How to get from Reading to Birmingham

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

Looking for a trip? Check and compare all the available Buses, Carpool and Trains to Birmingham from Reading. Look at different modes of transportation, search for the cheapest tickets, fastest rides and most popular stations, and see all 3 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
2h 21m
£6
£10
120
Train
1h 36m
£38
£41
3
Car
1h 40m
£14
£16
2

What is the cheapest way to reach Birmingham from Reading?

You can reach Birmingham with just £6 by taking a Bus from FlixBus, but there are many more cheap offers: we have selected the best ones for you for the next few days here.

Tuesday
from £6
Wednesday
from £6
Thursday
from £6
Friday
from £9
Saturday
from £7
Sunday
from £7
Monday
from £7

    Cheapest Buses Tuesday

  • FlixBus
    2h 50m
    0
    20:30
    London Heathrow Airport
    London Heathrow Airport - T5
    23:20
    Birmingham
    Great Charles St Queensway
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £6
  • FlixBus
    2h 50m
    0
    22:25
    London Heathrow Airport
    London Heathrow Airport - T5
    01:15
    Birmingham
    Great Charles St Queensway
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £6
  • FlixBus
    2h 30m
    0
    20:50
    London Heathrow Airport
    London Heathrow Airport - T2/3
    23:20
    Birmingham
    Great Charles St Queensway
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £6
  • National Express
    2h 25m
    0
    21:00
    London Heathrow Airport
    London Heathrow Airport - T2/3
    23:25
    Birmingham
    Coach Station
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £14

    Cheapest Buses Wednesday

  • FlixBus
    2h 40m
    0
    08:30
    London Heathrow Airport
    London Heathrow Airport - T2/3
    11:10
    Birmingham
    Great Charles St Queensway
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £6
  • FlixBus
    2h 30m
    0
    20:50
    London Heathrow Airport
    London Heathrow Airport - T2/3
    23:20
    Birmingham
    Great Charles St Queensway
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £6
  • FlixBus
    2h 30m
    0
    22:45
    London Heathrow Airport
    London Heathrow Airport - T2/3
    01:15
    Birmingham
    Great Charles St Queensway
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £6
  • National Express
    2h 40m
    0
    23:40
    London Heathrow Airport
    London Heathrow Airport - T5
    02:20
    Birmingham
    Coach Station
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £10

    Cheapest Buses Thursday

  • FlixBus
    2h 40m
    0
    08:30
    London Heathrow Airport
    London Heathrow Airport - T2/3
    11:10
    Birmingham
    Great Charles St Queensway
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £6
  • FlixBus
    2h 40m
    0
    10:30
    London Heathrow Airport
    London Heathrow Airport - T2/3
    13:10
    Birmingham
    Great Charles St Queensway
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £6
  • FlixBus
    2h 35m
    0
    12:30
    London Heathrow Airport
    London Heathrow Airport - T2/3
    15:05
    Birmingham
    Great Charles St Queensway
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £6
  • National Express
    3h 50m
    0
    07:35
    London Heathrow Airport
    London Heathrow Airport - T5
    11:25
    Birmingham
    Coach Station
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £10
  • Cheapest Carpool Thursday

  • BlaBlaCar
    1h 40m
    0
    05:20
    London Heathrow Airport
    07:00
    Birmingham
    0
    BlaBlaCar
    Economy
    from £14
  • BlaBlaCar
    2h 0m
    0
    16:30
    London Heathrow Airport
    18:30
    Birmingham
    0
    BlaBlaCar
    Economy
    from £17

    Cheapest Buses Friday

  • FlixBus
    2h 50m
    0
    00:25
    London Heathrow Airport
    London Heathrow Airport - T5
    03:15
    Birmingham
    Great Charles St Queensway
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £9
  • FlixBus
    2h 55m
    0
    05:55
    London Heathrow Airport
    London Heathrow Airport - T5
    08:50
    Birmingham
    Great Charles St Queensway
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £9
  • FlixBus
    3h 0m
    0
    08:10
    London Heathrow Airport
    London Heathrow Airport - T5
    11:10
    Birmingham
    Great Charles St Queensway
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £9
  • National Express
    6h 0m
    0
    16:30
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    22:30
    Birmingham
    Coach Station
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £18

    Cheapest Buses Saturday

  • FlixBus
    2h 50m
    0
    00:25
    London Heathrow Airport
    London Heathrow Airport - T5
    03:15
    Birmingham
    Great Charles St Queensway
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £7
  • FlixBus
    2h 55m
    0
    05:55
    London Heathrow Airport
    London Heathrow Airport - T5
    08:50
    Birmingham
    Great Charles St Queensway
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £7
  • FlixBus
    3h 0m
    0
    08:10
    London Heathrow Airport
    London Heathrow Airport - T5
    11:10
    Birmingham
    Great Charles St Queensway
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £7
  • National Express
    4h 25m
    0
    04:35
    London Heathrow Airport
    London Heathrow Airport - T2/3
    09:00
    Birmingham
    Coach Station
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £19

    Cheapest Buses Sunday

  • FlixBus
    2h 50m
    0
    00:25
    London Heathrow Airport
    London Heathrow Airport - T5
    03:15
    Birmingham
    Great Charles St Queensway
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £7
  • FlixBus
    2h 55m
    0
    05:55
    London Heathrow Airport
    London Heathrow Airport - T5
    08:50
    Birmingham
    Great Charles St Queensway
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £7
  • FlixBus
    3h 0m
    0
    08:10
    London Heathrow Airport
    London Heathrow Airport - T5
    11:10
    Birmingham
    Great Charles St Queensway
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £7
  • National Express
    4h 25m
    0
    04:35
    London Heathrow Airport
    London Heathrow Airport - T2/3
    09:00
    Birmingham
    Coach Station
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £19
  • Cheapest Trains Sunday

  • CrossCountry
    1h 36m
    0
    11:15
    Reading
    Central Station
    12:51
    Birmingham
    New Street Train Station
    0
    CrossCountry
    Economy
    from £38
  • CrossCountry
    1h 36m
    0
    09:15
    Reading
    Central Station
    10:51
    Birmingham
    New Street Train Station
    0
    CrossCountry
    Economy
    from £42
  • CrossCountry
    1h 36m
    0
    10:15
    Reading
    Central Station
    11:51
    Birmingham
    New Street Train Station
    0
    CrossCountry
    Economy
    from £42

    Cheapest Buses Monday

  • FlixBus
    2h 50m
    0
    00:25
    London Heathrow Airport
    London Heathrow Airport - T5
    03:15
    Birmingham
    Great Charles St Queensway
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £7
  • FlixBus
    2h 55m
    0
    05:55
    London Heathrow Airport
    London Heathrow Airport - T5
    08:50
    Birmingham
    Great Charles St Queensway
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £7
  • FlixBus
    3h 0m
    0
    08:10
    London Heathrow Airport
    London Heathrow Airport - T5
    11:10
    Birmingham
    Great Charles St Queensway
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £7
  • National Express
    6h 10m
    0
    16:20
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    22:30
    Birmingham
    Coach Station
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £17

What are the fastest trips from Reading to Birmingham?

You can get to Birmingham from Reading in just 1h 36m with a Train from CrossCountry. But this is just one option, click on any of the offers below to compare it with the other available modes of transportations.

Tuesday
from 2h 25m
Wednesday
from 2h 21m
Thursday
from 1h 40m
Friday
from 2h 50m
Saturday
from 2h 45m
Sunday
from 1h 36m
Monday
from 2h 50m

    Fastest Buses Tuesday

  • National Express
    2h 25m
    0
    21:00
    London Heathrow Airport
    London Heathrow Airport - T2/3
    23:25
    Birmingham
    Coach Station
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £14
  • FlixBus
    2h 30m
    0
    20:50
    London Heathrow Airport
    London Heathrow Airport - T2/3
    23:20
    Birmingham
    Great Charles St Queensway
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £6
  • National Express
    2h 45m
    0
    20:40
    London Heathrow Airport
    London Heathrow Airport - T5
    23:25
    Birmingham
    Coach Station
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £14
  • FlixBus
    2h 50m
    0
    20:30
    London Heathrow Airport
    London Heathrow Airport - T5
    23:20
    Birmingham
    Great Charles St Queensway
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £6

    Fastest Buses Wednesday

  • National Express
    2h 21m
    0
    23:59
    London Heathrow Airport
    London Heathrow Airport - T2/3
    02:20
    Birmingham
    Coach Station
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £10
  • FlixBus
    2h 30m
    0
    20:50
    London Heathrow Airport
    London Heathrow Airport - T2/3
    23:20
    Birmingham
    Great Charles St Queensway
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £6
  • FlixBus
    2h 30m
    0
    22:45
    London Heathrow Airport
    London Heathrow Airport - T2/3
    01:15
    Birmingham
    Great Charles St Queensway
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £6
  • FlixBus
    2h 40m
    0
    08:30
    London Heathrow Airport
    London Heathrow Airport - T2/3
    11:10
    Birmingham
    Great Charles St Queensway
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £6

    Fastest Carpool Thursday

  • BlaBlaCar
    1h 40m
    0
    05:20
    London Heathrow Airport
    07:00
    Birmingham
    0
    BlaBlaCar
    Economy
    from £14
  • BlaBlaCar
    2h 0m
    0
    16:30
    London Heathrow Airport
    18:30
    Birmingham
    0
    BlaBlaCar
    Economy
    from £17
  • Fastest Buses Thursday

  • FlixBus
    2h 35m
    0
    12:30
    London Heathrow Airport
    London Heathrow Airport - T2/3
    15:05
    Birmingham
    Great Charles St Queensway
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £6
  • FlixBus
    2h 40m
    0
    08:30
    London Heathrow Airport
    London Heathrow Airport - T2/3
    11:10
    Birmingham
    Great Charles St Queensway
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £6
  • FlixBus
    2h 40m
    0
    10:30
    London Heathrow Airport
    London Heathrow Airport - T2/3
    13:10
    Birmingham
    Great Charles St Queensway
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £6
  • National Express
    3h 50m
    0
    07:35
    London Heathrow Airport
    London Heathrow Airport - T5
    11:25
    Birmingham
    Coach Station
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £10

    Fastest Buses Friday

  • FlixBus
    2h 50m
    0
    00:25
    London Heathrow Airport
    London Heathrow Airport - T5
    03:15
    Birmingham
    Great Charles St Queensway
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £9
  • FlixBus
    2h 55m
    0
    05:55
    London Heathrow Airport
    London Heathrow Airport - T5
    08:50
    Birmingham
    Great Charles St Queensway
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £9
  • FlixBus
    3h 0m
    0
    08:10
    London Heathrow Airport
    London Heathrow Airport - T5
    11:10
    Birmingham
    Great Charles St Queensway
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £9
  • National Express
    6h 0m
    0
    16:30
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    22:30
    Birmingham
    Coach Station
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £18

    Fastest Buses Saturday

  • National Express
    2h 45m
    0
    23:45
    London Heathrow Airport
    London Heathrow Airport - T2/3
    02:30
    Birmingham
    Coach Station
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £19
  • FlixBus
    2h 50m
    0
    00:25
    London Heathrow Airport
    London Heathrow Airport - T5
    03:15
    Birmingham
    Great Charles St Queensway
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £7
  • FlixBus
    2h 55m
    0
    05:55
    London Heathrow Airport
    London Heathrow Airport - T5
    08:50
    Birmingham
    Great Charles St Queensway
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £7
  • FlixBus
    3h 0m
    0
    08:10
    London Heathrow Airport
    London Heathrow Airport - T5
    11:10
    Birmingham
    Great Charles St Queensway
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £7

    Fastest Trains Sunday

  • CrossCountry
    1h 36m
    0
    11:15
    Reading
    Central Station
    12:51
    Birmingham
    New Street Train Station
    0
    CrossCountry
    Economy
    from £38
  • CrossCountry
    1h 36m
    0
    09:15
    Reading
    Central Station
    10:51
    Birmingham
    New Street Train Station
    0
    CrossCountry
    Economy
    from £42
  • CrossCountry
    1h 36m
    0
    10:15
    Reading
    Central Station
    11:51
    Birmingham
    New Street Train Station
    0
    CrossCountry
    Economy
    from £42
  • Fastest Buses Sunday

  • FlixBus
    2h 50m
    0
    00:25
    London Heathrow Airport
    London Heathrow Airport - T5
    03:15
    Birmingham
    Great Charles St Queensway
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £7
  • FlixBus
    2h 55m
    0
    05:55
    London Heathrow Airport
    London Heathrow Airport - T5
    08:50
    Birmingham
    Great Charles St Queensway
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £7
  • FlixBus
    3h 0m
    0
    08:10
    London Heathrow Airport
    London Heathrow Airport - T5
    11:10
    Birmingham
    Great Charles St Queensway
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £7
  • National Express
    3h 35m
    0
    19:05
    London Heathrow Airport
    London Heathrow Airport - T5
    22:40
    Birmingham
    Coach Station
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £20

    Fastest Buses Monday

  • FlixBus
    2h 50m
    0
    00:25
    London Heathrow Airport
    London Heathrow Airport - T5
    03:15
    Birmingham
    Great Charles St Queensway
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £7
  • FlixBus
    2h 55m
    0
    05:55
    London Heathrow Airport
    London Heathrow Airport - T5
    08:50
    Birmingham
    Great Charles St Queensway
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £7
  • FlixBus
    3h 0m
    0
    08:10
    London Heathrow Airport
    London Heathrow Airport - T5
    11:10
    Birmingham
    Great Charles St Queensway
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £7
  • National Express
    6h 10m
    0
    16:20
    Reading
    Mereoak Park & Ride
    22:30
    Birmingham
    Coach Station
    0
    National Express
    Economy
    £17
Here you will find all operators and timetables for a Bus from Reading to Birmingham

What are the most popular stations in Reading and Birmingham?

In Reading, you will usually depart from Station Road (Stop SD), Tilehurst Station or University (Redlands Rd), while in Birmingham you will be arriving at New Street Train Station, Moor Street or Great Charles St Queensway, 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 Birmingham from Reading? With 5 connections between 3 Bus, Carpool and Train 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 Reading and Birmingham, you can pay as low as £6 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 CrossCountry: you will get to Birmingham in just 1h 36m.

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 Reading and Birmingham are FlixBus, National Express and CrossCountry, 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 Reading and Birmingham 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 Lower Earley or to Erdington, and look at flights from Farnborough Airport, and landing at Birmingham 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 Reading to Birmingham?

The most popular companies between Reading and Birmingham, are FlixBus, National Express and CrossCountry. Be sure to check their seat class offers and the amenities that they provide.

Bus companies: FlixBus and National Express

Train companies: CrossCountry

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

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

FAQs about the trip from Reading to Birmingham

How can I reach Birmingham from Reading?

Every day, there are on average 5 connections between Bus, Carpool and Train, with which you can get to Birmingham from Reading.

How far is Birmingham from Reading?

The distance between Reading and Birmingham is 130.5 km.

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

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 22 kgs, and a flight 32 kgs.

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

You can get to Birmingham with just £6 by taking a Bus from FlixBus.

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

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 Birmingham in just 1h 36m with a Train from CrossCountry.

More routes to Reading and to Birmingham

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

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