- 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 Sep 20
$19
Average ticket price on Sep 20
$19
Fastest journey on Sep 20
38 m
Average journey duration on Sep 20
38 m
Trains on Sep 20
1
Distance
37 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Guildford to Reading is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Guildford to Reading will cost around $19 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $19.
On Sun, Sep 20, we found 1 trains from Guildford to Reading, including 1 direct services.
On Sun, Sep 20 the direct trains cover the 37 km distance in an average of 38 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 38 m .
On Sun, Sep 20 the slowest trains will take 38 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.


Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Guildford to Reading among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of $21 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 13m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.0kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $21, while a bus costs an average of $63.
Distance: 22 miles (37 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$21 Average price Cheapest | $63 Average price | $11 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 13m Average total duration Fastest 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 42m Average total duration 3h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 2m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Guildford to Reading:
A train is $42 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Guildford to Reading costing on average $63.
Other travel options to Reading take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 12m.
You'll arrive about 19m sooner (43m by train vs 1h 2m by car). Tickets start at around $21 compared to roughly $11 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.
Direct services run with CrossCountry, Great Western Railway (GWR).
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.
The table below shows live departures for Guildford to Reading trains for today, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
C42375 | 8:19 AM Guildford station (GLD) | 0h38 | 8:57 AM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C42376 | 8:42 AM Guildford station (GLD) | 0h45 | 9:27 AM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C42377 | 9:19 AM Guildford station (GLD) | 0h38 | 9:57 AM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C42378 | 9:44 AM Guildford station (GLD) | 0h45 | 10:29 AM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C42379 | 10:19 AM Guildford station (GLD) | 0h38 | 10:57 AM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C42380 | 10:42 AM Guildford station (GLD) | 0h45 | 11:27 AM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and 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.
Trains from Guildford to Reading run on average 7 times per day, taking around 43m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $19 if you book in advance.
There are 7 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 22 miles (37 km) distance in 36m.
Distance 22 miles (37 km) |
Average train duration 43m |
Cheapest ticket price $19 |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 7 |
Fastest train 36m |
First train 12:04 AM |
Last train 11:56 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 5 days |
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
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Guildford 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 Guildford to Reading trains use the Guildford to Reading station pair. Use this guide to compare Guildford and Reading train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Guildford has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Guildford.
ATMs are available at Guildford.
Ticket office support is available at Guildford.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Guildford: Parking, WC.
Available at Guildford: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Guildford: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: There is level access to the booking hall and all platforms from the main entrance in Walnut Tree Close. There is no step free access from the Guildford Park Road entrance. There is step free access to and interchange between all platforms via steep ramps. A staff operated powered wheelchair is available for customers. Please speak to a member of staff or our Assisted Travel team, Accessible taxis: The taxi rank is located outside the main station entrance (platform 2), Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All South Western Railway ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. All machines are accessible, however the station may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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.
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