Reading to Bournemouth bus with National Express

Thu, Nov 06
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Reading to Bournemouth

Showing times and prices for Nov 06

Cheapest price

$78

Average price

$82

Fastest journey

3 h 35 m

Average duration

4 h 21 m

Buses per day

4

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 $82 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $78.

Fast buses

Of the 4 buses that leave Reading for Bournemouth on Thu, Nov 06, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Thu, Nov 06 the direct buses cover the 104 km distance in an average of 4 h 21 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 35 m .

On Thu, Nov 06 the slowest buses will take 6 h 5 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.

National Express
04:55AM3h35
Reading
08:30AMBournemouth
$781One-way
0 transfers
National Express
10:03PM4h02
Reading
02:05AMBournemouth
$811One-way
0 transfers
National Express
09:03PM3h42
Reading
12:45AMBournemouth
$811One-way
0 transfers
National Express
02:20AM6h05
Reading
08:25AMBournemouth
$871One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Reading to Bournemouth

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Reading to Bournemouth among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from €10. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 33m. 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 €10, and a bus costs an average of €29.

Distance: 64 miles (104 km)

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Train

€59

Average price

€30

Average price

Cheapest

2h 31m

Average total duration

2h 1m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 3m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 33m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest
National Express

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 Bournemouth Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:55AM
Arrival Time
09:30AM
Duration
3h35
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$78
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:21AM
Arrival Time
11:35AM
Duration
3h14
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$81
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:25AM
Arrival Time
02:05PM
Duration
3h40
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$87
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
12:25PM
Arrival Time
04:05PM
Duration
3h40
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$87
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:25PM
Arrival Time
06:20PM
Duration
3h55
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$84
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:00PM
Arrival Time
08:25PM
Duration
3h25
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$84
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:01PM
Arrival Time
10:05PM
Duration
3h04
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$84
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:33PM
Arrival Time
11:55PM
Duration
3h22
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$78
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:03PM
Arrival Time
01:45AM
Duration
3h42
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$78
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:03PM
Arrival Time
03:05AM
Duration
4h02
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$91

Live departures

Reading to Bournemouth bus times

The table below shows live departures for Reading to Bournemouth buses for today, Wednesday, November 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at 4:09 AM

ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
national_expressRRRA1 · NX035
On time
5:55 AM Reading, Blagrave Street
3h35
9:30 AM Bournemouth, Coach Station
1 transfer
national_expressRRRA1 · NX035
On time
8:21 AM Reading, Blagrave Street
3h14
11:35 AM Bournemouth, Coach Station
1 transfer
national_expressRRRA1 · NX035
On time
10:25 AM Reading, Blagrave Street
3h40
2:05 PM Bournemouth, Coach Station
1 transfer
national_expressRRRA1 · NX035
On time
12:25 PM Reading, Blagrave Street
3h40
4:05 PM Bournemouth, Coach Station
1 transfer
national_expressRRRA1 · NX035
On time
2:25 PM Reading, Blagrave Street
3h55
6:20 PM Bournemouth, Coach Station
1 transfer
national_expressRRRA1 · NX035
On time
5:00 PM Reading, Blagrave Street
3h25
8:25 PM Bournemouth, Coach Station
1 transfer
national_expressRRRA1 · NX035
On time
7:01 PM Reading, Blagrave Street
3h04
10:05 PM Bournemouth, Coach Station
1 transfer
national_expressRRRA1 · NX035
On time
8:33 PM Reading, Blagrave Street
3h22
11:55 PM Bournemouth, Coach Station
1 transfer
national_expressRRRA1 · NX035
On time
10:03 PM Reading, Blagrave Street
3h42
1:45 AM Bournemouth, Coach Station
1 transfer
national_expressRRRA1 · NX035
On time
11:03 PM Reading, Blagrave Street
4h02
3:05 AM Bournemouth, Coach Station
1 transfer
national_express2:20 AM Reading
6h05
8:25 AM Bournemouth0 transfersDirect

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Reading to Bournemouth 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
Fri
Nov 07
Sat
Nov 08
Sun
Nov 09
Mon
Nov 10
Tue
Nov 11
Wed
Nov 12

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Reading to Bournemouth

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus
Buses from Reading to Bournemouth run on average 13 times per day, taking around 2h 1m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $36 (€29) but you can travel from only $12 (€10) by train.
The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:38. The fastest bus covers the 64 miles (104 km) distance in 1h 43m.
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 (€10)
Distance
64 miles (104 km)
Average bus duration
2h 1m
Cheapest ticket price
$36 (€29)
Buses per day
13
Fastest bus
1h 43m
First bus
00:05
Last bus
23:38
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 (€10)

Bus providers: National Express from Reading to BournemouthYou can travel by bus between Reading to Bournemouth with National Express for as low as $12 (€10). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

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
3h 9m
Cheapest Price
$57 (€47)
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.
Bikes
Folding Bikes are allowed; non-folding bikes are not allowed.

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.
FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Reading to Bournemouth can start from as little as $41 (€33) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Reading to Bournemouth is $72 (€59); however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The bus time from Reading to Bournemouth is on average 1 h 43 min   for the 64 mile (103 km) long journey, but the time it takes to go to Bournemouth from Reading by bus can vary depending on specific dates or if traveling on weekends and holidays.
The first bus from Reading to Bournemouth leaves at 3: 09AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last bus from Reading to Bournemouth leaves at 11: 09PM.
There are 12 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.
For the best Reading to Bournemouth bus to buy, you can travel safely and comfortably with National Express. However, it's always good to check all possible bus providers with services from Reading to Bournemouth to compare what amenities they may offer.
A day trip to Bournemouth from Reading is worth doing with a journey time of 1 h 43 min each way. Check with Omio app   the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Reading to Bournemouth is September.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Reading and Bournemouth including taking a train or bus.
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.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Bournemouth are:
  • Bournemouth Beach, a popular sandy beach stretching for miles with a pier and various water activities
  • Bournemouth Pier, a Victorian-era pier offering entertainment, dining, and panoramic views of the coastline
  • Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum, a historic house museum featuring a diverse collection of art and artifacts
  • Bournemouth Gardens, a series of beautiful gardens perfect for leisurely walks and picnics
  • St. Peter's Church, a historic church known for its stunning architecture and the resting place of Mary Shelley.
The best things to do in Bournemouth include:
  • Oceanarium, an aquarium featuring marine life from various global habitats
  • Lower Gardens, a well-maintained public park with floral displays and seasonal events
  • Boscombe Chine Gardens, a picturesque garden with a mini-golf course and water play area
  • Hengistbury Head, a nature reserve ideal for hiking and birdwatching
  • Bournemouth Aviation Museum, an interactive museum dedicated to the history of aviation.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Reading to Bournemouth 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 Bournemouth, follow these tips:

  • Book in advance: Tickets are often cheaper when booked early.
  • Be flexible with dates and times: Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money.
  • Use our search filters: Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options.
  • Look for special deals or discounts: Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
  • 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 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.

    popular bus stations

    Popular bus stations from Reading to Bournemouth

    Reading
    Bournemouth
    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 Bournemouth.
    Reading, Blagrave StreetAccessibility
    Amenities at bus station
    AccessibilityAccessibility
    information
    Accessibility
    Accessibility
    • The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible

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