The cheapest and fastest trains from Chester to Reading
Cheapest price
$141
Average price
$148
Fastest journey
3 h 15 m
Average duration
3 h 46 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
233 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chester to Reading is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Chester to Reading will cost around $148 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $141.
Of the 2 trains that leave Chester for Reading on Fri, Nov 28, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Nov 28 the direct trains cover the 233 km distance in an average of 3 h 46 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 15 m .
On Fri, Nov 28 the slowest trains will take 4 h 17 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.




Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Chester to Reading
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chester to Reading among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €66. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 0m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €66, and a flight costs an average of €55.
Distance: 144 miles (233 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus |
|---|---|---|
€107 Average price | €113 Average price | €76 Average price Cheapest |
3h 24m Average total duration 2h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 0m Average total duration Fastest 1h 0m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 9h 14m Average total duration 8h 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Chester to Reading train times
The table below shows live departures for Chester to Reading trains for tomorrow, Friday, November 28. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 4:26 AM Chester | 4h17 | 8:43 AM Reading | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:32 AM Chester | 3h15 | 9:47 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 Chester to Reading by train, bus, or flight
Compare train, bus, and flight 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.
Nov 28
Nov 29
Nov 30
Dec 01
Dec 02
Dec 03
Dec 04
Journey information
Overview: Train from Chester to Reading
Trains from Chester to Reading run on average 7 times per day, taking around 2h 54m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $71 (€57) but you can travel from only $68 (€55) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 04:13, the last at 21:34. The fastest train covers the 144 miles (233 km) distance in 3h 9m.
Distance 144 miles (233 km) |
Average train duration 2h 54m |
Cheapest ticket price $71 (€57) |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 3h 9m |
First train 04:13 |
Last train 21:34 |
Train companies: CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, Transport for Wales from Chester to Reading trainsCrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, Transport for Wales trains will get you between Chester and Reading from $68 (€55). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
CrossCountry
Avanti West Coast
Transport for Wales
FAQs: Trains from Chester to Reading
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chester 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 Chester to Reading
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:40 - 21:40 Saturday 05:40 - 21:40 Sunday 07:10 - 20:40
- Type of shops available: News agent
- Car Park: Chester West
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category A. Step free access is available to all platforms via lifts.
- 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
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Main Concourse and on Platform 7a. The National key toilets are located on the Main Concourse and on Platform 7a; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: On the concourse
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Information available from staff: Yes - from information point
- Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the bus stop outside the station front
- 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
- Car Park: Multi Storey Car Park
- 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
- Toilets Location: Toilets are located on Station Platforms and in The Brunel Arcade building
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Front of station, underground short stay car park and long stay car park.
- Storage CCTV: No
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the North side of the station
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:30 - 10:45 Saturday - Sunday Closed
- Car Park: No
- 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
- Storage CCTV: No
- 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.
Most popular train connections from Chester
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