- Must visit
Wardown House, Museum and Gallery
Victorian mansion museum in Wardown Park with local history, decorative arts, hat-making collections, and rotating exhibitions. It is Luton’s main museum and the best place to understand the town’s文化,
Cheapest price
$59
Average price
$59
Fastest journey
1 h 34 m
Average duration
1 h 42 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
61 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Reading to Luton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Reading to Luton will cost around $59 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $59.
It's difficult to get from Reading to Luton without transferring at least once.
C37788+
W32979
C37753+
W32940
Tube from London Paddington to Farringdon+
W45413+
G14896
Tube from London Paddington to Farringdon+
W45403+
W34552
Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+
C41873+
W34553
Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+
C41873+
W34553
Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+
C41869+
W34855
Tube from London Paddington to Farringdon+
W45413+
G14896
C37753+
W32940
Tube from London Paddington to Farringdon+
W45403+
W34552Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Reading to Luton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $22. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 22m. 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 train costs an average of $22, and a bus costs an average of $17.
Distance: 37 miles (61 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$48 Average price Cheapest | $62 Average price | $17 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 52m Average total duration Fastest 1h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 44m Average total duration 2h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 33m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.1kg 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 Luton:
A train is $14 (€11) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Reading to Luton costing on average $62 (€50).
Other travel options to Luton take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 14m.
You'll arrive about 11m sooner (1h 22m by train vs 1h 33m by car). Tickets start at around $48 (€39) compared to roughly $17 (€14) 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.
The table below shows live departures for Reading to Luton trains for tomorrow, Tuesday, June 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W34855+ Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+ C41869 | 8:02 AM Reading station (RDG) | 1h38 | 9:40 AM Luton station (LUT) | 2 transfers | |
W34552+ W45403+ Tube from London Paddington to Farringdon | 8:10 AM Reading station (RDG) | 1h47 | 9:57 AM Luton station (LUT) | 2 transfers | |
C37753+ W32940 | 8:24 AM Reading station (RDG) | 1h46 | 10:10 AM Luton station (LUT) | 1 transfer | |
W34553+ Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+ C41873 | 8:36 AM Reading station (RDG) | 1h34 | 10:10 AM Luton station (LUT) | 2 transfers | |
G14896+ W45413+ Tube from London Paddington to Farringdon | 8:42 AM Reading station (RDG) | 1h45 | 10:27 AM Luton station (LUT) | 2 transfers | |
C37788+ W32979 | 8:45 AM Reading station (RDG) | 1h55 | 10:40 AM Luton station (LUT) | 1 transfer | |
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 Luton run on average 8 times per day, taking around 1h 22m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $22 (€18) but you can travel from only $17 (€14) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 37 miles (61 km) distance in 1h 35m.
Distance 37 miles (61 km) |
Average train duration 1h 22m |
Cheapest ticket price $22 (€18) |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 1h 35m |
First train 12:05 AM |
Last train 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Luton — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Luton trip today.
Victorian mansion museum in Wardown Park with local history, decorative arts, hat-making collections, and rotating exhibitions. It is Luton’s main museum and the best place to understand the town’s文化,
Museum complex focused on Bedfordshire history, rural life, archaeology, and the Mossman carriage collection, set beside landscaped gardens. Strong local favorite for families and heritage enthusiasts
Contemporary arts venue in central Luton with gallery exhibitions, performances, and creative programming. Worth visiting for a modern cultural counterpoint to the town’s heritage museums.
Luton’s best-known park, combining lakeside walks, formal planting, open lawns, and Wardown House. It is one of the most enjoyable and photogenic places for a relaxed visit.
Creative and heritage-focused central area associated with Luton’s hat-making past, now known for cultural venues, murals, and a more contemporary urban atmosphere.
Large green space beside Stockwood Discovery Centre with gardens, open parkland, and walking routes. Popular with both locals and visitors seeking an easy outdoor stop.
A hearty plate of eggs, sausages, bacon, beans, mushrooms, tomatoes, and toast, widely eaten across England and a familiar local breakfast in Luton.
Britain’s classic takeaway of battered fish with thick-cut chips, a staple comfort food commonly enjoyed in and around Luton.
A curry-house favourite strongly associated with modern British dining, reflecting the South Asian culinary influence common in towns such as Luton.
Well-known local spot for fish and chips, offering generous portions and a straightforward traditional takeaway and diner experience.
Longstanding restaurant in Luton town centre, appreciated for polished service, classic Thai dishes, and a more refined dining setting.
Established casual restaurant near Luton Airport, known for grilled meats, classic British dishes, and a dependable family-friendly atmosphere.
Moderate by UK standards. Chain cafes and pubs are reasonable, while hotels and airport-area dining cost more.
About 10-12.5% in restaurants if service is not included. Round up for taxis. No tip needed for pubs, cafes, or counter service.
Official public transport app
Luton Airport Parkway, Luton -> Luton Station Interchange, Luton
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reading to Luton 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 Luton, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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