Checked offer from London to Reading: Coach, about 1h 20min, from €10. Main companies selling this route on 12Go (checked on November 5, 2026): FlixBus; main departure point: Victoria Bus Station.
One option to get from London to Reading
Select an option below to see the route details and compare prices. Secure booking via our partner 12go.asia.
Companies selling this route on 12Go
Offers listed on 12Go on November 5, 2026 for a departure on November 26, 2026. Timetables and prices change with the date: check them before booking.
| Company | Mode | Departs from | From | Offers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus | Bus | Victoria Bus Station | €10 | 1 |
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Practical tips
Coach fares are lowest when you book ahead. Reserve online as soon as your plans are fixed, particularly for weekends and bank holidays, and keep the e-ticket on your phone for easy boarding.
Buying a train ticket at the station on the day is often the priciest way to travel. If you prefer the train, book in advance online; otherwise the coach is the safer budget choice.
London has many coach and railway stations, and they are far apart. Read the departure point on your booking confirmation and check it on a map the evening before, not on the morning of travel.
If you are connecting to a flight or onward train, leave a generous buffer. Road traffic around London can vary, especially at rush hour and on Friday evenings, so avoid tight transfers.
Coming from Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted or Luton, check which London station your onward coach uses before you land. Allow extra time for luggage, passport control and moving across the city.
The journey experience
Heading from London to Reading is one of the easiest trips you can make in southern England, and the coach is the option to look at first if you are watching your budget. Reading sits west of the capital on the main corridor towards Oxford, Bath and the West Country, so it is a handy first stop or a simple base for day trips.
The coach is a straightforward choice for independent travellers: you book a seat online, receive an e-ticket on your phone and ride a comfortable, direct-style service with reclining seats, luggage space under the vehicle and usually onboard Wi-Fi and power sockets. It also avoids the confusing mix of train ticket types, so you do not need to decode peak, off-peak or advance fares. Services run frequently through the day, which makes it easy to adjust your plans if something slips.
The key worry is paying more than you need to, and the fix is simple: book your coach ahead, especially for Fridays, Sundays, bank holidays and summer weekends when popular departures can sell out. Check the departure point on your e-ticket before you leave, because London has several coach and railway stations and they are not interchangeable. Arrive a little early, keep your ticket handy, and you will have a calm, low-cost journey.
Frequently asked questions — London → Reading
Coach tickets from London to Reading start from around €10, and typical fares go up to about €11. Prices can change with the day and how early you book, so reserving ahead online is the best way to secure the lowest fare, especially on busy weekends and bank holidays.
The coach journey takes about 1 hour 20. The exact time depends on traffic, which can be heavier at rush hour and on Friday evenings, so allow a little extra time if you have a connection or an appointment on arrival.
For travellers on a budget, the coach is an excellent choice: it is simple to book online, you get an e-ticket instantly, and you avoid the confusing train ticket types. It is especially good value when booked ahead. If you need the quickest option, compare other modes before you decide.
Departure points can vary by operator and service, so always check your booking confirmation. Many coach services in London leave from Victoria Coach Station, but your e-ticket shows the exact stop. Confirm it the day before so you do not end up at the wrong station.
Reading lies west of London, in the same direction as Heathrow, so you do not necessarily need to go into central London first. Check your booking options for a service that suits your arrival, and allow extra time for baggage and passport control before travelling onwards.
Why visit Reading?
- ✓ Explore the ruins of Reading Abbey and the Abbey Gateway, where Henry I is believed to be buried
- ✓ Stroll along the Thames and Kennet towpaths, from Caversham Bridge to Kennet Mouth
- ✓ Visit the Museum of English Rural Life, a unique collection of farming heritage and rural history
- ✓ See the Reading Gaol, once home to Oscar Wilde, and the Forbury Gardens with its giant Maiwand Lion
- ✓ Shop and dine at The Oracle, the riverside shopping centre, or catch live music at the Reading Festival in August
When to visit Reading?
TEMPERATE OCEANIC CLIMATE
May to September — mild, longest days, and the best weather for riverside walks and festivals
What to do in Reading?
Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you
How long to visit Reading?
Reading works best as a 1-day stop or a 2-day base. In one day, cover the Abbey ruins, the Forbury Gardens, the Reading Museum with its Bayeux Tapestry replica, and a walk along the Thames and Kennet. With a second day, add Caversham Court Gardens, a river cruise, or a day trip to Windsor, Oxford or Henley-on-Thames, all easily reached by train. Book trains in advance for cheaper fares: London Paddington is only 25 minutes away.
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