Southampton to Reading bus with National Express

Fri, Sep 18
+ Add return
National Express
Unilink
FlixBus
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
2,000+ travel companies
National Express
Unilink
FlixBus
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
2,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
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
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest buses from Southampton to Reading

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 18

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

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 $71 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $67.

Fast buses

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

  • National ExpressNX032 · RRRA1
    5:20 PM3h27
    Southampton, Coach Station
    8:47 PMReading, Blagrave Street
    $671One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNX032 · RRRA1
    8:30 PM2h45
    Southampton, Coach Station
    11:15 PMReading, Blagrave Street
    $671One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNX032 · RRRA1
    7:00 PM2h47
    Southampton, Coach Station
    9:47 PMReading, Blagrave Street
    $671One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNX032 · RRRA1
    6:25 AM3h00
    Southampton, Coach Station
    9:25 AMReading, Blagrave Street
    $671One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNX032 · RRRA1
    3:20 PM3h26
    Southampton, Coach Station
    6:46 PMReading, Blagrave Street
    $691One-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 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)

Compare bus with

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

National Express

Most popular bus company

CrossCountry

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.

The cheapest way to travel from Southampton to Reading is a train with an average price of $34 (€27).

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).

The fastest way to travel from Southampton to Reading is by train with an average journey time of 55m.

Other travel options to Reading take longer:

Bus takes on average 2h 19m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Southampton and Reading including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Southampton to Reading among Omio's users.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.

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.

Southampton to Reading Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest 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

Live departures

Southampton to Reading bus times

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.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
National ExpressNX032 · RRRA14:15 AM Southampton, Coach Station
3h00
7:15 AM Reading, Blagrave Street1 transfer
National ExpressNX032 · RRRA15:35 AM Southampton, Coach Station
3h11
8:46 AM Reading, Blagrave Street1 transfer
National ExpressNX032 · RRRA17:00 AM Southampton, Coach Station
3h05
10:05 AM Reading, Blagrave Street1 transfer
National ExpressNX032 · RRRA18:45 AM Southampton, Coach Station
3h20
12:05 PM Reading, Blagrave Street1 transfer
National ExpressNX032 · RRRA110:05 AM Southampton, Coach Station
3h21
1:26 PM Reading, Blagrave Street1 transfer
National ExpressNX032 · RRRA112:15 PM Southampton, Coach Station
3h13
3:28 PM Reading, Blagrave Street1 transfer
National ExpressNX032 · RRRA11:30 PM Southampton, Coach Station
3h19
4:49 PM Reading, Blagrave Street1 transfer
National ExpressNX032 · RRRA13:00 PM Southampton, Coach Station
3h09
6:09 PM Reading, Blagrave Street1 transfer
National ExpressNX032 · RRRA14:30 PM Southampton, Coach Station
3h32
8:02 PM Reading, Blagrave Street1 transfer
National ExpressNX032 · RRRA16:30 PM Southampton, Coach Station
2h47
9:17 PM Reading, Blagrave Street1 transfer
National ExpressNX032 · RRRA18:30 PM Southampton, Coach Station
2h45
11:15 PM Reading, Blagrave Street1 transfer
Friday, September 18
National ExpressNX032 · RRRA12:05 AM Southampton, Coach Station
3h06
5:11 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.

Fri
Sep 18
Sat
Sep 19
Sun
Sep 20
Mon
Sep 21
Tue
Sep 22
Wed
Sep 23
Thu
Sep 24

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.

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 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.

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 (€8)
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
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 (€8)

Bus providers: National Express from Southampton to ReadingYou can travel by bus between Southampton to Reading with National Express for as low as $9 (€8). 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 National Express Duration
2h 5m
Cheapest National Express Price
$60 (€50)
National Express frequency
12 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.

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

Reading Museum

Reading's main museum, famed for the Bayeux Tapestry replica, local history, Huntley & Palmers displays, and Abbey galleries.

  • 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.

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.

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 $60 (€50) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Southampton to Reading is $75 (€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 2h 5m 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 11 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.
A trip to Reading from Southampton is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2h 5m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Southampton to Reading is September.
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, 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.
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.
Since neither Southampton nor Reading are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United Kingdom and United Kingdom. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Southampton to Reading among Omio's users.
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 KingdomWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
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.

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.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone