Reading to Nottingham bus with National Express

Fri, Sep 18
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Reading to Nottingham

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 18

Cheapest price on Sep 18

$57

Average ticket price on Sep 18

$57

Fastest journey on Sep 18

5 h 42 m

Average journey duration on Sep 18

5 h 42 m

Buses on Sep 18

1

Distance

167 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Reading to Nottingham will cost around $57 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $57.

Fast buses

On Fri, Sep 18, we found 1 buses from Reading to Nottingham, including 1 direct services.

On Fri, Sep 18 the direct buses cover the 167 km distance in an average of 5 h 42 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 42 m .

On Fri, Sep 18 the slowest buses will take 5 h 42 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.

  • National Express
    9:03 PM5h42
    Reading
    2:45 AMNottingham
    $571One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus and train for Reading to Nottingham

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Reading to Nottingham among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $72 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 2m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $72, while a train costs an average of $132.

Distance: 103 miles (167 km)

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Train
Driving

$72

Average price

Cheapest

$132

Average price

$47

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

5h 49m

Average total duration

5h 19m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 2m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 32m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 50m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.2 - 0.4kg

CO2 emissions

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

-

CO2 emissions

National Express

Most popular bus company

CrossCountry

Most popular train company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

The cheapest way to travel from Reading to Nottingham is a bus with an average price of $72 (€59).

This is compared to other travel options from Reading to Nottingham:

A bus is $60 (€49) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Reading to Nottingham costing on average $132 (€108).

The fastest way to travel from Reading to Nottingham is by train with an average journey time of 2h 32m.

Other travel options to Nottingham take longer:

Bus takes on average 5h 19m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Reading and Nottingham including taking a bus and train.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Reading to Nottingham 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 $72 (€59) compared to roughly $47 (€38) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-24.95 (€-20.42). The journey takes 5h 19m versus 2h 50m 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 Nottingham Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:20AM
Arrival Time
09:55AM
Duration
6h35
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$73
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
03:45AM
Arrival Time
11:20AM
Duration
7h35
Departure days
Mon, Sun
Cheapest price
$17
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:25AM
Arrival Time
11:10AM
Duration
5h45
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$97
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:25AM
Arrival Time
12:25PM
Duration
6h00
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$97
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:25AM
Arrival Time
01:25PM
Duration
6h00
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$104
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:05AM
Arrival Time
02:50PM
Duration
5h45
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$104
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:23AM
Arrival Time
04:40PM
Duration
6h17
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$104
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:43AM
Arrival Time
05:45PM
Duration
6h02
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$97
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
01:03PM
Arrival Time
07:05PM
Duration
6h02
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$104
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
01:10PM
Arrival Time
07:25PM
Duration
6h15
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$26
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:23PM
Arrival Time
08:20PM
Duration
5h57
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$97
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:43PM
Arrival Time
09:25PM
Duration
5h42
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$82
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
03:55PM
Arrival Time
10:55PM
Duration
7h00
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
$20
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:18PM
Arrival Time
10:55PM
Duration
5h37
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$82
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:49PM
Arrival Time
11:55PM
Duration
6h06
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$104
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:20PM
Arrival Time
01:30AM
Duration
6h10
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$104
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:03PM
Arrival Time
01:45AM
Duration
5h42
Departure days
Thu
Cheapest price
$58
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:03PM
Arrival Time
03:50AM
Duration
6h47
Departure days
Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$54
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:03PM
Arrival Time
04:50AM
Duration
6h47
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$54
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:03PM
Arrival Time
09:55AM
Duration
10h52
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$76

Live departures

Reading to Nottingham bus times

The table below shows live departures for Reading to Nottingham buses for today, Thursday, September 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
National Express8:03 PM Reading
5h42
1:45 AM Nottingham0 transfersDirect
National Express9:03 PM Reading
6h47
3:50 AM Nottingham0 transfersDirect
National Express10:03 PM Reading
6h47
4:50 AM Nottingham0 transfersDirect

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Reading to Nottingham by bus or train

Compare bus and train 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.

Fri
Sep 18
Sat
Sep 19
Sun
Sep 20
Mon
Sep 21
Tue
Sep 22
Wed
Sep 23
Thu
Sep 24

Why should you book Reading to Nottingham buses with Omio?

National Express as well as Megabus, FlixBus, RailAir and more offer buses services from Reading to Nottingham.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Reading to Nottingham.

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, FlixBus or RailAir to find the best option for your trip from Reading to Nottingham.
  • 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 bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Reading to Nottingham.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Megabus, FlixBus or RailAir to find the best option for your trip from Reading to Nottingham.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Reading to Nottingham.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Reading to Nottingham

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Reading to Nottingham run on average 15 times per day, taking around 5h 19m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $18 (€14) if you book in advance.

The earliest bus runs at 00:45, the last at 23:45. The fastest bus covers the 103 miles (167 km) distance in 4h 35m.

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
103 miles (167 km)
Average bus duration
5h 19m
Cheapest ticket price
$18 (€14)
Buses per day
15
Fastest bus
4h 35m
First bus
12:45 AM
Last bus
11:45 PM
Cheapest Month
Jul
Cheapest Day
Sun
High Season
Jan - Mar
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Tue
Least Busy Day
Tue
Best time to book
42 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, FlixBus from Reading to NottinghamYou can travel by bus between Reading to Nottingham with National Express, FlixBus for as low as $43 (€35). 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 FlixBus Duration
4h 35m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
$18 (€14)
FlixBus frequency
6 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 National Express Duration
4h 52m
Cheapest National Express Price
$53 (€44)
National Express frequency
17 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 Nottingham

Things to do in Nottingham

Discover the best of Nottingham — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Nottingham trip today.

  • Must visit

National Justice Museum

Interactive justice museum in a former courthouse and jail, bringing crime, punishment, and courtroom history to life in atmospheric historic buildings.

  • Must visit

Nottingham Contemporary

Contemporary art gallery in a converted church, known for changing exhibitions, talks, and a strong role in Nottingham's modern visual culture.

  • Recommended

University of Nottingham Museum at Lakeside Arts

University museum with world-class archaeology, natural history, and art collections. A scholarly but accessible stop with strong family appeal.

British pound sterling (£)

Moderate for a UK city: hotels and dining are cheaper than London, while buses, coffee, and casual meals are fairly priced for tourists.

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

Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is typical if service is good and not already added. Round up taxi fares; cafes usually do not require tips.

FAQs: Bus from Reading to Nottingham

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

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Reading to Nottingham can start from as little as $18 (€14) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Reading to Nottingham is $72 (€59) ; 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 Nottingham is 4h 35m to travel the 103 miles (167 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 Nottingham leaves at 12:45 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Reading to Nottingham leaves at 11:45 PM.
There are 15 buses a day from Reading to Nottingham which require at least one change with National Express, Megabus, FlixBus, RailAir. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Reading to Nottingham, you can count on National Express, Megabus, FlixBus, RailAir for the best way to get you to Nottingham. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Reading and Nottingham and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
When departing from Reading , you have various bus station options to start your journey from including Reading, Blagrave Street, Three Mile Cross, Mereoak Lane - Park & Ride . When arriving in Nottingham , you can end your journey in bus stations like Nottingham, Broadmarsh Bus Station, Nottingham, Millennium Way East (Phoenix Park P+R), Nottingham, University of Nottingham .Passengers board the bus most frequently from Reading, Blagrave Street, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Nottingham, Broadmarsh Bus Station, located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Nottingham from Reading is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 4h 35m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Reading to Nottingham is July.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Reading and Nottingham including taking a bus and train.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Reading to Nottingham for bus company FlixBus, Megabus, National Express.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Reading to Nottingham:
  • 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.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Nottingham are:
  • Nottingham Castle, a historic site offering panoramic views and a museum with art and archaeology exhibits
  • Wollaton Hall, an Elizabethan mansion set in a deer park, housing the Nottingham Natural History Museum
  • The City of Caves, an underground attraction exploring Nottingham's network of sandstone caves
  • Nottingham Contemporary, a leading contemporary art gallery hosting diverse exhibitions and events
  • Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, one of England's oldest pubs, built into the rocks beneath Nottingham Castle.
The best things to do in Nottingham include:
  • Old Market Square, the city's central hub for shopping, dining, and events
  • Attenborough Nature Reserve, a beautiful area for birdwatching and walking trails
  • Nottingham Playhouse, a vibrant theatre offering a range of performances
  • Green's Windmill and Science Centre, a restored 19th-century windmill with interactive exhibits
  • The Arboretum, a historic park perfect for a leisurely stroll and picnics.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Reading to Nottingham 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company National Express, FlixBus.
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 Nottingham.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Reading to Nottingham:
  • 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 Nottingham:
  • 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 Nottingham. 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 Nottingham with the following bus company: FlixBus, Megabus, National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Reading to Nottingham with the following bus company: FlixBus, Megabus, National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Reading to Nottingham with the following bus company: FlixBus, Megabus, National Express.
Since neither Reading nor Nottingham 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 Nottingham 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 Nottingham, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like the city center and public transport. Common scams include taxi overcharging and unofficial ticket sellers. It's advisable to use licensed taxis and purchase transport tickets only from official vendors to avoid fraud. Staying aware of surroundings and securing personal belongings helps ensure a safe 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 Nottingham

Most Reading to Nottingham buses use the Reading, Blagrave Street to Nottingham, Broadmarsh Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Nottingham, Millennium Way East (Phoenix Park P+R). Use this guide to compare Reading and Nottingham 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 Nottingham

Which Reading station do buses to Nottingham leave from?

Buses from Reading to Nottingham leave from Reading, Blagrave Street. The station is from Reading city centre at Reading RG1 1PZ, UK.
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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