The cheapest and fastest buses from Reading to Edinburgh
Cheapest price
$121
Average price
$152
Fastest journey
12 h 54 m
Average duration
13 h 26 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 $152 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $121.
Of the 4 buses that leave Reading for Edinburgh on Mon, Dec 22, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Dec 22 the direct buses cover the 521 km distance in an average of 13 h 26 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 12 h 54 m .
On Mon, Dec 22 the slowest buses will take 14 h 35 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.








Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Reading to Edinburgh
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 €23. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 24m. 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 €23, and a train costs an average of €79.
Distance: 323 miles (521 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€89 Average price | €142 Average price | €86 Average price Cheapest |
11h 10m Average total duration 10h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 4m Average total duration 5h 34m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 24m Average total duration Fastest 1h 24m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.5 - 1.3kg CO2 emissions | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.6 - 3.1kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Reading to Edinburgh Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:20AM | Arrival Time 06:55PM | Duration 14h35 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $182 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:50PM | Arrival Time 07:40AM | Duration 12h50 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $182 |
Live departures
Reading to Edinburgh bus times
The table below shows live departures for Reading to Edinburgh buses for today, Sunday, December 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 3:55 AM Reading | 14h00 | 5:55 PM Edinburgh | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 4:56 PM Reading | 12h54 | 5:50 AM Edinburgh | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:26 PM Reading | 13h14 | 6:40 AM Edinburgh | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:50 PM Reading | 11h25 | 7:15 AM Edinburgh | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Reading to Edinburgh by train, bus, or flight
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.
Dec 22
Dec 23
Dec 24
Dec 25
Dec 26
Dec 27
Dec 28
Dec 29
Dec 30
Dec 31
Jan 01
Jan 02
Jan 03
Jan 04
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Reading to Edinburgh
Buses from Reading to Edinburgh run on average 3 times per day, taking around 10h 40m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $69 (€55) but you can travel from only $29 (€23) by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 04:09, the last at 23:40. The fastest bus covers the 323 miles (521 km) distance in 11h 25m.
Distance 323 miles (521 km) |
Average bus duration 10h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price $69 (€55) |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 11h 25m |
First bus 04:09 |
Last bus 23:40 |
Bus providers: National Express, FlixBus from Reading to EdinburghYou can travel by bus between Reading to Edinburgh with National Express, FlixBus for as low as $29 (€23). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
National Express
FAQs: Bus from Reading to Edinburgh
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.

- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- Edinburgh Castle, a historic fortress offering panoramic views of the city and housing the Crown Jewels
- Arthur's Seat, an ancient volcano providing hiking trails and a vantage point over Edinburgh
- The Royal Mile, a historic street connecting Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace, lined with shops and landmarks
- Holyrood Palace, the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland, featuring beautiful gardens and historic architecture
- The National Museum of Scotland, a museum showcasing Scottish history, culture, and natural history through diverse exhibits.
- Explore the vibrant atmosphere of Grassmarket, a historic marketplace with pubs, shops, and street performances
- Enjoy a ghost tour through the haunted streets and underground vaults of Edinburgh
- Attend a performance at the Edinburgh Festival Theatre, known for its diverse range of shows
- Visit the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, offering beautiful landscapes and plant collections
- Discover the hidden gems and local art at the Stockbridge Market.
- 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.
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Reading to Edinburgh, follow these tips:
Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!
- National Express
- Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- Guide dogs travel for free.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Reading to Edinburgh
- The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible
- 06:00-23:00
- Free Wi-Fi
- Café at the Station (in the station)
- Sandwich Shop (in the station).
- Available outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps
- Available in the station.
- Bus: 10, 11, 12, 16, 22, 25, 26, 44 Trams: T50 Trains: Edinburgh Waverley Station
- The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible
Most popular bus connections from Reading
More options for your journey from Reading to Edinburgh
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