- Must visit
Reading Museum
Reading's main museum, famed for the Bayeux Tapestry replica, local history, Huntley & Palmers displays, and Abbey galleries.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Chelmsford to Reading
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 20
Cheapest price on Sep 20
$78
Average ticket price on Sep 20
$78
Fastest journey on Sep 20
1 h 21 m
Average journey duration on Sep 20
1 h 21 m
Trains on Sep 20
31
Distance
104 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chelmsford to Reading is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Chelmsford to Reading will cost around $78 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $78.
Fast trains
It's difficult to get from Chelmsford to Reading without transferring at least 2 times.
6:55 AM2h02Chelmsford8:57 AMReading$781One-way2 transfers- 7:25 AM1h42Chelmsford9:07 AMReading$781One-way2 transfers
- 7:55 AM1h52Chelmsford9:47 AMReading$781One-way2 transfers
- 8:28 AM1h44Chelmsford10:12 AMReading$781One-way2 transfers
- 8:59 AM1h27Chelmsford10:26 AMReading$781One-way2 transfers
- 12:31 PM1h21Chelmsford1:52 PMReading$781One-way2 transfers
- 1:31 PM1h21Chelmsford2:52 PMReading$781One-way2 transfers
- 2:31 PM1h21Chelmsford3:52 PMReading$781One-way2 transfers
- 3:31 PM1h21Chelmsford4:52 PMReading$781One-way2 transfers
- 4:31 PM1h21Chelmsford5:52 PMReading$781One-way2 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train for Chelmsford to Reading
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chelmsford to Reading among Omio's users.
Distance: 64 miles (104 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
$29 Average price (fuel + tolls) | |
1h 44m Average total duration (door-to-door) | |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Compare prices and tickets Chelmsford to Reading by train
Compare 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.
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Why should you book Chelmsford to Reading trains with Omio?
Greater Anglia as well as Elizabeth line or Great Western Railway offer trains services from Chelmsford to Reading.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Chelmsford to Reading.
Why book with Omio vs Greater Anglia?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Greater Anglia, but also compare tickets for the likes of Elizabeth line or Great Western Railway to find the best option for your trip from Chelmsford 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.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Elizabeth line or Great Western Railway to find the best option for your trip from Chelmsford to Reading.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Chelmsford to Reading
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Take a train from Chelmsford to Reading and enjoy the approximately 64 miles (104 km) long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest train runs at 03:08, the last at 23:12.
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 64 miles (104 km) |
First train 3:08 AM |
Last train 11:12 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
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
Complete guide to Reading
Things to do in Reading
Discover the best of Reading — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Reading trip today.
- Must visit
The Museum of English Rural Life
Modern art gallery in the civic centre showing changing exhibitions by regional and national artists in a central, accessible space.
- Must visit
The Museum of English Rural Life
University museum with strong agriculture, countryside, and design collections. Popular for families and one of Reading's standout visits.
- Must visit
Forbury Gardens
Large central park with formal gardens, Thames views, and the iconic Maiwand Lion. A classic place to stroll or relax near downtown.
- Must visit
Reading Abbey Quarter
Historic quarter around the Abbey ruins, museum, and Forbury Gardens. Ideal for understanding Reading's origins on a compact walking route.
- Recommended
King's Meadow
Riverside nature reserve and meadow walk beside the Thames. Peaceful paths and wildlife make it a favorite local escape close to the centre.
Windsor Fish Pie
A Berkshire classic of smoked haddock in a creamy parsley sauce. Traditionally linked to Windsor and widely associated with the wider county.
- Vegetarian
Berkshire Lardy Cake
A rich fruit cake made with currants, butter, eggs, sugar and mixed spice. A long-standing Berkshire tea-time bake.
- Vegetarian
Sally Lunn Bun
A soft yeasted bun spiced with caraway and filled with currants, candied peel and sugar. Traditionally baked in Berkshire and nearby counties.
L'Ortolan
Polished fine dining restaurant known for seasonal British tasting menus and refined service in an elegant central Reading setting.
Bakery House
Popular Reading institution for Lebanese and Middle Eastern plates, known for generous mezze and a lively, casual atmosphere.
London Street Brasserie
Well-regarded independent restaurant serving British and European dishes with seasonal ingredients in a relaxed modern dining room.
Pound sterling (£)
Reading is pricier than many UK towns. Hotels and dining are above average, but rail and local buses are manageable for most visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
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.
Reading Buses
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.00
- Day pass
- £4.90
To the city center
Reading Station -> Broad Street, Reading
- Distance
- 0.7 km
- Travel time
- 9 min
- Contactless card payment is accepted on Reading Buses, and fare capping can make multiple trips cheaper than buying separate tickets.
- Reading town centre is walkable from Reading Station; many central destinations are about 10 minutes on foot.
FAQs: Trains from Chelmsford to Reading
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chelmsford 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 Chelmsford to Reading
Most Chelmsford to Reading trains use the Chelmsford to Reading station pair. Use this guide to compare Chelmsford and Reading train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Chelmsford
Arrival train stations in Reading
Which Chelmsford station do trains to Reading leave from?
Trains from Chelmsford to Reading leave from Chelmsford. The station is from Chelmsford city centre at Chelmsford station, Duke Street, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1HT.
ChelmsfordChelmsford station, Duke Street, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1HT+44 8450507080
City-centre transport
Getting to Chelmsford from Chelmsford city centre
Location for Rail Replacement ServicesReplacement transport stop at the bus stop on Victoria Road by station entrance
Chelmsford train station facilities and services
Chelmsford has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Chelmsford.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Chelmsford. ATMs are available at Chelmsford.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Chelmsford.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Chelmsford: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Chelmsford: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Chelmsford: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: Details of nearest taxis are shown on station information poster, 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: No.
Which Reading station do trains from Chelmsford arrive at?
Trains from Chelmsford to Reading arrive at Reading. Reading is from Reading city centre.
ReadingReading station, Station Hill, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1LZ+44 3451652030
City-centre transport
Getting to Reading from Reading city centre
Bus26, 90, 87 · 2m · $2 · every ~15 min
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.
Most popular train connections from Chelmsford
More options for your journey from Chelmsford to Reading
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Reading and Chelmsford
Most popular train connections to Reading
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