4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Chester to Reading
Cheapest price
$91
Average price
$97
Fastest journey
3 h 9 m
Average duration
3 h 9 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 $97 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $91.
Of the 2 trains that leave Chester for Reading on Mon, Jul 13, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jul 13 the direct trains cover the 233 km distance in an average of 3 h 9 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 9 m .
On Mon, Jul 13 the slowest trains will take 3 h 9 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.
4:32 PM3h09Chester7:41 PMReading$911One-way0 transfers- 10:32 AM3h09Chester1:41 PMReading$1031One-way0 transfers
- 10:32 AM3h09Chester1:41 PMReading$1031One-way0 transfers
- 4:32 PM3h09Chester7:41 PMReading$911One-way0 transfers
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 $25. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 5m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $25, and a flight costs an average of $85.
Distance: 144 miles (233 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$119 Average price | $60 Average price Cheapest | $186 Average price | $78 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 22m Average total duration 2h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 6m Average total duration 6h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 5m Average total duration Fastest 1h 5m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 43m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Chester to Reading:
A bus is $59 (€49) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chester to Reading costing on average $119 (€98).
A bus is $126 (€103) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chester to Reading costing on average $186 (€153).
Other travel options to Reading take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 52m.
Bus takes on average 6h 36m.
You'll arrive about 51m sooner (2h 52m by train vs 3h 43m by car). Tickets start at around $119 (€98) compared to roughly $78 (€64) in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
Live departures
Chester to Reading train times
The table below shows live departures for Chester to Reading trains for today, Sunday, July 12. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:05 AM Chester | 3h34 | 10:39 AM Reading | 0 transfersDirect | |
 | 8:57 AM Chester | 3h59 | 12:56 PM 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.
Jul 13
Jul 14
Jul 15
Jul 16
Jul 17
Jul 18
Jul 19
Why should you book Chester to Reading trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs CrossCountry?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for CrossCountry, but also compare tickets for the likes of Avanti West Coast or Transport for Wales to find the best option for your trip from Chester 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 CrossCountry with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Chester to Reading.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Avanti West Coast or Transport for Wales to find the best option for your trip from Chester to Reading.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Chester to Reading.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Chester to Reading
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Chester to Reading run on average 7 times per day, taking around 2h 52m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $57 (€47) but you can travel from only $25 (€21) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 04:13, the last at 21:34. The fastest train covers the 144 miles (233 km) distance in 3h 5m.
Distance 144 miles (233 km) |
Average train duration 2h 52m |
Cheapest ticket price $57 (€47) |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 3h 5m |
First train 4:13 AM |
Last train 9:34 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Best time to book 3 days |
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 $25 (€21). 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
Most Chester to Reading trains use the Chester to Reading station pair. Use this guide to compare Chester and Reading train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Chester station do trains to Reading leave from?
Getting to Chester from Chester city centre
Chester is 1 km from Chester city centre. Public transport options include:
Chester train station facilities and services
Chester has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Chester.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Chester.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Chester. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Chester: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Chester: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Chester: 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.
Which Reading station do trains from Chester arrive at?
Getting to Reading from Reading city centre
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 Chester
More options for your journey from Chester to Reading
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Reading and Chester
Most popular train connections to Reading
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