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The cheapest and fastest trains from Birmingham to Reading
Showing times and prices for Dec 13
Cheapest price
$42
Average price
$63
Fastest journey
1 h 27 m
Average duration
1 h 50 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
131 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Birmingham to Reading is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Birmingham to Reading will cost around $63 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $42.
Fast trains
Of the 5 trains that leave Birmingham for Reading on Sat, Dec 13, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Dec 13 the direct trains cover the 131 km distance in an average of 1 h 50 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 27 m .
On Sat, Dec 13 the slowest trains will take 2 h 50 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.
04:33PM1h36
Birmingham06:09PMReading
$421One-way
0 transfers
07:38AM1h27
Birmingham09:05AMReading
$551One-way
0 transfers
05:03AM1h39
Birmingham06:42AMReading
$611One-way
0 transfers
07:03AM1h38
Birmingham08:41AMReading
$611One-way
0 transfers
11:36AM3h17
Birmingham02:53PMReading
$981One-way
0 transfers
07:38AM1h27
Birmingham09:05AMReading
$551One-way
0 transfers
04:33PM1h36
Birmingham06:09PMReading
$421One-way
0 transfers
07:03AM1h38
Birmingham08:41AMReading
$611One-way
0 transfers
05:03AM1h39
Birmingham06:42AMReading
$611One-way
0 transfers
08:21AM2h50
Birmingham11:11AMReading
$981One-way
0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus and train for Birmingham to Reading
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Birmingham to Reading among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from €17. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 55m. 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 train costs an average of €17, and a bus costs an average of €43.
Distance: 81 miles (131 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus |
|---|---|
€51 Average price Cheapest | €53 Average price |
2h 25m Average total duration Fastest 1h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 18m Average total duration 2h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Birmingham to Reading train times
The table below shows live departures for Birmingham to Reading trains for today, Friday, December 12. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 8:28 AM
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C23811 | On time 8:33 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h34 | 10:07 AM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| C23552 | On time 9:03 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h42 | 10:45 AM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W10336+ Tube from London Euston to London Paddington+ P08351 | On time 9:17 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 2h30 | 11:47 AM Reading station (RDG) | 2 transfers | |
| W09399+Tube from London Euston to London Paddington+P08243 | On time 9:21 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 2h50 | 12:11 PM Reading station (RDG) | 2 transfers | |
| Saturday, December 13 | |||||
| 5:03 AM Birmingham | 1h39 | 6:42 AM Reading | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 7:03 AM Birmingham | 1h38 | 8:41 AM Reading | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 7:38 AM Birmingham | 1h27 | 9:05 AM Reading | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 8:21 AM Birmingham | 2h50 | 11:11 AM Reading | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Birmingham 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
Dec 13
Dec 13
Sun
Dec 14
Dec 14
Mon
Dec 15
Dec 15
Tue
Dec 16
Dec 16
Wed
Dec 17
Dec 17
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Dec 18
Dec 18
Fri
Dec 19
Dec 19
Journey information
Overview: Train from Birmingham to Reading
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Birmingham to Reading run on average 6 times per day, taking around 1h 55m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $21 (€17) if you book in advance.
There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 01:35, the last at 23:50. The fastest train covers the 81 miles (131 km) distance in 1h 27m.
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 81 miles (131 km) |
Average train duration 1h 55m |
Cheapest ticket price $21 (€17) |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 4 |
Fastest train 1h 27m |
First train 01:35 |
Last train 23:50 |
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 Birmingham to Reading trainsCrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, Chiltern Railways, Great Western Rail, Cross Country trains will get you between Birmingham and Reading from $21 (€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 27m
Cheapest Price
$21 (€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
$66 (€53)
Avanti West Coast frequency
2 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
1h 59m
Cheapest Price
$37 (€30)
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 25m
Cheapest Price
$115 (€92)
Great Western Rail frequency
1 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 31m
Cheapest Price
$147 (€118)
Cross Country frequency
16 a day
FAQs: Trains from Birmingham to Reading
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Birmingham 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.
Two to three days are typically sufficient to explore the main attractions and experience the cultural highlights of Reading.
The distance by train from Birmingham to Reading is 81 miles (131 km).
The train journey from Birmingham to Reading offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes, with views of the English countryside, including fields and small towns, especially as you travel through the Chiltern Hills.
Yes, a day trip from Birmingham to Reading is feasible, with a travel duration of 1h 27m and a distance of 81 miles (131 km). There are 6 trains per day.
There is no high speed train available from Birmingham to Reading.
Train ticket prices from Birmingham to Reading can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $21 (€17), while the average price is around $64 (€51).
The first train from Birmingham to Reading leaves at 1:35 AM.
Yes, you can take the train from Birmingham to Reading.
The last train from Birmingham to Reading leaves at 11:50 PM.
The cheapest way to get from Birmingham to Reading is by train, with a cost of around $21 (€17).
Yes, there is a direct train from Birmingham to Reading. This service operates 4 times per day, provided by CrossCountry, Cross Country.
The train from Birmingham to Reading takes 1h 27m and runs 6 per day.
The train station in Birmingham that goes to Reading is Birmingham New Street (BHM), which connects to Reading station (RDG).
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Birmingham to Reading.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Birmingham to Reading
Birmingham
Reading
The major train station for departures in Birmingham is Acocks Green. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Acocks Green for your trip from Birmingham to Reading.
Amenities at train station
Parking
Dining
Accessibility
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 07:00 - 16:00 Friday 07:00 - 18:00 Saturday 08:00 - 16:00 Sunday Closed None
Distance to city center
6 kmParking
- Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station
- Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are not available
- Accessible ticket machines: There are no accessible ticket machines at this station
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: On platform
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 0800 0248998
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements
Public transit options for Acocks Green
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: In the event of engineering the bus/coach will collect from: The public service bus stop outside station entrance.
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningAccessibility
LoungeTicket OfficeBike Parking
Car RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday Closed Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 07:00 - 12:00 Friday 07:00 - 10:00 Saturday 12:00 - 14:00 Sunday 09:00 - 14:00
Distance to city center
3 kmParking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: No
- Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are not available
- Accessible ticket machines: There are no accessible ticket machines at this station
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 0800 0248998
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements
Public transit options for Adderley Park
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: In the event of engineering the bus/coach will collect from: Bordesley Green Road - Outside booking hall entrance.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
ShoppingParkingDining
ATMAccessibility
WCLounge
Lost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parking
Bike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:40 - 21:00 Saturday 06:15 - 21:00 Sunday 08:15 - 21:00
Distance to city center
12 kmParking
- Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: This station has step-free access to all platforms / the platform
- Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided
- 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: Yes
WC
- Toilets Location: The accessible toilets are located on the Concourse.
- National key toilets: No
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Lounge
- Waiting rooms location: Closed until further notice.
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: 18 cycle stands plus a cycling compound with 27 spaces available at the front of the station (please see staff for more information)
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
Public transit options for Birmingham International
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Rail replacement coach services can be found at the front of the station opposite the entrance to the long stay car park.
The major train station for arrivals in Reading is Reading. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Reading for your journey to Reading from Birmingham.
Amenities at train station
ShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWC
HotelLoungeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rentalinformation
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
- Car Park: Multi Storey Car Park
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
- Toilets Location: Toilets are located on Station Platforms and in The Brunel Arcade building
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
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
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parkinginformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:30 - 10:45 Saturday - Sunday Closed
Distance to city center
1 kmParking
- Car Park: No
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
- 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.
Amenities at train station
WifiParkingDiningAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parkinginformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:25 - 12:55 Saturday 07:00 - 13:30 Sunday Closed
Distance to city center
4 kmParking
- Car Park: Station Car Park
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
- Toilets Location: Platforms 2/3
- National key toilets: No
- Baby changing facilities: No
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
Most popular train connections from Birmingham
More options for your journey from Birmingham to Reading
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Reading and Birmingham
Most popular train connections to Reading
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