- Must visit
Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery
Excellent city museum and gallery with archaeology, natural history, and world cultures; the best all-round museum in Exeter.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Reading to Exeter
Showing times and prices for Aug 04
Cheapest price
€73
Average price
€75
Fastest journey
6 h 40 m
Average duration
7 h 26 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
196 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Reading to Exeter is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Reading to Exeter will cost around €75 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €73.
Fast buses
Of the 3 buses that leave Reading for Exeter on Tue, Aug 04, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Aug 04 the direct buses cover the 196 km distance in an average of 7 h 26 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h 40 m .
On Tue, Aug 04 the slowest buses will take 8 h 12 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.
5:43 PM8h12Reading1:55 AMExeter€731One-way0 transfers- 11:45 AM6h40Reading6:25 PMExeter€761One-way0 transfers
- 5:25 AM7h25Reading12:50 PMExeter€771One-way0 transfers
- 11:45 AM6h40Reading6:25 PMExeter€761One-way0 transfers
- 5:25 AM7h25Reading12:50 PMExeter€771One-way0 transfers
- 5:43 PM8h12Reading1:55 AMExeter€731One-way0 transfers
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Reading to Exeter
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Reading to Exeter run on average 5 times per day, taking around 4h 6m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €16 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:09, the last at 22:28. The fastest bus covers the 121 miles (196 km) distance in 3h 45m.
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 121 miles (196 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 6m |
Cheapest ticket price €16 |
Buses per day 5 |
Fastest bus 3h 45m |
First bus 12:09 AM |
Last bus 10:28 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 28 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
Reading to Exeter Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:25AM | Arrival Time 11:50AM | Duration 7h25 | Departure days Mon, Thu | Cheapest price €79 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:27AM | Arrival Time 11:50AM | Duration 7h23 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €81 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:25AM | Arrival Time 12:50PM | Duration 7h25 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price €77 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:27AM | Arrival Time 03:30PM | Duration 8h03 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price €75 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:41AM | Arrival Time 02:55PM | Duration 7h14 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price €64 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:21AM | Arrival Time 04:35PM | Duration 8h14 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €75 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:25AM | Arrival Time 12:10PM | Duration 3h45 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €16 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:27AM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 8h03 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price €81 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:45AM | Arrival Time 05:25PM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €74 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:56AM | Arrival Time 06:15PM | Duration 7h19 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price €69 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:43AM | Arrival Time 06:15PM | Duration 6h32 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €79 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:45AM | Arrival Time 06:25PM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Tue, Thu | Cheapest price €75 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:25PM | Arrival Time 07:30PM | Duration 7h05 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price €65 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:43PM | Arrival Time 01:55AM | Duration 8h12 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri | Cheapest price €69 |
Live departures
Reading to Exeter bus times
The table below shows live departures for Reading to Exeter buses for today, Monday, August 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5:43 PM Reading | 8h12 | 1:55 AM Exeter | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Tuesday, August 4 | |||||
| 5:25 AM Reading | 7h25 | 12:50 PM Exeter | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 11:45 AM Reading | 6h40 | 6:25 PM Exeter | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Reading to Exeter buses with Omio?
National Express as well as Megabus or FlixBus offer buses services from Reading to Exeter.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Reading to Exeter.
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 Megabus or FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Reading to Exeter.
- 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, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Reading to Exeter.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Megabus or FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Reading to Exeter.
- 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 Exeter.
Bus providers: National Express, Megabus, FlixBus from Reading to ExeterYou can travel by bus between Reading to Exeter with National Express, Megabus, FlixBus for as low as €16. 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
3h 45m
Cheapest Price
€16
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
6h 32m
Cheapest Price
€69
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.
Megabus
About
Megabus is a low-cost intercity bus service operating across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Known for its affordable fares, including promotional $1 tickets, Megabus offers routes connecting over 500 cities and university campuses in North America. The company provides amenities such as air conditioning, power outlets, free Wi-Fi, and onboard restrooms, with many routes utilizing double-decker buses for scenic views. Megabus aims to provide safe, convenient, and affordable express bus travel.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Luggage included
One piece of luggage is included per passenger reservation. For guidance, a piece of luggage must not exceed 62 inches (length + width + height) and should not weigh more than 50 pounds (23kg).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased by buying an additional travel ticket in advance or by adding up to two additional pieces when booking for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
Megabus reservations cannot be canceled or refunded, but they can be traded in for another journey up to 3 hours before your original scheduled departure for a fee.
Refund
If Megabus fails to provide on-time reliable service for reasons wholly within their control, refunds or alternative travel arrangements may be offered.
Pregnant on board
Being pregnant on board is allowed, but no specific details or restrictions are provided.
Unaccompagned minor
Unaccompanied minors under the age of 17 are not permitted to travel on Megabus.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cold food and drinks, as well as hot drinks with a lid, are allowed on board, but hot food is not.
Seat reservation
Reserved seats can be purchased for an additional fee, starting from £2.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.
Complete guide to Exeter
Things to do in Exeter
Discover the best of Exeter — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Exeter trip today.
- Recommended
Topsham Museum and Paper Mill
Interactive museum inside a working paper mill where visitors learn traditional papermaking and local industrial heritage.
- Recommended
Topsham Museum
Small independent museum in a Tudor merchant’s house, showing Topsham’s river trade, local stories, and period interiors.
- Must visit
Northernhay Gardens
Medieval city wall segment and gardens offering one of Exeter’s best walks, with lawns, ruins, and broad urban views.
- Must visit
Exeter Quayside
Historic quay lined with warehouses, canal heritage, walks, and waterside activity; one of Exeter’s most characterful areas.
- Recommended
Cathedral Green
Attractive urban park beside the cathedral, ideal for relaxing and appreciating surrounding historic buildings in the city centre.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Clotted Cream
A rich Devon cream made from slowly heated milk. It is a county staple, famously served on scones in a Devon cream tea.
- Vegetarian
Devon Cream Tea
Traditional Devon cream tea pairs scones with jam and clotted cream, with cream spread before jam in the local style.
- Gluten-free
Devonshire Junket Pie
A hearty baked pudding of layers of potato, onion, and lamb or beef. It is a long-standing Devon farmhouse dish.
Lympstone Manor
Fine dining restaurant known for refined modern British tasting menus and polished service in central Exeter.
Rendezvous Wine Bar
Popular modern eatery with seasonal small plates, brunch, and a lively casual atmosphere near the city centre.
The Old Firehouse
Historic quayside pub serving local ales and British classics in a characterful former warehouse by the water.
British pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK: hotels and dining are mid-priced, buses are reasonable, and attractions are often low-cost versus larger UK tourist cities.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Restaurants: 10-12.5% if service is not included. Taxis: round up or add 10%. Cafes: tipping is optional, small change appreciated.
Stagecoach Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.00
- Day pass
- £4.70
To the city center
Exeter, Sidwell Street (City Centre) -> Exeter St David's Station
- Distance
- 1.8 km
- Travel time
- 8 min
- Contactless card payment is accepted on Stagecoach buses in Exeter. Ask for the cheapest valid fare if you are unsure.
- The £2.00 single fare cap applies on many local bus journeys in England, but check operator conditions before travel.
FAQs: Bus from Reading to Exeter
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reading to Exeter 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 Exeter, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Reading to Exeter can start from as little as €16 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Reading to Exeter is €74 ; 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 Exeter is 3h 45m to travel the 121 miles (196 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 Exeter leaves at 12:09 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Reading to Exeter leaves at 10:28 PM.
There are 5 buses a day from Reading to Exeter which require at least one change with National Express, Megabus, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Reading to Exeter, you can count on National Express, Megabus, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Exeter. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Reading and Exeter and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Reading and Exeter including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Reading to Exeter for bus company National Express, Megabus, FlixBus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Reading to Exeter:
- Megabus
- Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company National Express, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Reading to Exeter depends on the bus companies:
- Megabus
- Megabus reservations cannot be canceled or refunded, but they can be traded in for another journey up to 3 hours before your original scheduled departure for a fee.
- 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.
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 Exeter.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Reading to Exeter:
- Megabus
- One piece of luggage is included per passenger reservation. For guidance, a piece of luggage must not exceed 62 inches (length + width + height) and should not weigh more than 50 pounds (23kg).
- 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 Exeter:
- Megabus
- Additional luggage can be purchased by buying an additional travel ticket in advance or by adding up to two additional pieces when booking for a fee.
- 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 Exeter. 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 Exeter with the following bus company: National Express, Megabus, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Reading to Exeter with the following bus company: National Express, Megabus, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Reading to Exeter with the following bus company: National Express, Megabus, FlixBus.
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 Exeter, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like the city center and near popular attractions. Be wary of unofficial taxi services and always use licensed providers to avoid scams. Additionally, travelers should protect personal belongings on public transport and stay alert to common fraud attempts such as overcharging or counterfeit tickets.
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 Exeter
Most Reading to Exeter buses use the Reading, Blagrave Street to Exeter, Bampfylde Street (Express Coach Stop 34) station pair, with some services arriving at Exeter, Honiton Road. Use this guide to compare Reading and Exeter 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 Exeter
Which Reading station do buses to Exeter leave from?
Buses from Reading to Exeter 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.
Exeter, Bampfylde Street (Express Coach Stop 34)
City-centre transport
Getting to Exeter, Bampfylde Street (Express Coach Stop 34) from Exeter city centre
Bus173 · 5m · €1 · every ~1 min
A, E · 6m · €2 · every ~21 min
Exeter, Honiton RoadHoniton Road, Exeter, EX2 7NL, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Exeter, Honiton Road from Exeter city centre
Exeter, Honiton Road is 3 km from Exeter city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus9, 9A, 44, 44A, 4A, 4 · 13m · €2 · every ~29 min
9, 9A, 44, 44A, 4A, 4 · 14m · €2 · every ~29 min
Coly 8 · 18m
78 · 33m
Exeter, Honiton Road bus station facilities and services
Exeter, Honiton Road has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Café in the station (in the station).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Exeter, Honiton Road.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Exeter, Honiton Road: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Exeter, Honiton Road: Ramps.
Most popular bus connections from Reading
More options for your journey from Reading to Exeter
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Exeter and Reading
Most popular bus connections to Exeter
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