- Must visit
Wardown House, Museum and Gallery
Luton's main museum in a Victorian mansion, covering local history, hats, lace, and changing exhibitions in a well-kept park setting.
Cheapest price
$59
Average price
$59
Fastest journey
1 h 34 m
Average duration
1 h 41 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.
C37753+
W32940
W34855+
C41869+
Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International
G15035+
C41875+
Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International
G14896+
W45413+
Tube from London Paddington to Farringdon
W34553+
C41873+
Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International
W34553+
C41873+
Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International
W34855+
C41869+
Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International
G15035+
C41875+
Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International
G14896+
W45413+
Tube from London Paddington to Farringdon
C37753+
W32940Omio 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 | $61 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 $13 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Reading to Luton costing on average $61.
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 compared to roughly $17 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 today, Thursday, July 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 4:35 PM Reading | 1h39 | 6:14 PM Luton | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Friday, July 31 | |||||
C41869+ W34855+ Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International | 8:02 AM Reading station (RDG) | 1h38 | 9:40 AM Luton station (LUT) | 2 transfers | |
W45403+ W34552+ 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 | |
C41873+ Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+ W34553 | 8:36 AM Reading station (RDG) | 1h34 | 10:10 AM Luton station (LUT) | 2 transfers | |
W45413+ G14896+ Tube from London Paddington to Farringdon | 8:42 AM Reading station (RDG) | 1h45 | 10:27 AM Luton station (LUT) | 2 transfers | |
G15035+ Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+ C41875 | 8:58 AM Reading station (RDG) | 1h42 | 10:40 AM Luton station (LUT) | 2 transfers | |
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 but you can travel from only $17 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 |
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.
Luton's main museum in a Victorian mansion, covering local history, hats, lace, and changing exhibitions in a well-kept park setting.
Museum complex with rural life displays, carriages, gardens, and archaeology, making it one of Luton's strongest family-friendly heritage sites.
Working hat factory museum explaining Luton's famous hat-making trade through machinery, displays, and guided tours in an authentic setting.
Large formal park with lakes, bridges, museum, and broad lawns, ideal for relaxing walks and one of Luton's best-loved green spaces.
Historic town centre square beside St Mary's Church, valued for events, heritage surroundings, and an authentic sense of old Luton.
Extensive parkland with gardens, play areas, and museum access, popular for family walks and exploring Luton's former estate landscape.
A Bedfordshire pastry with chopped meat, suet, onions and seasoning. It is closely tied to the county around Luton and is a classic local comfort food.
A suet dumpling stuffed with currants or jam. Long associated with Bedfordshire home cooking, it is a traditional local pudding served warm.
A rich fruit cake packed with dried fruit and spices. It is a historic Bedfordshire bake often made for family gatherings and festive occasions.
Established Turkish restaurant known for grilled meats, meze and generous portions. Casual atmosphere and dependable local favourite.
Well-known Indian restaurant with polished service and a long-standing reputation. Popular for classic curries in a smart but relaxed setting.
Popular South Indian venue serving dosas, idli and vegetarian dishes. Simple setting, strong reputation and reliable regional flavours.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels near the airport can be pricey, but dining and local transit are usually cheaper than central London.
Service may be included. If not, tip 10-12.5% in restaurants for good service. Taxis are often rounded up. Tipping in cafes is optional.
Official public transport app
Luton Airport Parkway -> Luton Station Interchange
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.

Most Reading to Luton trains use the Reading to Luton station pair, with some services arriving at Luton Airport Parkway. Use this guide to compare Reading and Luton 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 Green Park is 3 km from Reading city centre. Public transport options include:
Reading Green Park has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Reading Green Park.
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.
Luton has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Luton.
Wi-Fi is available at Luton. ATMs are available at Luton.
Ticket office support is available at Luton.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Luton: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Luton: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Luton: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category B3 station: Step free access via lift to platform 5 only (some trains to Bedford/ the East Midlands) only. Steps to all other platforms. Assistance Meeting Point is the Ticket Office. This station doesn't have tactile surfaces along all platform edges. Please pay attention to where the platform surface changes from smooth to paved or contact us for assistance, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All Thameslink ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. Ticket machines are of an accessible design, however their location and the station itself may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Wheelchairs may only be available when the station is staffed, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Luton Airport Parkway is 1 km from Luton city centre. Public transport options include:
Luton Airport Parkway has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Luton Airport Parkway.
Wi-Fi is available at Luton Airport Parkway. ATMs are available at Luton Airport Parkway.
Ticket office support is available at Luton Airport Parkway.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Luton Airport Parkway: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Luton Airport Parkway: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Luton Airport Parkway: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station: This station has step-free level access to all platforms via lifts. Assistance Meeting Point is the Ticket Office, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All Thameslink ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. Ticket machines are of an accessible design, however their location and the station itself may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Wheelchairs may only be available when the station is staffed, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Leagrave is 4 km from Luton city centre. Public transport options include:
Leagrave has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Leagrave.
Wi-Fi is available at Leagrave.
Ticket office support is available at Leagrave.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Leagrave: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Leagrave: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Leagrave: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category B3 station. Step free access to southbound platform 1 and northbound platform 4 (via a separate entrance). No step free access to northbound platform 2 or southbound platform 3. Most services call at platforms 1 and 2. The assistance meeting point is Platform 4 next to ticket office, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All Thameslink ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. Ticket machines are of an accessible design, however their location and the station itself may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Wheelchairs may only be available when the station is staffed, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
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