- Must visit
Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum
Victorian villa museum with local history, archaeology, and rotating exhibitions in one of Bournemouth’s most important heritage buildings.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Reading to Bournemouth
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Nov 02
- Cheapest price on Nov 02
- $56
- Average ticket price on Nov 02
- $66
- Fastest journey on Nov 02
- 3 h 22 m
- Average journey duration on Nov 02
- 3 h 29 m
- Buses on Nov 02
- 3
- Distance
- 104 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Reading to Bournemouth is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Reading to Bournemouth will cost around $66 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $56.
Fast buses
On Mon, Nov 02, we found 3 buses from Reading to Bournemouth, including 3 direct services.
On Mon, Nov 02 the direct buses cover the 104 km distance in an average of 3 h 29 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 22 m .
On Mon, Nov 02 the slowest buses will take 3 h 42 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.
10:03 PM 3h42 Reading 1:45 AM Bournemouth $56 1 One-way 0 transfers9:03 PM 3h22 Reading 12:25 AM Bournemouth $56 1 One-way 0 transfers8:03 PM 3h22 Reading 11:25 PM Bournemouth $87 1 One-way 0 transfers
9:03 PM 3h22 Reading 12:25 AM Bournemouth $56 1 One-way 0 transfers8:03 PM 3h22 Reading 11:25 PM Bournemouth $87 1 One-way 0 transfers10:03 PM 3h42 Reading 1:45 AM Bournemouth $56 1 One-way 0 transfers
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Reading to Bournemouth
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Reading to Bournemouth run on average 10 times per day, taking around 2h 37m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $55 but you can travel from only $12 by train.
The earliest bus runs at 00:50, the last at 23:38. The fastest bus covers the 64 miles (104 km) distance in 2h 22m.
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 $12
Plan this route
Journey facts
- Distance64 miles (104 km)
- Average bus duration2h 37m
- Cheapest ticket price$55
- Buses per day10
- Fastest bus2h 22m
- First bus12:50 AM
- Last bus11:38 PM
- Cheapest MonthMay
- Cheapest DaySun
- High SeasonJul - Sep
- Low SeasonOct - Dec
- Busiest DaySun
- Least Busy DayTue
- Best time to book1 day
Understand & plan this route
Explore this journey
Book with confidence
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 $12
Frequently asked questions about your Reading to Bournemouth trip
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Reading to Bournemouth.
Cheap bus tickets from Reading to Bournemouth can start from as little as $55 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Reading to Bournemouth is $84 ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The earliest bus from Reading to Bournemouth leaves at 12:50 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Reading to Bournemouth leaves at 11:38 PM.
There are 10 buses a day from Reading to Bournemouth which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
Reading to Bournemouth Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:55AM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 4h05 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:57AM | Arrival Time 09:45AM | Duration 3h48 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $94 |
Operator South Western Railway | Departure Time 06:10AM | Arrival Time 09:05AM | Duration 2h55 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $79 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:57AM | Arrival Time 11:25AM | Duration 3h28 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $94 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:21AM | Arrival Time 11:35AM | Duration 3h14 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $78 |
Operator CrossCountry | Departure Time 08:52AM | Arrival Time 10:50AM | Duration 1h58 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $12 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:45AM | Arrival Time 01:05PM | Duration 3h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:57AM | Arrival Time 01:05PM | Duration 3h08 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $94 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:25AM | Arrival Time 02:05PM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator CrossCountry | Departure Time 10:52AM | Arrival Time 12:50PM | Duration 1h58 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $25 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:56AM | Arrival Time 02:35PM | Duration 3h39 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $94 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:05AM | Arrival Time 02:50PM | Duration 3h45 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator South Western Railway | Departure Time 11:12AM | Arrival Time 01:25PM | Duration 2h13 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $15 |
Operator CrossCountry | Departure Time 11:52AM | Arrival Time 01:50PM | Duration 1h58 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $82 |
Operator South Western Railway | Departure Time 12:12PM | Arrival Time 02:25PM | Duration 2h13 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $15 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:25PM | Arrival Time 04:35PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator CrossCountry | Departure Time 12:52PM | Arrival Time 02:50PM | Duration 1h58 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $82 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:56PM | Arrival Time 04:05PM | Duration 3h09 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $94 |
Operator South Western Railway | Departure Time 01:12PM | Arrival Time 03:25PM | Duration 2h13 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:25PM | Arrival Time 06:20PM | Duration 3h55 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $87 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:56PM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 3h39 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $94 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:05PM | Arrival Time 06:50PM | Duration 3h45 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $71 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:20PM | Arrival Time 07:55PM | Duration 3h35 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:26PM | Arrival Time 07:35PM | Duration 3h09 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $94 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:43PM | Arrival Time 09:20PM | Duration 3h37 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:56PM | Arrival Time 09:05PM | Duration 3h09 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $94 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:26PM | Arrival Time 10:35PM | Duration 3h09 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $94 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:31PM | Arrival Time 10:35PM | Duration 3h04 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $74 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:03PM | Arrival Time 11:25PM | Duration 3h22 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $87 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:03PM | Arrival Time 12:45AM | Duration 3h42 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $56 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:03PM | Arrival Time 01:45AM | Duration 3h42 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:03PM | Arrival Time 03:05AM | Duration 4h02 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $57 |
Live departures
Reading to Bournemouth bus times
The table below shows live departures for Reading to Bournemouth buses for today, Sunday, November 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RRRA1 · NX035 | 7:26 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 3h09 | 10:35 PM Bournemouth, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
| RRRA1 · NX035 | 9:03 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 3h22 | 12:25 AM Bournemouth, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
| RRRA1 · NX035 | 10:03 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 3h42 | 1:45 AM Bournemouth, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
| RRRA1 · NX025 · NX035 | 11:03 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 10h57 | 10:00 AM Bournemouth, Coach Station | 2 transfers | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Reading to Bournemouth buses with Omio?
National Express operates all buses services from Reading to Bournemouth.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Reading to Bournemouth.
Why book with Omio vs National Express?
- 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 and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Reading to Bournemouth.
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 Bournemouth.
Bus companies
Bus companies from Reading to Bournemouth
Buses from Reading to Bournemouth with National Express. Overnight buses available on this route with National Express. Use the details below to compare onboard facilities.
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 National Express Duration
2h 22m
Cheapest National Express Price
$55
National Express frequency
10 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.
Bikes
Folding Bikes are allowed; non-folding bikes are not allowed.
Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Reading and Bournemouth
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
When taking a bus from Reading to Bournemouth, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Bournemouth. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Reading and Bournemouth and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Reading to Bournemouth:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Reading to Bournemouth for bus company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Reading to Bournemouth depends on the bus companies:
- 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 {providersWithBike}.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Reading to Bournemouth.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Reading to Bournemouth:
- 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 Bournemouth:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Reading to Bournemouth.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Reading to Bournemouth with the following bus company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Reading to Bournemouth with the following bus company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Reading to Bournemouth with the following bus company: National Express.
Complete guide to Bournemouth
Things to do in Bournemouth
Discover the best of Bournemouth — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bournemouth trip today.
- Recommended
Red House Museum and Gardens
Volunteer-run local museum covering Christchurch history, archaeology, and community life in a characterful period setting.
- Recommended
Bournemouth Aviation Museum
Specialist aviation museum at Bournemouth Airport displaying historic aircraft, cockpits, and memorabilia for enthusiasts and families.
- Must visit
Bournemouth Beach
Long sandy beach and promenade area at the resort’s core, ideal for classic seaside walks, sunsets, and easy access to the pier.
- Must visit
Lower Gardens
Victorian gardens running through the town center, popular for strolling, seasonal events, and a green link from square to sea.
- Recommended
Alum Chine
Clifftop and chine with woodland paths descending to a quieter beach, loved for views and a more local atmosphere.
- Gluten-free
Dorset Crab
Fresh crab landed on the Dorset coast, often served simply in salads or sandwiches. It is prized locally for its sweet flavour and seaside freshness.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Dorset Blue Vinny
A traditional Dorset blue cheese with a crumbly texture and strong savoury taste. It reflects the county’s long farmhouse cheesemaking heritage.
Fish And Chips
Classic fish and chips made with fresh south coast fish. It is a staple British seaside meal strongly associated with Bournemouth beach outings.
Chez Fred
Casual Bournemouth institution famous for hearty fish and chips close to the beach, ideal for a classic seaside meal.
The Crab At Bournemouth
Refined seafood-focused fine dining in a stylish setting near the coast, known for tasting menus and polished service.
WestBeach
Busy traditional seafood spot by the seafront, popular for fish and chips, shellfish, and relaxed coastal dining.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for a UK seaside town: hotels peak in summer, dining is mid-priced, and local buses are fairly affordable for visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a casual meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if not already added. Round up or add a little for taxis. Cafes usually do not require tips, but spare change is appreciated.
morebus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.00
- Day pass
- £4.70
To the city center
Bournemouth Coach Station -> Bournemouth Square
- Distance
- 1.6 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Contactless card and mobile payment are accepted on morebus buses, including tap on board for adult fares.
- The morebus app lets you buy tickets and check live departures before boarding.
Plan your visit to Bournemouth
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 Bournemouth.
The currency used in the United Kingdom is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). For travelers, using a card is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially in cities and for transportation tickets, though carrying some cash can be useful for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Bournemouth, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like beaches and nightlife spots. Common scams include overcharging by taxi drivers and fake charity collectors. It's advisable to use licensed taxis, keep valuables secure, and stay vigilant in busy public places to ensure safety.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
FAQs: Bus from Reading to Bournemouth
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reading to Bournemouth 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 Bournemouth, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Reading and Bournemouth including taking a train and bus.
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.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Reading to Bournemouth
Most Reading to Bournemouth buses use the Reading, Blagrave Street to Bournemouth, Coach Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Reading and Bournemouth bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Reading
Arrival bus stations in Bournemouth
Which Reading station do buses to Bournemouth leave from?
Buses from Reading to Bournemouth leave from Reading, Blagrave Street. The station is from Reading city centre at Reading RG1 1PZ, UK.
Reading, Blagrave StreetReading RG1 1PZ, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Reading, Blagrave Street from Reading city centre
Bus19a, 19c · 1h 21m · $3
Reading, Blagrave Street bus station facilities and services
Reading, Blagrave Street has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Reading, Blagrave Street: The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible.
Bournemouth, Coach Station
City-centre transport
Getting to Bournemouth, Coach Station from Bournemouth city centre
Bus13, 5, 6, 50, m1, 12, 13A, N5, N1, 11, 21 · 6m · $3 · every ~74 min
m1, 5, 6, 50, 13, 12, 13A, 21, 11, N5, N1 · 7m · $3 · every ~74 min
Most popular bus connections from Reading
Most popular buses to and from Bournemouth and Reading
Most popular bus connections to Bournemouth
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