Reading to Brighton train with Great Western Railway

Thu, Aug 06
+ Add return
Great Western Railway
Thameslink
Gatwick Express
South Western Railway
Southern
2,000+ travel companies
Great Western Railway
Thameslink
Gatwick Express
South Western Railway
Southern
2,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest trains from Reading to Brighton

Showing times and prices for Aug 06

Cheapest price

€40

Average price

€52

Fastest journey

2 h 15 m

Average duration

2 h 17 m

Trains per day

3

Distance

91 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Reading to Brighton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Reading to Brighton will cost around €52 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €40.

Fast trains

Of the 3 trains that leave Reading for Brighton on Thu, Aug 06, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Thu, Aug 06 the direct trains cover the 91 km distance in an average of 2 h 17 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 15 m .

On Thu, Aug 06 the slowest trains will take 2 h 19 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.

  • Great Western Railway
    7:54 AM2h19
    Reading
    10:13 AMBrighton
    401One-way
    0 transfers
  • Great Western Railway
    6:28 AM2h15
    Reading
    8:43 AMBrighton
    591One-way
    0 transfers
  • Great Western Railway
    7:25 AM2h18
    Reading
    9:43 AMBrighton
    591One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Reading to Brighton

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Reading to Brighton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €36. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 59m. 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 €36, and a train costs an average of €39.

Distance: 56 miles (91 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Driving

€54

Average price

€46

Average price

Cheapest

€21

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

2h 29m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 59m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 4m

Average total duration

2h 34m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 46m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

Great Western Railway

Most popular train company

National Express

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.

The cheapest way to travel from Reading to Brighton is a bus with an average price of €46.

This is compared to other travel options from Reading to Brighton:

A bus is €8 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Reading to Brighton costing on average €54.

The fastest way to travel from Reading to Brighton is by train with an average journey time of 1h 59m.

Other travel options to Brighton take longer:

Bus takes on average 2h 34m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Reading and Brighton including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Reading to Brighton among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.

Tickets start at around €54 compared to roughly €21 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €-33.27. The journey takes 1h 59m versus 1h 46m 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.

Live departures

Reading to Brighton train times

The table below shows live departures for Reading to Brighton trains for tomorrow, Thursday, August 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Great Western Railway6:28 AM Reading
2h15
8:43 AM Brighton0 transfersDirect
Great Western Railway7:25 AM Reading
2h18
9:43 AM Brighton0 transfersDirect
Great Western Railway7:54 AM Reading
2h19
10:13 AM Brighton0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Reading to Brighton by train or bus

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.

Thu
Aug 06
Fri
Aug 07
Sat
Aug 08
Sun
Aug 09
Mon
Aug 10
Tue
Aug 11
Wed
Aug 12

Why should you book Reading to Brighton trains with Omio?

Great Western Railway as well as Thameslink, Gatwick Express, South Western Railway, Southern and more offer trains services from Reading to Brighton.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Reading to Brighton.

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 Thameslink, Gatwick Express, South Western Railway or Southern to find the best option for your trip from Reading to Brighton.
  • 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 train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Reading to Brighton.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu, Raileurope or Rome2rio?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Thameslink, Gatwick Express, South Western Railway or Southern to find the best option for your trip from Reading to Brighton.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Reading to Brighton.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Reading to Brighton

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Reading to Brighton run on average 7 times per day, taking around 1h 59m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €39 but you can travel from only €36 by bus.

The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:35. The fastest train covers the 56 miles (91 km) distance in 2h 12m.

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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from €36
Distance
56 miles (91 km)
Average train duration
1h 59m
Cheapest ticket price
€39
Trains per day
7
Fastest train
2h 12m
First train
12:02 AM
Last train
11:35 PM
Cheapest Month
Jan
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Wed
Least Busy Day
Sat
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from €36

Train companies: Great Western Railway, Thameslink, Gatwick Express, South Western Railway, Southern, Elizabeth Line (TfL), Great Western Railway (GWR) from Reading to Brighton trainsGreat Western Railway, Thameslink, Gatwick Express, South Western Railway, Southern, Elizabeth Line (TfL), Great Western Railway (GWR) trains will get you between Reading and Brighton from €36. 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 Duration
2h 12m
Cheapest Price
€39
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

South Western Railway

About
South Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom, providing services in the south and south-west of England. It operates a variety of train types, including high-speed trains, local stopping services, and suburban commuter trains. It also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Off-Peak, and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for South Western Railway include London Waterloo to Portsmouth Harbour, London Waterloo to Weymouth, and London Waterloo to Bournemouth.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 51m
Cheapest Price
€58
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas at end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund depends on ticket type and timing of cancellation
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by operator
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar service with hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee, free for some ticket types
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free, dogs must be on lead
Quiet zone

Southern

About
Southern Rail is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates a wide range of services, from high-speed intercity trains to local commuter services. Its trains include the InterCity 125, InterCity 225, and Class 444 and 450. It also offers a variety of ticket types, such as Advance, Off-Peak, and Super Off-Peak. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for Southern Rail are London to Brighton, London to Southampton, and London to Portsmouth.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 39m
Cheapest Price
€64
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 piece of hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage areas at the end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund provided
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with snacks and drinks
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require a ticket
Quiet zone

Thameslink

About
Thameslink is a train service that operates in the United Kingdom. It is operated by Govia Thameslink Railway and serves the counties of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, London, and Surrey. The trains run from early morning until late at night, with some services running 24 hours a day. There are a variety of train types available, including Class 700 Desiro City, Class 377 Electrostar, Class 387/1 Electrostar, and Class 319/0. Ticket types include Anytime, Off-Peak, Super Off-Peak, and Advance. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power sockets, and air conditioning. The most popular routes for Thameslink are London to Brighton, London to Bedford, and London to Luton.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 23m
Cheapest Price
€66
Thameslink frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund available if service is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on some routes offering drinks and snacks
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets free of charge. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone

Gatwick Express

About
Gatwick Express is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates between London Victoria and Gatwick Airport, with trains running every 15 minutes throughout the day. The trains are modern and comfortable, with air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi. There are two types of trains: the Gatwick Express and the Southern service. The Gatwick Express is the fastest service, taking just 30 minutes to reach the airport. The Southern service takes a few minutes longer but offers more stops along the way.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 14m
Cheapest Price
€64
Gatwick Express frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 piece of hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage areas at the end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refunds available according to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund available if service is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Snack trolley service available on some services
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces available, staff assistance for boarding and alighting
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead.

Elizabeth Line (TfL)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 28m
Cheapest Price
€95
Elizabeth Line (TfL) frequency
2 a day

Great Western Railway (GWR)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 56m
Cheapest Price
€70
Great Western Railway (GWR) frequency
48 a day

Complete guide to Brighton

Things to do in Brighton

Discover the best of Brighton — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Brighton trip today.

  • Must visit

Brighton Museum & Art Gallery

Museum inside the Royal Pavilion Estate covering Brighton’s history, fashion, art, and design in one of the city’s core heritage sites.

  • Recommended

Preston Manor

Elegant historic house displaying decorative art, period interiors, and changing exhibitions. Strong choice for design and Regency culture.

  • Recommended

Hove Museum of Creativity

Leading contemporary art gallery in the Royal Pavilion Estate, showing international artists and thought-provoking modern exhibitions.

Pound sterling (£)

Brighton is pricier than many UK cities. Hotels, seafront dining, and attractions add up, though buses and casual eats help keep daily costs manageable.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or casual takeaway.
Mid-range
£18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£60+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£3-4.50 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Service may be included in restaurants; otherwise 10-12.5% is standard for good service. Round up taxi fares. Tipping in cafes is optional.

FAQs: Trains from Reading to Brighton

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reading to Brighton 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 Brighton, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Reading to Brighton can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at €39, while the average price is around €54.
The train from Reading to Brighton takes 2h 12m and runs 7 per day.
The first train from Reading to Brighton leaves at 12:02 AM.
The distance by train from Reading to Brighton is 56 miles (91 km).
The last train from Reading to Brighton leaves at 11:35 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Reading to Brighton.
There is no direct train service currently available from Reading to Brighton.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Reading to Brighton.
The train station in Reading that goes to Brighton is Reading station (RDG), which connects to Brighton station (BTN).
The cheapest way to get from Reading to Brighton is by bus, with a cost of around €36.
The train journey from Reading to Brighton offers scenic views, particularly as it passes through the rolling hills and picturesque countryside of the South Downs National Park.
A day trip from Reading to Brighton is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 12m. Trains run 6 times per day, covering a distance of 56 miles (91 km).
In Brighton, you can explore the vibrant street art scene with guided tours to discover murals and graffiti, visit the British Airways i360 for panoramic views, and enjoy performances at the Brighton Dome. Take a scenic walk along the Undercliff Walk, experience the nightlife in lively bars and clubs, and visit sights like the Royal Pavilion, Brighton Pier, and Brighton Beach. Don't miss The Lanes for unique shopping and the Brighton Museum & Art Gallery for cultural exhibits.
For a fulfilling visit to Brighton, spending 2 to 3 days is ideal. This allows you to explore the vibrant pier, enjoy the beach, visit the Royal Pavilion, and experience the local shops and restaurants.
Yes, you can take the train from Reading to Brighton.
Since neither Reading nor Brighton 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 Brighton include London, Lewes, Haywards Heath, Worthing, Burgess Hill.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Reading to Brighton 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 Brighton, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like the pier, the Lanes, and busy streets. Scams involving overcharging in taxis and unlicensed cabs are reported, so it’s advisable to use licensed services or pre-book transportation. Additionally, travelers should be wary of fake charity collectors and street vendors selling counterfeit goods. Staying vigilant and securing personal belongings can help ensure a safe visit.
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 Brighton

Most Reading to Brighton trains use the Reading to Brighton station pair, with some services arriving at Hove. Use this guide to compare Reading and Brighton 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 Brighton

Which Reading station do trains to Brighton leave from?

Trains from Reading to Brighton 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 3451652030ShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rental
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.

Reading Green ParkReading RG2 6AU, UKAccessibility
City-centre transport

Getting to Reading Green Park from Reading city centre

Reading Green Park is 3 km from Reading city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainReading - Basingstoke · 6m · €2 · every ~4 min
Bus9 · 39m · €2 · every ~3 min

Reading Green Park train station facilities and services

Reading Green Park has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Reading Green Park.

Reading WestReading West station, Oxford Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7PYParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parking
City-centre transport

Getting to Reading West from Reading city centre

Reading West is 1 km from Reading city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainReading - Basingstoke, Reading - Newbury, Reading - Bedwyn, London Paddington - Bedwyn · 2m · €1 · every ~6 min
Bus15, 15a, 16, 17, 91, 85, 88, 93, 43 · 4m · €2 · every ~49 min

Reading West train station facilities and services

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

Food and drink options are available at Reading West.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Reading West.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Reading West: Parking.

Bike and car services

Available at Reading West: Bike Parking.

Accessibility

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.

More options for your journey from Reading to Brighton

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

HomeTrainsTrains in United KingdomReading to Brighton train

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone