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Journey Information
There are 4 intercity buses per day from Reading to Leicester. Traveling by bus from Reading to Leicester usually takes around 5 hours and 24 minutes, but the fastest National Express bus can make the trip in 4 hours and 35 minutes.
| Distance | 82 mi (132 km) |
| Shortest duration | 4h 35m |
| Cheapest price | $10.76 |
| Most frequent service | Megabus |
| Bus lines | 2 |
What bus companies travel from Reading to Leicester?
There are two bus lines that have daily service from Reading to Leicester that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, Megabus usually offers more choice, with 4 scheduled trips per day.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Megabus | 4 | 5h 25m | $20.26 |
| National Express | 4 | 5h 8m | $68.73 |
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 5 hours and 24 minutes to cover the 82 miles from Reading to Leicester. However, the fastest bus only takes 4 hours and 35 minutes. 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.
Friday is the busiest travel day for buses as people head from Reading to Leicester for the weekend. If you are planning to travel on a Friday, 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 3:00am and the last bus leaves at 3:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Reading to Leicester, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are 4 scheduled buses that travel from Reading to Leicester 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 Leicester; ticket prices start at $106.80.
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.
Leicester
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Leicester, located in the county of Leicestershire in the East Midlands, is a city with much to explore. Leicester's cultural diversity and large student population mean the city is filled with a wide variety of experiences.
Leicester Cathedral and Belvoir Castle are a must-visit for those looking to discover the past. Leicester is also famous for being the final resting place of King Richard III, with a visitor center built around the location to tell the story of one of the most famous monarchs in English history. For a broader look at history, try the Leicester Museum and Art Gallery to learn about the Mesozoic era as well as Ancient Egypt.
If your interests lie more in futuristic endeavors, visit the National Space Centre to take a trip through time and space. Leicester is also home to many traditional English pubs and quaint cafes, making it a great place to sit back, relax and enjoy the moment.
Leicester is easily accessible by train, with Leicester Rail Station serving East Midlands and Thameslink trains. St Margaret's Bus Station is located centrally and serves National Express buses. If you're traveling from further afield, East Midlands Airport and Birmingham Airport are both close to Leicester.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Reading?
Main departure station: North Interchange
Buses to Leicester leave from 3 stations in Reading.
All bus stations in Reading:
North Interchange
Trooper Potts Way
Reading Station
Where does the bus arrive in Leicester?
Main arrival station: Asda Bus Stop
These are the two stations where buses may stop when they arrive in Leicester.
All bus stations in Leicester:
Asda Bus Stop
LEICESTER, St Margarets Bus Station
Get around town with Moovit
Need a return trip from Leicester to Reading?
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