- Must visit
Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery
Major city museum and gallery with fine art, Birmingham history and global collections in a landmark building.
Cheapest price on Sep 15
$47
Average ticket price on Sep 15
$87
Fastest journey on Sep 15
1 h 27 m
Average journey duration on Sep 15
1 h 31 m
Trains on Sep 15
22
Distance
131 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Reading to Birmingham is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Reading to Birmingham will cost around $87 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $47.
On Tue, Sep 15, we found 22 trains from Reading to Birmingham, including 14 direct services.
On Tue, Sep 15 the direct trains cover the 131 km distance in an average of 1 h 31 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 27 m .
On Tue, Sep 15 the slowest trains will take 1 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.
G00879
G00858
G00698
G00710
G00716
G00739
G00701
G00706
G00710
G00716Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Reading to Birmingham among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $71 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 20m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $71, while a train costs an average of $80.
Distance: 81 miles (131 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$80 Average price | $71 Average price Cheapest | $48 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 20m Average total duration Fastest 1h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 14m Average total duration 3h 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 14m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.3kg 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 Reading to Birmingham:
A bus is $9 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Reading to Birmingham costing on average $80.
Other travel options to Birmingham take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 44m.
You'll arrive about 24m sooner (1h 50m by train vs 2h 14m by car). Tickets start at around $80 compared to roughly $48 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 CrossCountry, 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 Reading to Birmingham trains for today, Monday, September 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G00851 | On time 8:15 AM Reading station (RDG) | 1h36 | 9:51 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G00739 | On time 8:51 AM Reading station (RDG) | 1h27 | 10:18 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G00855 | On time 9:15 AM Reading station (RDG) | 1h36 | 10:51 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G00698 | On time 9:43 AM Reading station (RDG) | 1h35 | 11:18 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G00858 | On time 10:15 AM Reading station (RDG) | 1h36 | 11:51 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G00701 | On time 10:46 AM Reading station (RDG) | 1h30 | 12:16 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Tuesday, September 15 | |||||
C48605+ W34206+ P69501 | On time 2:24 AM Reading station (RDG) | 5h20 | 7:44 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 2 transfers | |
G15458+ W33883 | 3:54 AM Reading station (RDG) | 3h54 | 7:48 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1 transfer | |
G15458+ W34065+ G66935 | 3:54 AM Reading station (RDG) | 3h52 | 7:46 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 2 transfers | |
C48609+ W34144+ Tube from London Paddington to London Euston | 4:35 AM Reading station (RDG) | 3h25 | 8:00 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 2 transfers | |
W34857+ G00847+ L37622 | 5:40 AM Reading station (RDG) | 2h25 | 8:05 AM Birmingham Moor Street (BMO) | 2 transfers | |
W34850+ W34105+ Tube from London Paddington to London Euston | 5:48 AM Reading station (RDG) | 2h39 | 8:27 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 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 Reading to Birmingham run on average 7 times per day, taking around 1h 50m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $19 if you book in advance.
There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 02:24, the last at 23:22. The fastest train covers the 81 miles (131 km) distance in 1h 27m.
Distance 81 miles (131 km) |
Average train duration 1h 50m |
Cheapest ticket price $19 |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 4 |
Fastest train 1h 27m |
First train 2:24 AM |
Last train 11:22 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Birmingham — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Birmingham trip today.
Major city museum and gallery with fine art, Birmingham history and global collections in a landmark building.
Science museum with interactive galleries, engines and family-friendly exhibits in Millennium Point.
Historic home of the Pre-Raphaelite artists, showing furnished rooms, artworks and craft details.
Restored canal-side quarter with waterside walks, bars, heritage buildings and easy access to major venues.
Lively canal junction area with historic warehouses, footbridges and one of Birmingham's best urban walks.
Creative district known for street art, independent culture, music heritage and alternative city energy.
A rich curry style developed by Birmingham's South Asian community, often cooked with green chillies, coriander and onions. It is the city's signature dish.
A spicy Indian snack of potato, chickpeas, noodles, chutneys and crisp pastry pieces. Popular in Birmingham's Pakistani and Indian food culture.
A flaky layered flatbread, often served with curry at breakfast or late-night eateries in the city. A staple in Birmingham's South Asian dining scene.
Michelin-starred fine dining by Aktar Islam, known for modern Indian tasting menus in an elegant canal-side setting.
Refined modern British restaurant with inventive tasting menus and polished service in a smart city-centre dining room.
Celebrated Indian vegetarian restaurant in Sparkbrook, loved for dosas, chaats and sweets in a busy casual setting.
Moderate for UK city breaks: hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local transit and casual meals are fairly manageable for tourists.
Service may be included in restaurants; otherwise tip 10-12.5% for good service. Taxis are often rounded up or tipped about 10%. Tipping in cafes is optional.
Official public transport app
Birmingham New Street -> Centenary Square
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reading to Birmingham 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 Birmingham, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Reading to Birmingham trains use the Reading to Birmingham New Street station pair, with some services arriving at Birmingham Snow Hill. Use this guide to compare Reading and Birmingham 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 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.
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.
Birmingham New Street has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: All Bar One, Leon, Caffè Nero, Five Guys, Krispy Kreme, The Pasty Shop, Upper Crust, Wasabi, Starbucks, Hotel Chocolat
Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available from Sky Wi-Fi The Cloud. ATMs are aTM machines are located on the paid concourse.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 05:15 - 23:00, Sun: 07:30 - 23:00. Information desks are in the middle of the station.
Luggage storage is you can leave bags with Excess Baggage Co inside the entrance off Hill Street. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Birmingham New Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Birmingham New Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham New Street: Step-free access in the whole station and ramps available for train access. All platforms have elevators and escalators.
Nearby hotels include Holiday Inn Birmingham City Center, Premier Inn Birmingham City Center (New St Station), Radisson Blue Hotel, Birmingham.
Birmingham Snow Hill has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Birmingham Snow Hill.
Ticket office support is available at Birmingham Snow Hill. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 0248998, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Available at Birmingham Snow Hill: Parking, WC.
Available at Birmingham Snow Hill: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham Snow Hill: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are not available, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: A Ticket Vending Machine is available on the station concourse, by the Ticket Office, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Birmingham Moor Street has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Birmingham Moor Street.
Wi-Fi is available at Birmingham Moor Street. ATMs are available at Birmingham Moor Street.
Ticket office support is available at Birmingham Moor Street.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Birmingham Moor Street: Parking, WC.
Available at Birmingham Moor Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham Moor Street: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step Free Access Category A. Step free access to all platforms, Accessible taxis: If you would like us to assist you in booking an accessible taxi for your onward journey please contact 03456 005 165, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
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