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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Reading
Showing times and prices for Jan 27
Cheapest price
$71
Average price
$88
Fastest journey
1 h 27 m
Average duration
1 h 38 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
153 km
Cheap tickets
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 $88 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $71.
Fast trains
Of the 6 trains that leave Cardiff for Reading on Tue, Jan 27, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Jan 27 the direct trains cover the 153 km distance in an average of 1 h 38 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 27 m .
On Tue, Jan 27 the slowest trains will take 2 h 10 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.
P2279809:49AM1h29
Cardiff Central (CDF)11:18AMReading station (RDG)
$711One-way
0 transfers
P2279910:18AM1h27
Cardiff Central (CDF)11:45AMReading station (RDG)
$711One-way
0 transfers
P22727 · P2258910:30AM2h10
Cardiff Central (CDF)12:40PMReading station (RDG)
$771One-way
1 transfer
P2279709:19AM1h31
Cardiff Central (CDF)10:50AMReading station (RDG)
$1001One-way
0 transfers
P2279508:18AM1h31
Cardiff Central (CDF)09:49AMReading station (RDG)
$1041One-way
0 transfers
P2279910:18AM1h27
Cardiff Central (CDF)11:45AMReading station (RDG)
$711One-way
0 transfers
P2279809:49AM1h29
Cardiff Central (CDF)11:18AMReading station (RDG)
$711One-way
0 transfers
P2279709:19AM1h31
Cardiff Central (CDF)10:50AMReading station (RDG)
$1001One-way
0 transfers
P2279508:18AM1h31
Cardiff Central (CDF)09:49AMReading station (RDG)
$1041One-way
0 transfers
P22727 · P2258910:30AM2h10
Cardiff Central (CDF)12:40PMReading station (RDG)
$771One-way
1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Cardiff to Reading
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Reading among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from €33. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 29m. 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 €33, and a bus costs an average of €10.
Distance: 95 miles (153 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
€52 Average price Cheapest | €55 Average price |
1h 59m Average total duration Fastest 1h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 21m Average total duration 2h 51m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.4kg 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
Cardiff to Reading train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Reading trains for tomorrow, Tuesday, January 27. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 9:28 PM
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| P22795 | On time 8:18 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1h31 | 9:49 AM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| P22723 · P29618 | On time 8:27 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h12 | 10:39 AM Reading station (RDG) | 1 transfer | |
| P22797 | On time 9:19 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1h31 | 10:50 AM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| P22798 | On time 9:49 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1h29 | 11:18 AM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| P22799 | On time 10:18 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1h27 | 11:45 AM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| P22727 · P22589 | On time 10:30 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h10 | 12:40 PM Reading station (RDG) | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Reading 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
Jan 27
Jan 27
Wed
Jan 28
Jan 28
Thu
Jan 29
Jan 29
Fri
Jan 30
Jan 30
Sat
Jan 31
Jan 31
Sun
Feb 01
Feb 01
Mon
Feb 02
Feb 02
Why should you book Cardiff to Reading trains with Omio?
Great Western Rail as well as first_great_western offer trains services from Cardiff to Reading. Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Reading.
Why book with Omio vs Great Western Rail?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Great Western Rail, but also compare tickets for the likes of first_great_western to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff 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 Western Rail with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff to Reading.
Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?
- Multiple travel company options: While Great Western Rail tickets can be bought on Great Western Rail's website or third party sellers, Omio allows you to compare with the likes of first_great_western to help you choose the right option for your journey from Cardiff to Reading.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Reading.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff to Reading
United KingdomUnited KingdomTrain Ticket Prices
- Budget Options: Train tickets from Cardiff to Reading start from as low as $42 (€33) if booked well in advance.
- Standard Fares: Typically, trains cost $66 (€52) depending on the train type and class.
Journey Duration & Frequency
- On average there are 6 daily trains from Cardiff to Reading with 5 direct service.
- The fastest trains can take as little as 1h 22m but the average duration is 1h 29m
Train Operators
- Travel from Cardiff to Reading with Great Western Rail and first_great_western
- The most booked train company for this route on Omio is Great Western Rail.
Stations & Schedule
- Most trains depart from Cardiff Central (CDF) and arrive in Reading station (RDG)
- First train typically departs at 05:07 AM and the last at 11:28 PM
Distance 95 miles (153 km) |
Average train duration 1h 29m |
Cheapest ticket price $42 (€33) |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 1h 22m |
First train 05:07 |
Last train 23:28 |
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 $13 (€10)
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 $13 (€10)
Train companies: Great Western Rail, first_great_western from Cardiff to Reading trainsGreat Western Rail, first_great_western trains will get you between Cardiff and Reading from $13 (€10). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
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
1h 22m
Cheapest Price
$41 (€32)
Great Western Rail frequency
6 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
first_great_western
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 22m
Cheapest Price
$138 (€109)
first_great_western frequency
25 a day
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.
Train ticket prices from Cardiff to Reading can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $42 (€33), while the average price is around $66 (€52).
The train from Cardiff to Reading takes 1h 22m and runs 6 per day.
The distance by train from Cardiff to Reading is 95 miles (153 km).
The first train from Cardiff to Reading leaves at 5:07 AM.
The last train from Cardiff to Reading leaves at 11:28 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Cardiff to Reading.
Yes, there is a direct train from Cardiff to Reading. This service operates 5 times per day, provided by Great Western Rail, first_great_western.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Cardiff to Reading.
The train station in Cardiff that goes to Reading is Cardiff Central (CDF), which connects to Reading station (RDG).
The cheapest way to get from Cardiff to Reading is by bus, with a cost of around $13 (€10).
The train journey from Cardiff to Reading offers views of the scenic Welsh countryside, passing through lush landscapes and picturesque towns, enhancing the travel experience.
Yes, a day trip from Cardiff to Reading is feasible. The journey takes 1h 22m, covering a distance of 95 miles (153 km), with trains running 6 times per day.
Two to three days are typically sufficient to explore the main attractions and experience the cultural highlights of Reading.
Yes, you can take the train from Cardiff to Reading.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Cardiff to Reading
Cardiff
Reading
The major train station for departures in Cardiff is Cardiff Central. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cardiff Central for your trip from Cardiff to Reading.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lounge
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Wifi
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
Shopping
- Type of shops available: News agent and convenience store
Parking
- Car Park: Brewery Car park
Dining
- Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen
- Pret a Manger
- Tesco Express
Taxis
- Taxi: Taxi rank is on the right as you exit the main station entrance
Accessibility
- There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platforms 1 to 8. The National Key toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a radar key and are only available during staffing hours.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: The National Key/Accessible toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a RADAR key and are only available during staffing hours.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Hotel
- Clayton Hotel Cardiff
- Cardiff Marriott Hotel
- Travelodge Cardiff Central
Lounge
- Waiting rooms location: On platforms 1/2, 3/4, 6/7 and 8.
Ticket Office
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: East end of platforms 1 and 2, 3 and 4, 6 and 7 - also at the front and rear of the station.
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transit options for Cardiff Central
- Commuter rail lines: City Line, Rhondda Line, Rhymney Line, Valley Line, South Wales Main Line
- Train lines: Transport for Wales, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the rear car park (Penarth Road entrance)
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 07:30 - 18:30 Saturday 09:30 - 15:30 Sunday Closed
Parking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: No
- Step free access note: Category B3. While both platforms are step-free, there is no facility for wheelchair users, mobility scooter users or persons with reduced mobility to cross between Platform 1 and 2 due to a steep footbridge. Customers who have travelled from the Valleys and wish to access the University or the Civic Centre are advised to travel to Queen Street station, change onto a North-bound service and alight at Cathays on the return service.
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) take cash, and major debit and credit cards. The machine on the Cardiff-bound platform is only available during staffing hours. The machine on the Pontypridd-bound platform is available all the time.
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Hotel
- Travelodge
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens
Public transit options for Cathays
- Onward travel information: The nearest bus stop is on Park Place
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the bus stops adjacent to the Cardiff University Students' Union on Park Place
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityLost and Found OfficeBike ParkingBike Rentalinformation
Distance to city center
1 kmParking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category B2. Step free access to Platform 1 (to Cardiff) from Leckwith Road. Step free access to Platform 2 (to Radyr) Leckwith Road via a ramp with a steep gradient
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) do not accept cash. Payment is by major debit and credit cards only.
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: The bicycle stands can be found on Platform 1 (to Cardiff).
- Storage CCTV: No
Public transit options for Ninian Park
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Wait at the station entrance on Leckwith Road close to traffic lights
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 Cardiff.
Amenities at train station
ShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeTicket 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
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
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.
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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