- 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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Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Swindon to Reading
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Swindon to Reading among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $8 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 59m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $8, while a train costs an average of $35.
Distance: 35 miles (57 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$8 Average price Cheapest | $35 Average price | $16 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 36m Average total duration 1h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 59m Average total duration Fastest 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 59m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Swindon to Reading is a bus with an average price of $8 (€7).
This is compared to other travel options from Swindon to Reading:
A bus is $26 (€21) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Swindon to Reading costing on average $35 (€28).
The fastest way to travel from Swindon to Reading is by train with an average journey time of 29m.
Other travel options to Reading take longer:
Bus takes on average 1h 6m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Swindon and Reading including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Swindon to Reading among Omio's users.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
Compare prices and tickets Swindon to Reading by train or bus
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Swindon to Reading
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Swindon to Reading run on average 6 times per day, taking around 1h 6m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $8 (€7) if you book in advance.
There are 6 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:10, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 35 miles (57 km) distance in 50m.
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 35 miles (57 km) |
Average bus duration 1h 6m |
Cheapest ticket price $8 (€7) |
Buses per day 6 |
Direct buses 6 |
Fastest bus 50m |
First bus 12:10 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Mon |
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
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 Swindon to Reading
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Swindon 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 Swindon to Reading can start from as little as $8 (€7) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Swindon to Reading is $8 (€7) ; 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 Swindon to Reading is 50m to travel the 35 miles (57 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 Swindon to Reading leaves at 12:10 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Swindon to Reading leaves at 11:50 PM.
When departing from Swindon , you have various bus station options to start your journey from including Swindon, Fleming Way (Stops N1&N2), Swindon, Queen's Drive, Swindon, Regent Circus (Stop C) . When arriving in Reading , you can end your journey in bus stations like Three Mile Cross, Mereoak Lane - Park & Ride .Passengers board the bus most frequently from Swindon, Queen's Drive, which is located around 0 miles (1 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Three Mile Cross, Mereoak Lane - Park & Ride, located 0 away from the city centre.
A day trip to Reading from Swindon is worth doing with a journey time of 50m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Swindon to Reading is January.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Swindon and Reading including taking a train and bus.
No, the bus from Swindon to Reading has no accessibility options.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the bus from Swindon to Reading.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the bus from Swindon to Reading.
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.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the bus from Swindon to Reading.
No, luggage for the bus from Swindon to Reading needs to be booked in addition.
No, there are no additional luggage options for the bus from Swindon to Reading.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Swindon to Reading.
No, there are no USB plugs on board the bus from Swindon to Reading.
No, there is no WiFi on board the bus from Swindon to Reading.
Since neither Swindon 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 Swindon 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 Swindon to Reading
Most Swindon to Reading buses use the Swindon, Queen's Drive to Three Mile Cross, Mereoak Lane - Park & Ride station pair. Use this guide to compare Swindon and Reading bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Swindon
Arrival bus stations in Reading
Which Swindon station do buses to Reading leave from?
Buses from Swindon to Reading leave from Swindon, Fleming Way (Stops N1&N2). The station is 0 miles (1 km) from Swindon city centre at New Bridge Cl, Swindon SN1 1EB, UK.
Swindon, Fleming Way (Stops N1&N2)New Bridge Cl, Swindon SN1 1EB, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Swindon, Fleming Way (Stops N1&N2) from Swindon city centre
TRUE
Swindon, Fleming Way (Stops N1&N2) bus station facilities and services
Swindon, Fleming Way (Stops N1&N2) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Nearby eateries available in the city center.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Swindon, Fleming Way (Stops N1&N2). ATMs are available at Swindon, Fleming Way (Stops N1&N2).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Swindon, Fleming Way (Stops N1&N2).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Swindon, Fleming Way (Stops N1&N2): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Swindon, Fleming Way (Stops N1&N2): Accessible for standard wheelchairs.
Swindon, Queen's DriveQueens Dr, Swindon SN3, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Swindon, Queen's Drive from Swindon city centre
Swindon, Queen's Drive is 1 km from Swindon city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus81 · 6m · $5 · every ~1 min
17A, 17 · 11m · every ~17 min
Swindon, Queen's Drive bus station facilities and services
Swindon, Queen's Drive has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Swindon, Queen's Drive. ATMs are available at Swindon, Queen's Drive.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Swindon, Queen's Drive.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Swindon, Queen's Drive: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Swindon, Queen's Drive: The station is accessible with provisions for disabled passengers.
Most popular bus connections from Swindon
More options for your journey from Swindon to Reading
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Reading and Swindon
Most popular bus connections to Reading
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