Reading to Luton bus with National Express

Tue, Sep 08
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Reading to Luton

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 08

Cheapest price on Sep 08

$59

Average ticket price on Sep 08

$64

Fastest journey on Sep 08

2 h 58 m

Average journey duration on Sep 08

3 h 1 m

Buses on Sep 08

4

Distance

61 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Reading to Luton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Reading to Luton will cost around $64 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $59.

Fast buses

On Tue, Sep 08, we found 4 buses from Reading to Luton, including 4 direct services.

On Tue, Sep 08 the direct buses cover the 61 km distance in an average of 3 h 1 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 58 m .

On Tue, Sep 08 the slowest buses will take 3 h 6 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.

  • National Express
    10:45 AM3h00
    Reading
    1:45 PMLuton
    $591One-way
    0 transfers
  • National Express
    6:22 AM2h58
    Reading
    9:20 AMLuton
    $601One-way
    0 transfers
  • National Express
    7:22 AM2h58
    Reading
    10:20 AMLuton
    $671One-way
    0 transfers
  • National Express
    3:44 PM3h06
    Reading
    6:50 PMLuton
    $691One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Reading to Luton

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Reading to Luton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of $49 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 53m. 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 $49, while a bus costs an average of $58.

Distance: 37 miles (61 km)

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Train
Driving

$58

Average price

$49

Average price

Cheapest

$17

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

2h 46m

Average total duration

2h 16m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 53m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 23m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 33m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.1 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

-

CO2 emissions

National Express

Most popular bus company

Thameslink

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 Reading to Luton is a train with an average price of $49.

This is compared to other travel options from Reading to Luton:

A train is $9 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Reading to Luton costing on average $58.

The fastest way to travel from Reading to Luton is by train with an average journey time of 1h 23m.

Other travel options to Luton take longer:

Bus takes on average 2h 16m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Reading and Luton including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Reading to Luton 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 $58 compared to roughly $17 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-40.78. The journey takes 2h 16m versus 1h 33m 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.

Reading to Luton Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:20AM
Arrival Time
07:10AM
Duration
2h50
Departure days
Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat
Cheapest price
$59
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:25AM
Arrival Time
08:10AM
Duration
2h45
Departure days
Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat
Cheapest price
$59
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:22AM
Arrival Time
09:20AM
Duration
2h58
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
$60
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:25AM
Arrival Time
09:20AM
Duration
2h55
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$65
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:27AM
Arrival Time
09:20AM
Duration
2h53
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$72
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:45AM
Arrival Time
09:25AM
Duration
2h40
Departure days
Mon, Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
$68
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:22AM
Arrival Time
10:20AM
Duration
2h58
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
Cheapest price
$59
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:25AM
Arrival Time
10:20AM
Duration
2h55
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$59
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:05AM
Arrival Time
11:45AM
Duration
2h40
Departure days
Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat
Cheapest price
$67
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:23AM
Arrival Time
01:20PM
Duration
2h57
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$67
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:25AM
Arrival Time
01:20PM
Duration
2h55
Departure days
Mon, Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
$68
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:45AM
Arrival Time
01:45PM
Duration
3h00
Departure days
Tue, Fri
Cheapest price
$59
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:56AM
Arrival Time
02:35PM
Duration
3h39
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$59
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:43AM
Arrival Time
02:35PM
Duration
2h52
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$59
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:45AM
Arrival Time
02:45PM
Duration
3h00
Departure days
Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri
Cheapest price
$59
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
01:03PM
Arrival Time
03:55PM
Duration
2h52
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$67
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
01:05PM
Arrival Time
04:20PM
Duration
3h15
Departure days
Mon, Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
$67
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:23PM
Arrival Time
05:25PM
Duration
3h02
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$93
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:25PM
Arrival Time
05:45PM
Duration
3h20
Departure days
Mon, Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
$70
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:44PM
Arrival Time
05:50PM
Duration
3h06
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$69
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:43PM
Arrival Time
06:25PM
Duration
2h42
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$65
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:44PM
Arrival Time
06:50PM
Duration
3h06
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
$68
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:00PM
Arrival Time
08:00PM
Duration
3h00
Departure days
Mon, Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
$67
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:18PM
Arrival Time
07:55PM
Duration
2h37
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$65
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:43PM
Arrival Time
08:55PM
Duration
3h12
Departure days
Mon, Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
$61
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:49PM
Arrival Time
08:55PM
Duration
3h06
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$62
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:20PM
Arrival Time
10:30PM
Duration
3h10
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$67
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:31PM
Arrival Time
10:30PM
Duration
2h59
Departure days
Mon, Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
$68
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:03PM
Arrival Time
11:50PM
Duration
2h47
Departure days
Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$65
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:03PM
Arrival Time
01:30AM
Duration
3h27
Departure days
Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat
Cheapest price
$62
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:03PM
Arrival Time
04:00AM
Duration
4h57
Departure days
Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat
Cheapest price
$68

Live departures

Reading to Luton bus times

The table below shows live departures for Reading to Luton buses for today, Monday, September 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX2301:05 PM Reading, Blagrave Street
3h15
4:20 PM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station1 transfer
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX2402:25 PM Reading, Blagrave Street
3h20
5:45 PM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station1 transfer
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX2303:44 PM Reading, Blagrave Street
3h06
6:50 PM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station1 transfer
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX2305:00 PM Reading, Blagrave Street
3h00
8:00 PM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station1 transfer
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX2305:43 PM Reading, Blagrave Street
3h12
8:55 PM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station1 transfer
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX2307:31 PM Reading, Blagrave Street
2h59
10:30 PM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station1 transfer
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX2309:03 PM Reading, Blagrave Street
2h47
11:50 PM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station1 transfer
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX23010:03 PM Reading, Blagrave Street
3h27
1:30 AM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station1 transfer
National ExpressRRRA1 · NX025 · NXA111:03 PM Reading, Blagrave Street
4h57
4:00 AM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station2 transfers
Tuesday, September 8
National Express6:22 AM Reading
2h58
9:20 AM Luton0 transfersDirect
National Express7:22 AM Reading
2h58
10:20 AM Luton0 transfersDirect
National Express10:45 AM Reading
3h00
1:45 PM Luton0 transfersDirect

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Reading to Luton 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.

Tue
Sep 08
Wed
Sep 09
Thu
Sep 10
Fri
Sep 11
Sat
Sep 12
Sun
Sep 13
Mon
Sep 14

Why should you book Reading to Luton buses with Omio?

National Express as well as RailAir offer buses services from Reading to Luton.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Reading to Luton.

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 RailAir to find the best option for your trip from Reading to Luton.
  • 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 Reading to Luton.

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 Reading to Luton.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Reading to Luton

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Reading to Luton run on average 16 times per day, taking around 2h 16m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $16 if you book in advance.

The earliest bus runs at 00:50, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 37 miles (61 km) distance in 2h 43m.

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
37 miles (61 km)
Average bus duration
2h 16m
Cheapest ticket price
$16
Buses per day
16
Fastest bus
2h 43m
First bus
12:50 AM
Last bus
11:50 PM
Cheapest Month
Feb
Cheapest Day
Mon
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Wed
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

Bus providers: National Express, RailAir from Reading to LutonYou can travel by bus between Reading to Luton with National Express, RailAir for as low as $16. 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 43m
Cheapest National Express Price
$57
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.

RailAir

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average RailAir Duration
2h 14m
Cheapest RailAir Price
$69
RailAir frequency
12 a day

Complete guide to Luton

Things to do in Luton

Discover the best of Luton — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Luton trip today.

  • Must visit

Wardown House, Museum and Gallery

Luton's main museum in a Victorian mansion, covering local history, hats, lace, and changing exhibitions in a well-kept park setting.

  • Must visit

Stockwood Discovery Centre

Museum complex with rural life displays, carriages, gardens, and archaeology, making it one of Luton's strongest family-friendly heritage sites.

  • Recommended

The Hat Factory at Stockwood Discovery Centre

Working hat factory museum explaining Luton's famous hat-making trade through machinery, displays, and guided tours in an authentic setting.

British Pound Sterling (£)

Moderate for the UK. Hotels near the airport can be pricey, but dining and local transit are usually cheaper than central London.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
£18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£50+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£2.80-4 for coffee.

Tipping culture

Service may be included. If not, tip 10-12.5% in restaurants for good service. Taxis are often rounded up. Tipping in cafes is optional.

FAQs: Bus from Reading to Luton

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reading to Luton 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 Luton, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Reading to Luton can start from as little as $16 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Reading to Luton is $58 ; 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 Reading to Luton is 2h 43m to travel the 37 miles (61 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 Reading to Luton leaves at 12:50 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Reading to Luton leaves at 11:50 PM.
There are 16 buses a day from Reading to Luton which require at least one change with National Express, RailAir. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Reading to Luton, you can count on National Express, RailAir for the best way to get you to Luton. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Reading and Luton and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
When departing from Reading , you have various bus station options to start your journey from including Reading, Blagrave Street, Three Mile Cross, Mereoak Lane - Park & Ride . When arriving in Luton , you can end your journey in bus stations like Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station, Luton, Station Interchange, Luton, Dunstable Road (Challney) .Passengers board the bus most frequently from Reading, Blagrave Street, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station, located 2 away from the city centre.
A trip to Luton from Reading is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2h 43m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Reading to Luton is February.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Reading and Luton including taking a train and bus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Reading to Luton:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Reading to Luton for bus company National Express.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Luton are:
  • Stockwood Discovery Centre, a museum featuring local history exhibits, gardens, and a collection of horse-drawn carriages
  • Wardown House Museum and Gallery, a Victorian mansion offering art exhibitions and insights into Luton's history
  • Luton Hoo Estate, a historic country house with expansive gardens and a golf course
  • Whipsnade Zoo, a large zoo home to a variety of animals and conservation programs
  • The Hat Factory Arts Centre, a cultural venue hosting performances, workshops, and art exhibitions.
The best things to do in Luton include:
  • The Mall Luton, a large shopping center with a variety of retail stores and dining options
  • Woodside Animal Farm, a family-friendly attraction featuring a range of animals, play areas, and seasonal events
  • Luton Indoor Market, a bustling market offering a variety of goods from fresh produce to unique crafts
  • Stockwood Park, a large public park perfect for picnics, walks, and outdoor sports
  • The Galaxy, an entertainment complex featuring a cinema, bowling alley, and restaurants.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Reading to Luton 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 Reading to Luton.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Reading to Luton:
  • 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 Reading to Luton:
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Reading to Luton.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Reading to Luton with the following bus company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Reading to Luton with the following bus company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Reading to Luton with the following bus company: National Express.
Since neither Reading nor Luton 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 Reading to Luton 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 Luton, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas such as Luton Airport and the town center. Taxi scams can occur, so using licensed cabs or pre-booked transportation is advised. Be wary of unofficial currency exchange services offering poor rates or counterfeit notes. Staying vigilant in busy spots and securing personal belongings helps ensure a safe visit.
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 Reading to Luton

Most Reading to Luton buses use the Reading, Blagrave Street to Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Luton, Station Interchange. Use this guide to compare Reading and Luton bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.

Departure bus stations in Reading
Arrival bus stations in Luton

Which Reading station do buses to Luton leave from?

Buses from Reading to Luton leave from Reading, Blagrave Street. The station is from Reading city centre at Reading RG1 1PZ, UK.
Reading, Blagrave StreetReading RG1 1PZ, UKAccessibility
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 Reading

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