- Must visit
Reading Museum
Reading's main museum, famed for the Bayeux Tapestry replica, local history, Huntley & Palmers displays, and Abbey galleries.
Cheapest price
$127
Average price
$127
Fastest journey
3 h 6 m
Average duration
3 h 6 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
167 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Nottingham to Reading is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Nottingham to Reading will cost around $127 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $127.
Of the 1 trains that leave Nottingham for Reading on Tue, Jul 28, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Jul 28 the direct trains cover the 167 km distance in an average of 3 h 6 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 6 m .
On Tue, Jul 28 the slowest trains will take 3 h 6 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.


Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Nottingham to Reading among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $17. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 40m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $17, and a train costs an average of $20.
Distance: 103 miles (167 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$80 Average price | $53 Average price Cheapest | $38 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 10m Average total duration Fastest 2h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 37m Average total duration 5h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 45m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.4kg 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 Nottingham to Reading:
A bus is $27 (€27) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Nottingham to Reading costing on average $80 (€80).
Other travel options to Reading take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 7m.
You'll arrive about 5m sooner (2h 40m by train vs 2h 45m by car). Tickets start at around $80 (€80) compared to roughly $38 (€38) 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.
Direct services run with Cross Country.
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 Nottingham to Reading trains for today, Monday, July 27. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
C21692+ C01016+ Tube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington | 3:50 PM Nottingham station (NOT) | 2h59 | 6:49 PM Reading station (RDG) | 2 transfers | |
G01119 · W29937 | On time 4:07 PM Nottingham station (NOT) | 2h58 | 7:05 PM Reading station (RDG) | 1 transfer | |
W70747+ Y15434+ Tube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington | On time 4:12 PM Nottingham station (NOT) | 3h09 | 7:21 PM Reading station (RDG) | 2 transfers | |
C21610+ W29937 | 4:17 PM Nottingham station (NOT) | 2h48 | 7:05 PM Reading station (RDG) | 1 transfer | |
C21610 · W70816+ Y15434+ Tube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington | 4:17 PM Nottingham station (NOT) | 3h04 | 7:21 PM Reading station (RDG) | 3 transfers | |
C04365+ G14969+ Tube from London Kings Cross to London Paddington+ Y14821 | On time 4:38 PM Nottingham station (NOT) | 3h15 | 7:53 PM Reading station (RDG) | 3 transfers | |
G01122 · G01188 | On time 5:07 PM Nottingham station (NOT) | 3h01 | 8:08 PM Reading station (RDG) | 1 transfer | |
C21687+ W34737+ Tube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington | 5:12 PM Nottingham station (NOT) | 3h11 | 8:23 PM Reading station (RDG) | 2 transfers | |
C21612+ G01188 | 5:17 PM Nottingham station (NOT) | 2h51 | 8:08 PM Reading station (RDG) | 1 transfer | |
G01124 · G01039 | On time 6:05 PM Nottingham station (NOT) | 3h34 | 9:39 PM Reading station (RDG) | 1 transfer | |
C21693+ Tube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington+ Y15439 | 6:10 PM Nottingham station (NOT) | 3h06 | 9:16 PM Reading station (RDG) | 2 transfers | |
C21825+ G66824 · G01039 | On time 6:17 PM Nottingham station (NOT) | 3h22 | 9:39 PM Reading station (RDG) | 2 transfers | |
C21825 · W70825+ G14971+ Tube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington | On time 6:17 PM Nottingham station (NOT) | 3h08 | 9:25 PM Reading station (RDG) | 3 transfers | |
W70733+ W34923+ Tube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington | 6:50 PM Nottingham station (NOT) | 2h56 | 9:46 PM Reading station (RDG) | 2 transfers | |
G01127 · G01042 | On time 7:08 PM Nottingham station (NOT) | 3h32 | 10:40 PM Reading station (RDG) | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 1:17 PM Nottingham | 3h06 | 4:23 PM Reading | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Nottingham to Reading run on average 8 times per day, taking around 2h 40m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $20 (€20) but you can travel from only $17 (€17) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 02:24, the last at 22:20. The fastest train covers the 103 miles (167 km) distance in 2h 47m.
Distance 103 miles (167 km) |
Average train duration 2h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price $20 (€20) |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 2h 47m |
First train 2:24 AM |
Last train 10:20 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 6 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 Nottingham 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 Nottingham to Reading trains use the Nottingham to Reading station pair, with some services arriving at Tilehurst. Use this guide to compare Nottingham and Reading train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Nottingham has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Nottingham.
ATMs are available at Nottingham.
Ticket office support is available at Nottingham. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 08000 11 33 23, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Nottingham: Parking, WC.
Available at Nottingham: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Nottingham: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a category A access station. There are lifts available to all platforms and there is level and ramp access to the concourse and ticket office/machines. This station has tactile paving at the edge of each platform, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible public telephones: none, Accessible taxis: Taxi number displayed on useful information poster at station, Accessible ticket machines: There are 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.
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.
Tilehurst is 4 km from Reading city centre. Public transport options include:
Tilehurst has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Tilehurst.
Wi-Fi is available at Tilehurst.
Ticket office support is available at Tilehurst.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Tilehurst: Parking, WC.
Available at Tilehurst: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Tilehurst: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Step free Category C - This station does not have step free access to operational platforms, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible taxis: Accessible Taxis available at this station Please call our free help line for assistance, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: No, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, 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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need