- 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 21
$77
Average ticket price on Sep 21
$208
Fastest journey on Sep 21
3 h 11 m
Average journey duration on Sep 21
3 h 35 m
Trains on Sep 21
6
Distance
263 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Leeds to Reading is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Leeds to Reading will cost around $208 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $77.
It's difficult to get from Leeds to Reading without transferring at least once.
G01135 · W29925
G01133 · G01176
C02145+
Tube from London Kings Cross to London Paddington+
W35093
C02157+
Tube from London Kings Cross to London Paddington+
G14935
C02155+
Tube from London Kings Cross to London Paddington+
G14937
G07952+
Tube from London Kings Cross to London Paddington+
G14938
C02145+
Tube from London Kings Cross to London Paddington+
W35093
C02155+
Tube from London Kings Cross to London Paddington+
G14937
C02157+
Tube from London Kings Cross to London Paddington+
G14935
G01135 · W29925Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Leeds to Reading among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $83 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 34m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $83, while a train costs an average of $142.
Distance: 163 miles (263 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$142 Average price | $83 Average price Cheapest | $72 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 34m Average total duration Fastest 3h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 32m Average total duration 7h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 49m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.7kg 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 Leeds to Reading:
A bus is $59 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Leeds to Reading costing on average $142.
Other travel options to Reading take longer:
Bus takes on average 7h 2m.
You'll arrive about 45m sooner (3h 4m by train vs 3h 49m by car). Tickets start at around $142 compared to roughly $72 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.
The table below shows live departures for Leeds to Reading trains for today, Sunday, September 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
C02138+ C37241+ W45778 | On time 12:10 PM Leeds station (LDS) | 4h01 | 4:11 PM Reading station (RDG) | 2 transfers | |
C02138+ Tube from London Kings Cross to London Paddington+ C33068 | On time 12:10 PM Leeds station (LDS) | 3h37 | 3:47 PM Reading station (RDG) | 2 transfers | |
G01147 · G01026 | On time 12:15 PM Leeds station (LDS) | 4h25 | 4:40 PM Reading station (RDG) | 1 transfer | |
G07988+ Tube from London Kings Cross to London Paddington+ C00164 | On time 12:40 PM Leeds station (LDS) | 3h35 | 4:15 PM Reading station (RDG) | 2 transfers | |
G80056+ Tube from London Kings Cross to London Paddington+ G16315+ C06027 | Delayed 12:16 PM 12:41 PMLeeds station (LDS) | 4h03 | 4:44 PM Reading station (RDG) | 3 transfers | |
C02143+ Tube from London Kings Cross to London Paddington+ W34829 | On time 1:10 PM Leeds station (LDS) | 3h48 | 4:58 PM Reading station (RDG) | 2 transfers | |
| Monday, September 21 | |||||
C02157+ Tube from London Kings Cross to London Paddington+ G14935 | 5:00 AM Leeds station (LDS) | 3h41 | 8:41 AM Reading station (RDG) | 2 transfers | |
C02145+ Tube from London Kings Cross to London Paddington+ W35093 | 5:30 AM Leeds station (LDS) | 3h33 | 9:03 AM Reading station (RDG) | 2 transfers | |
C02155+ Tube from London Kings Cross to London Paddington+ G14937 | 6:05 AM Leeds station (LDS) | 3h36 | 9:41 AM Reading station (RDG) | 2 transfers | |
G01133 · G01176 | 6:11 AM Leeds station (LDS) | 3h56 | 10:07 AM Reading station (RDG) | 1 transfer | |
G07952+ Tube from London Kings Cross to London Paddington+ G14938 | 7:00 AM Leeds station (LDS) | 3h11 | 10:11 AM Reading station (RDG) | 2 transfers | |
G01135 · W29925 | 7:10 AM Leeds station (LDS) | 3h55 | 11:05 AM Reading station (RDG) | 1 transfer | |
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 Leeds to Reading run on average 9 times per day, taking around 3h 4m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $54 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 02:11, the last at 22:20. The fastest train covers the 163 miles (263 km) distance in 2h 49m.
Distance 163 miles (263 km) |
Average train duration 3h 4m |
Cheapest ticket price $54 |
Trains per day 9 |
Fastest train 2h 49m |
First train 2:11 AM |
Last train 10:20 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 63 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 Leeds 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 Leeds to Reading trains use the Leeds to Reading station pair, with some services arriving at Reading West. Use this guide to compare Leeds and Reading train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Leeds has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Bagel Factory, Caffè Nero, KFC, Leon, McDonald's, The Pasty Shop, Starbucks, Pret a Manger, JD Wetherspoon, Delice de France
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located in the West Footbridge and South Concourse.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 04:45 - 23:59, Sun: 06:45 - 22:30. Information desks are located on the North Concourse near the Wellington Street entrance. Open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
Luggage storage is located on the main concourse. Services provided by Excess Baggage Co, open daily from 08:00 until 21:00. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Leeds: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Leeds: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Leeds: There are elevators or level access to all platforms in the whole station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
Nearby hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Leeds City Center, The Queens Hotel, Leeds Marriott Hotel.
Bramley (West Yorks) is 6 km from Leeds city centre. Public transport options include:
Bramley (West Yorks) has practical services for this route, including Parking, Accessibility, and Lost and Found Office.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Bramley (West Yorks): Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bramley (West Yorks): Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category B station, Station is unstaffed. wheelchair customers using platform 2 (Bradford, Manchester bound) should be aware that the access to the platform is via a busy road that has no dropped kerbs and a narrow ramped path and entrance onto the platform. Platform 1 (Leeds, Selby) has good level access, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Burley Park is 2 km from Leeds city centre. Public transport options include:
Burley Park has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Burley Park.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Burley Park: Parking, Taxis.
Available at Burley Park: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Burley Park: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category B station, Persons in wheelchairs can gain easy access onto both platforms. However to get onto the Harrogate bound platform you have to go a long way round it will take approx 5-7 minutes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Cards Only - No Cash Accepted, 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.
Reading West is 1 km from Reading city centre. Public transport options include:
Reading West has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Reading West.
Ticket office support is available at Reading West.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Reading West: Parking.
Available at Reading West: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Reading West: 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.
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