- Must visit
National Museum of Scotland
Scotland’s flagship museum covering history, science, design and world cultures in a landmark Victorian building. A top all-round visit in the city.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Reading to Edinburgh
Showing times and prices for Jun 21
Cheapest price
$127
Average price
$127
Fastest journey
13 h 14 m
Average duration
13 h 26 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
521 km
Cheap tickets
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 $127 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $127.
Fast buses
It's difficult to get from Reading to Edinburgh without transferring at least 2 times.
RRRA1 · NX025 · NX5945:56 PM13h24Reading, Blagrave Street7:20 AMEdinburgh, Bus Station$1271One-way2 transfers- RRRA1 · NX035 · NX5986:26 PM13h14Reading, Blagrave Street7:40 AMEdinburgh, Bus Station$1271One-way2 transfers
- RRRA1 · NX025 · NX5914:55 AM13h40Reading, Blagrave Street6:35 PMEdinburgh, Bus Station$1271One-way2 transfers
- RRRA1 · NX035 · NX5986:26 PM13h14Reading, Blagrave Street7:40 AMEdinburgh, Bus Station$1271One-way2 transfers
- RRRA1 · NX025 · NX5945:56 PM13h24Reading, Blagrave Street7:20 AMEdinburgh, Bus Station$1271One-way2 transfers
- RRRA1 · NX025 · NX5914:55 AM13h40Reading, Blagrave Street6:35 PMEdinburgh, Bus Station$1271One-way2 transfers
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 $21. 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 $21, and a train costs an average of $77.
Distance: 323 miles (521 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$113 Average price | $154 Average price | $60 Average price Cheapest | $180 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.
The cheapest way to travel from Reading to Edinburgh is a flight with an average price of $60 (€50).
This is compared to other travel options from Reading to Edinburgh:
A flight is $53 (€43) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Reading to Edinburgh costing on average $113 (€93).
A flight is $94 (€77) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Reading to Edinburgh costing on average $154 (€126).
The fastest way to travel from Reading to Edinburgh is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 20m.
Other travel options to Edinburgh take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 41m.
Bus takes on average 11h 19m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Reading and Edinburgh including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Reading to Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:20AM | Arrival Time 05:50PM | Duration 14h30 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $97 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:55AM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 13h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $189 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:20AM | Arrival Time 06:50PM | Duration 14h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $118 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:55AM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 13h40 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $101 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:26PM | Arrival Time 06:40AM | Duration 13h14 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $187 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:31PM | Arrival Time 06:40AM | Duration 13h09 | Departure days Tue, Thu | Cheapest price $99 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:43PM | Arrival Time 07:20AM | Duration 13h37 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $88 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:49PM | Arrival Time 07:20AM | Duration 13h31 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $111 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:50PM | Arrival Time 06:40AM | Duration 12h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $95 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:56PM | Arrival Time 07:20AM | Duration 13h24 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $127 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:26PM | Arrival Time 07:40AM | Duration 13h14 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $127 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:31PM | Arrival Time 07:40AM | Duration 13h09 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $90 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:50PM | Arrival Time 07:40AM | Duration 12h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $110 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:40PM | Arrival Time 11:24AM | Duration 15h44 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $42 |
Live departures
Reading to Edinburgh bus times
The table below shows live departures for Reading to Edinburgh buses for today, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3:55 AM Reading | 13h40 | 5:35 PM Edinburgh | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 4:55 AM Reading | 13h40 | 6:35 PM Edinburgh | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 5:49 PM Reading | 13h31 | 7:20 AM Edinburgh | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 5:50 PM Reading | 12h50 | 6:40 AM Edinburgh | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 6:50 PM Reading | 12h50 | 7:40 AM Edinburgh | 0 transfersDirect |
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.
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Why should you book Reading to Edinburgh buses with Omio?
FlixBus as well as National Express or RailAir offer buses services from Reading to Edinburgh.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Reading to Edinburgh.
Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for FlixBus, but also compare tickets for the likes of National Express or RailAir to find the best option for your trip from Reading to Edinburgh.
- 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 FlixBus with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Reading to Edinburgh.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of National Express or RailAir to find the best option for your trip from Reading to Edinburgh.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Reading to Edinburgh.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Reading to Edinburgh
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Reading to Edinburgh run on average 4 times per day, taking around 11h 19m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $42 (€35) but you can travel from only $21 (€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.
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
Flight from $21 (€17)
Distance 323 miles (521 km) |
Average bus duration 11h 19m |
Cheapest ticket price $42 (€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 |
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
Flight from $21 (€17)
Bus providers: FlixBus, National Express, RailAir from Reading to EdinburghYou can travel by bus between Reading to Edinburgh with FlixBus, National Express, RailAir for as low as $21 (€17). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
11h 35m
Cheapest Price
$42 (€35)
FlixBus frequency
8 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
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.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.
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
12h 50m
Cheapest Price
$88 (€72)
National Express frequency
4 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.
RailAir
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
10h 17m
Cheapest Price
$106 (€87)
RailAir frequency
2 a day
Complete guide to Edinburgh
Things to do in Edinburgh
Discover the best of Edinburgh — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Edinburgh trip today.
- Must visit
Scottish National Gallery
Major national art gallery on The Mound with Scottish and European masterpieces. Central, elegant and one of Edinburgh’s classic cultural stops.
- Recommended
Scottish National Portrait Gallery
Striking red-sandstone gallery dedicated to portraits of figures from Scottish history and culture. Well regarded for both the collection and the building itself.
- Must visit
Royal Mile
Edinburgh’s most famous historic street linking the castle and Holyroodhouse, lined with closes, courtyards, shops and major sights.
- Must visit
Calton Hill
One of Edinburgh’s essential viewpoints, especially popular for sunrise and sunset photography. Famous for sweeping views over the city and Arthur’s Seat.
- Must visit
Arthur's Seat
Ancient volcanic peak in Holyrood Park with the city’s most famous hike and outstanding panoramic views. A classic outdoor Edinburgh experience.
- Gluten-free
Haggis, Neeps And Tatties
Scotland’s best-known national dish: a peppery savoury pudding traditionally made with oats and offal, served with mashed turnips and potatoes. It is strongly associated with Edinburgh and Burns supps
- Gluten-free
Cullen Skink
A rich Scottish soup made with smoked haddock, potatoes and onions. Though from Cullen, it is a classic on Edinburgh menus and a comforting local staple
Scotch Broth
A traditional hearty soup of barley, root vegetables and usually lamb or mutton. It is a long-standing Scottish comfort food commonly found in pubs and cafes
The Scran & Scallie
A polished gastropub from Tom Kitchin, known for refined Scottish pub classics, seasonal produce and a warm neighbourhood atmosphere
Mussel Inn Seafood Restaurant
A long-established seafood restaurant popular for Scottish mussels, fish dishes and a relaxed city-centre setting
Ondine
A respected upscale seafood restaurant focused on high-quality Scottish fish and shellfish in an elegant contemporary space
Pound sterling
Edinburgh is pricier than many UK cities, especially for hotels and dining in the centre during peak season.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- GBP 8-15 for takeaway or casual lunch.
- Mid-range
- GBP 20-35 per person at a mid-range restaurant.
- Fine dining
- GBP 70+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- GBP 3-4.50 for a coffee.
Tipping culture
Service is sometimes included. If not, tip 10-12.5% in restaurants for good service. Rounding up is common in taxis. Tipping is not expected for counter service.
Transport for Edinburgh
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- GBP 2.00
- Day pass
- GBP 5.00
To the city center
Edinburgh Bus Station, Edinburgh -> Edinburgh Waverley Station, Edinburgh
- Distance
- 0.8 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Tap on and tap off with the same contactless card or device on Lothian buses and trams for capped daily fares. Card payment is accepted on board.
- A Dayticket usually offers better value than multiple single fares if you make three or more journeys in one day.
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.
Cheap bus tickets from Reading to Edinburgh can start from as little as $42 (€35) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Reading to Edinburgh is $113 (€93) ; 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 Edinburgh is 11h 35m to travel the 323 miles (521 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 Edinburgh leaves at 4:20 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Reading to Edinburgh leaves at 11:40 PM.
There are 4 buses a day from Reading to Edinburgh which require at least one change with FlixBus, National Express, RailAir. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Reading to Edinburgh, you can count on FlixBus, National Express, RailAir for the best way to get you to Edinburgh. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Reading and Edinburgh and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
When departing from Reading , you have various bus station options to start your journey from including Reading, Blagrave Street, Three Mile Cross, Mereoak Lane - Park & Ride . When arriving in Edinburgh , you can end your journey in bus stations like Edinburgh, Bus Station, Edinburgh, Drum Brae South, Edinburgh, Haymarket Station (Stop HB), Edinburgh, Princes Street West (Stop PF), Ingliston, Park & Ride .Passengers board the bus most frequently from Reading, Blagrave Street, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Edinburgh, Bus Station, located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Edinburgh from Reading is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 11h 35m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Reading to Edinburgh is December.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Reading and Edinburgh including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Reading to Edinburgh:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Reading to Edinburgh for bus company FlixBus, National Express.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Edinburgh are:
- 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.
The best things to do in Edinburgh include:
- 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.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Reading to Edinburgh 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.
- 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company FlixBus, 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 Edinburgh.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Reading to Edinburgh:
- 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).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Reading to Edinburgh:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Reading to Edinburgh. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Reading to Edinburgh with the following bus company: FlixBus, National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Reading to Edinburgh with the following bus company: FlixBus, National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Reading to Edinburgh with the following bus company: FlixBus, National Express.
Since neither Reading nor Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like the Royal Mile and public transport. Common scams include fake charity collectors and overcharging by taxi drivers who don’t use the meter. It’s advisable to use licensed taxis and keep belongings secure in busy spots. Avoid unlicensed ticket sellers near popular attractions to prevent fraud.
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 Edinburgh
Reading
Edinburgh
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 Edinburgh.
Reading, Blagrave Street
Amenities at bus station
Accessibilityinformation
Accessibility
- The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible
The major bus station for arrivals in Edinburgh is Edinburgh, Bus Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Edinburgh, Bus Station for your trip to Edinburgh from Reading.
Edinburgh, Bus Station
Amenities at bus station
WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 06:00-23:00
Car connection
Elder StreetWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Dining
- Café at the Station (in the station)
- Sandwich Shop (in the station).
Taxis
- Available outside the main entrance
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps
WC
- Available in the station
Public transit options for Edinburgh, Bus Station
- Bus: 10, 11, 12, 16, 22, 25, 26, 44 Trams: T50 Trains: Edinburgh Waverley Station
Most popular bus connections from Reading
More options for your journey from Reading to Edinburgh
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Edinburgh and Reading
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