- Must visit
Reading Museum
Reading's main museum, famed for the Bayeux Tapestry replica, local history, Huntley & Palmers displays, and Abbey galleries.
Cheapest price on Sep 18
$67
Average ticket price on Sep 18
$71
Fastest journey on Sep 18
2 h 45 m
Average journey duration on Sep 18
2 h 51 m
Buses on Sep 18
13
Distance
68 km
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 $71 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $67.
It's difficult to get from Southampton to Reading without transferring at least once.
NX032 · RRRA1
NX032 · RRRA1
NX032 · RRRA1
NX032 · RRRA1
NX032 · RRRA1
NX032 · RRRA1
NX032 · RRRA1
NX032 · RRRA1
NX032 · RRRA1
NX032 · RRRA1Omio 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 an average ticket price of $34 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 25m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $34, while a bus costs an average of $75.
Distance: 42 miles (68 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$75 Average price | $34 Average price Cheapest | $18 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 49m Average total duration 2h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 25m Average total duration Fastest 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 17m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Southampton to Reading:
A train is $41 (€34) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Southampton to Reading costing on average $75 (€61).
Other travel options to Reading take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 19m.
Tickets start at around $75 (€61) compared to roughly $18 (€15) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-57.16 (€-46.82). The journey takes 2h 19m versus 1h 17m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| 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 Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $69 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:20AM | Arrival Time 05:11AM | Duration 2h51 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $72 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:05AM | Arrival Time 07:15AM | Duration 3h10 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $75 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:15AM | Arrival Time 07:15AM | Duration 3h00 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $72 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:05AM | Arrival Time 08:17AM | Duration 3h12 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $72 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:25AM | Arrival Time 08:11AM | Duration 2h46 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $63 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:35AM | Arrival Time 08:46AM | Duration 3h11 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $69 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:25AM | Arrival Time 09:25AM | Duration 3h00 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:45AM | Arrival Time 09:43AM | Duration 2h58 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $81 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 10:05AM | Duration 3h05 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $61 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:30AM | Arrival Time 10:45AM | Duration 3h15 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $69 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:45AM | Arrival Time 10:45AM | Duration 3h00 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $81 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:45AM | Arrival Time 12:05PM | Duration 3h20 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $61 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:15AM | Arrival Time 12:05PM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $81 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:05AM | Arrival Time 01:26PM | Duration 3h21 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $61 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:15AM | Arrival Time 01:26PM | Duration 3h11 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $75 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:45AM | Arrival Time 02:07PM | Duration 3h22 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $84 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:15PM | Arrival Time 03:28PM | Duration 3h13 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $61 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:15PM | Arrival Time 04:09PM | Duration 2h54 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $75 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 04:49PM | Duration 3h19 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $61 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:45PM | Arrival Time 04:49PM | Duration 3h04 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $75 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 05:09PM | Duration 3h09 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $75 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 05:31PM | Duration 3h01 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $69 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:45PM | Arrival Time 06:05PM | Duration 3h20 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 06:09PM | Duration 3h09 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $61 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:10PM | Arrival Time 06:09PM | Duration 2h59 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $72 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:20PM | Arrival Time 06:46PM | Duration 3h26 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $69 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:45PM | Arrival Time 06:45PM | Duration 3h00 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 08:02PM | Duration 3h32 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $61 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:40PM | Arrival Time 08:02PM | Duration 3h22 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $72 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:20PM | Arrival Time 08:47PM | Duration 3h27 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 08:38PM | Duration 3h08 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 08:41PM | Duration 2h41 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $81 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 09:17PM | Duration 2h47 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $61 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:35PM | Arrival Time 09:17PM | Duration 2h42 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $72 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 09:47PM | Duration 2h47 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 11:15PM | Duration 2h45 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $61 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:25PM | Arrival Time 12:15AM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $72 |
The table below shows live departures for Southampton to Reading buses for today, Thursday, September 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX032 · RRRA1 | 4:15 AM Southampton, Coach Station | 3h00 | 7:15 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
NX032 · RRRA1 | 5:35 AM Southampton, Coach Station | 3h11 | 8:46 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
NX032 · RRRA1 | 7:00 AM Southampton, Coach Station | 3h05 | 10:05 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
NX032 · RRRA1 | 8:45 AM Southampton, Coach Station | 3h20 | 12:05 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
NX032 · RRRA1 | 10:05 AM Southampton, Coach Station | 3h21 | 1:26 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
NX032 · RRRA1 | 12:15 PM Southampton, Coach Station | 3h13 | 3:28 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
NX032 · RRRA1 | 1:30 PM Southampton, Coach Station | 3h19 | 4:49 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
NX032 · RRRA1 | 3:00 PM Southampton, Coach Station | 3h09 | 6:09 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
NX032 · RRRA1 | 4:30 PM Southampton, Coach Station | 3h32 | 8:02 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
NX032 · RRRA1 | 6:30 PM Southampton, Coach Station | 2h47 | 9:17 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
NX032 · RRRA1 | 8:30 PM Southampton, Coach Station | 2h45 | 11:15 PM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
| Friday, September 18 | |||||
NX032 · RRRA1 | 2:05 AM Southampton, Coach Station | 3h06 | 5:11 AM Reading, Blagrave Street | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Southampton to Reading run on average 11 times per day, taking around 2h 19m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $60 (€50) but you can travel from only $9 (€8) 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 5m.
Distance 42 miles (68 km) |
Average bus duration 2h 19m |
Cheapest ticket price $60 (€50) |
Buses per day 11 |
Fastest bus 2h 5m |
First bus 2:00 AM |
Last bus 11:34 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Reading — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Reading trip today.
Reading's main museum, famed for the Bayeux Tapestry replica, local history, Huntley & Palmers displays, and Abbey galleries.
Modern art gallery in the civic centre showing changing exhibitions by regional and national artists in a central, accessible space.
University museum with strong agriculture, countryside, and design collections. Popular for families and one of Reading's standout visits.
Large central park with formal gardens, Thames views, and the iconic Maiwand Lion. A classic place to stroll or relax near downtown.
Historic quarter around the Abbey ruins, museum, and Forbury Gardens. Ideal for understanding Reading's origins on a compact walking route.
Riverside nature reserve and meadow walk beside the Thames. Peaceful paths and wildlife make it a favorite local escape close to the centre.
A Berkshire classic of smoked haddock in a creamy parsley sauce. Traditionally linked to Windsor and widely associated with the wider county.
A rich fruit cake made with currants, butter, eggs, sugar and mixed spice. A long-standing Berkshire tea-time bake.
A soft yeasted bun spiced with caraway and filled with currants, candied peel and sugar. Traditionally baked in Berkshire and nearby counties.
Polished fine dining restaurant known for seasonal British tasting menus and refined service in an elegant central Reading setting.
Popular Reading institution for Lebanese and Middle Eastern plates, known for generous mezze and a lively, casual atmosphere.
Well-regarded independent restaurant serving British and European dishes with seasonal ingredients in a relaxed modern dining room.
Reading is pricier than many UK towns. Hotels and dining are above average, but rail and local buses are manageable for most visitors.
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.
Official public transport app
Reading, Blagrave Street -> Reading Station, 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.

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.
Southampton, Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Café Express (in the station), Sandwich Bar (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance for cash withdrawals.
Ticket office support is available at Southampton, Coach Station.
Available at Southampton, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Southampton, Coach Station: Elevators, ramps.
Reading, Blagrave Street has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Reading, Blagrave Street: The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need