Reading to Bristol: Cheapest Travel Options

For cost-conscious travelers, reaching Bristol from Reading doesn’t have to drain your wallet. Noteworthy operators like National Express and Megabus serve this route with fares ranging from just £6 to £12. National Express provides more departure times, while Megabus is your go-to for a tighter budget.

Plan your journey to Bristol and maximize savings by choosing the mode of transportation that aligns with your needs. Families might go for the roomier trains by Great Western Railway at £20 to £60, where kids can enjoy the space. Meanwhile, budget travelers and groups can take advantage of Megabus’s bargain prices. Business travelers prioritizing time may find the swiftness of train travel more suitable, despite the higher cost compared to buses or rideshares.

Bus Travel

Operators: National Express, Megabus

Price Range: Around £6 to £12

Details: Megabus is a wallet-friendly option with basic amenities, while National Express offers a wider range of departure times.

Travel Time: Under 2 hours.

Why Choose Buses? For those journeying from Reading to Bristol, bus journeys are the epitome of cost-effectiveness. Megabus offers competitive pricing, which is perfect for students or budget solo travelers. National Express, on the other hand, may be a slightly higher cost but provides more flexible travel options, ideal for those with unpredictable schedules.

Train Travel

Operator: Great Western Railway (GWR)

Price Range: Approximately £20 to £60

Details: GWR runs regular services and offers the comfort of booking in advance.

Travel Time: Around 1 hour 30 minutes.

Why Choose Trains? Despite being pricier than buses, trains offer a quicker and more comfortable journey, with more space and the chance to walk around. Families may find the train a stress-free alternative, with the speedy travel time and onboard facilities keeping the trip smooth for both parents and children.

Rideshare

Operators: BlaBlaCar, Liftshare

Price Range: Usually between £5 and £10

Details: Rideshare apps like BlaBlaCar provide affordability and a communal experience.

Travel Time: Can vary greatly, typically around 2 hours.

Why Choose Rideshare? Rideshares can be the most economical pick, especially for the flexible traveler. It’s also a viable option for last-minute journeys, often cheaper than both trains and buses. The social aspect can be a boon for solo adventurers looking to meet new people, though it lacks the predictability of scheduled services.

Budget Airlines

Operators: None for direct routes

Price Range: Not applicable for direct trips as there are no flights between Reading and Bristol.

Details: Budget airlines aren’t a viable option for this specific route due to the lack of direct flights and close proximity of the cities.

Travel Time: Not applicable.

Why Choose Budget Airlines? For the Reading to Bristol journey, airlines are not recommended. However, for general travel, they can be perfect for long distances, offering speed and efficiency that ground transportation can’t match, suitable for business travelers with limited time.

Remember to book your tickets in advance to secure the best deals, and always compare prices across platforms. Safe travels!

Ntrip Smart Pick Saver’s 🎯

For the best savings on Reading to Bristol travel, National Express buses strike a balance between affordability and convenience, with tickets priced around £6 to £12. Comparing prices, National Express offers more departure options, whereas Megabus delivers the best budget-friendly packages.

A group of 4 choosing bus travel with National Express would spend approximately £24 to £48 in total, whereas opting for rideshare alternatives like BlaBlaCar could incur costs between £20 to £40 for the whole group. Thus, rideshares may offer slight savings, particularly for those seeking the most economical group travel option.