- Must visit
Reading Museum
Reading's main museum, famed for the Bayeux Tapestry replica, local history, Huntley & Palmers displays, and Abbey galleries.
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ 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 Southampton to Reading
Showing times and prices for Aug 03
Cheapest price
$68
Average price
$78
Fastest journey
2 h 45 m
Average duration
2 h 51 m
Buses per day
13
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 $78 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $68.
Fast buses
It's difficult to get from Southampton to Reading without transferring at least once.
NX032 · RRRA17:00 PM2h47Southampton, Coach Station9:47 PMReading, Blagrave Street$681One-way1 transfer- NX032 · RRRA18:30 PM2h45Southampton, Coach Station11:15 PMReading, Blagrave Street$681One-way1 transfer
- NX032 · RRRA15:05 AM3h12Southampton, Coach Station8:17 AMReading, Blagrave Street$791One-way1 transfer
- NX032 · RRRA11:15 PM2h54Southampton, Coach Station4:09 PMReading, Blagrave Street$791One-way1 transfer
- NX032 · RRRA17:30 AM3h15Southampton, Coach Station10:45 AMReading, Blagrave Street$791One-way1 transfer
- NX032 · RRRA18:30 PM2h45Southampton, Coach Station11:15 PMReading, Blagrave Street$681One-way1 transfer
- NX032 · RRRA17:00 PM2h47Southampton, Coach Station9:47 PMReading, Blagrave Street$681One-way1 transfer
- NX032 · RRRA19:15 AM2h50Southampton, Coach Station12:05 PMReading, Blagrave Street$851One-way1 transfer
- NX032 · RRRA11:15 PM2h54Southampton, Coach Station4:09 PMReading, Blagrave Street$791One-way1 transfer
- NX032 · RRRA16:25 AM3h00Southampton, Coach Station9:25 AMReading, Blagrave Street$791One-way1 transfer
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Southampton to Reading
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Southampton to Reading run on average 12 times per day, taking around 2h 22m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $28 but you can travel from only $10 by train.
The earliest bus runs at 02:00, the last at 23:34. The fastest bus covers the 42 miles (68 km) distance in 2h 9m.
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 $10
Distance 42 miles (68 km) |
Average bus duration 2h 22m |
Cheapest ticket price $28 |
Buses per day 12 |
Fastest bus 2h 9m |
First bus 2:00 AM |
Last bus 11:34 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 49 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from $10
Southampton to Reading Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:05AM | Arrival Time 05:11AM | Duration 3h06 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $69 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:15AM | Arrival Time 07:15AM | Duration 3h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Sun | Cheapest price $73 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:25AM | Arrival Time 07:11AM | Duration 2h46 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $87 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:05AM | Arrival Time 08:17AM | Duration 3h12 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $79 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:25AM | Arrival Time 08:11AM | Duration 2h46 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $73 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:35AM | Arrival Time 08:46AM | Duration 3h11 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $73 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:25AM | Arrival Time 09:25AM | Duration 3h00 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $79 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:30AM | Arrival Time 09:45AM | Duration 3h15 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $73 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:45AM | Arrival Time 09:42AM | Duration 2h57 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $79 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 10:05AM | Duration 3h05 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $79 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:30AM | Arrival Time 10:45AM | Duration 3h15 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price $69 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:45AM | Arrival Time 10:44AM | Duration 2h59 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $79 |
Operator South Western Railway | Departure Time 08:06AM | Arrival Time 10:15AM | Duration 2h09 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:45AM | Arrival Time 12:05PM | Duration 3h20 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $79 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:15AM | Arrival Time 12:05PM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $85 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:05AM | Arrival Time 01:26PM | Duration 3h21 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $79 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:45AM | Arrival Time 02:06PM | Duration 3h21 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $85 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:15PM | Arrival Time 03:28PM | Duration 3h13 | Departure days Tue, Sun | Cheapest price $79 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:15PM | Arrival Time 04:05PM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $79 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 04:49PM | Duration 3h19 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 05:09PM | Duration 3h09 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $73 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 05:31PM | Duration 3h01 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $79 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:45PM | Arrival Time 06:14PM | Duration 3h29 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $79 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 06:09PM | Duration 3h09 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:20PM | Arrival Time 06:46PM | Duration 3h26 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $79 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:45PM | Arrival Time 06:43PM | Duration 2h58 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $79 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 08:02PM | Duration 3h32 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 08:38PM | Duration 3h08 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 08:47PM | Duration 2h47 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $92 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 09:17PM | Duration 2h47 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 10:07PM | Duration 3h07 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 11:15PM | Duration 2h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $62 |
Live departures
Southampton to Reading bus times
The table below shows live departures for Southampton to Reading buses for tomorrow, Monday, August 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NX032 · RRRA1 | 2:05 AM Southampton, Coach Station | 3h06 | 5:11 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
| NX032 · RRRA1 | 4:15 AM Southampton, Coach Station | 3h00 | 7:15 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
| NX032 · RRRA1 | 5:05 AM Southampton, Coach Station | 3h12 | 8:17 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
| NX032 · RRRA1 | 6:25 AM Southampton, Coach Station | 3h00 | 9:25 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
| NX032 · RRRA1 | 7:30 AM Southampton, Coach Station | 3h15 | 10:45 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
| NX032 · RRRA1 | 9:15 AM Southampton, Coach Station | 2h50 | 12:05 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
| NX032 · RRRA1 | 10:45 AM Southampton, Coach Station | 3h21 | 2:06 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
| NX032 · RRRA1 | 1:15 PM Southampton, Coach Station | 2h54 | 4:09 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
| NX032 · RRRA1 | 2:30 PM Southampton, Coach Station | 3h01 | 5:31 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
| NX032 · RRRA1 | 3:20 PM Southampton, Coach Station | 3h26 | 6:46 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
| NX032 · RRRA1 | 5:30 PM Southampton, Coach Station | 3h17 | 8:47 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
| NX032 · RRRA1 | 7:00 PM Southampton, Coach Station | 2h47 | 9:47 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
| NX032 · RRRA1 | 8:30 PM Southampton, Coach Station | 2h45 | 11:15 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Southampton to Reading buses with Omio?
National Express as well as Unilink offer buses services from Southampton to Reading.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Southampton to Reading.
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 Unilink to find the best option for your trip from Southampton to Reading.
- 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 Southampton to Reading.
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 Southampton to Reading.
Bus providers: National Express, Unilink from Southampton to ReadingYou can travel by bus between Southampton to Reading with National Express, Unilink for as low as $10. 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
$57
National Express frequency
10 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.
Unilink
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 8m
Cheapest Price
$75
Unilink frequency
3 a day
Complete guide to Reading
Things to do in Reading
Discover the best of Reading — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Reading trip today.
- Must visit
The Museum of English Rural Life
Modern art gallery in the civic centre showing changing exhibitions by regional and national artists in a central, accessible space.
- Must visit
The Museum of English Rural Life
University museum with strong agriculture, countryside, and design collections. Popular for families and one of Reading's standout visits.
- Must visit
Forbury Gardens
Large central park with formal gardens, Thames views, and the iconic Maiwand Lion. A classic place to stroll or relax near downtown.
- Must visit
Reading Abbey Quarter
Historic quarter around the Abbey ruins, museum, and Forbury Gardens. Ideal for understanding Reading's origins on a compact walking route.
- Recommended
King's Meadow
Riverside nature reserve and meadow walk beside the Thames. Peaceful paths and wildlife make it a favorite local escape close to the centre.
Windsor Fish Pie
A Berkshire classic of smoked haddock in a creamy parsley sauce. Traditionally linked to Windsor and widely associated with the wider county.
- Vegetarian
Berkshire Lardy Cake
A rich fruit cake made with currants, butter, eggs, sugar and mixed spice. A long-standing Berkshire tea-time bake.
- Vegetarian
Sally Lunn Bun
A soft yeasted bun spiced with caraway and filled with currants, candied peel and sugar. Traditionally baked in Berkshire and nearby counties.
L'Ortolan
Polished fine dining restaurant known for seasonal British tasting menus and refined service in an elegant central Reading setting.
Bakery House
Popular Reading institution for Lebanese and Middle Eastern plates, known for generous mezze and a lively, casual atmosphere.
London Street Brasserie
Well-regarded independent restaurant serving British and European dishes with seasonal ingredients in a relaxed modern dining room.
Pound sterling (£)
Reading is pricier than many UK towns. Hotels and dining are above average, but rail and local buses are manageable for most visitors.
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
- £3-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Restaurants often add a 10-12.5% service charge; if not, tip around 10% for good service. Taxis are usually rounded up or tipped 10%. Cafes usually do not require tipping.
Reading Buses
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.00
- Day pass
- £4.50
To the city center
Reading, Blagrave Street -> Reading Station, Reading
- Distance
- 0.3 km
- Travel time
- 4 min
- Contactless card and mobile payments are accepted on Reading Buses, and fares are capped on Simply Reading services.
- Buy tickets in the Reading Buses app before boarding for faster travel and live bus times.
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.
Cheap bus tickets from Southampton to Reading can start from as little as $28 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Southampton to Reading is $72 ; 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 2h 9m to travel the 42 miles (68 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 Southampton to Reading leaves at 2:00 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Southampton to Reading leaves at 11:34 PM.
There are 12 buses a day from Southampton to Reading which require at least one change with National Express, Unilink. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Southampton to Reading, you can count on National Express, Unilink for the best way to get you to Reading. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Southampton and Reading and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
When departing from Southampton , you have various bus station options to start your journey from including Southampton, Coach Station, Southampton, University . When arriving in Reading , you can end your journey in bus stations like Reading, Blagrave Street, Three Mile Cross, Mereoak Lane - Park & Ride .Passengers board the bus most frequently from Southampton, Coach Station, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Reading, Blagrave Street, located 0 away from the city centre.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Southampton and Reading including taking a train and bus.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Southampton to Reading for bus company National Express.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Southampton to Reading:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Southampton to Reading 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 National Express.
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 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.
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 Reading, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and petty theft, especially in crowded areas and on public transportation. Common scams include overcharging by taxis and unofficial tour guides. Staying vigilant in busy spots and using licensed services helps ensure safety.
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 Southampton to Reading
Most Southampton to Reading buses use the Southampton, Coach Station to Reading, Blagrave Street station pair. Use this guide to compare Southampton and Reading bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Southampton
Arrival bus stations in Reading
Which Southampton station do buses to Reading leave from?
Buses from Southampton to Reading leave from Southampton, Coach Station. The station is from Southampton city centre at Harbour Parade, Southampton SO15 1BA, United Kingdom.
Southampton, Coach StationHarbour Parade, Southampton SO15 1BA, United Kingdom
City-centre transport
Getting to Southampton, Coach Station from Southampton city centre
BusX4, X5 · 5m · $2 · every ~20 min
Southampton, Coach Station bus station facilities and services
Southampton, Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Café Express (in the station), Sandwich Bar (in the station).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance for cash withdrawals.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Southampton, Coach Station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Southampton, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Southampton, Coach Station: Elevators, ramps.
Southampton, University
City-centre transport
Getting to Southampton, University from Southampton city centre
BusU2b, U2 · 11m · $2 · every ~6 min
U1a, U1n, U1e · 25m · $2 · every ~37 min
U1a, U1n, U1e · 29m · $2 · every ~37 min
Which Reading station do buses from Southampton arrive at?
Buses from Southampton to Reading most often arrive at Reading, Blagrave Street. Some services arrive at Three Mile Cross, Mereoak Lane - Park & Ride, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Reading arrival station.
Reading, Blagrave StreetReading RG1 1PZ, UK
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 Southampton
More options for your journey from Southampton to Reading
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Reading and Southampton
Most popular bus connections to Reading
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.
