4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Liverpool to Reading
Cheapest price
$58
Average price
$122
Fastest journey
3 h 25 m
Average duration
3 h 31 m
Trains per day
7
Distance
256 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Liverpool to Reading is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Liverpool to Reading will cost around $122 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $58.
Of the 7 trains that leave Liverpool for Reading on Thu, Jul 16, 7 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jul 16 the direct trains cover the 256 km distance in an average of 3 h 31 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 25 m .
On Thu, Jul 16 the slowest trains will take 3 h 34 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.
7:08 AM3h32Liverpool10:40 AMReading$581One-way0 transfers
8:33 AM3h36Liverpool12:09 PMReading$801One-way0 transfers- 9:12 AM3h25Liverpool12:37 PMReading$901One-way0 transfers
8:12 AM3h34Liverpool11:46 AMReading$1361One-way0 transfers- 9:08 AM3h32Liverpool12:40 PMReading$1371One-way0 transfers
- 9:12 AM3h25Liverpool12:37 PMReading$901One-way0 transfers
- 7:33 AM3h32Liverpool11:05 AMReading$1681One-way0 transfers
- 9:08 AM3h32Liverpool12:40 PMReading$1371One-way0 transfers
- 7:08 AM3h32Liverpool10:40 AMReading$581One-way0 transfers
- 6:33 AM3h34Liverpool10:07 AMReading$1841One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Liverpool to Reading
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Liverpool to Reading among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $64. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 17m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $64, and a train costs an average of $46.
Distance: 159 miles (256 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$110 Average price | $73 Average price Cheapest | $85 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 47m Average total duration Fastest 3h 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 35m Average total duration 6h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 49m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.6kg 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 Liverpool to Reading:
A bus is $37 (€30) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Liverpool to Reading costing on average $110 (€90).
Other travel options to Reading take longer:
Bus takes on average 6h 5m.
You'll arrive about 32m sooner (3h 17m by train vs 3h 49m by car). Tickets start at around $110 (€90) compared to roughly $85 (€70) 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
Liverpool to Reading train times
The table below shows live departures for Liverpool to Reading trains for today, Wednesday, July 15. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1:08 PM Liverpool | 3h38 | 4:46 PM Reading | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Thursday, July 16 | |||||
| 6:33 AM Liverpool | 3h34 | 10:07 AM Reading | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 7:08 AM Liverpool | 3h32 | 10:40 AM Reading | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 7:33 AM Liverpool | 3h32 | 11:05 AM Reading | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 8:12 AM Liverpool | 3h34 | 11:46 AM Reading | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 8:33 AM Liverpool | 3h36 | 12:09 PM Reading | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 9:08 AM Liverpool | 3h32 | 12:40 PM Reading | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 9:12 AM Liverpool | 3h25 | 12:37 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 Liverpool to Reading by train or bus
Compare train and bus 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 16
Jul 17
Jul 18
Jul 19
Jul 20
Jul 21
Jul 22
Why should you book Liverpool 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 West Midlands Trains, Avanti West Coast or West Midlands Trains to find the best option for your trip from Liverpool 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 and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Liverpool 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 West Midlands Trains, Avanti West Coast or West Midlands Trains to find the best option for your trip from Liverpool to Reading.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Liverpool to Reading.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Liverpool to Reading
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Liverpool to Reading run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 17m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $46 (€38) if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 01:35, the last at 21:04. The fastest train covers the 159 miles (256 km) distance in 3h 25m.
Distance 159 miles (256 km) |
Average train duration 3h 17m |
Cheapest ticket price $46 (€38) |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 3h 25m |
First train 1:35 AM |
Last train 9:04 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 70 days |
Train companies: CrossCountry, West Midlands Trains, Avanti West Coast from Liverpool to Reading trainsCrossCountry, West Midlands Trains, Avanti West Coast trains will get you between Liverpool and Reading from $46 (€38). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
CrossCountry
West Midlands Trains
Avanti West Coast
FAQs: Trains from Liverpool to Reading
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Liverpool 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 Liverpool to Reading
Most Liverpool to Reading trains use the Liverpool Lime Street to Reading station pair, with some services arriving at Reading Green Park. Use this guide to compare Liverpool and Reading train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Getting to Liverpool Lime Street from Liverpool city centre
Liverpool Lime Street train station facilities and services
Liverpool Lime Street 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, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: Caffè Nero, Costa Coffee, Upper Crust, Starbucks, JD Wetherspoon
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free public Wi-Fi available. ATMs are located near Platform 7.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 05:00 - 23:38, Sun: 07:15 - 23:05. Information desks are located in the main concourse.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is the Excess Baggage Co. lockers and staffed luggage storage counter are located in the main concourse near the escalators across from Platform 6. Open daily 08:00 to 21:00. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Liverpool Lime Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Liverpool Lime Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Liverpool Lime Street: Full wheelchair access throughout the station, with help points at the Skelhorne Street entrance and at customer information desk in the main concourse.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Pembroke Studios, Riley’s Rooms, Holiday Inn Liverpool City Center.
Getting to Liverpool Central from Liverpool city centre
Liverpool Central train station facilities and services
Liverpool Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Liverpool Central.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Liverpool Central. ATMs are available at Liverpool Central.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Liverpool Central. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0151 555 1111, 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 Liverpool Central: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Liverpool Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Liverpool Central: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A: “This station has step free access to all platforms / the platform” All platforms can be accessed via lift, Accessible ticket machines: There are no 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: No.
Getting to Liverpool James Street from Liverpool city centre
Liverpool James Street is 1 km from Liverpool city centre. Public transport options include:
Liverpool James Street train station facilities and services
Liverpool James Street has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Liverpool James Street.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Liverpool James Street. ATMs are available at Liverpool James Street.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Liverpool James Street. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0151 555 1111, 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 Liverpool James Street: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Liverpool James Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Liverpool James Street: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A: “This station has step free access to all platforms / the platform”The Ticket Office is step free via James Street only and platforms can be accessed via lifts, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Which Reading station do trains from Liverpool 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.
Getting to Reading Green Park from Reading city centre
Reading Green Park is 3 km from Reading city centre. Public transport options include:
Reading Green Park train station facilities and services
Reading Green Park has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Reading Green Park.
Getting to Reading West from Reading city centre
Reading West is 1 km from Reading city centre. Public transport options include:
Reading West train station facilities and services
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
Food and drink options are available at Reading West.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Reading West.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Reading West: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Reading West: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
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.
More options for your journey from Liverpool to Reading
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Reading and Liverpool
Most popular train connections to Reading
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