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Journey Information
There are 3 intercity buses per day from Reading to Bristol. Traveling by bus from Reading to Bristol usually takes around 7 hours and 49 minutes, but the fastest National Express bus can make the trip in 4 hours,
| Distance | 69 mi (112 km) |
| Shortest duration | 4h 0m |
| Cheapest price | $11.83 |
| Most frequent service | Megabus |
| Bus lines | 2 |
How much is a bus ticket from Reading to Bristol?
$31.17 is the average price of a bus ticket from Reading to Bristol. Taking a bus is an affordable way to make this trip. It’s easy to find a bus ticket at this price or lower when you use Wanderu to book your trip online in advance of your travel date.
Monthly average prices
The lowest bus ticket prices on this route can usually be found in September. That’s when the average price of a bus ticket is expected to be just $27 – the lowest of the year.
Alternatively, if you plan to travel from Reading to Bristol in November, expect to spend more on your bus trip, as the average ticket price may surge to $65 at that time of year. However, if you book your trip ahead of time, you can still score a ticket at a lower price.
What bus companies travel from Reading to Bristol?
There are two bus lines that have daily service from Reading to Bristol that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, Megabus usually offers more choice, with 2 scheduled trips per day.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Megabus | 2 | 8h 7m | $33.36 |
| National Express | 4 | 4h 8m | $91.57 |
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 7 hours and 49 minutes to cover the 112 kilometers from Reading to Bristol. However, the fastest bus only takes 4 hours. It’s definitely on the longer side, so plan to get comfortable for a long road trip. 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.
"Thursday is usually the day of the week when buses are busiest. If you are planning to travel on a Thursday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.
On the other hand, Sunday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you are looking for less crowded buses to Bristol, book your ticket for the last day of the week."
The first bus leaves at 12:00am and the last bus leaves at 1:00am. To see the times for all buses from Reading to Bristol, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are 3 scheduled buses that travel from Reading to Bristol every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so no matter which bus you take, you will have to transfer buses at least once during your journey.
Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Reading to Bristol; ticket prices start at $58.26.
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.
Bristol
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Situated on the River Avon, Bristol is the most populous city in South West England. Known for its vibrant culture, Bristol comprises distinct areas, each with its own atmosphere. For example, the Stokes Croft area is filled with independent cafes and vintage shops, while the Clifton suburb hosts unique boutiques and beautiful Georgian architecture.
Bristol Zoo is a must-see for animal lovers, where visitors can discover over 300 different animal species and then enjoy lunch in The Hide restaurant. If nautical history is your thing, then step aboard Brunel's SS Great Britain to immerse yourself in 19th-century-era travel, with tours of the whole ship and docks available. More contemporary interests may be piqued when you learn that Bristol is the hometown of the famous street artist Banksy. Many walking tours are available daily to explore the city's renowned street art and local history.
Access to the city is made simple by a wealth of public transport, with rail, road, bus, and air links available. Bristol Airport provides international and national access, and the Great Western Railway trains enable easy access from London and other cities. Several national and regional bus services also serve Bristol.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Reading?
Main departure station: North Interchange
Buses to Bristol leave from 3 stations in Reading.
All bus stations in Reading:
North Interchange
Trooper Potts Way
Reading Station
Where does the bus arrive in Bristol?
Main arrival station: Cabot Circus (S2)
These are the two stations where buses may stop when they arrive in Bristol.
Bus stations in Bristol:
Cabot Circus (S2)
Whitson Street Coach Station
Get around town with Moovit
Need a return trip from Bristol to Reading?
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