- Must visit
Reading Museum
Reading's main museum, famed for the Bayeux Tapestry replica, local history, Huntley & Palmers displays, and Abbey galleries.
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Hastings to Reading among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of $89 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 59m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $89, while a train costs an average of $89.
Distance: 78 miles (127 km)
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
$89 Average price Cheapest | $37 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 59m Average total duration Fastest 2h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 16m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Tickets start at around $89 (€72) compared to roughly $37 (€30) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-51.25 (€-41.50). The journey takes 2h 29m versus 2h 16m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
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.
Trains from Hastings to Reading run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 29m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $89 (€72) if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 03:54, the last at 22:26. The fastest train covers the 78 miles (127 km) distance in 3h 11m.
Distance 78 miles (127 km) |
Average train duration 2h 29m |
Cheapest ticket price $89 (€72) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 3h 11m |
First train 3:54 AM |
Last train 10:26 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Best time to book 28 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 Hastings 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 Hastings to Reading trains use the Hastings to Reading station pair. Use this guide to compare Hastings and Reading train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Hastings has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Hastings.
ATMs are available at Hastings.
Ticket office support is available at Hastings. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: 0345 322 7021 or Text relay 18001 0345 322 7021 Freephone 0800 783 4524 or Text Relay 18001 0800 783 4524, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Hastings: Parking, WC.
Available at Hastings: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Hastings: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A. This station has step free access to all platforms - Step free access direct to platform 1 and 2 from ramp leading off the ticket hall for some Ashford and Brightton/London services. Step free access to platforms 3 and 4 via lifts on the station footbridge. Stepped access between platforms also via the station footbridge, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available to book, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: booking hall, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Monday - Friday 04:45 - 01:40 Saturday 04:45 - 01:40 Sunday 06:20 - 01:25 Assistance/Help available from station staff from First to Last trains, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
West St Leonards is 2 km from Hastings city centre. Public transport options include:
West St Leonards has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at West St Leonards.
Ticket office support is available at West St Leonards. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: 0345 322 7021 or Text relay 18001 0345 322 7021 Freephone 0800 783 4524 or Text Relay 18001 0800 783 4524, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at West St Leonards: Parking.
Available at West St Leonards: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at West St Leonards: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category C. This station has a degree of step-free access to the platform, which may be in both directions or in one direction only - please check details -Step free access to platform 1 for services towards London via booking hall only. There is no step free access to Platform 2.Only Stepped access to platform 2 for services away from London. No step free interchange between platforms. Stepped access between platforms via station footbridge, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available to book, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: At front of station, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, 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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