- Must visit
Reading Museum
Reading's main museum, famed for the Bayeux Tapestry replica, local history, Huntley & Palmers displays, and Abbey galleries.
Cheapest price on Oct 27
$27
Average ticket price on Oct 27
$69
Fastest journey on Oct 27
1 h 31 m
Average journey duration on Oct 27
1 h 35 m
Trains on Oct 27
11
Distance
131 km
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 $69 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $27.
On Tue, Oct 27, we found 11 trains from Birmingham to Reading, including 8 direct services.
On Tue, Oct 27 the direct trains cover the 131 km distance in an average of 1 h 35 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 31 m .
On Tue, Oct 27 the slowest trains will take 1 h 37 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.
W29937
G01188
W29939
G01042
W34219+
C48266
W29937
G01188
W29939
G01039
G01042Trains from Birmingham to Reading run on average 9 times per day, taking around 1h 49m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $19 if you book in advance.
There are 5 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.
Distance 81 miles (131 km) |
Average train duration 1h 49m |
Cheapest ticket price $19 |
Trains per day 9 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 1h 27m |
First train 1:35 AM |
Last train 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 1 day |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Birmingham to Reading.
The table below shows live departures for Birmingham to Reading trains for today, Monday, October 26. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
L37822+ C00775 · V21609 | On time 6:15 AM Birmingham Moor Street (BMO) | 2h24 | 8:39 AM Reading station (RDG) | 2 transfers | |
G00997 | On time 7:03 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h45 | 8:48 AM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01173 | On time 7:33 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h35 | 9:08 AM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01000 | On time 8:03 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h39 | 9:42 AM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01176 | On time 8:33 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h34 | 10:07 AM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01003 | On time 9:03 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h42 | 10:45 AM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W29925 | On time 9:33 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h32 | 11:05 AM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01005 | On time 10:03 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h37 | 11:40 AM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01178 | On time 10:33 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h32 | 12:05 PM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01009 | On time 11:03 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h34 | 12:37 PM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01180 | On time 11:33 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h33 | 1:06 PM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W33974+ Tube from London Euston to London Paddington+ Y15423 | On time 11:47 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 2h29 | 2:16 PM Reading station (RDG) | 2 transfers | |
G01013 | On time 12:03 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h38 | 1:41 PM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W33903+ Tube from London Euston to London Paddington+ W34894 | On time 12:17 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 2h29 | 2:46 PM Reading station (RDG) | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Discover the best of Reading — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Reading trip today.
Reading's main museum, famed for the Bayeux Tapestry replica, local history, Huntley & Palmers displays, and Abbey galleries.
Modern art gallery in the civic centre showing changing exhibitions by regional and national artists in a central, accessible space.
University museum with strong agriculture, countryside, and design collections. Popular for families and one of Reading's standout visits.
Large central park with formal gardens, Thames views, and the iconic Maiwand Lion. A classic place to stroll or relax near downtown.
Historic quarter around the Abbey ruins, museum, and Forbury Gardens. Ideal for understanding Reading's origins on a compact walking route.
Riverside nature reserve and meadow walk beside the Thames. Peaceful paths and wildlife make it a favorite local escape close to the centre.
A Berkshire classic of smoked haddock in a creamy parsley sauce. Traditionally linked to Windsor and widely associated with the wider county.
A rich fruit cake made with currants, butter, eggs, sugar and mixed spice. A long-standing Berkshire tea-time bake.
A soft yeasted bun spiced with caraway and filled with currants, candied peel and sugar. Traditionally baked in Berkshire and nearby counties.
Polished fine dining restaurant known for seasonal British tasting menus and refined service in an elegant central Reading setting.
Popular Reading institution for Lebanese and Middle Eastern plates, known for generous mezze and a lively, casual atmosphere.
Well-regarded independent restaurant serving British and European dishes with seasonal ingredients in a relaxed modern dining room.
Reading is pricier than many UK towns. Hotels and dining are above average, but rail and local buses are manageable for most visitors.
Restaurants often add a 10-12.5% service charge; if not, tip around 10% for good service. Taxis are usually rounded up or tipped 10%. Cafes usually do not require tipping.
Official public transport app
Reading Station -> Broad Street, Reading
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in 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.

Most Birmingham to Reading trains use the Birmingham New Street to Reading station pair. Use this guide to compare Birmingham and Reading train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Birmingham New Street has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: All Bar One, Leon, Caffè Nero, Five Guys, Krispy Kreme, The Pasty Shop, Upper Crust, Wasabi, Starbucks, Hotel Chocolat
Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available from Sky Wi-Fi The Cloud. ATMs are aTM machines are located on the paid concourse.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 05:15 - 23:00, Sun: 07:30 - 23:00. Information desks are in the middle of the station.
Luggage storage is you can leave bags with Excess Baggage Co inside the entrance off Hill Street. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Birmingham New Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Birmingham New Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham New Street: Step-free access in the whole station and ramps available for train access. All platforms have elevators and escalators.
Nearby hotels include Holiday Inn Birmingham City Center, Premier Inn Birmingham City Center (New St Station), Radisson Blue Hotel, Birmingham.
Birmingham Moor Street has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Birmingham Moor Street.
Wi-Fi is available at Birmingham Moor Street. ATMs are available at Birmingham Moor Street.
Ticket office support is available at Birmingham Moor Street.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Birmingham Moor Street: Parking, WC.
Available at Birmingham Moor Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham Moor Street: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step Free Access Category A. Step free access to all platforms, Accessible taxis: If you would like us to assist you in booking an accessible taxi for your onward journey please contact 03456 005 165, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Birmingham International is 12 km from Birmingham city centre. Public transport options include:
Birmingham International has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Birmingham International.
Wi-Fi is available at Birmingham International. ATMs are available at Birmingham International.
Ticket office support is available at Birmingham International. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Birmingham International: Parking, WC.
Available at Birmingham International: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham International: 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.
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 options are available at Reading.
ATMs are available at Reading.
Ticket office support is available at Reading.
Available at Reading: Parking, WC.
Available at Reading: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
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.
Check train stations information for Birmingham and Reading, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.
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