- Must visit
Reading Museum
Reading's main museum, famed for the Bayeux Tapestry replica, local history, Huntley & Palmers displays, and Abbey galleries.
Cheapest price
$40
Average price
$40
Fastest journey
1 h 54 m
Average duration
1 h 55 m
Trains per day
12
Distance
98 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from London Stansted Airport to Reading is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from London Stansted Airport to Reading will cost around $40 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $40.
It's difficult to get from London Stansted Airport to Reading without transferring at least 2 times.
P66365+
C38324+
C00840
P66383+
C38389+
C33028
P66371+
C38348+
C05993
P66377+
C38366+
C50046
P66201+
C37354+
W34876
P66377+
C38366+
C50046
P66383+
C38389+
C33028
P66371+
C38348+
C05993
P66212+
C37237+
C33026
P66365+
C38324+
C00840Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from London Stansted Airport to Reading among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $26. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 0m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $26, and a bus costs an average of $64.
Distance: 60 miles (98 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$51 Average price Cheapest | $73 Average price | $30 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 30m Average total duration Fastest 2h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 8m Average total duration 2h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 35m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from London Stansted Airport to Reading:
A train is $21 (€17) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from London Stansted Airport to Reading costing on average $73 (€58).
Other travel options to Reading take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 38m.
Tickets start at around $51 (€41) compared to roughly $30 (€24) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-21.55 (€-17.33). The journey takes 2h 0m versus 1h 35m 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.
The table below shows live departures for London Stansted Airport to Reading trains for today, Saturday, August 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
P67519+ C38221+ C42203 | On time 9:11 AM Stansted Airport (SSD) | 1h57 | 11:08 AM Reading station (RDG) | 2 transfers | |
| Sunday, August 23 | |||||
P66177+ C37346+ C00849 | 8:11 AM Stansted Airport (SSD) | 2h02 | 10:13 AM Reading station (RDG) | 2 transfers | |
P66189+ C37228 | 8:24 AM Stansted Airport (SSD) | 2h16 | 10:40 AM Reading station (RDG) | 1 transfer | |
P66189+ C37228+ C00167 | 8:24 AM Stansted Airport (SSD) | 2h02 | 10:26 AM Reading station (RDG) | 2 transfers | |
P66201+ C37354+ W34876 | 8:41 AM Stansted Airport (SSD) | 2h06 | 10:47 AM Reading station (RDG) | 2 transfers | |
P66212+ C37237 | 8:58 AM Stansted Airport (SSD) | 2h12 | 11:10 AM Reading station (RDG) | 1 transfer | |
P66212+ C37237+ C33026 | 8:58 AM Stansted Airport (SSD) | 1h55 | 10:53 AM Reading station (RDG) | 2 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 London Stansted Airport to Reading run on average 10 times per day, taking around 2h 0m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $26 (€21) if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 05:25, the last at 22:10. The fastest train covers the 60 miles (98 km) distance in 1h 54m.
Distance 60 miles (98 km) |
Average train duration 2h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price $26 (€21) |
Trains per day 10 |
Fastest train 1h 54m |
First train 5:25 AM |
Last train 10:10 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Thu |
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 London Stansted Airport 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 London Stansted Airport to Reading trains use the London Paddington to Reading station pair, with some services arriving at Reading Green Park. Use this guide to compare London Stansted Airport and Reading train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like 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 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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