Reading to Southampton bus with National Express

Sun, Dec 21
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Reading to Southampton

Showing times and prices for Dec 21

Cheapest price

$63

Average price

$64

Fastest journey

3 h 27 m

Average duration

3 h 42 m

Buses per day

2

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 $64 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $63.

Fast buses

Of the 2 buses that leave Reading for Southampton on Sun, Dec 21, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Sun, Dec 21 the direct buses cover the 68 km distance in an average of 3 h 42 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 27 m .

On Sun, Dec 21 the slowest buses will take 3 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.

National Express
09:03PM3h27
Reading
12:30AMSouthampton
$631One-way
0 transfers
National Express
10:03PM3h57
Reading
02:00AMSouthampton
$651One-way
0 transfers

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
National Express

Most popular bus company

CrossCountry

Most popular train company

Direct Options

Direct Options

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

Live departures

Reading to Southampton bus times

The table below shows live departures for Reading to Southampton buses for today, Saturday, December 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at 10:10 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
national_express11:23 AM Reading
3h07
2:30 PM Southampton0 transfersDirect
national_express1:23 PM Reading
3h37
5:00 PM Southampton0 transfersDirect
national_express5:50 PM Reading
3h00
8:50 PM Southampton0 transfersDirect
national_express8:03 PM Reading
3h27
11:30 PM Southampton0 transfersDirect
national_express10:03 PM Reading
3h57
2:00 AM Southampton0 transfersDirect

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.

Sun
Dec 21
Mon
Dec 22
Tue
Dec 23
Wed
Dec 24
Thu
Dec 25
Fri
Dec 26
Sat
Dec 27

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 14 times per day, taking around 2h 50m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $59 (€47) but you can travel from only $9 (€7) 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 49m.

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
$59 (€47)
Buses per day
14
Fastest bus
2h 49m
First bus
02:00
Last bus
23:37
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
$59 (€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.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Reading to Southampton can start from as little as $27 (€21) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Reading to Southampton is $68 (€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:

  • Book in advance: Tickets are often cheaper when booked early.
  • Be flexible with dates and times: Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money.
  • Use our search filters: Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options.
  • Look for special deals or discounts: Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
  • 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 StreetAccessibility
    Amenities at bus station
    AccessibilityAccessibility
    information
    Accessibility
    Accessibility
    • The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible

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