Reading to Brighton bus with National Express

Wed, Aug 05
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Reading to Brighton

Showing times and prices for Aug 05

Cheapest price

€47

Average price

€47

Fastest journey

3 h 24 m

Average duration

3 h 24 m

Buses per day

1

Distance

91 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Reading to Brighton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Reading to Brighton will cost around €47 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €47.

Fast buses

Of the 1 buses that leave Reading for Brighton on Wed, Aug 05, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Wed, Aug 05 the direct buses cover the 91 km distance in an average of 3 h 24 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 24 m .

On Wed, Aug 05 the slowest buses will take 3 h 24 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
    4:43 PM3h24
    Reading
    8:07 PMBrighton
    471One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Reading to Brighton

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Reading to Brighton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €36. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 59m. 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 €36, and a train costs an average of €39.

Distance: 56 miles (91 km)

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Train
Driving

€46

Average price

Cheapest

€54

Average price

€21

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

3h 4m

Average total duration

2h 34m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 29m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 59m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 46m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

-

CO2 emissions

National Express

Most popular bus company

Great Western Railway

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 Brighton is a bus with an average price of €46.

This is compared to other travel options from Reading to Brighton:

A bus is €8 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Reading to Brighton costing on average €54.

The fastest way to travel from Reading to Brighton is by train with an average journey time of 1h 59m.

Other travel options to Brighton take longer:

Bus takes on average 2h 34m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Reading and Brighton including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Reading to Brighton among Omio's users.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.

You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.

Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.

Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.

Reading to Brighton Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:20AM
Arrival Time
05:15AM
Duration
2h55
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
38
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:20AM
Arrival Time
06:20AM
Duration
3h00
Departure days
Tue, Sat
Cheapest price
45
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:55AM
Arrival Time
07:50AM
Duration
2h55
Departure days
Tue, Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
46
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:45AM
Arrival Time
10:20AM
Duration
3h35
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
61
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:41AM
Arrival Time
11:15AM
Duration
3h34
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
61
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:21AM
Arrival Time
12:15PM
Duration
3h54
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
68
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:25AM
Arrival Time
12:02PM
Duration
3h37
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
55
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:23AM
Arrival Time
01:15PM
Duration
3h52
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
36
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:45AM
Arrival Time
01:15PM
Duration
3h30
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
61
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:25AM
Arrival Time
02:15PM
Duration
3h50
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
61
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:56AM
Arrival Time
02:15PM
Duration
3h19
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
39
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:45AM
Arrival Time
03:15PM
Duration
3h30
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
61
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:56AM
Arrival Time
03:05PM
Duration
3h09
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
52
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
01:05PM
Arrival Time
04:20PM
Duration
3h15
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
61
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
01:45PM
Arrival Time
05:25PM
Duration
3h40
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
61
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:05PM
Arrival Time
06:40PM
Duration
3h35
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
68
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:20PM
Arrival Time
06:27PM
Duration
3h07
Departure days
Thu
Cheapest price
56
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:26PM
Arrival Time
07:02PM
Duration
3h36
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
48
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:20PM
Arrival Time
07:40PM
Duration
3h20
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
49
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:43PM
Arrival Time
08:07PM
Duration
3h24
Departure days
Mon, Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
36
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:00PM
Arrival Time
08:22PM
Duration
3h22
Departure days
Tue, Fri
Cheapest price
49
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:43PM
Arrival Time
09:20PM
Duration
3h37
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
44
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:49PM
Arrival Time
08:57PM
Duration
3h08
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
50
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:56PM
Arrival Time
08:57PM
Duration
3h01
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
54
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:31PM
Arrival Time
09:52PM
Duration
3h21
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Thu
Cheapest price
42
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:31PM
Arrival Time
11:30PM
Duration
3h59
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
49
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:03PM
Arrival Time
11:37PM
Duration
3h34
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
41
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:23PM
Arrival Time
11:20PM
Duration
2h57
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
55
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:03PM
Arrival Time
12:45AM
Duration
3h42
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
40
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:03PM
Arrival Time
01:45AM
Duration
3h42
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
41
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:03PM
Arrival Time
02:45AM
Duration
3h42
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
49

Live departures

Reading to Brighton bus times

The table below shows live departures for Reading to Brighton buses for today, Tuesday, August 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX0256:45 AM Reading, Blagrave Street
3h35
10:20 AM Brighton, Old Steine South (Stop Z)1 transfer
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX0257:41 AM Reading, Blagrave Street
3h34
11:15 AM Brighton, Old Steine South (Stop Z)1 transfer
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX0258:21 AM Reading, Blagrave Street
3h54
12:15 PM Brighton, Old Steine South (Stop Z)1 transfer
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX0259:45 AM Reading, Blagrave Street
3h30
1:15 PM Brighton, Old Steine South (Stop Z)1 transfer
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX02510:25 AM Reading, Blagrave Street
3h50
2:15 PM Brighton, Old Steine South (Stop Z)1 transfer
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX02511:45 AM Reading, Blagrave Street
3h30
3:15 PM Brighton, Old Steine South (Stop Z)1 transfer
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX0251:05 PM Reading, Blagrave Street
3h15
4:20 PM Brighton, Old Steine South (Stop Z)1 transfer
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX0251:45 PM Reading, Blagrave Street
3h40
5:25 PM Brighton, Old Steine South (Stop Z)1 transfer
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX0253:05 PM Reading, Blagrave Street
3h35
6:40 PM Brighton, Old Steine South (Stop Z)1 transfer
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX0254:20 PM Reading, Blagrave Street
3h20
7:40 PM Brighton, Old Steine South (Stop Z)1 transfer
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX0255:00 PM Reading, Blagrave Street
3h35
8:35 PM Brighton, Old Steine South (Stop Z)1 transfer
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX0255:43 PM Reading, Blagrave Street
3h37
9:20 PM Brighton, Old Steine South (Stop Z)1 transfer
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX0256:31 PM Reading, Blagrave Street
3h34
10:05 PM Brighton, Old Steine South (Stop Z)1 transfer
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX0257:31 PM Reading, Blagrave Street
3h59
11:30 PM Brighton, Old Steine South (Stop Z)1 transfer
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX0259:03 PM Reading, Blagrave Street
3h42
12:45 AM Brighton, Old Steine South (Stop Z)1 transfer
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX02511:03 PM Reading, Blagrave Street
3h42
2:45 AM Brighton, Old Steine South (Stop Z)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 Brighton 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.

Wed
Aug 05
Thu
Aug 06
Fri
Aug 07
Sat
Aug 08
Sun
Aug 09
Mon
Aug 10
Tue
Aug 11

Why should you book Reading to Brighton buses with Omio?

National Express as well as RailAir offer buses services from Reading to Brighton.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Reading to Brighton.

Why book with Omio vs National Express?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for National Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of RailAir to find the best option for your trip from Reading to Brighton.
  • 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 Brighton.

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 Brighton.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Reading to Brighton

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Reading to Brighton run on average 17 times per day, taking around 2h 34m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €36 if you book in advance.

The earliest bus runs at 01:20, the last at 23:35. The fastest bus covers the 56 miles (91 km) distance in 2h 55m.

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
Distance
56 miles (91 km)
Average bus duration
2h 34m
Cheapest ticket price
€36
Buses per day
17
Fastest bus
2h 55m
First bus
1:20 AM
Last bus
11:35 PM
Cheapest Month
Apr
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Wed
Least Busy Day
Sat
Best time to book
3 days
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

Bus providers: National Express, RailAir from Reading to BrightonYou can travel by bus between Reading to Brighton with National Express, RailAir for as low as €36. 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
2h 55m
Cheapest Price
€36
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.

RailAir

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 34m
Cheapest Price
€57
RailAir frequency
16 a day

Complete guide to Brighton

Things to do in Brighton

Discover the best of Brighton — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Brighton trip today.

  • Must visit

Brighton Museum & Art Gallery

Museum inside the Royal Pavilion Estate covering Brighton’s history, fashion, art, and design in one of the city’s core heritage sites.

  • Recommended

Preston Manor

Elegant historic house displaying decorative art, period interiors, and changing exhibitions. Strong choice for design and Regency culture.

  • Recommended

Hove Museum of Creativity

Leading contemporary art gallery in the Royal Pavilion Estate, showing international artists and thought-provoking modern exhibitions.

Pound sterling (£)

Brighton is pricier than many UK cities. Hotels, seafront dining, and attractions add up, though buses and casual eats help keep daily costs manageable.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or casual takeaway.
Mid-range
£18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£60+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£3-4.50 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Service may be included in restaurants; otherwise 10-12.5% is standard for good service. Round up taxi fares. Tipping in cafes is optional.

FAQs: Bus from Reading to Brighton

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reading to Brighton 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 Brighton, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Reading to Brighton can start from as little as €36 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Reading to Brighton is €46 ; 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 Brighton is 2h 55m to travel the 56 miles (91 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 Brighton leaves at 1:20 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Reading to Brighton leaves at 11:35 PM.
There are 17 buses a day from Reading to Brighton which require at least one change with National Express, RailAir. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Reading to Brighton, you can count on National Express, RailAir for the best way to get you to Brighton. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Reading and Brighton and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Brighton from Reading is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2h 55m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Reading to Brighton is April.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Reading and Brighton including taking a train and bus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Reading to Brighton:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Reading to Brighton for bus company National Express.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Brighton are:
  • Royal Pavilion, an exotic palace with Indian and Chinese architectural influences and lavish interiors
  • Brighton Pier, a historic pier offering amusement rides, arcade games, and seaside views
  • Brighton Beach, a popular pebble beach known for its vibrant atmosphere and water sports
  • The Lanes, a maze of narrow streets filled with independent shops, cafes, and antique stores
  • Brighton Museum & Art Gallery, a cultural venue featuring diverse exhibits on art, history, and design.
The best things to do in Brighton include:
  • Explore the vibrant street art scene in Brighton, with guided tours available to discover hidden murals and graffiti
  • Visit the British Airways i360, a futuristic observation tower offering panoramic views of the city and coastline
  • Enjoy a performance at the Brighton Dome, a renowned venue hosting music, theatre, and dance events
  • Take a scenic walk along the Undercliff Walk, a picturesque path offering stunning views of the cliffs and sea
  • Experience the nightlife in Brighton's bustling bars and clubs, known for their lively atmosphere and diverse music scenes.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Reading to Brighton 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 Brighton.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Reading to Brighton:
  • 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 Brighton:
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Reading to Brighton.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Reading to Brighton with the following bus company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Reading to Brighton with the following bus company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Reading to Brighton with the following bus company: National Express.
Since neither Reading nor Brighton 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 Brighton 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 Brighton, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like the pier, the Lanes, and busy streets. Scams involving overcharging in taxis and unlicensed cabs are reported, so it’s advisable to use licensed services or pre-book transportation. Additionally, travelers should be wary of fake charity collectors and street vendors selling counterfeit goods. Staying vigilant and securing personal belongings can help ensure a safe visit.
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 Brighton

Most Reading to Brighton buses use the Reading, Blagrave Street to Brighton, Preston Circus station pair, with some services arriving at Brighton, York Place (St Peter's Church). Use this guide to compare Reading and Brighton 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 Brighton

Which Reading station do buses to Brighton leave from?

Buses from Reading to Brighton leave from Reading, Blagrave Street. The station is from Reading city centre at Reading RG1 1PZ, UK.
Reading, Blagrave StreetReading RG1 1PZ, UKAccessibility
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.

Most popular bus connections from Reading

More options for your journey from Reading to Brighton

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

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