Reading to London Stansted Airport bus with National Express

Sat, Sep 19
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Reading to London Stansted Airport

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 19

Cheapest price on Sep 19

€52

Average ticket price on Sep 19

€58

Fastest journey on Sep 19

3 h

Average journey duration on Sep 19

3 h 14 m

Buses on Sep 19

14

Distance

98 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Reading to London Stansted Airport is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Reading to London Stansted Airport will cost around €58 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €52.

Fast buses

It's difficult to get from Reading to London Stansted Airport without transferring at least once.

  • National ExpressRRRA1 · NX727
    5:18 PM3h22
    Reading, Blagrave Street
    8:40 PMStansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
    521One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressRRRA1 · NX727
    7:20 PM3h20
    Reading, Blagrave Street
    10:40 PMStansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
    521One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressRRRA1 · NX727
    3:03 PM3h37
    Reading, Blagrave Street
    6:40 PMStansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
    521One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressRRRA1 · NX727
    11:03 AM3h22
    Reading, Blagrave Street
    2:25 PMStansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
    521One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressRRRA1 · NX727
    9:05 AM3h20
    Reading, Blagrave Street
    12:25 PMStansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
    521One-way
    1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Reading to London Stansted Airport

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Reading to London Stansted Airport among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of €53 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 10m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €53, while a bus costs an average of €64.

Distance: 60 miles (98 km)

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Train
Driving

€64

Average price

€53

Average price

Cheapest

€23

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

3h 24m

Average total duration

2h 54m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 10m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 40m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 34m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

National Express

Most popular bus company

Greater Anglia

Most popular train company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Reading to London Stansted Airport is a train with an average price of €53.

This is compared to other travel options from Reading to London Stansted Airport:

A train is €11 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Reading to London Stansted Airport costing on average €64.

The fastest way to travel from Reading to London Stansted Airport is by train with an average journey time of 1h 40m.

Other travel options to London Stansted Airport take longer:

Bus takes on average 2h 54m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Reading and London Stansted Airport including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Reading to London Stansted Airport 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 €64 compared to roughly €23 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €-40.82. The journey takes 2h 54m versus 1h 34m 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 London Stansted Airport Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:20AM
Arrival Time
07:30AM
Duration
5h10
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
56
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:20AM
Arrival Time
08:30AM
Duration
5h10
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
57
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:40AM
Arrival Time
08:50AM
Duration
5h10
Departure days
Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
57
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:55AM
Arrival Time
08:55AM
Duration
3h00
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
52
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:57AM
Arrival Time
08:55AM
Duration
2h58
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
52
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:22AM
Arrival Time
10:35AM
Duration
3h13
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri
Cheapest price
70
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:25AM
Arrival Time
10:35AM
Duration
3h10
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
70
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:27AM
Arrival Time
10:35AM
Duration
3h08
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
70
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:57AM
Arrival Time
12:25PM
Duration
3h28
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
58
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:05AM
Arrival Time
12:25PM
Duration
3h20
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
52
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:45AM
Arrival Time
03:45PM
Duration
6h00
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
59
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:56AM
Arrival Time
02:25PM
Duration
3h29
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
56
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:03AM
Arrival Time
02:25PM
Duration
3h22
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
52
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:05AM
Arrival Time
02:30PM
Duration
3h25
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri
Cheapest price
56
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
12:05PM
Arrival Time
05:55PM
Duration
5h50
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
59
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
12:23PM
Arrival Time
03:55PM
Duration
3h32
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
52
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
12:25PM
Arrival Time
04:10PM
Duration
3h45
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri
Cheapest price
55
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
12:26PM
Arrival Time
03:55PM
Duration
3h29
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
56
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
01:05PM
Arrival Time
06:55PM
Duration
5h50
Departure days
Tue, Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
53
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:05PM
Arrival Time
06:05PM
Duration
4h00
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
59
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:56PM
Arrival Time
06:40PM
Duration
3h44
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
56
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:03PM
Arrival Time
06:40PM
Duration
3h37
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
52
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:05PM
Arrival Time
07:05PM
Duration
4h00
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri
Cheapest price
56
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:18PM
Arrival Time
08:40PM
Duration
3h22
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
52
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:26PM
Arrival Time
08:40PM
Duration
3h14
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
55
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:43PM
Arrival Time
08:40PM
Duration
2h57
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
Cheapest price
55
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:20PM
Arrival Time
10:40PM
Duration
3h20
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
52
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:26PM
Arrival Time
10:40PM
Duration
3h14
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
52
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:31PM
Arrival Time
10:40PM
Duration
3h09
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri
Cheapest price
52
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:03PM
Arrival Time
12:50AM
Duration
3h47
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
70
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:03PM
Arrival Time
03:15AM
Duration
5h12
Departure days
Everyday
Cheapest price
63
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:03PM
Arrival Time
04:30AM
Duration
5h27
Departure days
Everyday
Cheapest price
62

Live departures

Reading to London Stansted Airport bus times

The table below shows live departures for Reading to London Stansted Airport buses for today, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX72711:05 AM Reading, Blagrave Street
3h25
2:30 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station1 transfer
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX72712:25 PM Reading, Blagrave Street
3h45
4:10 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station1 transfer
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX7273:05 PM Reading, Blagrave Street
4h00
7:05 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station1 transfer
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX7275:43 PM Reading, Blagrave Street
2h57
8:40 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station1 transfer
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX7277:31 PM Reading, Blagrave Street
3h09
10:40 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station1 transfer
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX7279:03 PM Reading, Blagrave Street
3h47
12:50 AM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station1 transfer
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX025 · NXA810:03 PM Reading, Blagrave Street
5h12
3:15 AM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station2 transfers
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX025 · NXA811:03 PM Reading, Blagrave Street
5h27
4:30 AM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station2 transfers
Saturday, September 19
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX030 · NXA83:20 AM Reading, Blagrave Street
5h10
8:30 AM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station2 transfers
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX025 · NXA83:20 AM Reading, Blagrave Street
5h10
8:30 AM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station2 transfers
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX035 · NXA83:40 AM Reading, Blagrave Street
5h10
8:50 AM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station2 transfers
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX7285:55 AM Reading, Blagrave Street
3h00
8:55 AM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station1 transfer
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX7287:25 AM Reading, Blagrave Street
3h10
10:35 AM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station1 transfer
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX7279:05 AM Reading, Blagrave Street
3h20
12:25 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station1 transfer

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Reading to London Stansted Airport 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
Sun
Sep 20
Mon
Sep 21
Tue
Sep 22
Wed
Sep 23
Thu
Sep 24
Fri
Sep 25

Why should you book Reading to London Stansted Airport buses with Omio?

National Express as well as RailAir offer buses services from Reading to London Stansted Airport.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Reading to London Stansted Airport.

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 RailAir to find the best option for your trip from Reading to London Stansted Airport.
  • 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 London Stansted Airport.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Reading to London Stansted Airport.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Reading to London Stansted Airport

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Reading to London Stansted Airport run on average 13 times per day, taking around 2h 54m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €50 but you can travel from only €31 by train.

The earliest bus runs at 02:20, the last at 21:03. The fastest bus covers the 60 miles (98 km) distance in 2h 22m.

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 €31
Distance
60 miles (98 km)
Average bus duration
2h 54m
Cheapest ticket price
€50
Buses per day
13
Fastest bus
2h 22m
First bus
2:20 AM
Last bus
9:03 PM
Cheapest Month
Nov
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Thu
Least Busy Day
Mon
Best time to book
1 day
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 €31

Bus providers: National Express from Reading to London Stansted AirportYou can travel by bus between Reading to London Stansted Airport with National Express for as low as €31. 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
2h 22m
Cheapest National Express Price
€50
National Express frequency
13 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.

FAQs: Bus from Reading to London Stansted Airport

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reading to London Stansted Airport 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 London Stansted Airport, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Reading to London Stansted Airport can start from as little as €50 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Reading to London Stansted Airport is €64 ; 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 London Stansted Airport is 2h 22m to travel the 60 miles (98 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 London Stansted Airport leaves at 2:20 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Reading to London Stansted Airport leaves at 9:03 PM.
There are 13 buses a day from Reading to London Stansted Airport which require at least one change with National Express, RailAir. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Reading to London Stansted Airport, you can count on National Express, RailAir for the best way to get you to London Stansted Airport. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Reading and London Stansted Airport and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to London Stansted Airport from Reading is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2h 22m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Reading to London Stansted Airport is November.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Reading and London Stansted Airport including taking a train and bus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Reading to London Stansted Airport:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Reading to London Stansted Airport for bus company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Reading to London Stansted Airport 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.
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 London Stansted Airport.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Reading to London Stansted Airport:
  • 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 London Stansted Airport:
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Reading to London Stansted Airport.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Reading to London Stansted Airport with the following bus company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Reading to London Stansted Airport with the following bus company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Reading to London Stansted Airport with the following bus company: National Express.
Since neither Reading nor London Stansted Airport 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 London Stansted Airport 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.
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 London Stansted Airport

Most Reading to London Stansted Airport buses use the Reading, Blagrave Street to London, Victoria Coach Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Reading and London Stansted Airport 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 London
Reading, Blagrave StreetReading RG1 1PZ, UKAccessibility
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.

Most popular bus connections from Reading

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