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Journey Information
There are 9 intercity buses per day from Reading to Birmingham. Traveling by bus from Reading to Birmingham usually takes around 3 hours and 50 minutes, but the fastest Megabus bus can make the trip in just one hour and 55 minutes.
| Distance | 81 mi (131 km) |
| Shortest duration | 1h 55m |
| Cheapest price | $11.62 |
| Trips per day | 5 |
| Most frequent service | Megabus |
| Bus lines | 3 |
Buses from Reading to Birmingham
- FlixBus: 1 daily buses from C$52
- Megabus: 6 daily buses from C$11
- National Express: 4 daily buses from C$65
Price trends for buses from Reading to Birmingham
Monthly average prices
What bus companies travel from Reading to Birmingham?
There are 3 bus lines from Reading to Birmingham available for you to search and compare on Wanderu. With 6 daily trips, Megabus usually has the most buses running on any given day. Here are some time and price comparisons for all the available options:
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus | 1 | 6h 20m | $52.00 |
| Megabus | 6 | 3h 15m | $23.92 |
| National Express | 4 | 5h 17m | $88.34 |
First launched in Germany in 2013, FlixBus has become one of the largest intercity bus companies in Europe. Its fleet travels through nearly every country in Europe, including the U.K. FlixBus operates an average of 1 trips from Reading to Birmingham, and usually makes the trip in about 6 hours and 20 minutes. On your trip, you'll enjoy Wi-Fi and live GPS, as well as restrooms, air conditioning, and power outlets.
Founded in 2003, Megabus UK was created to provide travelers with greener, more straightforward and smarter travel. The carrier has routes all across the United Kingdom in England, Scotland, and Wales. The Megabus UK fleet, easily distinguishable by its dark blue and yellow colors, has free Wi-Fi, outlets and charging ports, onboard restrooms, and 20 kg luggage allowances on each bus.
National Express is probably the UK's best-known bus company, offering intercity services to London, Manchester, Southampton, and Edinburgh. Onboard the single and double-decker vehicles, travelers enjoy a good amount of legroom – roomier than airlines have in coach class – alongside WiFi, restrooms, and air conditioning.
Frequently Asked Questions
The bus takes an average of 3 hours and 50 minutes to cover the 131 kilometers from Reading to Birmingham. However, the fastest bus only takes an hour and 55 minutes. It's the perfect amount of time to take a nap, get some work done, or watch a movie. Keep in mind that your actual bus may arrive earlier or later than scheduled, depending on whether there is more or less traffic than usual.
"Travelers prefer riding the bus on Saturday to enjoy the weekend in Birmingham. If you are planning to travel on a Saturday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.
On the other hand, Wednesday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you're looking for some extra space on the bus, traveling mid-week is your best bet."
The first bus leaves at 12:00am and the last bus leaves at 8:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Reading to Birmingham, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are 9 scheduled buses that travel from Reading to Birmingham every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. This includes 5 direct buses, where you can stay on the same bus without having to transfer to a connecting bus at any point during your trip.
Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Reading to Birmingham; ticket prices start at $55.93.
City Information
Reading
Image credit: Reading Tom
Link to image attribution
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Reading Tom
Link to image attributionLocated only 20 minutes west of London, Reading is a large university and market town in the English county of Berkshire. Reading has an intriguing mix of the past and the present, with a vibrant student scene thriving among the city's medieval and Victorian architecture.
Reading sits on the River Thames, at the end-point of the Kennet and Avon Canal, so there are a number of pretty riverside walks to take in the scenery. Explore the gardens and meet the animals at Beadle Wildlife Park, a vast park crisscrossed with nature trails.
To discover the town's past, visit the Reading Museum, where you can take a trip through time from early Saxon settlements to the Industrial Revolution through 21st-century life.
Since Reading is home to a large university, you are always guaranteed exciting nightlife. Filled with many restaurants, pubs, bars, and clubs, Reading is the perfect place for a night on the town. Try The Nag's Head, The Lyndhurst, or The Purple Turtle to start your night right.
Because Reading is only a short way from London, getting to Reading is simple. Fly to one of London's large international airports for access from around the world. Reading Train Station is also one of Britain's main railway interchanges, making it easy to reach from all over the country by train. National Express buses also operate through the city from many destinations around the United Kingdom.
Birmingham
As the second-largest city in the UK, Birmingham effortlessly blends the city’s quaint vibe with modern-day high-rises. One of the top local attractions is St. Martin in the Bull Ring, the original parish church of Birmingham. Featuring remarkable Gothic Revival architecture standing in stark contrast with the futuristic-looking shopping centers, the church is a great spot for travelers looking for a bit of respite. As you stroll around the city, don’t forget to visit the famous Cadbury World, which details the long history of the brand, as well as all the products it produces. For culturally-inclined activities, head to the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, which offers over 40 exhibits.
If you wish to try out authentic Indian dishes with a local twist, head over to Pushkar. For those who wish to enjoy a more upscale dining experience, Bank offers a chic menu in an elegant setting.
The principal rail station is Birmingham New Street Station, which is the busiest train station in the UK. The Birmingham Coach Station offers coach services by National Express as far as London and Dublin. The city’s main airport is the Birmingham Airport, which is located 6 miles east of the city center.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Reading?
Main departure station: North Interchange
Buses to Birmingham leave from 4 stations in Reading.
All bus stations in Reading:
North Interchange
Reading Station
Trooper Potts Way
University - Christchurch Green
Where does the bus arrive in Birmingham?
Main arrival station: Brunel St
Buses arrive in Birmingham at 3 stations, depending on which bus line you are traveling with.
Bus stations in Birmingham:
Brunel St
Coach Station
Birmingham Summer Row- Great Charles Street
Get around town with Moovit
Need a return trip from Birmingham to Reading?
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