Reading to Birmingham train with CrossCountry

Tue, Nov 25
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CrossCountry
Avanti West Coast
Chiltern Railways
Great Western Rail
Cross Country
1,000+ travel companies
CrossCountry
Avanti West Coast
Chiltern Railways
Great Western Rail
Cross Country
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Reading to Birmingham

Showing times and prices for Nov 25

Cheapest price

€33

Average price

€46

Fastest journey

1 h 36 m

Average duration

1 h 37 m

Trains per day

5

Distance

131 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Reading to Birmingham will cost around €46 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €33.

Fast trains

Of the 5 trains that leave Reading for Birmingham on Tue, Nov 25, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Tue, Nov 25 the direct trains cover the 131 km distance in an average of 1 h 37 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 36 m .

On Tue, Nov 25 the slowest trains will take 1 h 39 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.

CrossCountry
07:42PM1h39
Reading
09:21PMBirmingham
331One-way
0 transfers
CrossCountry
07:15PM1h36
Reading
08:51PMBirmingham
341One-way
0 transfers
CrossCountry
09:15AM1h36
Reading
10:51AMBirmingham
391One-way
0 transfers
CrossCountry
07:15AM1h36
Reading
08:51AMBirmingham
581One-way
0 transfers
CrossCountry
08:15AM1h36
Reading
09:51AMBirmingham
671One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Reading to Birmingham

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Reading to Birmingham among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €46. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 52m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €46, and a train costs an average of €17.

Distance: 131 km

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Bus

€61

Average price

€52

Average price

Cheapest

2h 22m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 52m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 36m

Average total duration

4h 6m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

CrossCountry

Most popular train company

Megabus

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

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

Live departures

Reading to Birmingham train times

The table below shows live departures for Reading to Birmingham trains for tomorrow, Tuesday, November 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 11:45 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
avanti_west_coast2:54 AM Reading
3h54
6:48 AM Birmingham0 transfersDirect
chiltern_railways4:40 AM Reading
2h25
7:05 AM Birmingham0 transfersDirect
cross_country7:15 AM Reading
1h36
8:51 AM Birmingham0 transfersDirect
cross_country9:15 AM Reading
1h36
10:51 AM Birmingham0 transfersDirect
avanti_west_coast9:46 AM Reading
2h58
12:44 PM Birmingham0 transfersDirect

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Reading to Birmingham by train or bus

Compare train and bus 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.

Tue
Nov 25
Wed
Nov 26
Thu
Nov 27
Fri
Nov 28
Sat
Nov 29
Sun
Nov 30
Mon
Dec 01

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Reading to Birmingham?

The best time to book your train from Reading to Birmingham is 42 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Reading to Birmingham route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Reading to Birmingham per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Reading to Birmingham.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Reading to Birmingham

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Reading to Birmingham run on average 6 times per day, taking around 1h 52m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €17 if you book in advance.

There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 02:24, the last at 23:22. The fastest train covers the 131 km distance in 1h 30m.

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
Distance
131 km
Average train duration
1h 52m
Cheapest ticket price
€17
Trains per day
6
Direct trains
3
Fastest train
1h 30m
First train
02:24
Last train
23:22
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

Train companies: CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, Chiltern Railways, Great Western Rail, Cross Country from Reading to Birmingham trainsCrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, Chiltern Railways, Great Western Rail, Cross Country trains will get you between Reading and Birmingham from €17. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

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
Average Duration
1h 30m
Cheapest Price
€17
CrossCountry frequency
4 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

Avanti West Coast

About
Avanti West Coast is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates high-speed trains between London and major cities in the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, First Class and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drinks. The most popular routes for Avanti West Coast are London to Birmingham, London to Manchester and London to Glasgow. The company operates a fleet of Pendolino and Super Voyager trains, which offer a smooth and comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 29m
Cheapest Price
€44
Avanti West Coast frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
First Class: Complimentary meals and drinks. Standard Class: Onboard shop with drinks and snacks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Standard Class: Optional reservation for £8-12
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/alighting available
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs £30 per single journey. Guide dogs free
Quiet zone

Chiltern Railways

About
Chiltern Railways is a regional train company in the United Kingdom which is owned by Arriva Trains and has operated since 1996. Check the different ticket types for your next #[+travelMode] #[+journey]: Duo, Anytime, Season, Super Off Peak, Off Peak and Advance. syn p Chiltern Railways is a train company based in the United Kingdom with trains #[+journey]. It operates services from London Marylebone to Birmingham Snow Hill, Oxford, Banbury, Aylesbury, High Wycombe, and Stratford-upon-Avon. It also runs services from Birmingham Moor Street to Stratford-upon-Avon. Chiltern Railways offers a range of train types, including InterCity 125, Class 165 and Class 168 trains. These trains are equipped with comfortable seating, air conditioning, power sockets, and free Wi-Fi. The company offers a variety of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, Off-Peak, and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include a café bar, a shop, and a quiet coach. The most popular routes for Chiltern Railways are London Marylebone to Birmingham Snow Hill, Oxford, and High Wycombe.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 25m
Cheapest Price
€78
Chiltern Railways frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservation for £3. Free for Advance tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs allowed with lead
Quiet zone

Great Western Rail

About
Great Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London Paddington to the West of England, South Wales and the Cotswolds. It also operates services from London Paddington to Oxford, Reading and Bristol. It offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and catering services. The most popular routes for Great Western Railway are London Paddington to Bristol, Reading and Oxford.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 17m
Cheapest Price
€36
Great Western Rail frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
Two pieces of luggage and one piece of hand luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, dedicated luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches. First Class at-seat service on some routes
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservations available for a fee. Free in First Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone

Cross Country

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 30m
Cheapest Price
€118
Cross Country frequency
16 a day

Trains from Reading to Birmingham

Trains from Reading to Birmingham are provided by Chiltern Railways, Virgin trains, and CrossCountry. Most CrossCountry services are direct but some may have one change at Oxford. Trains from other providers will have 2-3 changes. The first service of the morning leaves after 6:00 a.m., with regular services throughout the morning, afternoon, and evening. Direct services last around 1.5 hours, and indirect services may take up to 6 hours. The last train leaves before 4:00 a.m. Trains from Reading to Birmingham depart from the centrally located Reading Train Station on Blagrave Street. They arrive at both Birmingham Moor Street and Birmingham New Street stations.

FAQs: Trains from Reading to Birmingham

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reading to Birmingham 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 Birmingham, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap train tickets from Reading to Birmingham can start from as little as €12 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Reading to Birmingham is €65; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The train time to Birmingham from Reading is on average 1 h 26 min   for the 130 km long journey, but the time it takes to go to Birmingham from Reading by train can vary depending on specific dates or if traveling on weekends and holidays.
The first train from Reading to Birmingham leaves at 02: 23. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last train from Reading to Birmingham leaves at 23: 25.
There are 6 trains a day from Reading to Birmingham which require at least one change with CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, Great Western Rail or Chiltern Railways. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer trains.
For the best Reading to Birmingham train to book, you can travel safely and comfortably with CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, Great Western Rail or Chiltern Railways. However, it's always good to check all possible train providers with services between Reading and Birmingham to compare what amenities they may offer.
No, there are no night trains, the latest train for this route is 23: 25.

Passengers board the train most frequently from Reading, which is located around 0.2 miles (415 m) away from the city centre, and they get off the train at Birmingham New Street, located 1.7 miles (2.7 km) away from the city centre.

A day trip to Birmingham from Reading is worth doing with a journey time of 1 h 26 min each way. Check with Omio app   the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a train from Reading to Birmingham is March.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel from Reading to Birmingham including taking a coach or train.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Reading to Birmingham

Reading
Birmingham
The major train station for departures in Reading is Reading. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Reading for your trip from Reading to Birmingham.
ReadingShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rental
Amenities at train station
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:15 - 22:45 Saturday 05:30 - 22:45 Sunday 07:15 - 22:45 Please note: Reservations and tickets requiring reservations are sold at the following times only: Mon - Sat 08:00 - 20:00 and Sun 09:00 - 20:00
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Multi Storey Car Park
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: Toilets are located on Station Platforms and in The Brunel Arcade building
  • National key toilets: Yes
  • Baby changing facilities: Yes
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: Front of station, underground short stay car park and long stay car park.
  • Storage CCTV: No
Public transit options for Reading
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the North side of the station
Reading WestParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parking
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:30 - 10:45 Saturday - Sunday Closed
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage CCTV: No
Public transit options for Reading West
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Towards Reading: Bus Stop on Oxford Road under Railway Bridge. Heading away from Reading Bus Stop on Oxford Road, outside McDonalds.
TilehurstWifiParkingDiningAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parking
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:25 - 12:55 Saturday 07:00 - 13:30 Sunday Closed
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
4 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: No
  • Step free access coverage: No
  • Step free access note: Step free Category C - This station does not have step free access to operational platforms
  • Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station
  • Accessible taxis: Accessible Taxis available at this station Please call our free help line for assistance.
  • Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
  • Accessible toilets: No
  • Ramp for train access: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available: No
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: Platforms 2/3
  • National key toilets: No
  • Baby changing facilities: No
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: Adjacent entrance to station
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transit options for Tilehurst
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Buses starting/terminate at Tilehurst: Station forecourt All other buses: A329 Oxford Road bus stops near the station
Reading Green ParkAccessibility
Amenities at train station
AccessibilityAccessibility
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
3 km

Most popular train connections from Reading

More options for your journey from Reading to Birmingham

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

HomeTrainsTrain Times to BirminghamReading to Birmingham train

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