Reading to Southampton bus with National Express

Mon, Nov 02
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Reading to Southampton

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Nov 02
Cheapest price on Nov 02
$66
Average ticket price on Nov 02
$74
Fastest journey on Nov 02
2 h 49 m
Average journey duration on Nov 02
3 h
Buses on Nov 02
11
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 $74 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $66.

Fast buses

It's difficult to get from Reading to Southampton without transferring at least once.

  • National ExpressRRRA1 · NX035
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressRRRA1 · NX032
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressRRRA1 · NX032
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressRRRA1 · NX032
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressRRRA1 · NX032
    1 transfer

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Reading to Southampton

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Reading to Southampton run on average 11 times per day, taking around 2h 20m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $56 but you can travel from only $8 by train.

The earliest bus runs at 02:00, the last at 23:37. The fastest bus covers the 42 miles (68 km) distance in 2h 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from $8

Plan this route

Journey facts

  • Distance42 miles (68 km)
  • Average bus duration2h 20m
  • Cheapest ticket price$56
  • Buses per day11
  • Fastest bus2h 2m
  • First bus2:00 AM
  • Last bus11:37 PM
  • Cheapest MonthAug
  • Cheapest DaySun
  • High SeasonJul - Sep
  • Low SeasonJan - Mar
  • Busiest DayMon
  • Least Busy DayFri
  • Best time to book1 day

Understand & plan this route

Explore this journey

Book with confidence

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 $8

Frequently asked questions about your Reading to Southampton trip

Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Reading to Southampton.

Cheap bus tickets from Reading to Southampton can start from as little as $56 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Reading to Southampton is $72 ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The earliest bus from Reading to Southampton leaves at 2:00 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Reading to Southampton leaves at 11:37 PM.
There are 11 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.

Reading to Southampton Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:25AM
Arrival Time
08:30AM
Duration
3h05
Departure days
Tue, Thu
Cheapest price
$74
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:55AM
Arrival Time
09:10AM
Duration
3h15
Departure days
Mon, Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
$66
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:41AM
Arrival Time
10:50AM
Duration
3h09
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$76
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:45AM
Arrival Time
10:50AM
Duration
3h05
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$76
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:21AM
Arrival Time
11:20AM
Duration
2h59
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$76
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:05AM
Arrival Time
12:20PM
Duration
3h15
Departure days
Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
$73
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:45AM
Arrival Time
01:00PM
Duration
3h15
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$69
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:23AM
Arrival Time
01:30PM
Duration
3h07
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$73
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:25AM
Arrival Time
01:45PM
Duration
3h20
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$65
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:03AM
Arrival Time
02:20PM
Duration
3h17
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$73
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:05AM
Arrival Time
02:20PM
Duration
3h15
Departure days
Mon, Fri
Cheapest price
$69
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
12:23PM
Arrival Time
03:20PM
Duration
2h57
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$69
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
12:25PM
Arrival Time
03:55PM
Duration
3h30
Departure days
Mon, Fri
Cheapest price
$73
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
01:43PM
Arrival Time
04:50PM
Duration
3h07
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$69
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
01:45PM
Arrival Time
05:30PM
Duration
3h45
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$76
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:03PM
Arrival Time
06:20PM
Duration
3h17
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$73
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:05PM
Arrival Time
06:20PM
Duration
3h15
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$82
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:44PM
Arrival Time
06:50PM
Duration
3h06
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$68
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:20PM
Arrival Time
07:40PM
Duration
3h20
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$79
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:23PM
Arrival Time
07:50PM
Duration
3h27
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$69
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:26PM
Arrival Time
07:50PM
Duration
3h24
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$85
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:00PM
Arrival Time
08:20PM
Duration
3h20
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$69
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:43PM
Arrival Time
09:00PM
Duration
3h17
Departure days
Mon, Thu
Cheapest price
$63
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:20PM
Arrival Time
10:20PM
Duration
3h00
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$69
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:26PM
Arrival Time
10:20PM
Duration
2h54
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$79
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:31PM
Arrival Time
10:20PM
Duration
2h49
Departure days
Mon, Fri
Cheapest price
$69
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:56PM
Arrival Time
11:05PM
Duration
3h09
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$79
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:23PM
Arrival Time
11:05PM
Duration
2h42
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$69
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:33PM
Arrival Time
11:35PM
Duration
3h02
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$68
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:03PM
Arrival Time
12:30AM
Duration
3h27
Departure days
Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$63
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:03PM
Arrival Time
02:00AM
Duration
3h57
Departure days
Mon, Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
$68
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:03PM
Arrival Time
03:00AM
Duration
3h57
Departure days
Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$63

Live departures

Reading to Southampton bus times

The table below shows live departures for Reading to Southampton buses for today, Sunday, November 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX0327:26 PM Reading, Blagrave Street
2h54
10:20 PM Southampton, Coach Station1 transfer
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX0327:56 PM Reading, Blagrave Street
3h09
11:05 PM Southampton, Coach Station1 transfer
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX0329:03 PM Reading, Blagrave Street
3h27
12:30 AM Southampton, Coach Station1 transfer
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX03211:03 PM Reading, Blagrave Street
2h57
2:00 AM Southampton, Coach Station1 transfer
Monday, November 2
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX0355:55 AM Reading, Blagrave Street
3h15
9:10 AM Southampton, Coach Station1 transfer
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX0328:21 AM Reading, Blagrave Street
2h59
11:20 AM Southampton, Coach Station1 transfer
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX0329:45 AM Reading, Blagrave Street
3h15
1:00 PM Southampton, Coach Station1 transfer
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX03211:05 AM Reading, Blagrave Street
3h15
2:20 PM Southampton, Coach Station1 transfer
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX03212:25 PM Reading, Blagrave Street
3h30
3:55 PM Southampton, Coach Station1 transfer
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX0323:05 PM Reading, Blagrave Street
3h15
6:20 PM Southampton, Coach Station1 transfer
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX0324:20 PM Reading, Blagrave Street
3h20
7:40 PM Southampton, Coach Station1 transfer

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Reading to Southampton buses with Omio?

National Express operates all buses services from Reading to Southampton.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Reading to Southampton.

Why book with Omio vs National Express?

  • 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 Southampton.

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 Southampton.

Bus companies

Bus companies from Reading to Southampton

Buses from Reading to Southampton with National Express. Overnight buses available on this route with National Express. Use the details below to compare onboard facilities.

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 2m
Cheapest National Express Price
$56
National Express frequency
11 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.

Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Reading and Southampton

Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.

When taking a bus from Reading to Southampton, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Southampton. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Reading and Southampton and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Reading to Southampton for bus company National Express.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Reading to Southampton:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Reading to Southampton 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 {providersWithBike}.
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.

Complete guide to Southampton

Things to do in Southampton

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

  • Must visit

SeaCity Museum

Southampton's flagship museum tells the city's story from Roman origins to Titanic and aviation, with strong local collections and family displays.

  • Must visit

Tudor House and Garden

Restored Tudor home and remains of a Norman house reveal centuries of domestic and maritime history in Southampton's atmospheric Old Town.

  • Recommended

Southampton City Art Gallery

Art gallery with a respected collection spanning old masters to contemporary works, plus changing exhibitions in the Cultural Quarter.

British pound sterling (£)

Moderate for the UK. Hotels often cost less than London, while dining and local transport are typical for a mid-sized English city.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
£18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£60+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£2.80-4.20 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up for taxis. Cafes usually do not require tips, but small change is appreciated.

Plan your visit to Southampton

Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Southampton.

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 Southampton, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in busy areas like the city center and near the port. Common scams include overcharging by taxi drivers and unofficial tour operators offering poor services at inflated prices. It's advisable to use licensed taxis and official ticket vendors for transportation. Staying vigilant in crowded places and securing personal belongings can help 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.

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.

FAQs
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Reading and Southampton including taking a train and bus.
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.

popular bus stations

Popular bus stations from Reading to Southampton

Most Reading to Southampton buses use the Reading, Blagrave Street to Southampton, Coach Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Reading and Southampton 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 Southampton

Which Reading station do buses to Southampton leave from?

Buses from Reading to Southampton 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 · $3

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.

Bus stations for Reading to Southampton

Check bus stations information for Reading and Southampton, including where buses depart and arrive on this route.

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 Southampton, Coach Station, located 0 away from the city centre.

Most popular bus connections from Reading

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