- Must visit
National Museum of Scotland
Scotland's flagship museum covers science, design, natural history, and world cultures in a landmark building with excellent family appeal.
Cheapest price
฿35
Average price
฿71
Fastest journey
11 h 35 m
Average duration
13 h 9 m
Buses per day
4
Distance
521 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Reading to Edinburgh is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Reading to Edinburgh will cost around ฿71 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only ฿35.
Of the 4 buses that leave Reading for Edinburgh on Wed, Aug 05, 4 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 521 km distance in an average of 13 h 9 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 11 h 35 m .
On Wed, Aug 05 the slowest buses will take 14 h 15 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.








Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Reading to Edinburgh among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from ฿17. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 20m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.5kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of ฿17, and a train costs an average of ฿63.
Distance: 323 miles (521 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
฿93 Average price | ฿126 Average price | ฿50 Average price Cheapest | ฿148 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
11h 49m Average total duration 11h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 11m Average total duration 5h 41m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 20m Average total duration Fastest 1h 20m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 7h 25m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.5 - 1.3kg CO2 emissions | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.6 - 3.1kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Reading to Edinburgh:
A flight is ฿43 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Reading to Edinburgh costing on average ฿93.
A flight is ฿77 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Reading to Edinburgh costing on average ฿126.
Other travel options to Edinburgh take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 41m.
Bus takes on average 11h 19m.
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.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:20AM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 14h15 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price ฿80 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:20AM | Arrival Time 06:50PM | Duration 14h30 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price ฿82 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:55AM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 13h40 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price ฿123 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:26PM | Arrival Time 06:40AM | Duration 13h14 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price ฿154 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:31PM | Arrival Time 06:40AM | Duration 13h09 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price ฿81 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:43PM | Arrival Time 07:20AM | Duration 13h37 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price ฿72 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:49PM | Arrival Time 07:20AM | Duration 13h31 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price ฿120 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:56PM | Arrival Time 07:20AM | Duration 13h24 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price ฿122 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:26PM | Arrival Time 07:40AM | Duration 13h14 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price ฿122 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:31PM | Arrival Time 07:40AM | Duration 13h09 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price ฿73 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:50PM | Arrival Time 07:40AM | Duration 12h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price ฿122 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:40PM | Arrival Time 10:41AM | Duration 15h01 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price ฿35 |
The table below shows live departures for Reading to Edinburgh buses for today, Tuesday, August 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 5:31 PM Reading | 13h09 | 6:40 AM Edinburgh | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:31 PM Reading | 13h09 | 7:40 AM Edinburgh | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:40 PM Reading | 15h01 | 10:41 AM Edinburgh | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Wednesday, August 5 | |||||
![]() | 3:20 AM Reading | 14h15 | 5:35 PM Edinburgh | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, and flight 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.
Buses from Reading to Edinburgh run on average 4 times per day, taking around 11h 19m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at ฿35 but you can travel from only ฿17 by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 04:20, the last at 23:40. The fastest bus covers the 323 miles (521 km) distance in 11h 35m.
Distance 323 miles (521 km) |
Average bus duration 11h 19m |
Cheapest ticket price ฿35 |
Buses per day 4 |
Fastest bus 11h 35m |
First bus 4:20 AM |
Last bus 11:40 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 70 days |
Discover the best of Edinburgh — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Edinburgh trip today.
Scotland's flagship museum covers science, design, natural history, and world cultures in a landmark building with excellent family appeal.
Major art gallery with Scottish and international works from the Renaissance onward, set dramatically on The Mound in the city centre.
Gallery of modern and contemporary art in a neoclassical building with sculpture park, strong changing exhibitions, and a peaceful setting.
Historic spine of the Old Town linking the castle and palace, lined with closes, landmarks, performers, shops, and layered city history.
Elegant shopping boulevard in the New Town with castle views, gardens below, major monuments, and strong access to central attractions.
Extinct volcano in Holyrood Park climbed for sweeping city views, sunrise walks, and one of Edinburgh's most memorable outdoor experiences.
A rich savoury pudding of sheep offal, oats, suet, onion and spices, traditionally served with neeps and tatties. Scotland’s national dish and central to Burns Suppers.
Mashed turnips and potatoes, usually served with haggis. This classic Scottish side is a staple of traditional Edinburgh meals.
A hearty soup of smoked haddock, potatoes and onions in milk or cream. Strongly linked to Scotland’s fishing heritage and widely loved in Edinburgh.
Refined Scottish fine dining in the Balmoral Hotel, known for seasonal tasting menus and polished service in an elegant setting.
Historic oyster bar and restaurant serving Scottish seafood, shellfish and game in a lively, classic Victorian dining room.
Celebrated modern Scottish restaurant focused on local produce, creative small plates and a relaxed but high-quality neighbourhood feel.
Edinburgh is pricier than many UK cities. Hotels surge in festival season, dining is mid-to-high, and transit is reasonable but not especially cheap for visitors.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if no service charge is added. Round up for taxis. Cafes usually do not expect tips.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reading to Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Reading to Edinburgh buses use the Reading, Blagrave Street to Edinburgh, Bus Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Reading and Edinburgh bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Reading, Blagrave Street has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Reading, Blagrave Street: The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible.
Edinburgh, Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Café at the Station (in the station), Sandwich Shop (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Edinburgh, Bus Station.
Available at Edinburgh, Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh, Bus Station: Elevators, ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need