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The cheapest and fastest trains from Reading to Cardiff
Showing times and prices for Dec 17
Cheapest price
$74
Average price
$130
Fastest journey
1 h 23 m
Average duration
1 h 25 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
153 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Reading to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Reading to Cardiff will cost around $130 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $74.
Fast trains
Of the 6 trains that leave Reading for Cardiff on Wed, Dec 17, 6 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Dec 17 the direct trains cover the 153 km distance in an average of 1 h 25 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 23 m .
On Wed, Dec 17 the slowest trains will take 1 h 27 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.
P2262310:41AM1h29
Reading station (RDG)12:10PMCardiff Central (CDF)
$741One-way
0 transfers
P2262210:13AM1h27
Reading station (RDG)11:40AMCardiff Central (CDF)
$981One-way
0 transfers
P2262109:43AM1h24
Reading station (RDG)11:07AMCardiff Central (CDF)
$981One-way
0 transfers
P2261908:43AM1h26
Reading station (RDG)10:09AMCardiff Central (CDF)
$1561One-way
0 transfers
P2261808:13AM1h23
Reading station (RDG)09:36AMCardiff Central (CDF)
$1561One-way
0 transfers
P2261808:13AM1h23
Reading station (RDG)09:36AMCardiff Central (CDF)
$1561One-way
0 transfers
P2262109:43AM1h24
Reading station (RDG)11:07AMCardiff Central (CDF)
$981One-way
0 transfers
P2262009:13AM1h24
Reading station (RDG)10:37AMCardiff Central (CDF)
$1971One-way
0 transfers
P2261908:43AM1h26
Reading station (RDG)10:09AMCardiff Central (CDF)
$1561One-way
0 transfers
P2262210:13AM1h27
Reading station (RDG)11:40AMCardiff Central (CDF)
$981One-way
0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Reading to Cardiff
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Reading to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €9. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 30m. 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 €9, and a train costs an average of €33.
Distance: 95 miles (153 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
€57 Average price | €49 Average price Cheapest |
2h 0m Average total duration Fastest 1h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 10m Average total duration 3h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Reading to Cardiff train times
The table below shows live departures for Reading to Cardiff trains for today, Tuesday, December 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 6:23 AM
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| P22618 | On time 8:13 AM Reading station (RDG) | 1h23 | 9:36 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| P22619 | On time 8:43 AM Reading station (RDG) | 1h26 | 10:09 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| P22620 | On time 9:13 AM Reading station (RDG) | 1h24 | 10:37 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| P22621 | On time 9:43 AM Reading station (RDG) | 1h24 | 11:07 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| P22622 | On time 10:13 AM Reading station (RDG) | 1h27 | 11:40 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| P22623 | On time 10:41 AM Reading station (RDG) | 1h29 | 12:10 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Wednesday, December 17 | |||||
| 4:49 AM Reading | 2h16 | 7:05 AM Cardiff | 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 Cardiff 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.
Wed
Dec 17
Dec 17
Thu
Dec 18
Dec 18
Fri
Dec 19
Dec 19
Sat
Dec 20
Dec 20
Sun
Dec 21
Dec 21
Mon
Dec 22
Dec 22
Tue
Dec 23
Dec 23
Why should you book Reading to Cardiff trains with Omio?
Great Western Rail as well as first_great_western offer trains services from Reading to Cardiff. Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Reading to Cardiff.
Why book with Omio vs Great Western Rail?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Great Western Rail, but also compare tickets for the likes of first_great_western to find the best option for your trip from Reading to Cardiff.
- 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 Rail with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Reading to Cardiff.
Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?
- Multiple travel company options: While Great Western Rail tickets can be bought on Great Western Rail's website or third party sellers, Omio allows you to compare with the likes of first_great_western to help you choose the right option for your journey from Reading to Cardiff.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Reading to Cardiff.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Reading to Cardiff
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Reading to Cardiff run on average 7 times per day, taking around 1h 30m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $41 (€33) but you can travel from only $11 (€9) by bus.
There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:04, the last at 23:27. The fastest train covers the 95 miles (153 km) distance in 1h 22m.
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 $11 (€9)
Distance 95 miles (153 km) |
Average train duration 1h 30m |
Cheapest ticket price $41 (€33) |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 6 |
Fastest train 1h 22m |
First train 05:04 |
Last train 23:27 |
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 $11 (€9)
Train companies: Great Western Rail, first_great_western from Reading to Cardiff trainsGreat Western Rail, first_great_western trains will get you between Reading and Cardiff from $11 (€9). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Great Western Rail
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
1h 22m
Cheapest Price
$42 (€33)
Great Western Rail frequency
7 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
first_great_western
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 22m
Cheapest Price
$136 (€109)
first_great_western frequency
25 a day
FAQs: Trains from Reading to Cardiff
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reading to Cardiff 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 Cardiff, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
A visit of 2 to 3 days is typically sufficient to explore Cardiff's main attractions, such as Cardiff Castle, the National Museum, and Cardiff Bay, while allowing time for leisure and dining experiences.
The distance by train from Reading to Cardiff is 95 miles (153 km).
In Cardiff, you can enjoy a variety of activities and sights. Attend performances at the Millennium Centre, explore the vibrant nightlife in the city center, or take a scenic boat tour around Cardiff Bay. For adventure, visit Cardiff International White Water for rafting and kayaking. Shop and dine at Cardiff Market. Discover history at Cardiff Castle and St Fagans National Museum of History, explore art and culture at the National Museum Cardiff, and relax in Bute Park. Cardiff Bay also offers dining, entertainment, and cultural attractions.
Yes, a day trip from Reading to Cardiff is feasible with a travel duration of 1h 22m and a distance of 95 miles (153 km). Trains run 7 times per day.
There is no high speed train available from Reading to Cardiff.
The train journey from Reading to Cardiff offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes, with scenic views of the English countryside, rolling hills, and the River Severn, particularly as you approach Cardiff.
Yes, you can take the train from Reading to Cardiff.
Train ticket prices from Reading to Cardiff can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $41 (€33), while the average price is around $72 (€57).
Yes, there is a direct train from Reading to Cardiff. This service operates 6 times per day, provided by Great Western Rail, first_great_western.
The cheapest way to get from Reading to Cardiff is by bus, with a cost of around $11 (€9).
The train from Reading to Cardiff takes 1h 22m and runs 7 per day.
The train station in Reading that goes to Cardiff is Reading station (RDG), which connects to Cardiff Central (CDF).
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Reading to Cardiff.
The first train from Reading to Cardiff leaves at 5:04 AM.
The last train from Reading to Cardiff leaves at 11:27 PM.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Reading to Cardiff
Reading
Cardiff
The major train station for departures in Reading is Reading. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Reading for your trip from Reading to Cardiff.
Amenities at train station
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lounge
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:15 - 22:45 Saturday 05:30 - 22:45 Sunday 07:15 - 22:45 Please note: Reservations and tickets requiring reservations are sold at the following times only: Mon - Sat 08:00 - 20:00 and Sun 09:00 - 20:00
Parking
- Car Park: Multi Storey Car Park
Accessibility
- 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
WC
- Toilets Location: Toilets are located on Station Platforms and in The Brunel Arcade building
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Front of station, underground short stay car park and long stay car park.
- Storage CCTV: No
Public transit options for Reading
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the North side of the station
Amenities at train station
WifiParkingDiningAccessibilityWCHotel
Lost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parkinginformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:25 - 12:55 Saturday 07:00 - 13:30 Sunday Closed
Distance to city center
4 kmParking
- Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
- 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
WC
- Toilets Location: Platforms 2/3
- National key toilets: No
- Baby changing facilities: No
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Adjacent entrance to station
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transit options for Tilehurst
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Buses starting/terminate at Tilehurst: Station forecourt All other buses: A329 Oxford Road bus stops near the station
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parkinginformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:30 - 10:45 Saturday - Sunday Closed
Distance to city center
1 kmParking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- 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
Bike Parking
- Storage CCTV: No
Public transit options for Reading West
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Towards Reading: Bus Stop on Oxford Road under Railway Bridge. Heading away from Reading Bus Stop on Oxford Road, outside McDonalds.
The major train station for arrivals in Cardiff is Cardiff Central. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cardiff Central for your journey to Cardiff from Reading.
Amenities at train station
WifiShoppingParkingDiningATM
TaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Wifi
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
Shopping
- Type of shops available: News agent and convenience store
Parking
- Car Park: Brewery Car park
Dining
- Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen
- Pret a Manger
- Tesco Express
Taxis
- Taxi: Taxi rank is on the right as you exit the main station entrance
Accessibility
- There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platforms 1 to 8. The National Key toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a radar key and are only available during staffing hours.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: The National Key/Accessible toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a RADAR key and are only available during staffing hours.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Hotel
- Clayton Hotel Cardiff
- Cardiff Marriott Hotel
- Travelodge Cardiff Central
Lounge
- Waiting rooms location: On platforms 1/2, 3/4, 6/7 and 8.
Ticket Office
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: East end of platforms 1 and 2, 3 and 4, 6 and 7 - also at the front and rear of the station.
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transit options for Cardiff Central
- Commuter rail lines: City Line, Rhondda Line, Rhymney Line, Valley Line, South Wales Main Line
- Train lines: Transport for Wales, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the rear car park (Penarth Road entrance)
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 07:30 - 18:30 Saturday 09:30 - 15:30 Sunday Closed
Parking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: No
- Step free access note: Category B3. While both platforms are step-free, there is no facility for wheelchair users, mobility scooter users or persons with reduced mobility to cross between Platform 1 and 2 due to a steep footbridge. Customers who have travelled from the Valleys and wish to access the University or the Civic Centre are advised to travel to Queen Street station, change onto a North-bound service and alight at Cathays on the return service.
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) take cash, and major debit and credit cards. The machine on the Cardiff-bound platform is only available during staffing hours. The machine on the Pontypridd-bound platform is available all the time.
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Hotel
- Travelodge
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens
Public transit options for Cathays
- Onward travel information: The nearest bus stop is on Park Place
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the bus stops adjacent to the Cardiff University Students' Union on Park Place
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 07:40 - 18:00 Sunday 10:00 - 15:30 Temporary opening hours due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Parking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machines are near the main entrance and take cash and major debit and credit cards.
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platform 4. The National key toilets are located on the Main Concourse to the right of the Ticket Office; these toilets are operated by a radar key and are only available during staffing hours.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: No
Hotel
- Travelodge
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: to the right of the station front
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
Public transit options for Cardiff Queen Street
- Onward travel information: Limited service from stop outside station Mondays to Fridays
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: For services towards Cardiff Central use the bus stop at the front of the station. For services towards Cathays use the bus stop in front of the shop opposite the station entrance. Please ask a member of station staff if you are unsure of which stop to use.
Most popular train connections from Reading
More options for your journey from Reading to Cardiff
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cardiff and Reading
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