17 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:03PM | Arrival Time 08:55AM | Duration 9h52 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $43 |
The table below shows live departures for Reading to Birmingham buses for today, Monday, November 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
RRRA1 · NX210 | 3:05 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 4h50 | 7:55 PM Birmingham, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
RRRA1 · NX210 | 4:20 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 4h55 | 9:15 PM Birmingham, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
RRRA1 · NX210 | 5:43 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 4h37 | 10:20 PM Birmingham, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
RRRA1 · NX210 | 7:31 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 4h39 | 12:10 AM Birmingham, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
RRRA1 · NX210 | 9:03 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 4h42 | 1:45 AM Birmingham, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
RRRA1 · NX210 | 11:03 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 4h17 | 3:20 AM Birmingham, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
| Tuesday, November 3 | |||||
![]() | 4:55 AM Reading | 4h20 | 9:15 AM Birmingham | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Buses from Reading to Birmingham with National Express and FlixBus. Overnight buses available on this route with National Express and FlixBus. Use the details below to compare onboard facilities.
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Discover the best of Birmingham — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Birmingham trip today.
Major city museum and gallery with fine art, Birmingham history and global collections in a landmark building.
Science museum with interactive galleries, engines and family-friendly exhibits in Millennium Point.
Historic home of the Pre-Raphaelite artists, showing furnished rooms, artworks and craft details.
Restored canal-side quarter with waterside walks, bars, heritage buildings and easy access to major venues.
Lively canal junction area with historic warehouses, footbridges and one of Birmingham's best urban walks.
Creative district known for street art, independent culture, music heritage and alternative city energy.
A rich curry style developed by Birmingham's South Asian community, often cooked with green chillies, coriander and onions. It is the city's signature dish.
A spicy Indian snack of potato, chickpeas, noodles, chutneys and crisp pastry pieces. Popular in Birmingham's Pakistani and Indian food culture.
A flaky layered flatbread, often served with curry at breakfast or late-night eateries in the city. A staple in Birmingham's South Asian dining scene.
Michelin-starred fine dining by Aktar Islam, known for modern Indian tasting menus in an elegant canal-side setting.
Refined modern British restaurant with inventive tasting menus and polished service in a smart city-centre dining room.
Celebrated Indian vegetarian restaurant in Sparkbrook, loved for dosas, chaats and sweets in a busy casual setting.
Moderate for UK city breaks: hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local transit and casual meals are fairly manageable for tourists.
Service may be included in restaurants; otherwise tip 10-12.5% for good service. Taxis are often rounded up or tipped about 10%. Tipping in cafes is optional.
Official public transport app
Birmingham Coach Station -> Birmingham New Street, Birmingham
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in 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.

Most Reading to Birmingham buses use the Reading, Blagrave Street to Birmingham, Coach Station station pair, with some services arriving at Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport). Use this guide to compare Reading and Birmingham bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Reading, Blagrave Street has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Reading, Blagrave Street: The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible.
Birmingham, Coach Station is 1 km from Birmingham city centre. Public transport options include:
Birmingham, Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria and fast-food options inside the station
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Birmingham, Coach Station.
Available at Birmingham, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham, Coach Station: Elevators, ramps.
Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport) is 1 km from Birmingham city centre. Public transport options include:
Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Restaurants available in the airport terminal.
Free WiFi available. ATMs are aTMs available inside the airport terminal.
Ticket office support is available at Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport).
Available at Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport): Facilities accessible for disabled persons.
Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway. ATMs are available at Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway.
Ticket office support is available at Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway.
Available at Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham, Great Charles Street Queensway: Bus stops are wheelchair accessible.
Check bus stations information for Reading and Birmingham, including where buses depart and arrive on this route.