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The cheapest and fastest buses from Reading to Leicester
Showing times and prices for Nov 06
Cheapest price
$59
Average price
$75
Fastest journey
4 h 50 m
Average duration
4 h 57 m
Buses per day
16
Distance
132 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Reading to Leicester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Reading to Leicester will cost around $75 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $59.
Fast buses
It's difficult to get from Reading to Leicester without transferring at least once.
RRRA1 · NX23004:20PM5h15
Reading, Blagrave Street09:35PMLeicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
$591One-way
1 transfer
RRRA1 · NX23009:03PM4h52
Reading, Blagrave Street01:55AMLeicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
$591One-way
1 transfer
RRRA1 · NX23010:03PM5h37
Reading, Blagrave Street03:40AMLeicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
$591One-way
1 transfer
RRRA1 · NX035 · NX44003:40AM6h10
Reading, Blagrave Street09:50AMLeicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
$621One-way
2 transfers
RRRA1 · NX23007:31PM5h04
Reading, Blagrave Street12:35AMLeicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
$641One-way
1 transfer
RRRA1 · NX23006:45AM4h50
Reading, Blagrave Street11:35AMLeicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
$721One-way
1 transfer
RRRA1 · NX23009:03PM4h52
Reading, Blagrave Street01:55AMLeicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
$591One-way
1 transfer
RRRA1 · NX23009:05AM4h55
Reading, Blagrave Street02:00PMLeicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
$801One-way
1 transfer
RRRA1 · NX24007:22AM5h03
Reading, Blagrave Street12:25PMLeicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
$1051One-way
1 transfer
RRRA1 · NX23007:31PM5h04
Reading, Blagrave Street12:35AMLeicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
$641One-way
1 transfer
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 €47. 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 €47, and a train costs an average of €30.
Distance: 82 miles (132 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
€51 Average price Cheapest | €88 Average price |
4h 32m Average total duration 4h 2m 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 |
Reading to Leicester Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:40AM | Arrival Time 09:50AM | Duration 6h10 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:25AM | Arrival Time 10:30AM | Duration 5h05 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $69 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:45AM | Arrival Time 11:35AM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $72 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:22AM | Arrival Time 12:25PM | Duration 5h03 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $105 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:05AM | Arrival Time 02:00PM | Duration 4h55 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $80 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:25AM | Arrival Time 03:40PM | Duration 5h15 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $80 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:45AM | Arrival Time 05:05PM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $88 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:05PM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $88 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:25PM | Arrival Time 07:40PM | Duration 5h15 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $109 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:44PM | Arrival Time 08:55PM | Duration 5h11 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $69 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:20PM | Arrival Time 09:35PM | Duration 5h15 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:43PM | Arrival Time 11:00PM | Duration 5h17 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $69 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:31PM | Arrival Time 12:35AM | Duration 5h04 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:03PM | Arrival Time 01:55AM | Duration 4h52 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:03PM | Arrival Time 03:40AM | Duration 5h37 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:03PM | Arrival Time 09:20AM | Duration 10h17 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $68 |
Live departures
Reading to Leicester bus times
The table below shows live departures for Reading to Leicester buses for today, Wednesday, November 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at 6:54 AM
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:03 PM Reading | 4h52 | 12:55 AM Leicester | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Thursday, November 6 | |||||
| RRRA1 · NX035 · NX440 | On time 3:40 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 6h10 | 9:50 AM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
| RRRA1 · NX230 | 5:25 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 5h05 | 10:30 AM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
| RRRA1 · NX230 | 6:45 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 4h50 | 11:35 AM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Thu
Nov 06
Nov 06
Fri
Nov 07
Nov 07
Sat
Nov 08
Nov 08
Sun
Nov 09
Nov 09
Mon
Nov 10
Nov 10
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Nov 11
Nov 11
Wed
Nov 12
Nov 12
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Reading to Leicester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
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
Train from $37 (€30)
Distance 82 miles (132 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 2m |
Cheapest ticket price $57 (€47) |
Buses per day 15 |
Fastest bus 4h 52m |
First bus 00:45 |
Last bus 23:45 |
Key Takeaways
Train Ticket Prices
- Budget Options: Train tickets from Reading to Leicester start from as low as $57 (€47) if booked well in advance.
- Standard Fares: Typically, trains cost $63 (€51) depending on the train type and class.
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
Train from $37 (€30)
Bus providers: Megabus, National Express, FlixBus from Reading to LeicesterYou can travel by bus between Reading to Leicester with Megabus, National Express, FlixBus for as low as $37 (€30). 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
5h 5m
Cheapest Price
$22 (€18)
FlixBus frequency
2 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
4h 52m
Cheapest Price
$57 (€47)
National Express frequency
14 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.
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.
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 $18 (€14) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Reading to Leicester is $47 (€38); however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The bus time between Reading and Leicester is on average 5 h 15 min for the 81 mile (131 km) long journey, but the time it takes to go from Reading to Leicester by bus can vary depending on specific dates or if traveling on weekends and holidays.
The first bus from Reading to Leicester leaves at 1: 45AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The last bus from Reading to Leicester leaves at 11: 45PM.
There are 14 buses a day from Reading to Leicester which require at least one change with National Express, Megabus or FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
Take the Reading to Leicester bus with National Express, Megabus or FlixBus. However, it's always good to check out all possible bus providers for the journey from Reading to Leicester as there might be differences in the amenities they offer.
The cheapest month to travel from Reading to Leicester by bus is September.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel to Leicester from Reading including taking a train or bus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Reading to Leicester:
- 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 Leicester for bus providers National Express and FlixBus.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus providers National Express and FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Reading to Leicester 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.
To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Reading to Leicester, follow these tips:
Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!
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:
- 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 Leicester:
- 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 Leicester. 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 Leicester with the following bus providers: National Express and FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Reading to Leicester with the following bus providers: National Express and FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Reading to Leicester with the following bus companies: National Express and FlixBus.
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, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda) for your trip to Leicester from Reading.
Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda)
information
Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
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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