1,000+ travel companies
1,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
The cheapest and fastest buses from Reading to Southampton
Showing times and prices for Nov 06
Cheapest price
$72
Average price
$75
Fastest journey
2 h 49 m
Average duration
2 h 56 m
Buses per day
12
Distance
68 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Reading to Southampton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Reading to Southampton will cost around $75 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $72.
Fast buses
It's difficult to get from Reading to Southampton without transferring at least once.
RRRA1 · NX03209:45AM3h05
Reading, Blagrave Street12:50PMSouthampton, Coach Station
$721One-way
1 transfer
RRRA1 · NX03211:03PM3h57
Reading, Blagrave Street03:00AMSouthampton, Coach Station
$721One-way
1 transfer
RRRA1 · NX03210:03PM2h57
Reading, Blagrave Street01:00AMSouthampton, Coach Station
$721One-way
1 transfer
RRRA1 · NX03211:05AM3h15
Reading, Blagrave Street02:20PMSouthampton, Coach Station
$751One-way
1 transfer
RRRA1 · NX03208:33PM3h02
Reading, Blagrave Street11:35PMSouthampton, Coach Station
$751One-way
1 transfer
RRRA1 · NX03207:31PM2h49
Reading, Blagrave Street10:20PMSouthampton, Coach Station
$771One-way
1 transfer
RRRA1 · NX03206:25AM2h55
Reading, Blagrave Street09:20AMSouthampton, Coach Station
$751One-way
1 transfer
RRRA1 · NX03210:03PM2h57
Reading, Blagrave Street01:00AMSouthampton, Coach Station
$721One-way
1 transfer
RRRA1 · NX03208:21AM2h59
Reading, Blagrave Street11:20AMSouthampton, Coach Station
$771One-way
1 transfer
RRRA1 · NX03205:00PM3h00
Reading, Blagrave Street08:00PMSouthampton, Coach Station
$751One-way
1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Reading to Southampton
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Reading to Southampton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from €7. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 56m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €7, and a bus costs an average of €47.
Distance: 42 miles (68 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
€56 Average price | €22 Average price Cheapest |
3h 20m Average total duration 2h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 26m Average total duration Fastest 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Reading to Southampton Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:25AM | Arrival Time 09:20AM | Duration 2h55 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $75 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:21AM | Arrival Time 11:20AM | Duration 2h59 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $77 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:45AM | Arrival Time 12:50PM | Duration 3h05 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $72 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:05AM | Arrival Time 02:20PM | Duration 3h15 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $75 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:25PM | Arrival Time 03:55PM | Duration 3h30 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $79 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:25PM | Arrival Time 05:50PM | Duration 3h25 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $77 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 08:00PM | Duration 3h00 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $75 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:43PM | Arrival Time 09:00PM | Duration 3h17 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $75 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:31PM | Arrival Time 10:20PM | Duration 2h49 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $77 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:33PM | Arrival Time 11:35PM | Duration 3h02 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $75 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:03PM | Arrival Time 01:00AM | Duration 2h57 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $72 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:03PM | Arrival Time 03:00AM | Duration 3h57 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $72 |
Live departures
Reading to Southampton bus times
The table below shows live departures for Reading to Southampton buses for today, Wednesday, November 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at 7:15 AM
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:21 AM Reading | 3h29 | 10:50 AM Southampton | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 4:43 PM Reading | 3h17 | 8:00 PM Southampton | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 9:03 PM Reading | 2h57 | 12:00 AM Southampton | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 10:03 PM Reading | 3h27 | 1:30 AM Southampton | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Thursday, November 6 | |||||
| RRRA1 · NX032 | 6:25 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 2h55 | 9:20 AM Southampton, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Reading to Southampton 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
Tue
Nov 11
Nov 11
Wed
Nov 12
Nov 12
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Reading to Southampton
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 $9 (€7)
Distance 42 miles (68 km) |
Average bus duration 2h 50m |
Cheapest ticket price $57 (€47) |
Buses per day 14 |
Fastest bus 2h 49m |
First bus 02:00 |
Last bus 23:37 |
Key Takeaways
Train Ticket Prices
- Budget Options: Train tickets from Reading to Southampton start from as low as $57 (€47) if booked well in advance.
- Standard Fares: Typically, trains cost $68 (€56) 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 $9 (€7)
Bus providers: National Express from Reading to SouthamptonYou can travel by bus between Reading to Southampton with National Express for as low as $9 (€7). 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 Duration
2h 49m
Cheapest Price
$57 (€47)
National Express frequency
15 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 Southampton
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reading to Southampton 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 Southampton, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Reading to Southampton can start from as little as $26 (€21) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Reading to Southampton is $67 (€54); however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
On average the Reading to Southampton bus travel time is 2 h 8 min for the 42 mile (68 km) long journey, but the duration can vary if you travel on weekends and holidays.
The first bus from Reading to Southampton leaves at 3: 09AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The last bus from Reading to Southampton leaves at 11: 09PM.
There are 12 buses a day from Reading to Southampton which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
For the best Reading to Southampton bus to purchase, you can travel safely and comfortably with National Express. However, it's always good to check all possible bus companies with services to Southampton from Reading to compare what amenities they may offer.
A trip to Southampton from Reading is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2 h 8 min each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Reading to Southampton is February.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel from Reading to Southampton including taking a train or bus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Reading to Southampton:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Reading to Southampton for bus company National Express.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Southampton are:
- Tudor House and Garden, a historic museum offering insights into Southampton's past with exhibits and a restored garden
- SeaCity Museum, an interactive museum focusing on Southampton's maritime history and the Titanic
- Southampton City Art Gallery, featuring an extensive collection of art from the Renaissance to contemporary works
- Solent Sky Museum, showcasing aviation history with a focus on the region's contributions to aircraft development
- Mayflower Theatre, a prominent venue hosting a variety of performances including musicals, opera, and ballet.
The best things to do in Southampton include:
- New Forest National Park, a nearby natural reserve ideal for hiking, cycling, and wildlife spotting
- Hythe Ferry, offering a scenic boat trip across Southampton Water to the charming village of Hythe
- Westquay Shopping Centre, a major retail destination with a wide range of shops and dining options
- Ocean Village Marina, a vibrant waterfront area with restaurants, bars, and leisure activities
- Southampton Common, a large public park perfect for picnics, walks, and outdoor events.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Reading to Southampton depends on the bus company:
- 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.
To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Reading to Southampton, 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 Southampton.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Reading to Southampton:
- 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 Southampton:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Reading to Southampton.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Reading to Southampton with the following bus company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Reading to Southampton with the following bus company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Reading to Southampton with the following bus company: National Express.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Reading to Southampton
Reading
Southampton
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 Southampton.
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 Southampton is Southampton, Coach Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Southampton, Coach Station for your trip to Southampton from Reading.
Amenities at bus station
Wifi
Parking
Dining
ATM
TaxisAccessibility
WC
Ticket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 06:00-22:00
Car connection
Harbour ParadeWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Dining
- Café Express (in the station)
- Sandwich Bar (in the station).
Taxis
- Available outside the station.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps
WC
- Available near the entrance.
Public transit options for Southampton, Coach Station
- Bus: U1, U2, U6, X4 Train: South Western Railway
Southampton, University
information
Most popular bus connections from Reading
More options for your journey from Reading to Southampton
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Southampton and Reading
Most popular bus connections to Southampton
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
