- Must visit
Leicester Museum & Art Gallery
Leicester's flagship museum and gallery, known for dinosaurs, German Expressionism and broad collections for first-time visitors.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Reading to Leicester
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 19
Cheapest price on Sep 19
€56
Average ticket price on Sep 19
€56
Fastest journey on Sep 19
9 h 57 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
9 h 57 m
Buses on Sep 19
1
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 €56 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €56.
Fast buses
On Sat, Sep 19, we found 1 buses from Reading to Leicester, including 1 direct services.
On Sat, Sep 19 the direct buses cover the 132 km distance in an average of 9 h 57 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 9 h 57 m .
On Sat, Sep 19 the slowest buses will take 9 h 57 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.
11:03 PM9h57Reading9:00 AMLeicester€561One-way0 transfers
- 11:03 PM9h57Reading9:00 AMLeicester€561One-way0 transfers
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 an average ticket price of €57 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 31m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €57, while a train costs an average of €102.
Distance: 82 miles (132 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€57 Average price Cheapest | €102 Average price | €31 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 55m Average total duration 4h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 31m Average total duration Fastest 2h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 25m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Reading to Leicester is a bus with an average price of €57.
This is compared to other travel options from Reading to Leicester:
A bus is €45 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Reading to Leicester costing on average €102.
The fastest way to travel from Reading to Leicester is by train with an average journey time of 2h 1m.
Other travel options to Leicester take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 25m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Reading and Leicester including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Reading to Leicester among Omio's users.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.
Tickets start at around €57 compared to roughly €31 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €-26.00. The journey takes 4h 25m versus 2h 25m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
Reading to Leicester Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:20AM | Arrival Time 09:15AM | Duration 5h55 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €54 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:20AM | Arrival Time 10:20AM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €53 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:25AM | Arrival Time 10:30AM | Duration 5h05 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €49 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:45AM | Arrival Time 11:35AM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €63 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:22AM | Arrival Time 12:35PM | Duration 5h13 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €76 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:05AM | Arrival Time 02:00PM | Duration 4h55 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €82 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:25AM | Arrival Time 03:40PM | Duration 5h15 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €82 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:45AM | Arrival Time 05:05PM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €82 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:05PM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €82 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:25PM | Arrival Time 07:45PM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €69 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:44PM | Arrival Time 08:55PM | Duration 5h11 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €76 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 10:05PM | Duration 5h05 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €63 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:43PM | Arrival Time 11:00PM | Duration 5h17 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €82 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:31PM | Arrival Time 12:35AM | Duration 5h04 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €82 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:03PM | Arrival Time 01:55AM | Duration 4h52 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €46 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:03PM | Arrival Time 03:40AM | Duration 5h37 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price €47 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:03PM | Arrival Time 09:00AM | Duration 9h57 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €56 |
Live departures
Reading to Leicester bus times
The table below shows live departures for Reading to Leicester buses for today, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RRRA1 · NX230 | 11:45 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 5h20 | 5:05 PM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
| RRRA1 · NX230 | 1:05 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 5h30 | 6:35 PM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
| RRRA1 · NX240 | 2:25 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 5h20 | 7:45 PM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
| RRRA1 · NX230 | 3:44 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 5h11 | 8:55 PM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
| RRRA1 · NX230 | 5:00 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 5h05 | 10:05 PM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
| RRRA1 · NX230 | 5:43 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 5h17 | 11:00 PM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
| RRRA1 · NX230 | 7:31 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 5h04 | 12:35 AM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
| RRRA1 · NX230 | 9:03 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 4h52 | 1:55 AM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
| RRRA1 · NX230 | 10:03 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 5h37 | 3:40 AM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
| RRRA1 · NX025 · NX450 | 11:03 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 9h57 | 9:00 AM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
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.
Sat
Sep 19
Sep 19
Sun
Sep 20
Sep 20
Mon
Sep 21
Sep 21
Tue
Sep 22
Sep 22
Wed
Sep 23
Sep 23
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Sep 24
Fri
Sep 25
Sep 25
Why should you book Reading to Leicester buses with Omio?
National Express as well as Megabus 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 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 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 National Express 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 Megabus 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 15 times per day, taking around 4h 25m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €41 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 2m.
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 25m |
Cheapest ticket price €41 |
Buses per day 15 |
Fastest bus 4h 2m |
First bus 12:45 AM |
Last bus 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
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: National Express from Reading to LeicesterYou can travel by bus between Reading to Leicester with National Express for as low as €41. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
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 National Express Duration
4h 2m
Cheapest National Express Price
€41
National Express frequency
18 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.
Complete guide to Leicester
Things to do in Leicester
Discover the best of Leicester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Leicester trip today.
- Must visit
King Richard III Visitor Centre
Dedicated to the 2012 discovery of Richard III, this award-winning museum uses immersive displays to tell a remarkable royal story.
- Recommended
Abbey Pumping Station
A grand Victorian pumping station with working steam heritage displays, making industrial history surprisingly engaging for all ages.
- Must visit
Old Town
Revived historic quarter around Leicester Cathedral and the Richard III story, packed with lanes, heritage sites and independent venues.
- Must visit
Abbey Park
Leicester's best-known green space, offering formal gardens, boating, sports facilities and a lively urban park atmosphere.
- Recommended
Town Hall Square
Main civic square framed by key institutions and events, useful as a central meeting point and starting place for exploring.
Melton Mowbray Pork Pie
A flaky pastry pie from nearby Melton Mowbray, traditionally made with uncured pork. It is one of Leicestershire’s best-known foods and widely eaten in Leicester.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Red Leicester Cheese
A hard, crumbly red cheese from Leicestershire with a nutty, mellow flavour. It is one of England’s oldest named cheeses and a proud regional staple.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Stilton
A blue-veined Stilton-style cheese made in Leicestershire. Rich and creamy, it is strongly linked to the county’s cheesemaking tradition.
John's House
Modern British fine dining with tasting menus in an intimate setting. One of Leicester’s most acclaimed restaurants for special occasions.
Herb
Well-known modern Indian restaurant serving refined regional dishes and grills in a smart, contemporary dining room.
Shivalli
Long-established vegetarian Indian restaurant on the Golden Mile, known for Gujarati snacks, thalis and a lively casual atmosphere.
British pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while buses and casual meals stay fairly affordable for most visitors.
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
- £2.50-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up for taxis. Cafe tipping is not expected, but small change is appreciated.
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 €41 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Reading to Leicester is €57 ; 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 2m 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 15 buses a day from Reading to Leicester which require at least one change with National Express, Megabus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Reading to Leicester, you can count on National Express, Megabus 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 2m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Reading to Leicester is August.
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, 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.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Reading to Leicester for bus company National Express, Megabus.
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: National Express, Megabus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Reading to Leicester with the following bus company: National Express, Megabus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Reading to Leicester with the following bus company: National Express, Megabus.
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
Most Reading to Leicester buses use the Reading, Blagrave Street to Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Reading and Leicester 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 Leicester
Which Reading station do buses to Leicester leave from?
Buses from Reading to Leicester 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.
Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
City-centre transport
Getting to Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station from Leicester city centre
BusHop · 0m · €2 · every ~14 min
26 · 1m · every ~10 min
21 · 4m
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
Most popular bus connections to Leicester
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