- 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 Aug 30
$140
Average ticket price on Aug 30
$140
Fastest journey on Aug 30
3 h 35 m
Average journey duration on Aug 30
3 h 53 m
Trains on Aug 30
4
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 $140 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $140.
It's difficult to get from Liverpool to Reading without transferring at least 2 times.
W33364+
Tube from London Euston to London Paddington+
C33043
W33351+
G00530+
W35088+
Tube from London Euston to London Paddington
W33337+
G00528+
Tube from London Euston to London Paddington+
W34829
W33218+
Tube from London Euston to London Paddington+
W34759
W33364+
Tube from London Euston to London Paddington+
C33043
W33218+
Tube from London Euston to London Paddington+
W34759
W33351+
G00530+
W35088+
Tube from London Euston to London Paddington
W33337+
G00528+
Tube from London Euston to London Paddington+
W34829Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Liverpool to Reading among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $82 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 41m. 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 $82, while a train costs an average of $159.
Distance: 159 miles (256 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$159 Average price | $82 Average price Cheapest | $87 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 41m Average total duration Fastest 3h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 53m Average total duration 7h 23m 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 $78 (€63) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Liverpool to Reading costing on average $159 (€129).
Other travel options to Reading take longer:
Bus takes on average 7h 23m.
You'll arrive about 38m sooner (3h 11m by train vs 3h 49m by car). Tickets start at around $159 (€129) compared to roughly $87 (€71) 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 Liverpool to Reading trains for today, Saturday, August 29. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W33444+ Tube from London Euston to London Paddington+ W34919 | On time 5:08 PM Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 3h35 | 8:43 PM Reading station (RDG) | 2 transfers | |
C16965+ G01037 | On time 5:12 PM Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 3h27 | 8:39 PM Reading station (RDG) | 1 transfer | |
W33580+ Tube from London Euston to London Paddington+ W34924 | On time 5:43 PM Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 3h32 | 9:15 PM Reading station (RDG) | 2 transfers | |
C16970+ G01038 | On time 6:12 PM Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 3h28 | 9:40 PM Reading station (RDG) | 1 transfer | |
W33524+ Tube from London Euston to Tottenham Court Road (Elizabeth line)+ C37215 | On time 6:43 PM Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 4h28 | 11:11 PM Reading station (RDG) | 2 transfers | |
W33218+ Tube from London Euston to London Paddington+ W34759 | 12:43 PM Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 3h35 | 4:18 PM Reading station (RDG) | 2 transfers | |
W33337+ Tube from London Euston to London Paddington+ W34829+ G00528 | 12:47 PM Liverpool James Street (LVJ) | 4h12 | 4:59 PM Reading station (RDG) | 3 transfers | |
W33364+ Tube from London Euston to London Paddington+ C33043 | 1:43 PM Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 3h35 | 5:18 PM Reading station (RDG) | 2 transfers | |
W33351+ W35088+ Tube from London Euston to London Paddington+ G00530 | 1:47 PM Liverpool James Street (LVJ) | 4h09 | 5:56 PM Reading station (RDG) | 3 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Liverpool to Reading run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 11m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $44 (€36) 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 2h 49m.
Distance 159 miles (256 km) |
Average train duration 3h 11m |
Cheapest ticket price $44 (€36) |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 2h 49m |
First train 1:35 AM |
Last train 9:04 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 70 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 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.

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.
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 options include: Caffè Nero, Costa Coffee, Upper Crust, Starbucks, JD Wetherspoon
Free public Wi-Fi available. ATMs are located near Platform 7.
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 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.
Available at Liverpool Lime Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Liverpool Lime Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
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.
Nearby hotels include Pembroke Studios, Riley’s Rooms, Holiday Inn Liverpool City Center.
Liverpool South Parkway is 8 km from Liverpool city centre. Public transport options include:
Liverpool South Parkway has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Liverpool South Parkway.
Wi-Fi is available at Liverpool South Parkway.
Ticket office support is available at Liverpool South Parkway. 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.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Liverpool South Parkway: Parking, WC.
Available at Liverpool South Parkway: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Liverpool South Parkway: 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” Platforms are accessible via lifts, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, 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: Yes.
Liverpool James Street is 1 km from Liverpool city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options are available at Liverpool James Street.
Wi-Fi is available at Liverpool James Street. ATMs are available at Liverpool James Street.
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.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Liverpool James Street: Parking, WC.
Available at Liverpool James Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
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.
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 Green Park is 3 km from Reading city centre. Public transport options include:
Reading Green Park has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Reading Green Park.
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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