- Must visit
Reading Museum
Reading's main museum, famed for the Bayeux Tapestry replica, local history, Huntley & Palmers displays, and Abbey galleries.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Swansea to Reading
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 18
Cheapest price on Sep 18
€20
Average ticket price on Sep 18
€44
Fastest journey on Sep 18
5 h
Average journey duration on Sep 18
5 h 49 m
Buses on Sep 18
2
Distance
206 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Swansea to Reading is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Swansea to Reading will cost around €44 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €20.
Fast buses
On Fri, Sep 18, we found 2 buses from Swansea to Reading, including 2 direct services.
On Fri, Sep 18 the direct buses cover the 206 km distance in an average of 5 h 49 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h .
On Fri, Sep 18 the slowest buses will take 6 h 37 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.
9:50 AM5h00Swansea2:50 PMReading€201One-way0 transfers
1:10 AM6h37Swansea7:47 AMReading€681One-way0 transfers
- 9:50 AM5h00Swansea2:50 PMReading€201One-way0 transfers
- 1:10 AM6h37Swansea7:47 AMReading€681One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Swansea to Reading
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Swansea to Reading among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of €67 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 1m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €67, while a bus costs an average of €70.
Distance: 128 miles (206 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€70 Average price | €67 Average price Cheapest | €44 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 53m Average total duration 5h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 1m Average total duration Fastest 2h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 50m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg 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.
The cheapest way to travel from Swansea to Reading is a train with an average price of €67.
This is compared to other travel options from Swansea to Reading:
A train is €3 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Swansea to Reading costing on average €70.
The fastest way to travel from Swansea to Reading is by train with an average journey time of 2h 31m.
Other travel options to Reading take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 23m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Swansea and Reading including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Swansea 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 €70 compared to roughly €44 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €-26.26. The journey takes 5h 23m versus 2h 50m 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.
Swansea to Reading Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:25AM | Arrival Time 06:40AM | Duration 6h15 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price €51 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:10AM | Arrival Time 07:47AM | Duration 6h37 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price €55 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:25AM | Arrival Time 07:40AM | Duration 6h15 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €46 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:10AM | Arrival Time 08:17AM | Duration 6h07 | Departure days Mon, Wed | Cheapest price €60 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:25AM | Arrival Time 08:11AM | Duration 5h46 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price €58 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:00AM | Arrival Time 10:05AM | Duration 6h05 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price €59 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:40AM | Arrival Time 02:50PM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price €15 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:50AM | Arrival Time 02:50PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €18 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:10AM | Arrival Time 02:50PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price €18 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 09:47PM | Duration 6h47 | Departure days Mon, Thu | Cheapest price €64 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:20PM | Arrival Time 09:37PM | Duration 6h17 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €56 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:20PM | Arrival Time 05:11AM | Duration 6h51 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price €85 |
Live departures
Swansea to Reading bus times
The table below shows live departures for Swansea to Reading buses for tomorrow, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1:10 AM Swansea | 6h37 | 7:47 AM Reading | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 9:50 AM Swansea | 5h00 | 2:50 PM Reading | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Swansea 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
Sep 18
Sat
Sep 19
Sep 19
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Sep 20
Sep 20
Mon
Sep 21
Sep 21
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Sep 22
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Sep 24
Sep 24
Why should you book Swansea to Reading buses with Omio?
Megabus as well as National Express offer buses services from Swansea to Reading.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Swansea to Reading.
Why book with Omio vs Megabus?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Megabus, but also compare tickets for the likes of National Express to find the best option for your trip from Swansea 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 Megabus with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Swansea to Reading.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of National Express to find the best option for your trip from Swansea to Reading.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Swansea to Reading.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Swansea to Reading
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Swansea to Reading run on average 11 times per day, taking around 5h 23m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €17 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:25, the last at 23:30. The fastest bus covers the 128 miles (206 km) distance in 3h 30m.
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
Distance 128 miles (206 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 23m |
Cheapest ticket price €17 |
Buses per day 11 |
Fastest bus 3h 30m |
First bus 12:25 AM |
Last bus 11:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 84 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
Bus providers: National Express, FlixBus from Swansea to ReadingYou can travel by bus between Swansea to Reading with National Express, FlixBus for as low as €17. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average FlixBus Duration
3h 30m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
€17
FlixBus frequency
8 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.
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
5h 0m
Cheapest National Express Price
€49
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
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 Swansea to Reading
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Swansea 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 Swansea to Reading can start from as little as €17 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Swansea to Reading is €70 ; 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 Swansea to Reading is 3h 30m to travel the 128 miles (206 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 Swansea to Reading leaves at 12:25 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Swansea to Reading leaves at 11:30 PM.
There are 11 buses a day from Swansea to Reading which require at least one change with Megabus, National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Swansea to Reading, you can count on Megabus, National Express for the best way to get you to Reading. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Swansea and Reading and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
When departing from Swansea , you have various bus station options to start your journey from including Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station, Swansea, University Bay Campus . 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 Swansea, Quadrant Bus 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 Swansea is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3h 30m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Swansea to Reading is July.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Swansea and Reading including taking a train and bus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Swansea to Reading:
- Megabus
- Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Swansea to Reading for bus company Megabus, National Express.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Swansea to Reading depends on the bus companies:
- Megabus
- Megabus reservations cannot be canceled or refunded, but they can be traded in for another journey up to 3 hours before your original scheduled departure for a fee.
- 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 Swansea to Reading.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Swansea to Reading:
- Megabus
- One piece of luggage is included per passenger reservation. For guidance, a piece of luggage must not exceed 62 inches (length + width + height) and should not weigh more than 50 pounds (23kg).
- 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 Swansea to Reading:
- Megabus
- Additional luggage can be purchased by buying an additional travel ticket in advance or by adding up to two additional pieces when booking for a fee.
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Swansea to Reading.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Swansea to Reading with the following bus company: Megabus, National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Swansea to Reading with the following bus company: Megabus, National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Swansea to Reading with the following bus company: Megabus, National Express.
Since neither Swansea 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 Swansea 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 Swansea to Reading
Most Swansea to Reading buses use the Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station to Reading, Blagrave Street station pair. Use this guide to compare Swansea and Reading bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Swansea
Arrival bus stations in Reading
Which Swansea station do buses to Reading leave from?
Buses from Swansea to Reading leave from Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station. The station is from Swansea city centre at Swansea, Swansea SA1 3QX, UK.
Swansea, Quadrant Bus StationSwansea, Swansea SA1 3QX, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station from Swansea city centre
Bus49, 30, 54 · 3m · €4 · every ~3 min
Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station bus station facilities and services
Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Food outlets available within the station.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free WiFi available in the station premises. ATMs are aTMs are located near the main entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Swansea, Quadrant Bus Station: The station is wheelchair accessible.
Swansea, University Bay CampusFabian Way, Crymlyn Burrows, Skewen, Swansea SA1 8EN, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Swansea, University Bay Campus from Swansea city centre
Swansea, University Bay Campus is 4 km from Swansea city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus84, X5, X1, 38, X7, 90, 92, N92 · 10m · €4 · every ~11 min
X1, 38, X7, X5, 84, 92, N92, 90 · 12m · €1 · every ~11 min
Swansea, University Bay Campus bus station facilities and services
Swansea, University Bay Campus has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Several cafes and a restaurant on campus.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi available within campus buildings. ATMs are aTM located near the student union building.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Swansea, University Bay Campus.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Swansea, University Bay Campus: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Swansea, University Bay Campus: Campus is accessible with ramps and elevators.
Which Reading station do buses from Swansea arrive at?
Buses from Swansea 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.
More options for your journey from Swansea to Reading
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Reading and Swansea
Most popular bus connections to Reading
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