Cambridge to Reading train with Great Northern

Sat, Sep 19
+ Add return
Great Northern
Greater Anglia
Thameslink
Elizabeth line
CrossCountry
2,000+ travel companies
Great Northern
Greater Anglia
Thameslink
Elizabeth line
CrossCountry
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cambridge to Reading

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 19

Cheapest price on Sep 19

€47

Average ticket price on Sep 19

€67

Fastest journey on Sep 19

2 h 3 m

Average journey duration on Sep 19

2 h 21 m

Trains on Sep 19

5

Distance

111 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cambridge to Reading is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Cambridge to Reading will cost around €67 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €47.

Fast trains

On Sat, Sep 19, we found 5 trains from Cambridge to Reading, including 5 direct services.

On Sat, Sep 19 the direct trains cover the 111 km distance in an average of 2 h 21 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 3 m .

On Sat, Sep 19 the slowest trains will take 2 h 41 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.

  • Thameslink
    8:51 AM2h17
    Cambridge
    11:08 AMReading
    471One-way
    0 transfers
  • Thameslink
    5:21 AM2h24
    Cambridge
    7:45 AMReading
    721One-way
    0 transfers
  • Thameslink
    7:21 AM2h19
    Cambridge
    9:40 AMReading
    721One-way
    0 transfers
  • Greater Anglia
    7:59 AM2h41
    Cambridge
    10:40 AMReading
    721One-way
    0 transfers
  • Great Northern
    8:42 AM2h03
    Cambridge
    10:45 AMReading
    731One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus and train for Cambridge to Reading

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cambridge to Reading among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €61 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 22m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €61, while a train costs an average of €73.

Distance: 111 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Driving

€73

Average price

€61

Average price

Cheapest

€26

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

2h 22m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 52m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 5m

Average total duration

3h 35m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 2m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

Great Northern

Most popular train company

National Express

Most popular bus company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

The cheapest way to travel from Cambridge to Reading is a bus with an average price of €57.

This is compared to other travel options from Cambridge to Reading:

A bus is €3 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cambridge to Reading costing on average €60.

The fastest way to travel from Cambridge to Reading is by train with an average journey time of 2h 5m.

Other travel options to Reading take longer:

Bus takes on average 3h 32m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cambridge and Reading including taking a bus and train.

Live departures

Cambridge to Reading train times

The table below shows live departures for Cambridge to Reading trains for tomorrow, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Thameslink5:21 AM Cambridge
2h24
7:45 AM Reading0 transfersDirect
Thameslink7:21 AM Cambridge
2h19
9:40 AM Reading0 transfersDirect
Greater Anglia7:59 AM Cambridge
2h41
10:40 AM Reading0 transfersDirect
Great Northern8:42 AM Cambridge
2h03
10:45 AM Reading0 transfersDirect
Thameslink8:51 AM Cambridge
2h17
11:08 AM Reading0 transfersDirect

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Cambridge to Reading by bus or train

Compare bus and train prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.

Sat
Sep 19
Sun
Sep 20
Mon
Sep 21
Tue
Sep 22
Wed
Sep 23
Thu
Sep 24
Fri
Sep 25

Why should you book Cambridge to Reading trains with Omio?

Great Northern as well as Greater Anglia, Thameslink, Elizabeth line, CrossCountry and more offer trains services from Cambridge to Reading.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cambridge to Reading.

Why book with Omio vs Great Northern?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Great Northern, but also compare tickets for the likes of Greater Anglia, Thameslink, Elizabeth line or CrossCountry to find the best option for your trip from Cambridge to Reading.
  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Great Northern with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cambridge to Reading.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Greater Anglia, Thameslink, Elizabeth line or CrossCountry to find the best option for your trip from Cambridge to Reading.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Cambridge to Reading.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cambridge to Reading

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Cambridge to Reading run on average 13 times per day, taking around 1h 52m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €72 but you can travel from only €47 by bus.

The earliest train runs at 00:53, the last at 23:12. The fastest train covers the 111 km distance in 1h 24m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from €47
Distance
111 km
Average train duration
1h 52m
Cheapest ticket price
€72
Trains per day
13
Fastest train
1h 24m
First train
12:53 AM
Last train
11:12 PM
Cheapest Month
Mar
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Fri
Least Busy Day
Fri
Best time to book
21 days
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from €47

Train companies: Great Northern, Greater Anglia, Thameslink, Elizabeth line, CrossCountry from Cambridge to Reading trainsGreat Northern, Greater Anglia, Thameslink, Elizabeth line, CrossCountry trains will get you between Cambridge and Reading from €47. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Greater Anglia

About
Greater Anglia is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates a wide range of services, from commuter trains to intercity services. The commuter trains run at regular intervals throughout the day, while the intercity services run at peak times. The train types include the InterCity 125, InterCity 225, Class 90, Class 91, Class 360 and Class 379. The ticket types available are Standard, First Class and Advance. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and refreshment trolleys. The most popular routes for Greater Anglia are London Liverpool Street to Norwich, London Liverpool Street to Cambridge and London Liverpool Street to Ipswich.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Greater Anglia Duration
2h 18m
Cheapest Greater Anglia Price
€50
Luggage included
Two items of luggage per person included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar service on intercity routes with hot and cold drinks, snacks. No service on local routes.
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee. Free for First Class tickets.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs require a ticket (£6 flat fee). Guide dogs travel free.
Quiet zone

CrossCountry

About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
CrossCountry frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone

Great Northern

About
Great Northern is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It offers a wide range of services, including high-speed trains, regional trains, and sleeper services. The high-speed trains are called InterCity Express Trains and they offer a fast and comfortable journey between major cities. The regional trains are called Regional Express Trains and they provide a slower but more frequent service to smaller towns and villages. The sleeper services are called Caledonian Sleeper Trains and they offer overnight journeys with comfortable sleeping compartments. Great Northern offers a variety of ticket types, including single, return, and group tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. The most popular routes for Great Northern are London to Cambridge, London to Peterborough, and London to Norwich. These routes offer a convenient and comfortable way to travel between the cities.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Great Northern Duration
2h 11m
Cheapest Great Northern Price
€72
Great Northern frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
See refund policy for ticket types
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some services
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets free, maximum two dogs per passenger, must be on lead
Quiet zone

Thameslink

About
Thameslink is a train service that operates in the United Kingdom. It is operated by Govia Thameslink Railway and serves the counties of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, London, and Surrey. The trains run from early morning until late at night, with some services running 24 hours a day. There are a variety of train types available, including Class 700 Desiro City, Class 377 Electrostar, Class 387/1 Electrostar, and Class 319/0. Ticket types include Anytime, Off-Peak, Super Off-Peak, and Advance. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power sockets, and air conditioning. The most popular routes for Thameslink are London to Brighton, London to Bedford, and London to Luton.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Thameslink Duration
2h 8m
Cheapest Thameslink Price
€50
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund available if service is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on some routes offering drinks and snacks
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets free of charge. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone

Elizabeth line

About
Tfl Rail is a railway service operated by Transport for London in the United Kingdom. It operates on the Great Western Main Line and the Heathrow branch of the London Underground. The service runs from Paddington in London to Reading, Maidenhead, Slough, and Heathrow Airport. It also serves the towns of Taplow, Burnham, Twyford, and Hayes & Harlington. All trains are air-conditioned and feature onboard Wi-Fi, power sockets, and digital information screens. Tfl Rail offers a range of ticket types, including single and return tickets, season tickets, and Oyster cards. Oyster cards are the most popular ticket type, allowing passengers to pay for their journey with a single card. The most popular routes for Tfl Rail are Paddington to Reading, Paddington to Maidenhead, and Paddington to Heathrow Airport. These routes offer frequent services and provide passengers with a convenient way to travel between London and the surrounding areas.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Elizabeth line Duration
3h 21m
Cheapest Elizabeth line Price
€74
Elizabeth line frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
Standard luggage allowance included with ticket
Luggage storage
Dedicated luggage storage areas in carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refunds available through TfL website or customer service
Refund
Full refund available for service cancellations
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
No dedicated dining car. Passengers can bring their own food and drinks
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Step-free access at most stations, wheelchair spaces on trains, priority seating
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be leashed. Guide dogs welcome
Quiet zone

FAQs: Trains from Cambridge to Reading

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cambridge to Reading by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Reading, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap train tickets from Cambridge to Reading can start from as little as €50 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Cambridge to Reading is €60; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by train from Cambridge to Reading is 2h 8m to travel the 111 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest train from Cambridge to Reading leaves at 12:53 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The latest train from Cambridge to Reading leaves at 11:12 PM.
There are 8 trains a day from Cambridge to Reading which require at least one change with Great Northern, Greater Anglia, Thameslink, Elizabeth line, CrossCountry. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer trains.
When taking a train from Cambridge to Reading, you can count on Great Northern, Greater Anglia, Thameslink, Elizabeth line, CrossCountry for the best way to get you to Reading. You can also check all possible train companies who offer a service between Cambridge and Reading and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.
A trip to Reading from Cambridge is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2h 8m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a train from Cambridge to Reading is March.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cambridge and Reading including taking a bus and train.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Cambridge to Reading

Most Cambridge to Reading trains use the Cambridge South to Reading station pair. Use this guide to compare Cambridge and Reading train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Cambridge
Arrival train stations in Reading
Cambridge SouthTrumpington, Cambridge CB2 9FQ, UK
CambridgeCambridge station, Station Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB1 2JW+44 8450507080WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Cambridge from Cambridge city centre

Cambridge is 1 km from Cambridge city centre. Public transport options include:

BusU1, U2 · 11m · every ~11 min
Tour · 13m · €2
75 · 15m
A · 15m · €2 · every ~11 min

Cambridge train station facilities and services

Cambridge has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Car Rental.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Cambridge.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Cambridge. ATMs are available at Cambridge.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Cambridge.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Cambridge: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Cambridge: Bike Parking, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Cambridge: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: Details of nearest taxis are shown on station information poster, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.

More options for your journey from Cambridge to Reading

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

Most popular train connections to Reading

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