4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Reading
- Cheapest price on Nov 02
- €23
- Average ticket price on Nov 02
- €23
- Fastest journey on Nov 02
- 1 h 22 m
- Average journey duration on Nov 02
- 1 h 26 m
- Trains on Nov 02
- 6
- Distance
- 153 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Reading is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Reading will cost around €23 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €23.
On Mon, Nov 02, we found 6 trains from Cardiff to Reading, including 6 direct services.
On Mon, Nov 02 the direct trains cover the 153 km distance in an average of 1 h 26 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 22 m .
On Mon, Nov 02 the slowest trains will take 1 h 27 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.
W351871:50 PM 1h26 Cardiff Central (CDF) 3:16 PM Reading station (RDG) €23 1 One-way 0 transfers- G15047
12:50 PM 1h26 Cardiff Central (CDF) 2:16 PM Reading station (RDG) €23 1 One-way 0 transfers - G15046
12:18 PM 1h28 Cardiff Central (CDF) 1:46 PM Reading station (RDG) €23 1 One-way 0 transfers - G15048
2:54 PM 1h22 Cardiff Central (CDF) 4:16 PM Reading station (RDG) €23 1 One-way 0 transfers - W35434
1:18 PM 1h27 Cardiff Central (CDF) 2:45 PM Reading station (RDG) €23 1 One-way 0 transfers
- G15048
2:54 PM 1h22 Cardiff Central (CDF) 4:16 PM Reading station (RDG) €23 1 One-way 0 transfers - W35187
1:50 PM 1h26 Cardiff Central (CDF) 3:16 PM Reading station (RDG) €23 1 One-way 0 transfers - G15047
12:50 PM 1h26 Cardiff Central (CDF) 2:16 PM Reading station (RDG) €23 1 One-way 0 transfers - W35434
1:18 PM 1h27 Cardiff Central (CDF) 2:45 PM Reading station (RDG) €23 1 One-way 0 transfers - W35188
2:18 PM 1h27 Cardiff Central (CDF) 3:45 PM Reading station (RDG) €23 1 One-way 0 transfers
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff to Reading
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Cardiff to Reading run on average 6 times per day, taking around 1h 34m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €41 but you can travel from only €9 by bus.
There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:07, the last at 23:28. The fastest train covers the 153 km distance in 1h 22m.
Distance 153 km |
Average train duration 1h 34m |
Cheapest ticket price €41 |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 1h 22m |
First train 5:07 AM |
Last train 11:28 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 1 day |
Live departures
Cardiff to Reading train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Reading trains for today, Sunday, November 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C50038 | On time 8:50 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h04 | 10:54 AM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| C00165 | On time 9:35 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1h53 | 11:28 AM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| C00123 | On time 10:20 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1h52 | 12:12 PM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Y41665 · C01233 | On time 10:57 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h12 | 1:09 PM Reading station (RDG) | 1 transfer | |
| C33109 | On time 11:20 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1h54 | 1:14 PM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| C00850 · C01238 | On time 11:25 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h33 | 1:58 PM Reading station (RDG) | 1 transfer | |
| W35438 | On time 12:20 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1h52 | 2:12 PM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Y41671 · W34492 | On time 1:00 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h09 | 3:09 PM Reading station (RDG) | 1 transfer | |
| W35439 | On time 1:20 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1h52 | 3:12 PM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| C00852 · C32966 | On time 1:25 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h10 | 3:35 PM Reading station (RDG) | 1 transfer | |
| W35220 | On time 2:20 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1h52 | 4:12 PM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Y41677 · C01234 | On time 3:00 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h09 | 5:09 PM Reading station (RDG) | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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Train companies: Great Western Railway from Cardiff to Reading trainsGreat Western Railway trains will get you between Cardiff and Reading from €9. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Great Western Railway
Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Cardiff and Reading
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
FAQs: Trains from Cardiff to Reading
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff 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.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Cardiff to Reading
Most Cardiff to Reading trains use the Cardiff Central to Reading station pair, with some services arriving at Reading West. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Reading train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Getting to Cardiff Central from Cardiff city centre
Cardiff Central train station facilities and services
Cardiff Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Central: There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.
Which Reading station do trains from Cardiff arrive at?
Getting to Reading from Reading city centre
Reading train station facilities and services
Reading has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Reading.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Reading.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Reading.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Reading: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Reading: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Reading: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: platforms can be reached via lift and bridge, ticket office is step free, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: Accessible low-level Pay Phone is available at the station main concourse. Please request staff assistance if you need to, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxi are available at the station entrance. please request staff assistance if you need to, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accessible ticket machines are located at the station entrance by the ticket office and at the car park, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Getting to Reading West from Reading city centre
Reading West is 1 km from Reading city centre. Public transport options include:
Reading West train station facilities and services
Reading West has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Reading West.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Reading West.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Reading West: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Reading West: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Reading West: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access note: Step Free Category B3 - This station has a degree of step free access but only to Platform 1 and only if accessed via Tilehurst Road. Otherwise this station can be classified as Category C. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available. Please request staff assistance, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Reading
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Reading and Cardiff
Most popular train connections to Reading
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