✓ Top Deals ✓ Compare all buses ✓ The One Simple Search

How to get from Cardiff to Reading

Compare Buses, Trains and Carpool with one click and find the best one for you
The Best Deals Save up to 70%
The Most Choices Millions of routes worldwide
Easy and Transparent Compare offers with 1 click

What is the best way to travel from Cardiff to Reading?

Looking for a trip? Compare all the available Buses, Trains and Carpool for the journey to Reading from Cardiff. Check between different modes of transportation, look for the cheapest tickets, fastest rides and most popular stations, and see all 4 available companies to find your perfect trip!
Bus is the cheapest, while Train is the fastest way on this route
Transport type
Travel time
Cheapest price
Average price
Daily departures
Bus
3h 55m
£11
£29
33
Train
1h 24m
£27
£60
4
Car
1h 40m
£13
£15
1

What is the cheapest way to reach Reading from Cardiff?

You can get to Reading with just £11 by taking a Bus from FlixBus, but you can find many more cheap offers: we have selected the best ones for next few days here for you.

today
from £21
tomorrow
from £19
Friday
from £11
Saturday
from £21
Sunday
from £13
Monday
from £23
Tuesday
from £26

    Cheapest Buses today

  • National Express
    7h 24m
    0
    04:41
    Bristol Airport
    Bristol Airport
    12:05
    Reading
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £21
  • National Express
    6h 20m
    0
    05:45
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    12:05
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £22
  • National Express
    7h 24m
    0
    04:41
    Bristol Airport
    Bristol Airport
    12:05
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £26
  • National Express
    7h 30m
    0
    03:15
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    10:45
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £29
  • Cheapest Trains today

  • Great Western Railway (GWR)
    1h 41m
    0
    05:07
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    06:48
    Reading
    Central Station
    0
    Great Western Railway (GWR)
    Economy
    from £46
  • Great Western Railway (GWR)
    1h 24m
    0
    05:54
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    07:18
    Reading
    Central Station
    0
    Great Western Railway (GWR)
    Economy
    from £132

    Cheapest Buses tomorrow

  • National Express
    6h 20m
    0
    05:45
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    12:05
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £19
  • National Express
    7h 30m
    0
    03:15
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    10:45
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £27
  • National Express
    7h 24m
    0
    04:41
    Bristol Airport
    Bristol Airport
    12:05
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £28
  • National Express
    5h 50m
    0
    09:00
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    14:50
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £29
  • Cheapest Trains tomorrow

  • Great Western Railway (GWR)
    1h 41m
    0
    05:07
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    06:48
    Reading
    Central Station
    0
    Great Western Railway (GWR)
    Economy
    from £42
  • Great Western Railway (GWR)
    1h 24m
    0
    05:54
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    07:18
    Reading
    Central Station
    0
    Great Western Railway (GWR)
    Economy
    from £114

    Cheapest Buses Friday

  • FlixBus
    5h 5m
    0
    23:35
    Cardiff
    Bus Interchange
    04:40
    Reading
    University (Redlands Rd)
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £11
  • FlixBus
    5h 5m
    0
    23:35
    Cardiff
    Lloyd George Avenue
    04:40
    Reading
    University (Redlands Rd)
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £24
  • National Express
    6h 0m
    0
    04:20
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    10:20
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £31
  • National Express
    7h 5m
    0
    03:15
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    10:20
    Reading
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £36
  • Cheapest Carpool Friday

  • BlaBlaCar
    2h 10m
    0
    19:00
    Cardiff
    21:10
    Reading
    0
    BlaBlaCar
    Economy
    from £17
  • Cheapest Trains Friday

  • Great Western Railway (GWR)
    1h 24m
    0
    05:54
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    07:18
    Reading
    Central Station
    0
    Great Western Railway (GWR)
    Economy
    from £27
  • Great Western Railway (GWR)
    1h 41m
    0
    05:07
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    06:48
    Reading
    Central Station
    0
    Great Western Railway (GWR)
    Economy
    from £30

    Cheapest Buses Saturday

  • National Express
    6h 33m
    0
    05:32
    Bristol Airport
    Bristol Airport
    12:05
    Reading
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £21
  • National Express
    6h 10m
    0
    05:55
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    12:05
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £28
  • National Express
    6h 23m
    0
    06:52
    Bristol Airport
    Bristol Airport
    13:15
    Reading
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £32
  • National Express
    6h 33m
    0
    05:32
    Bristol Airport
    Bristol Airport
    12:05
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £33

    Cheapest Carpool Sunday

  • BlaBlaCar
    1h 40m
    0
    17:30
    Bristol Airport
    19:10
    Reading
    0
    BlaBlaCar
    Economy
    from £13
  • Cheapest Buses Sunday

  • FlixBus
    3h 55m
    0
    00:45
    Cardiff
    Lloyd George Avenue
    04:40
    Reading
    University (Redlands Rd)
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £24
  • National Express
    6h 10m
    0
    05:55
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    12:05
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £25
  • National Express
    6h 21m
    0
    05:44
    Bristol Airport
    Bristol Airport
    12:05
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £29
  • National Express
    5h 30m
    0
    04:50
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    10:20
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £34

    Cheapest Buses Monday

  • National Express
    6h 50m
    0
    05:15
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    12:05
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £23
  • National Express
    6h 29m
    0
    05:36
    Bristol Airport
    Bristol Airport
    12:05
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £25
  • National Express
    6h 0m
    0
    04:20
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    10:20
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £34
  • National Express
    6h 30m
    0
    06:45
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    13:15
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £36
  • Cheapest Trains Monday

  • Great Western Railway (GWR)
    1h 41m
    0
    05:07
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    06:48
    Reading
    Central Station
    0
    Great Western Railway (GWR)
    Economy
    from £43
  • Great Western Railway (GWR)
    1h 24m
    0
    05:54
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    07:18
    Reading
    Central Station
    0
    Great Western Railway (GWR)
    Economy
    from £65

    Cheapest Buses Tuesday

  • National Express
    6h 20m
    0
    05:45
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    12:05
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £26
  • National Express
    7h 24m
    0
    04:41
    Bristol Airport
    Bristol Airport
    12:05
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £28
  • National Express
    7h 30m
    0
    03:15
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    10:45
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £38
  • National Express
    5h 50m
    0
    09:00
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    14:50
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £38
  • Cheapest Trains Tuesday

  • Great Western Railway (GWR)
    1h 41m
    0
    05:07
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    06:48
    Reading
    Central Station
    0
    Great Western Railway (GWR)
    Economy
    from £40
  • Great Western Railway (GWR)
    1h 24m
    0
    05:54
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    07:18
    Reading
    Central Station
    0
    Great Western Railway (GWR)
    Economy
    from £64

What are the fastest trips from Cardiff to Reading?

You can get to Reading from Cardiff in just 1h 24m with a Train from Great Western Railway (GWR). This is not the only option, and you can click on any of the offers below to compare it with the other modes of transportations.

today
from 1h 24m
tomorrow
from 1h 24m
Friday
from 1h 24m
Saturday
from 6h 10m
Sunday
from 1h 40m
Monday
from 1h 24m
Tuesday
from 1h 24m

    Fastest Trains today

  • Great Western Railway (GWR)
    1h 24m
    0
    05:54
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    07:18
    Reading
    Central Station
    0
    Great Western Railway (GWR)
    Economy
    from £132
  • Great Western Railway (GWR)
    1h 41m
    0
    05:07
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    06:48
    Reading
    Central Station
    0
    Great Western Railway (GWR)
    Economy
    from £46
  • Fastest Buses today

  • National Express
    5h 50m
    0
    13:30
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    19:20
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £31
  • National Express
    6h 20m
    0
    05:45
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    12:05
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £22
  • National Express
    7h 24m
    0
    04:41
    Bristol Airport
    Bristol Airport
    12:05
    Reading
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £21
  • National Express
    7h 24m
    0
    04:41
    Bristol Airport
    Bristol Airport
    12:05
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £26

    Fastest Trains tomorrow

  • Great Western Railway (GWR)
    1h 24m
    0
    05:54
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    07:18
    Reading
    Central Station
    0
    Great Western Railway (GWR)
    Economy
    from £114
  • Great Western Railway (GWR)
    1h 41m
    0
    05:07
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    06:48
    Reading
    Central Station
    0
    Great Western Railway (GWR)
    Economy
    from £42
  • Fastest Buses tomorrow

  • National Express
    5h 50m
    0
    09:00
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    14:50
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £29
  • National Express
    5h 50m
    0
    13:30
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    19:20
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £29
  • National Express
    6h 20m
    0
    05:45
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    12:05
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £19
  • National Express
    7h 24m
    0
    04:41
    Bristol Airport
    Bristol Airport
    12:05
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £28

    Fastest Trains Friday

  • Great Western Railway (GWR)
    1h 24m
    0
    05:54
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    07:18
    Reading
    Central Station
    0
    Great Western Railway (GWR)
    Economy
    from £27
  • Great Western Railway (GWR)
    1h 41m
    0
    05:07
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    06:48
    Reading
    Central Station
    0
    Great Western Railway (GWR)
    Economy
    from £30
  • Fastest Carpool Friday

  • BlaBlaCar
    2h 10m
    0
    19:00
    Cardiff
    21:10
    Reading
    0
    BlaBlaCar
    Economy
    from £17
  • Fastest Buses Friday

  • FlixBus
    5h 5m
    0
    23:35
    Cardiff
    Bus Interchange
    04:40
    Reading
    University (Redlands Rd)
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £11
  • FlixBus
    5h 5m
    0
    23:35
    Cardiff
    Lloyd George Avenue
    04:40
    Reading
    University (Redlands Rd)
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £24
  • National Express
    6h 0m
    0
    04:20
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    10:20
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £31
  • National Express
    6h 35m
    0
    06:45
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    13:20
    Reading
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £36

    Fastest Buses Saturday

  • National Express
    6h 10m
    0
    05:55
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    12:05
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £28
  • National Express
    6h 20m
    0
    04:00
    Bristol Airport
    Bristol Airport
    10:20
    Reading
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £33
  • National Express
    6h 23m
    0
    06:52
    Bristol Airport
    Bristol Airport
    13:15
    Reading
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £32
  • National Express
    6h 33m
    0
    05:32
    Bristol Airport
    Bristol Airport
    12:05
    Reading
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £21

    Fastest Carpool Sunday

  • BlaBlaCar
    1h 40m
    0
    17:30
    Bristol Airport
    19:10
    Reading
    0
    BlaBlaCar
    Economy
    from £13
  • Fastest Buses Sunday

  • FlixBus
    3h 55m
    0
    00:45
    Cardiff
    Lloyd George Avenue
    04:40
    Reading
    University (Redlands Rd)
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £24
  • National Express
    5h 30m
    0
    04:50
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    10:20
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £34
  • National Express
    6h 10m
    0
    05:55
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    12:05
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £25
  • National Express
    6h 21m
    0
    05:44
    Bristol Airport
    Bristol Airport
    12:05
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £29

    Fastest Trains Monday

  • Great Western Railway (GWR)
    1h 24m
    0
    05:54
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    07:18
    Reading
    Central Station
    0
    Great Western Railway (GWR)
    Economy
    from £65
  • Great Western Railway (GWR)
    1h 41m
    0
    05:07
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    06:48
    Reading
    Central Station
    0
    Great Western Railway (GWR)
    Economy
    from £43
  • Fastest Buses Monday

  • National Express
    6h 0m
    0
    04:20
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    10:20
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £34
  • National Express
    6h 15m
    0
    10:45
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    17:00
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £36
  • National Express
    6h 29m
    0
    05:36
    Bristol Airport
    Bristol Airport
    12:05
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £25
  • National Express
    6h 30m
    0
    06:45
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    13:15
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £36

    Fastest Trains Tuesday

  • Great Western Railway (GWR)
    1h 24m
    0
    05:54
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    07:18
    Reading
    Central Station
    0
    Great Western Railway (GWR)
    Economy
    from £64
  • Great Western Railway (GWR)
    1h 41m
    0
    05:07
    Cardiff
    Central Station
    06:48
    Reading
    Central Station
    0
    Great Western Railway (GWR)
    Economy
    from £40
  • Fastest Buses Tuesday

  • National Express
    5h 50m
    0
    09:00
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    14:50
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £38
  • National Express
    5h 50m
    0
    13:30
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    19:20
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £38
  • National Express
    6h 20m
    0
    05:45
    Cardiff
    Coach Station
    12:05
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £26
  • National Express
    7h 24m
    0
    04:41
    Bristol Airport
    Bristol Airport
    12:05
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £28
Here you will find all operators and timetables for a Bus from Cardiff to Reading

What are the most popular stations in Cardiff and Reading?

In Cardiff, you will usually depart from Kingsway Coach Stop, Central Station or University, while in Reading you will be arriving at Station Road (Stop SD), Tilehurst Station or University (Redlands Rd), but there are many more stops to explore in both locations.

How do I decide? Some tips and tricks from our experience

Are you having trouble deciding on how to get to Reading from Cardiff? With 7 connections between 4 Bus, Train and Car operators, it can be difficult to find the one ride that will make you happy. But we have some tips that can help you make the best informed decision. First of all, the best trip is always the one that meets all your needs, so make a list of all the things that you want from this journey and look for something that will satisfy all of them. Here we will go through some of the factors mostly commonly taken into consideration.

Look for the lowest price

Ticket price is usually the main concern: even if you can afford to pay more, why do it if there are cheaper options? Saving on the trip means that you can spend more on the vacation itself! Between Cardiff and Reading, you can pay as low as £11 with a Bus from FlixBus.

Travel duration

Time is also an important factor. An earlier departure may allow you to see a beautiful sunset or relax before an important event. And remember, time is money, so paying more for a shorter trip may be well worth it. For longer distances, flights are without doubt the best options, but be mindful of airport times and possible delays: a high-speed train may end up cheaper and faster! Here the quicker option is definitely the Train from Great Western Railway (GWR): you will get to Reading in just 1h 24m.

Comfort makes all the difference

You should always take into account what your personal travelling preferences are. Is one hand luggage enough, or are you trasporting more? Would you like to have a snack during the journey? Can you relax in a busy compartment, or do you need space for yourself? Even among the same mode of transportation, different companies will offer you varying levels of comfort and amenities. The main operators connecting Cardiff and Reading are National Express, Great Western Railway (GWR) and FlixBus, but be sure to check what they have to offer!

Save money with deals, and always compare

One last tip? Even if you live in Cardiff and Reading is your only destination, it may be wise to check the offers from and to nearby cities or, if you are flyng, nearby airports. Check the trips from Newlyn or to Lower Earley, and look at flights from Cardiff Airport, and landing at Farnborough Airport. Comparing different routes may allow you to find deals or promotions you were not aware of. Consider also signing up to CheckMyBus to see even more exclusive promotions!

Which companies offer a trip from Cardiff to Reading?

The most popular companies between Cardiff and Reading, are National Express, Great Western Railway (GWR) and FlixBus. Be sure to check their seat class offers and the amenities that they provide.

Bus companies: National Express and FlixBus

Train companies: Great Western Railway (GWR)

All you need to know when you travel from Cardiff to Reading

Check all information on comfort and services on all modes of transports from Cardiff to Reading. See which seat classes are available, and what amenities are other advantages offered by the operators on your journey.

FAQs about the trip from Cardiff to Reading

How can I reach Reading from Cardiff?

Every day, there are on average 7 connections between Bus, Train and Car, with which you can get to Reading from Cardiff.

How far is Reading from Cardiff?

The distance between Cardiff and Reading is 152.9 km.

What is the most ecofriendly mode of transport between Cardiff and Reading?

Trains and buses are by far the greenest options, with trains surpassing buses on longer routes. Planes will always be the worst polluters, especially in shorter flights, were the emissions from the takeoff and landing are less offset by the distance. On this particular route, a bus will emit, per person, a total of 4 kgs of CO2, a train 5 kgs, a car 26 kgs, and a flight 38 kgs.

What is the cheapest mode of transport from Cardiff to Reading?

You can get to Reading with just £11 by taking a Bus from FlixBus.

What is the fastest way to get from Cardiff to Reading?

While a plane is travelling fastest boarding and transfer to airport consumes a lot of time. Usually, high speed trains are better than flights if pure train travel time is below 4 hours. For this particular route, you can get to Reading in just 1h 24m with a Train from Great Western Railway (GWR).

More routes to Cardiff and to Reading

Looking for more options? Here you can see the most popular routes to Cardiff and to Reading. Simply click on a connection, and you’ll find all the details about the route!

The CheckMyBus App

Free Download

App Store
CheckMyBus App
Close
GPDR CheckMyBus shield

We value your privacy!

To show you the best bus deals, we and our partners use technical, analytical, and marketing cookies for ads personalisation. We remember your anonymized details to provide a personalized experience.