- 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 Sep 11
$88
Average ticket price on Sep 11
$99
Fastest journey on Sep 11
4 h 43 m
Average journey duration on Sep 11
4 h 48 m
Trains on Sep 11
2
Distance
354 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Penzance to Reading is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Penzance to Reading will cost around $99 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $88.
On Fri, Sep 11, we found 2 trains from Penzance to Reading, including 2 direct services.
On Fri, Sep 11 the direct trains cover the 354 km distance in an average of 4 h 48 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 43 m .
On Fri, Sep 11 the slowest trains will take 4 h 53 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 Penzance to Reading among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of $109 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 19m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.3kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $109, while a flight costs an average of $579.
Distance: 219 miles (354 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$109 Average price Cheapest | $120 Average price | $579 Average price | $91 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 19m Average total duration 4h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 8m Average total duration 10h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 19m Average total duration Fastest 2h 19m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 4h 37m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | 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 Penzance to Reading:
A train is $11 (€9) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Penzance to Reading costing on average $120 (€97).
A train is $470 (€380) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Penzance to Reading costing on average $579 (€468).
Other travel options to Reading take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 49m.
Bus takes on average 10h 38m.
Tickets start at around $109 (€88) compared to roughly $91 (€73) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-18.10 (€-14.63). The journey takes 4h 49m versus 4h 37m 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 Penzance to Reading trains for tomorrow, Friday, September 11. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:10 AM Penzance | 4h53 | 1:03 PM Reading | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:15 AM Penzance | 4h43 | 12:58 PM Reading | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, and flight 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 Penzance to Reading run on average 6 times per day, taking around 4h 49m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $107 (€87) but you can travel from only $105 (€85) by bus.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:48, the last at 21:45. The fastest train covers the 219 miles (354 km) distance in 4h 38m.
Distance 219 miles (354 km) |
Average train duration 4h 49m |
Cheapest ticket price $107 (€87) |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 4h 38m |
First train 12:48 AM |
Last train 9:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Best time to book 7 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 Penzance 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 Penzance to Reading trains use the Penzance to Reading station pair, with some services arriving at Reading West. Use this guide to compare Penzance and Reading train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Penzance has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Penzance.
Wi-Fi is available at Penzance.
Ticket office support is available at Penzance.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Penzance: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Penzance: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Penzance: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step Free Category A station - This station has step free access to the platforms. 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 car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, 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.
Nearby hotels include Shoreline bed and breakfast by the sea.
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 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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