4.9
4.6
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Reading to Leicester
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Reading to Leicester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $57. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 56m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $57, and a train costs an average of $79.
Distance: 82 miles (132 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$132 Average price | $61 Average price Cheapest | $38 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 26m Average total duration Fastest 1h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 44m Average total duration 4h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 25m 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 |
This is compared to other travel options from Reading to Leicester:
A bus is $72 (€59) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Reading to Leicester costing on average $132 (€108).
Other travel options to Leicester take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 14m.
You'll arrive about 29m sooner (1h 56m by train vs 2h 25m by car). Tickets start at around $132 (€108) compared to roughly $38 (€31) 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 Leicester train times
The table below shows live departures for Reading to Leicester trains for today, Thursday, June 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9:51 AM Reading | 2h14 | 12:05 PM Leicester | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 6:19 PM Reading | 2h21 | 8:40 PM Leicester | 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 Leicester 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.
Jun 19
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Jun 25
Why should you book Reading to Leicester trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs East Midlands Railway?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for East Midlands Railway, but also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry or Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from Reading to Leicester.
- 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 East Midlands Railway with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Reading to Leicester.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Rome2rio?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry or Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from Reading to Leicester.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Reading to Leicester.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Reading to Leicester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Reading to Leicester run on average 6 times per day, taking around 1h 56m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $79 (€65) but you can travel from only $57 (€46) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 02:24, the last at 22:52. The fastest train covers the 82 miles (132 km) distance in 2h 14m.
Distance 82 miles (132 km) |
Average train duration 1h 56m |
Cheapest ticket price $79 (€65) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 2h 14m |
First train 2:24 AM |
Last train 10:52 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 21 days |
Train companies: East Midlands Railway, CrossCountry, Cross Country from Reading to Leicester trainsEast Midlands Railway, CrossCountry, Cross Country trains will get you between Reading and Leicester from $57 (€46). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
East Midlands Railway
CrossCountry
Cross Country
FAQs: Trains from Reading to Leicester
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reading to Leicester 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 Leicester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Reading to Leicester
Most Reading to Leicester trains use the Reading to Leicester station pair. Use this guide to compare Reading and Leicester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Reading station do trains to Leicester leave from?
Getting to Reading from Reading city centre
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.
Getting to Reading Green Park from Reading city centre
Reading Green Park is 3 km from Reading city centre. Public transport options include:
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.
Getting to Tilehurst from Reading city centre
Tilehurst is 4 km from Reading city centre. Public transport options include:
Tilehurst train station facilities and services
Tilehurst has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Tilehurst.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Tilehurst.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Tilehurst.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Tilehurst: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Tilehurst: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Tilehurst: 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.
Which Leicester station do trains from Reading arrive at?
Getting to Leicester from Leicester city centre
Leicester train station facilities and services
Leicester has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Leicester.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Leicester. ATMs are available at Leicester.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Leicester. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 08000 11 33 23, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Leicester: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Leicester: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Leicester: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A access station. There is step free access to the main entrance and lifts to all platforms. Customers with wheelchairs who require assistance on graduated slopes should press the ticket gate 'assistance' button located at the bottom of the stairs near the self service ticket machines. To ensure availability of staff to assist, it is imperative that customers book assistance in advance. This station has tactile paving at the edge of all platforms and at the bottom of all staircases, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, 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 Leicester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Leicester and Reading
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