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The cheapest and fastest buses from Reading to Birmingham
Showing times and prices for Nov 06
Cheapest price
$56
Average price
$78
Fastest journey
4 h 7 m
Average duration
4 h 21 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 $78 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $56.
Fast buses
It's difficult to get from Reading to Birmingham without transferring at least once.
RRRA1 · NX21008:33PM4h07
Reading, Blagrave Street12:40AMBirmingham, Coach Station
$561One-way
1 transfer
RRRA1 · NX21004:20PM4h40
Reading, Blagrave Street09:00PMBirmingham, Coach Station
$631One-way
1 transfer
RRRA1 · NX21005:43PM4h42
Reading, Blagrave Street10:25PMBirmingham, Coach Station
$631One-way
1 transfer
RRRA1 · NX025 · NX40011:03PM10h07
Reading, Blagrave Street09:10AMBirmingham, Coach Station
$681One-way
2 transfers
RRRA1 · NX21003:05PM4h30
Reading, Blagrave Street07:35PMBirmingham, Coach Station
$781One-way
1 transfer
RRRA1 · NX21008:33PM4h07
Reading, Blagrave Street12:40AMBirmingham, Coach Station
$561One-way
1 transfer
RRRA1 · NX21010:03PM4h17
Reading, Blagrave Street02:20AMBirmingham, Coach Station
$781One-way
1 transfer
RRRA1 · NX21007:41AM4h19
Reading, Blagrave Street12:00PMBirmingham, Coach Station
$831One-way
1 transfer
RRRA1 · NX21003:05PM4h30
Reading, Blagrave Street07:35PMBirmingham, Coach Station
$781One-way
1 transfer
RRRA1 · NX21011:05AM4h30
Reading, Blagrave Street03:35PMBirmingham, Coach Station
$941One-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 bus with prices starting from €46. 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 bus costs an average of €46, and a train costs an average of €17.
Distance: 81 miles (131 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Train |
|---|---|
€52 Average price Cheapest | €61 Average price |
4h 36m Average total duration 4h 6m 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 |
 Most popular bus company |  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
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:55AM | Arrival Time 10:30AM | Duration 4h35 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $63 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:27AM | Arrival Time 10:30AM | Duration 4h03 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $76 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:27AM | Arrival Time 12:00PM | Duration 4h33 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $89 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:41AM | Arrival Time 12:00PM | Duration 4h19 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $79 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:21AM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 4h39 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:27AM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 4h33 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $76 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:57AM | Arrival Time 01:40PM | Duration 4h43 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $87 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:05AM | Arrival Time 01:40PM | Duration 4h35 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator CrossCountry | Departure Time 09:15AM | Arrival Time 12:07PM | Duration 2h52 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $109 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:56AM | Arrival Time 03:35PM | Duration 4h39 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $89 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:05AM | Arrival Time 03:35PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $63 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:45AM | Arrival Time 04:35PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:56AM | Arrival Time 04:35PM | Duration 4h39 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $89 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:45PM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:56PM | Arrival Time 06:15PM | Duration 4h19 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $76 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:56PM | Arrival Time 07:20PM | Duration 4h24 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $71 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:05PM | Arrival Time 07:35PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:20PM | Arrival Time 09:00PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $63 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:26PM | Arrival Time 09:00PM | Duration 4h34 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:43PM | Arrival Time 10:25PM | Duration 4h42 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $63 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:26PM | Arrival Time 10:25PM | Duration 3h59 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:26PM | Arrival Time 12:40AM | Duration 4h14 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:33PM | Arrival Time 12:40AM | Duration 4h07 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $56 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:03PM | Arrival Time 02:20AM | Duration 4h17 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:03PM | Arrival Time 09:10AM | Duration 10h07 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $66 |
Live departures
Reading to Birmingham bus times
The table below shows live departures for Reading to Birmingham buses for today, Wednesday, November 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at 8:52 PM
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9:03 PM Reading | 4h17 | 1:20 AM Birmingham | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 10:03 PM Reading | 10h07 | 8:10 AM Birmingham | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Thursday, November 6 | |||||
| RRRA1 · NX210 | On time 5:55 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 4h35 | 10:30 AM Birmingham, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
| RRRA1 · NX210 | On time 7:41 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 4h19 | 12:00 PM Birmingham, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
| RRRA1 · NX210 | On time 8:21 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 4h39 | 1:00 PM Birmingham, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
| RRRA1 · NX210 | On time 9:05 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 4h35 | 1:40 PM Birmingham, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
| RRRA1 · NX210 | On time 11:05 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 4h30 | 3:35 PM Birmingham, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
| RRRA1 · NX210 | On time 11:45 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 4h50 | 4:35 PM Birmingham, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
| RRRA1 · NX210 | On time 1:45 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 4h50 | 6:35 PM Birmingham, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
| RRRA1 · NX210 | On time 3:05 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 4h30 | 7:35 PM Birmingham, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
| RRRA1 · NX210 | On time 4:20 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 4h40 | 9:00 PM Birmingham, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
| RRRA1 · NX210 | On time 5:43 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 4h42 | 10:25 PM Birmingham, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
| RRRA1 · NX210 | On time 8:33 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 4h07 | 12:40 AM Birmingham, Coach Station | 1 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.
Thu
Nov 06
Nov 06
Fri
Nov 07
Nov 07
Sat
Nov 08
Nov 08
Sun
Nov 09
Nov 09
Mon
Nov 10
Nov 10
Tue
Nov 11
Nov 11
Wed
Nov 12
Nov 12
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Reading to Birmingham
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Reading to Birmingham run on average 13 times per day, taking around 4h 6m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $57 (€46) but you can travel from only $21 (€17) 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 3m.
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 $21 (€17)
Distance 81 miles (131 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 6m |
Cheapest ticket price $57 (€46) |
Buses per day 13 |
Fastest bus 4h 3m |
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 $21 (€17)
Bus providers: Megabus, National Express from Reading to BirminghamYou can travel by bus between Reading to Birmingham with Megabus, National Express for as low as $21 (€17). 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
$18 (€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
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
4h 3m
Cheapest Price
$56 (€46)
National Express frequency
13 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 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.
Cheap bus tickets from Reading to Birmingham can start from as little as $16 (€13) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Reading to Birmingham is $54 (€44); 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 2 h 25 min to travel the 81 mile (130 km) long route, with around there are 9 buses per day. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays.
The first bus from Reading to Birmingham leaves at 1: 40AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The last bus from Reading to Birmingham leaves at 11: 09PM.
There are 9 buses a day from Reading to Birmingham which require at least one change with Megabus or National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
For the route from Reading to Birmingham you can take a bus with Megabus or National Express. Be sure to check out all possible bus companies that offer services from Reading to Birmingham on Omio to compare what amenities they may have.
Passengers board the bus most frequently from Reading, Station North Interchange (Stop NE), which is located around 0.5 miles (829 m) away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Birmingham, Brunel Street, located 1.8 miles (2.9 km) 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 2 h 25 min each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month to travel from Reading to Birmingham by bus is March.
You have options as you can travel between Reading and Birmingham 2 different ways: train or bus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Reading to Birmingham:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Reading to Birmingham for bus company National Express.
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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Reading to Birmingham depends on the bus company:
- 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.
To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Reading to Birmingham, follow these tips:
Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!
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:
- 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 Reading to Birmingham:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
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: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Reading to Birmingham with the following bus company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Reading to Birmingham with the following bus company: National Express.
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 Street
Amenities at bus station
Accessibilityinformation
Accessibility
- The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible
The major bus station for arrivals in Birmingham is Birmingham, Coach Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Birmingham, Coach Station for your trip to Birmingham from Reading.
Birmingham, Coach Station
Amenities at bus station
WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 06:00-23:00
Distance to city center
1 km
Car connection
Mill LaneWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Dining
- Cafeteria and fast-food options inside the station
Taxis
- Available outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps
WC
- Available in the station.
Public transit options for Birmingham, Coach Station
- Bus: 97, 97A, X1, X2 Train: Birmingham New Street
Birmingham, Comet Road (Airport)
information
Birmingham, Paradise Circus Queensway
information
Most popular bus connections from Reading
More options for your journey from Reading to Birmingham
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Birmingham and Reading
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