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Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Reading to Leicester
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Reading to Leicester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $56. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 56m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $56, and a train costs an average of $59.
Distance: 82 miles (132 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
$66 Average price Cheapest | $131 Average price |
4h 41m Average total duration 4h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 26m Average total duration Fastest 1h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
 Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Compare prices and tickets Reading to Leicester 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.
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Why should you book Reading to Leicester buses with Omio?
Megabus as well as National Express offer buses services from Reading to Leicester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Reading to Leicester.
Why book with Omio vs Megabus?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Megabus, but also compare tickets for the likes of National Express to find the best option for your trip from Reading to Leicester.
- 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 Megabus with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Reading to Leicester.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of National Express to find the best option for your trip from Reading to Leicester.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Reading to Leicester.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Reading to Leicester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Reading to Leicester run on average 17 times per day, taking around 4h 11m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $56 (€45) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:45, the last at 23:45. The fastest bus covers the 82 miles (132 km) distance in 4h 52m.
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 82 miles (132 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 11m |
Cheapest ticket price $56 (€45) |
Buses per day 17 |
Fastest bus 4h 52m |
First bus 12:45 AM |
Last bus 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 35 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: Megabus, National Express from Reading to LeicesterYou can travel by bus between Reading to Leicester with Megabus, National Express for as low as $56 (€45). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
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
Average Duration
5h 0m
Cheapest Price
$20 (€16)
Megabus frequency
4 a day
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.
Entertaiment on board
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
4h 52m
Cheapest Price
$56 (€45)
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.
FAQs: Bus from Reading to Leicester
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reading to Leicester 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 Leicester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Reading to Leicester can start from as little as $56 (€45) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Reading to Leicester is $66 (€53) ; 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 Leicester is 4h 52m to travel the 82 miles (132 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 Leicester leaves at 12:45 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Reading to Leicester leaves at 11:45 PM.
There are 17 buses a day from Reading to Leicester which require at least one change with Megabus, National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Reading to Leicester, you can count on Megabus, National Express for the best way to get you to Leicester. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Reading and Leicester and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Leicester from Reading is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 4h 52m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Reading to Leicester is May.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Reading and Leicester including taking a train and bus.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Reading to Leicester for bus company Megabus, National Express.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Reading to Leicester:
- 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.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Reading to Leicester 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.
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 Leicester.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Reading to Leicester:
- 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.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Reading to Leicester:
- 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.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Reading to Leicester.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Reading to Leicester with the following bus company: Megabus, National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Reading to Leicester with the following bus company: Megabus, National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Reading to Leicester with the following bus company: Megabus, National Express.
Since neither Reading nor Leicester 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 Leicester 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 Leicester, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like markets and public transport. Common scams include overcharging by taxi drivers who are not licensed and street vendors selling counterfeit goods. Staying vigilant in busy spots and using licensed services helps ensure a safer 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 Leicester
Reading
Leicester
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 Leicester.
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 Leicester is Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station for your trip to Leicester from Reading.
Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
information
Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda)
information
Leicester, Braunstone
information
Most popular bus connections from Reading
More options for your journey from Reading to Leicester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Leicester and Reading
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