- 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 Sep 18
Cheapest price on Sep 18
€58
Average ticket price on Sep 18
€65
Fastest journey on Sep 18
3 h 4 m
Average journey duration on Sep 18
3 h 19 m
Buses on Sep 18
12
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 €65 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €58.
Fast buses
It's difficult to get from Reading to Bournemouth without transferring at least once.
RRRA1 · NX0359:03 PM3h22Reading, Blagrave Street12:25 AMBournemouth, Coach Station€581One-way1 transfer- RRRA1 · NX0355:55 AM3h35Reading, Blagrave Street9:30 AMBournemouth, Coach Station€601One-way1 transfer
- RRRA1 · NX03512:25 PM4h10Reading, Blagrave Street4:35 PMBournemouth, Coach Station€631One-way1 transfer
- RRRA1 · NX0357:31 PM3h04Reading, Blagrave Street10:35 PMBournemouth, Coach Station€631One-way1 transfer
- RRRA1 · NX0354:20 PM3h35Reading, Blagrave Street7:55 PMBournemouth, Coach Station€631One-way1 transfer
- RRRA1 · NX0357:31 PM3h04Reading, Blagrave Street10:35 PMBournemouth, Coach Station€631One-way1 transfer
- RRRA1 · NX0358:21 AM3h14Reading, Blagrave Street11:35 AMBournemouth, Coach Station€661One-way1 transfer
- RRRA1 · NX0359:45 AM3h20Reading, Blagrave Street1:05 PMBournemouth, Coach Station€681One-way1 transfer
- RRRA1 · NX0359:03 PM3h22Reading, Blagrave Street12:25 AMBournemouth, Coach Station€581One-way1 transfer
- RRRA1 · NX0355:55 AM3h35Reading, Blagrave Street9:30 AMBournemouth, Coach Station€601One-way1 transfer
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 an average ticket price of €36 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 2m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €36, while a bus costs an average of €70.
Distance: 64 miles (104 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€70 Average price | €36 Average price Cheapest | €23 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 6m Average total duration 2h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 2m Average total duration Fastest 1h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 34m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Reading to Bournemouth is a train with an average price of €36.
This is compared to other travel options from Reading to Bournemouth:
A train is €34 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Reading to Bournemouth costing on average €70.
The fastest way to travel from Reading to Bournemouth is by train with an average journey time of 1h 32m.
Other travel options to Bournemouth take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 36m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Reading and Bournemouth including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Reading to Bournemouth among Omio's users.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.
Tickets start at around €70 compared to roughly €23 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €-46.81. The journey takes 2h 36m versus 1h 34m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
Reading to Bournemouth Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:55AM | Arrival Time 09:30AM | Duration 3h35 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €52 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:57AM | Arrival Time 09:20AM | Duration 3h23 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price €66 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:45AM | Arrival Time 11:25AM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €68 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:57AM | Arrival Time 11:25AM | Duration 3h28 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price €66 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:21AM | Arrival Time 11:35AM | Duration 3h14 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price €63 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:44AM | Arrival Time 01:05PM | Duration 3h21 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €68 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:45AM | Arrival Time 01:05PM | Duration 3h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €68 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:57AM | Arrival Time 01:05PM | Duration 3h08 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price €68 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:25AM | Arrival Time 02:05PM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price €55 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:56AM | Arrival Time 02:35PM | Duration 3h39 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price €63 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:03AM | Arrival Time 02:35PM | Duration 3h32 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €66 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:05AM | Arrival Time 02:50PM | Duration 3h45 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €66 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:23PM | Arrival Time 04:05PM | Duration 3h42 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €60 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:25PM | Arrival Time 04:35PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price €63 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:56PM | Arrival Time 04:05PM | Duration 3h09 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price €66 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:25PM | Arrival Time 06:20PM | Duration 3h55 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price €60 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:56PM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 3h39 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price €66 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:03PM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 3h32 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €66 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:05PM | Arrival Time 06:50PM | Duration 3h45 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €66 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:20PM | Arrival Time 07:55PM | Duration 3h35 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €63 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:23PM | Arrival Time 07:35PM | Duration 3h12 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €66 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:26PM | Arrival Time 07:35PM | Duration 3h09 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price €66 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 08:25PM | Duration 3h25 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price €71 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:43PM | Arrival Time 09:20PM | Duration 3h37 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €66 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:49PM | Arrival Time 09:05PM | Duration 3h16 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €66 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:56PM | Arrival Time 09:05PM | Duration 3h09 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price €63 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:01PM | Arrival Time 10:05PM | Duration 3h04 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price €68 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:20PM | Arrival Time 10:35PM | Duration 3h15 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €66 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:26PM | Arrival Time 10:35PM | Duration 3h09 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price €60 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:31PM | Arrival Time 10:35PM | Duration 3h04 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €63 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:03PM | Arrival Time 11:25PM | Duration 3h22 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €73 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:33PM | Arrival Time 11:55PM | Duration 3h22 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price €63 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:03PM | Arrival Time 12:45AM | Duration 3h42 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €47 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:03PM | Arrival Time 01:45AM | Duration 3h42 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €31 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:03PM | Arrival Time 03:05AM | Duration 4h02 | Departure days Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €53 |
Live departures
Reading to Bournemouth bus times
The table below shows live departures for Reading to Bournemouth buses for today, Thursday, September 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9:03 PM Reading | 3h42 | 12:45 AM Bournemouth | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 10:03 PM Reading | 3h42 | 1:45 AM Bournemouth | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Friday, September 18 | |||||
| RRRA1 · NX035 | 5:55 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 3h35 | 9:30 AM Bournemouth, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
| RRRA1 · NX035 | 8:21 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 3h14 | 11:35 AM Bournemouth, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
| RRRA1 · NX035 | 9:45 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 3h20 | 1:05 PM Bournemouth, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
| RRRA1 · NX035 | 11:05 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 3h45 | 2:50 PM Bournemouth, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
| RRRA1 · NX035 | 12:25 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 4h10 | 4:35 PM Bournemouth, 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 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.
Fri
Sep 18
Sep 18
Sat
Sep 19
Sep 19
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Sep 20
Sep 20
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Sep 21
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Sep 24
Sep 24
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.
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 36m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €47 but you can travel from only €10 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 €10
Distance 64 miles (104 km) |
Average bus duration 2h 36m |
Cheapest ticket price €47 |
Buses per day 10 |
Fastest bus 2h 22m |
First bus 12:50 AM |
Last bus 11:38 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 1 day |
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 €10
Bus providers: National Express from Reading to BournemouthYou can travel by bus between Reading to Bournemouth with National Express for as low as €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 National Express Duration
2h 22m
Cheapest National Express Price
€47
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.
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.
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.
Cheap bus tickets from Reading to Bournemouth can start from as little as €47 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Reading to Bournemouth is €70 ; 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 Bournemouth is 2h 22m to travel the 64 miles (104 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 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.
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.
A trip to Bournemouth from Reading is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2h 22m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Reading to Bournemouth is May.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Reading and Bournemouth including taking a train and 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.
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 National Express.
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 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.
Since neither Reading nor Bournemouth are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United Kingdom and United Kingdom. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Reading to Bournemouth among Omio's users.
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.
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 · €2
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 · €2 · every ~74 min
m1, 5, 6, 50, 13, 12, 13A, 21, 11, N5, N1 · 7m · €2 · every ~74 min
Most popular bus connections from Reading
More options for your journey from Reading to Bournemouth
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Bournemouth and Reading
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