- Must visit
Royal Armouries: Fort Nelson
Museum inside Fort Nelson presenting artillery, military objects, and fortress history with panoramic views over Portsmouth Harbour.
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Reading to Fareham among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $49. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 13m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $49, and a bus costs an average of $73.
Distance: 42 miles (69 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$49 Average price Cheapest | $73 Average price | $19 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 43m Average total duration Fastest 1h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 57m Average total duration 3h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 25m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Reading to Fareham:
A train is $25 (€20) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Reading to Fareham costing on average $73 (€60).
Other travel options to Fareham take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 27m.
You'll arrive about 12m sooner (1h 13m by train vs 1h 25m by car). Tickets start at around $49 (€40) compared to roughly $19 (€15) 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.
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 Fareham run on average 5 times per day, taking around 1h 13m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $49 (€40) if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 05:16, the last at 23:05. The fastest train covers the 42 miles (69 km) distance in 2h 22m.
Distance 42 miles (69 km) |
Average train duration 1h 13m |
Cheapest ticket price $49 (€40) |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 2h 22m |
First train 5:16 AM |
Last train 11:05 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Fareham — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Fareham trip today.
Museum inside Fort Nelson presenting artillery, military objects, and fortress history with panoramic views over Portsmouth Harbour.
Local museum and heritage centre focused on Fareham’s history, archaeology, and community stories within the town centre.
Exhibition space in the Westbury Manor Museum complex showing changing art and history displays in a historic manor house.
Extensive nature reserve of wetlands and coast, excellent for walking and birdwatching, especially during migration and winter months.
Historic shopping street with Georgian character, independent businesses, and easy access to key heritage sites in central Fareham.
Broad waterfront path and grassy shoreline with views across Portsmouth Harbour, popular for walks, birdwatching, and sunsets.
A Hampshire pork sausage often linked with nearby Portsmouth. It is a beloved South Coast staple, commonly served with mash or in a breakfast.
Fresh crab from the Solent and nearby waters, prized for sweet meat and strong local seafood traditions along the Hampshire coast.
Locally landed bass from the Solent, valued for its delicate flavour and strong connection to Hampshire fishing communities.
Stylish brasserie in Fareham known for steaks, seafood, and classic British dishes in a polished yet relaxed setting.
Popular traditional pub in Fareham serving real ale, pies, and classic pub meals in a historic and welcoming atmosphere.
Well-known casual seafood spot for fish and chips, with reliable quality and a straightforward coastal takeaway style.
Moderate for southern England; hotels and dining cost more than many UK towns, but local buses and casual meals stay manageable for most visitors.
Service is sometimes included. If not, tip restaurants about 10%. Round up for taxis. Cafe tipping is optional, usually just small change.
Official public transport app
Fareham Railway Station -> Fareham Bus Station
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reading to Fareham 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 Fareham, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Reading to Fareham trains use the Reading to Fareham station pair. Use this guide to compare Reading and Fareham 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.
Fareham has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Fareham.
Wi-Fi is available at Fareham.
Ticket office support is available at Fareham. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point, Helpline Contact: 0800 5282100.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Fareham: Parking, WC.
Available at Fareham: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Fareham: 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 all platforms, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All South Western Railway ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. All machines are accessible, however the station may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need