- Recommended
Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon
Local museum on Barnstaple's history, archaeology, and culture. A strong first stop for understanding the town and wider North Devon.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Reading to Barnstaple
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 19
Cheapest price on Sep 19
$73
Average ticket price on Sep 19
$73
Fastest journey on Sep 19
3 h 33 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
3 h 33 m
Trains on Sep 19
1
Distance
219 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Reading to Barnstaple is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Reading to Barnstaple will cost around $73 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $73.
Fast trains
On Sat, Sep 19, we found 1 trains from Reading to Barnstaple, including 1 direct services.
On Sat, Sep 19 the direct trains cover the 219 km distance in an average of 3 h 33 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 33 m .
On Sat, Sep 19 the slowest trains will take 3 h 33 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.
5:01 PM3h33Reading8:34 PMBarnstaple$731One-way0 transfers
- 5:01 PM3h33Reading8:34 PMBarnstaple$731One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus and train for Reading to Barnstaple
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Reading to Barnstaple among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of $77 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 23m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $77, while a bus costs an average of $121.
Distance: 136 miles (219 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$77 Average price Cheapest | $121 Average price | $58 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 23m Average total duration Fastest 2h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 51m Average total duration 6h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 10m 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 |
The cheapest way to travel from Reading to Barnstaple is a train with an average price of $77.
This is compared to other travel options from Reading to Barnstaple:
A train is $43 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Reading to Barnstaple costing on average $121.
The fastest way to travel from Reading to Barnstaple is by train with an average journey time of 2h 53m.
Other travel options to Barnstaple take longer:
Bus takes on average 6h 21m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Reading and Barnstaple including taking a bus and train.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Reading to Barnstaple among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 17m sooner (2h 53m by train vs 3h 10m by car). Tickets start at around $77 compared to roughly $58 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.
Live departures
Reading to Barnstaple train times
The table below shows live departures for Reading to Barnstaple trains for today, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:28 PM Reading | 3h38 | 12:06 AM Barnstaple | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, September 19 | |||||
| 5:01 PM Reading | 3h33 | 8:34 PM Barnstaple | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Reading to Barnstaple by bus or train
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.
Sat
Sep 19
Sep 19
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Why should you book Reading to Barnstaple trains with Omio?
Great Western Railway as well as Great Western Railway (GWR) offer trains services from Reading to Barnstaple.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Reading to Barnstaple.
Why book with Omio vs Great Western Railway?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Great Western Railway, but also compare tickets for the likes of Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Reading to Barnstaple.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Great Western Railway with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Reading to Barnstaple.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Reading to Barnstaple.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Reading to Barnstaple
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Reading to Barnstaple run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 53m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $77 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 00:49, the last at 23:11. The fastest train covers the 136 miles (219 km) distance in 2h 43m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance 136 miles (219 km) |
Average train duration 2h 53m |
Cheapest ticket price $77 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 2h 43m |
First train 12:49 AM |
Last train 11:11 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 28 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Train companies: Great Western Railway from Reading to Barnstaple trainsGreat Western Railway trains will get you between Reading and Barnstaple from $77. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Great Western Railway
About
Great Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London Paddington to the West of England, South Wales and the Cotswolds. It also operates services from London Paddington to Oxford, Reading and Bristol. It offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and catering services. The most popular routes for Great Western Railway are London Paddington to Bristol, Reading and Oxford.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Great Western Railway Duration
2h 43m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
$77
Great Western Railway frequency
6 a day
Luggage included
Two pieces of luggage and one piece of hand luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, dedicated luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches. First Class at-seat service on some routes
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservations available for a fee. Free in First Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone
Complete guide to Barnstaple
Things to do in Barnstaple
Discover the best of Barnstaple — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Barnstaple trip today.
- Recommended
The Plough Arts Centre
Regional arts venue presenting contemporary exhibitions, film, and performances. Worth visiting for changing visual art shows in central Barnstaple.
- Recommended
North Devon Maritime Museum
Maritime museum in a historic signal station at nearby Instow. Displays explain local seafaring and estuary links relevant to North Devon.
- Must visit
Tarka Trail
Traffic-free trail along the old railway, linking Barnstaple with coast and countryside. Excellent for walking or cycling with estuary scenery.
- Recommended
Boutport Street
Historic shopping street lined with characterful buildings. Ideal for appreciating Barnstaple's commercial heritage and everyday town-centre atmosphere.
- Recommended
Rock Park
Green riverside park popular for walks, sports, and family time. It offers open views and a relaxed break close to the town centre.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Devon Clotted Cream
A rich North Devon cream made by slowly heating milk. Served with scones and jam, it is a defining regional treat across Devon tea rooms.
- Vegetarian
Devon Cream Tea
Traditional Devon split scones filled with jam and clotted cream. The Devon style puts cream before jam and is a proud local custom.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Devon Cider
A classic West Country cider from nearby orchards. Dry or sparkling styles are widely drunk in North Devon pubs and with local food.
62 The Bank
Smart modern restaurant in Barnstaple known for seasonal British cooking, tasting menus, and polished service in an intimate setting.
Giovanni's & Luca's
Established Italian restaurant with a loyal local following, serving pasta, pizza, and seafood in a relaxed riverside area.
The Pelican
Historic pub and restaurant in the town centre, popular for cask ales, classic British dishes, and a traditional atmosphere.
British Pound Sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK: hotels and meals are usually lower than major cities, while local buses and everyday dining stay fairly manageable for tourists.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £15-25 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £45+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.80-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual for good service if not already added. Round up for taxis, and small change is fine in cafes.
Stagecoach Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.00
- Day pass
- £4.60
To the city center
Barnstaple Railway Station -> The Square, Barnstaple
- Distance
- 1.1 km
- Travel time
- 14 min
- Most Barnstaple local buses are run by Stagecoach South West. Contactless card payment is generally accepted on board.
- Barnstaple town centre is walkable from the railway station in about 14 min. Check live bus times in the Stagecoach Bus app before travel.
FAQs: Trains from Reading to Barnstaple
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reading to Barnstaple 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 Barnstaple, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Train ticket prices from Reading to Barnstaple can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $77, while the average price is around $77.
The train from Reading to Barnstaple takes 2h 43m and runs 6 per day.
The first train from Reading to Barnstaple leaves at 12:49 AM.
The distance by train from Reading to Barnstaple is 136 miles (219 km).
The last train from Reading to Barnstaple leaves at 11:11 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Reading to Barnstaple.
There is no direct train service currently available from Reading to Barnstaple.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Reading to Barnstaple.
The train station in Reading that goes to Barnstaple is Reading station (RDG), which connects to Barnstaple station (BNP).
The cheapest way to get from Reading to Barnstaple is by train, with a cost of around $77.
The train journey from Reading to Barnstaple is considered scenic as it travels through picturesque countryside, including views of rolling hills, charming villages, and parts of the Exmoor National Park, offering passengers a visually pleasing experience.
A day trip from Reading to Barnstaple is not feasible since the journey duration is 2h 43m. However, there are 4 trains available per day. The distance is 136 miles (219 km).
Two to three days are ideal to explore Barnstaple's key attractions, enjoy its local markets, and experience the nearby countryside.
Yes, you can take the train from Reading to Barnstaple.
Since neither Reading nor Barnstaple are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United Kingdom and United Kingdom. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
Popular day trips by train from Barnstaple include Exeter, Bridgwater, Dawlish, Torquay, Newton Abbot.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Reading to Barnstaple among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
Yes, rail passes such as the BritRail Pass are valid on most trains within the United Kingdom, offering unlimited travel on participating train operators for a set period.
The currency used in the United Kingdom is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). For travelers, using a card is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially in cities and for transportation tickets, though carrying some cash can be useful for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Barnstaple, travelers should be aware of typical urban safety concerns such as pickpocketing in busy areas and on public transport. It's advisable to stay vigilant in crowded spots, especially around the town center and transportation hubs. While scams are not prevalent, travelers should be cautious of unsolicited offers or deals that seem too good to be true, particularly from street vendors or unofficial ticket sellers. Keeping personal belongings secure and purchasing tickets from official sources helps ensure a safe experience.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Reading to Barnstaple
Most Reading to Barnstaple trains use the Reading to Barnstaple station pair. Use this guide to compare Reading and Barnstaple train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Reading
Arrival train stations in Barnstaple
Which Reading station do trains to Barnstaple leave from?
Trains from Reading to Barnstaple leave from Reading. The station is from Reading city centre at Reading station, Station Hill, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1LZ.
ReadingReading station, Station Hill, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1LZ+44 3451652030
City-centre transport
Getting to Reading from Reading city centre
Bus26, 90, 87 · 2m · $2 · every ~15 min
Reading 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
Food and drink options are available at Reading.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Reading.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Reading.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Reading: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Reading: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
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.
Which Barnstaple station do trains from Reading arrive at?
Trains from Reading to Barnstaple arrive at Barnstaple. Barnstaple is 0 miles (1 km) from Barnstaple city centre.
BarnstapleBarnstaple station, Station Road, Barnstaple, Devon, EX31 2AU+44 3451652030
City-centre transport
Getting to Barnstaple from Barnstaple city centre
Bus21, 21A, 372, 301, 71, 72, 319, 155, 15, 21B, 310, 309, 303, 19, 5B, 85 · 5m · $2 · every ~31 min
301, 921, 21B, 310, 309, 303, 19 · 9m · $2 · every ~14 min
Barnstaple train station facilities and services
Barnstaple has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food options include: Station Masters Cafe
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Barnstaple.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Barnstaple: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Barnstaple: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Barnstaple: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step free Category A station - step free access available to the platform. 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 public telephones: Public telephones are not accessible, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available, 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.
Most popular train connections from Reading
More options for your journey from Reading to Barnstaple
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Barnstaple and Reading
Most popular train connections to Barnstaple
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