- 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 bus as it is the most popular option from Middlesbrough to Reading among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $70. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 48m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $70, and a train costs an average of $84.
Distance: 215 miles (347 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$112 Average price | $77 Average price Cheapest | $91 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 18m Average total duration Fastest 4h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 56m Average total duration 8h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 38m 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 Middlesbrough to Reading:
A bus is $35 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Middlesbrough to Reading costing on average $112.
Other travel options to Reading take longer:
Bus takes on average 8h 26m.
Tickets start at around $112 compared to roughly $91 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-20.81. The journey takes 4h 48m versus 4h 38m 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 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 Middlesbrough to Reading run on average 6 times per day, taking around 4h 48m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $84 but you can travel from only $70 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 03:54, the last at 21:52. The fastest train covers the 215 miles (347 km) distance in 4h 44m.
Distance 215 miles (347 km) |
Average train duration 4h 48m |
Cheapest ticket price $84 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 4h 44m |
First train 3:54 AM |
Last train 9:52 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 42 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 Middlesbrough 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 Middlesbrough to Reading trains use the Middlesbrough to Reading station pair. Use this guide to compare Middlesbrough and Reading train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Middlesbrough has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Middlesbrough.
Wi-Fi is available at Middlesbrough.
Ticket office support is available at Middlesbrough.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Middlesbrough: Parking, WC.
Available at Middlesbrough: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Middlesbrough: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step free access is provided from the station entrance to all platforms. Lifts are used to provide level access from the subway to both platforms, the booking hall and concourse. This station is staffed for all services. This station is Category A. Station staff can provide assistance throughout the station, and with boarding and alighting the train. Assistance can be requested in advance by contacting the TransPennine Express Assisted Travel Team on 0800 107 2149 (18001 prefix for TextRelay), 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: The ticket machine is located within the Booking Hall, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, 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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