Southampton to Reading bus with National Express

Fri, Dec 19
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Southampton to Reading

Showing times and prices for Dec 21

Cheapest price

$81

Average price

$82

Fastest journey

2 h 41 m

Average duration

2 h 46 m

Buses per day

14

Distance

68 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Southampton to Reading will cost around $82 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $81.

Fast buses

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

National ExpressNX032 · RRRA1
07:00PM2h41
Southampton, Coach Station
09:41PMReading, Blagrave Street
$811One-way
1 transfer
National ExpressNX032 · RRRA1
03:45PM2h58
Southampton, Coach Station
06:43PMReading, Blagrave Street
$811One-way
1 transfer
National ExpressNX032 · RRRA1
05:30PM2h41
Southampton, Coach Station
08:11PMReading, Blagrave Street
$811One-way
1 transfer
National ExpressNX032 · RRRA1
02:05AM3h05
Southampton, Coach Station
05:10AMReading, Blagrave Street
$811One-way
1 transfer
National ExpressNX032 · RRRA1
07:45AM2h59
Southampton, Coach Station
10:44AMReading, Blagrave Street
$811One-way
1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Southampton to Reading

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Southampton to Reading among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from €13. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 57m. 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 €13, and a bus costs an average of €47.

Distance: 42 miles (68 km)

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Train

€57

Average price

€24

Average price

Cheapest

2h 54m

Average total duration

2h 24m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 27m

Average total duration

Fastest

57m

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.

Southampton to Reading Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:05AM
Arrival Time
05:10AM
Duration
3h05
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$81
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:15AM
Arrival Time
07:10AM
Duration
2h55
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$83
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:25AM
Arrival Time
08:11AM
Duration
2h46
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$85
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:45AM
Arrival Time
09:42AM
Duration
2h57
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$81
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:45AM
Arrival Time
10:44AM
Duration
2h59
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$81
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:15AM
Arrival Time
12:17PM
Duration
3h02
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$85
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:45AM
Arrival Time
01:47PM
Duration
3h02
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$85
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
12:15PM
Arrival Time
03:16PM
Duration
3h01
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$83
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
01:15PM
Arrival Time
04:15PM
Duration
3h00
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$83
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:45PM
Arrival Time
06:14PM
Duration
3h29
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$81
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:45PM
Arrival Time
06:43PM
Duration
2h58
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$81
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:30PM
Arrival Time
08:11PM
Duration
2h41
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$81
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:00PM
Arrival Time
09:41PM
Duration
2h41
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$81
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:30PM
Arrival Time
11:15PM
Duration
2h45
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$81

Live departures

Southampton to Reading bus times

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

Last updated at 8:01 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
national_express5:20 PM Southampton
2h57
8:17 PM Reading0 transfersDirect
national_express6:00 PM Southampton
2h47
8:47 PM Reading0 transfersDirect
Sunday, December 21
national_expressNX032 · RRRA12:05 AM Southampton, Coach Station
3h05
5:10 AM Reading, Blagrave Street1 transfer
national_expressNX032 · RRRA14:15 AM Southampton, Coach Station
2h55
7:10 AM Reading, Blagrave Street1 transfer
national_expressNX032 · RRRA15:25 AM Southampton, Coach Station
2h46
8:11 AM Reading, Blagrave Street1 transfer
national_expressNX032 · RRRA16:45 AM Southampton, Coach Station
2h57
9:42 AM Reading, Blagrave Street1 transfer
national_expressNX032 · RRRA17:45 AM Southampton, Coach Station
2h59
10:44 AM Reading, Blagrave Street1 transfer

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Southampton to Reading 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 Southampton to Reading

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Southampton to Reading run on average 12 times per day, taking around 2h 24m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $58 (€47) but you can travel from only $16 (€13) 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 41m.

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 $16 (€13)
Distance
42 miles (68 km)
Average bus duration
2h 24m
Cheapest ticket price
$58 (€47)
Buses per day
12
Fastest bus
2h 41m
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 $16 (€13)

Bus providers: National Express from Southampton to ReadingYou can travel by bus between Southampton to Reading with National Express for as low as $16 (€13). 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 41m
Cheapest Price
$58 (€47)
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.
Learn more about National Express

FAQs: Bus from Southampton to Reading

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

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Southampton to Reading can start from as little as $63 (€51) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Southampton to Reading is $76 (€61); 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 Southampton to Reading is 2 h 38 min   to travel the 42 mile (68 km) long route, with around there are 11 buses per day. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays.
The first bus from Southampton to Reading leaves at 2: 00AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last bus from Southampton to Reading leaves at 6: 30PM.
There are 11 buses a day from Southampton to Reading which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
Take the Southampton to Reading bus with National Express. However, it's always good to check out all possible bus providers for the route from Southampton to Reading as there might be differences in the amenities they offer.
A trip to Reading from Southampton is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2 h 38 min each way. Check with Omio app   the best way to travel.
The cheapest month to travel from Southampton to Reading by bus is March.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel from Southampton to Reading including taking a train or bus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Southampton to Reading:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Southampton to Reading for bus company National Express.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Southampton to Reading 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 Southampton to Reading, 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 Southampton to Reading.
    Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Southampton to Reading:
    • 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 Southampton to Reading:
    • National Express
      • 10€ per additional bag.
    Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Southampton to Reading.
    You can reserve your seat on the bus from Southampton to Reading with the following bus company: National Express
    Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Southampton to Reading with the following bus company: National Express.
    Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Southampton to Reading with the following bus company: National Express.

    popular bus stations

    Popular bus stations from Southampton to Reading

    Southampton
    Reading
    The major bus station for departures 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 from Southampton to Reading.
    Southampton, Coach StationWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
    Amenities at bus station
    WifiWifi
    ParkingParking
    DiningDining
    ATMATM
    TaxisTaxis
    AccessibilityAccessibility
    WCWC
    Ticket OfficeTicket Office
    information
    address
    Address
    Harbour Parade, Southampton SO15 1BA, United Kingdom
    ticketOfficeHours
    Ticket Office Hours
    • 06:00-22:00
    carConnection
    Car connection
    Harbour Parade
    Wifi
    Wifi
    • Free Wi-Fi
    Dining
    Dining
    • Café Express (in the station)
    • Sandwich Bar (in the station).
    Taxis
    Taxis
    • Available outside the station.
    Accessibility
    Accessibility
    • Elevators, ramps
    WC
    WC
    • Available near the entrance.
    Public transit options for Southampton, Coach Station
    • Bus: U1, U2, U6, X4 Train: South Western Railway
    Southampton, University
    information

    More options for your journey from Southampton to Reading

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    HomeBusesBuses in United KingdomBus tickets to ReadingSouthampton to Reading bus

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