Reading station (RDG) to Plymouth station (PLY) train with Great Western Railway

Sun, Sep 20
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CrossCountry
Great Western Railway
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
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CrossCountry
Great Western Railway
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
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2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Reading station (RDG) to Plymouth station (PLY)

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 20

Cheapest price on Sep 20

$91

Average ticket price on Sep 20

$91

Fastest journey on Sep 20

2 h 41 m

Average journey duration on Sep 20

2 h 42 m

Trains on Sep 20

14

Distance

253 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Reading station (RDG) to Plymouth station (PLY) is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Reading station (RDG) to Plymouth station (PLY) will cost around $91 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $91.

Fast trains

On Sun, Sep 20, we found 14 trains from Reading station (RDG) to Plymouth station (PLY), including 14 direct services.

On Sun, Sep 20 the direct trains cover the 253 km distance in an average of 2 h 42 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 41 m .

On Sun, Sep 20 the slowest trains will take 2 h 43 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.

  • Great Western RailwayW34793
    9:09 AM2h56
    Reading station (RDG)
    12:05 PMPlymouth station (PLY)
    $911One-way
    0 transfers
  • Great Western RailwayW34812
    1:28 PM2h47
    Reading station (RDG)
    4:15 PMPlymouth station (PLY)
    $911One-way
    0 transfers
  • Great Western RailwayC00802
    10:28 AM2h43
    Reading station (RDG)
    1:11 PMPlymouth station (PLY)
    $911One-way
    0 transfers
  • Great Western RailwayC00804
    11:28 AM2h43
    Reading station (RDG)
    2:11 PMPlymouth station (PLY)
    $911One-way
    0 transfers
  • Great Western RailwayW34816
    2:28 PM2h43
    Reading station (RDG)
    5:11 PMPlymouth station (PLY)
    $911One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Reading station (RDG) to Plymouth station (PLY)

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Reading station (RDG) to Plymouth station (PLY) among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $93 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 19m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $93, while a train costs an average of $111.

Distance: 157 miles (253 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Driving

$111

Average price

$93

Average price

Cheapest

$66

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

3h 19m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 49m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

7h 1m

Average total duration

6h 31m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 24m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Great Western Railway

Most popular train company

National Express

Most popular bus company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Reading station (RDG) to Plymouth station (PLY) is a bus with an average price of $93.

This is compared to other travel options from Reading station (RDG) to Plymouth station (PLY):

A bus is $18 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Reading station (RDG) to Plymouth station (PLY) costing on average $111.

The fastest way to travel from Reading station (RDG) to Plymouth station (PLY) is by train with an average journey time of 2h 49m.

Other travel options to Plymouth station (PLY) take longer:

Bus takes on average 6h 31m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Reading station (RDG) and Plymouth station (PLY) including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Reading station (RDG) to Plymouth station (PLY) among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.

You'll arrive about 35m sooner (2h 49m by train vs 3h 24m by car). Tickets start at around $111 compared to roughly $66 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.

Direct services run with Great Western Railway.

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 station (RDG) to Plymouth station (PLY) train times

The table below shows live departures for Reading station (RDG) to Plymouth station (PLY) trains for today, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Great Western RailwayC42230
On time
4:29 PM Reading station (RDG)
2h53
7:22 PM Plymouth station (PLY)
0 transfersDirect
Great Western RailwayC42234
On time
5:29 PM Reading station (RDG)
2h47
8:16 PM Plymouth station (PLY)
0 transfersDirect
Great Western RailwayC42236
On time
6:29 PM Reading station (RDG)
2h43
9:12 PM Plymouth station (PLY)
0 transfersDirect
Great Western RailwayW34843
On time
7:29 PM Reading station (RDG)
3h09
10:38 PM Plymouth station (PLY)
0 transfersDirect
Great Western RailwayW34846
On time
8:28 PM Reading station (RDG)
3h10
11:38 PM Plymouth station (PLY)
0 transfersDirect
Great Western RailwayC012228:29 AM Reading station (RDG)
2h58
11:27 AM Plymouth station (PLY)0 transfersDirect
Great Western RailwayW347939:09 AM Reading station (RDG)
2h56
12:05 PM Plymouth station (PLY)0 transfersDirect
Great Western RailwayC0080210:28 AM Reading station (RDG)
2h43
1:11 PM Plymouth station (PLY)0 transfersDirect
Great Western RailwayC0080411:28 AM Reading station (RDG)
2h43
2:11 PM Plymouth station (PLY)0 transfersDirect
Great Western RailwayC0122112:28 PM Reading station (RDG)
2h43
3:11 PM Plymouth station (PLY)0 transfersDirect
Great Western RailwayW348121:28 PM Reading station (RDG)
2h47
4:15 PM Plymouth station (PLY)0 transfersDirect
Great Western RailwayW348162:28 PM Reading station (RDG)
2h43
5:11 PM Plymouth station (PLY)0 transfersDirect
Great Western RailwayC008543:28 PM Reading station (RDG)
3h02
6:30 PM Plymouth station (PLY)0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Reading station (RDG) to Plymouth station (PLY) 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.

Sun
Sep 20
Mon
Sep 21
Tue
Sep 22
Wed
Sep 23
Thu
Sep 24
Fri
Sep 25
Sat
Sep 26

Why should you book Reading station (RDG) to Plymouth station (PLY) trains with Omio?

CrossCountry as well as Great Western Railway offer trains services from Reading station (RDG) to Plymouth station (PLY).
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Reading station (RDG) to Plymouth station (PLY).

Why book with Omio vs CrossCountry?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for CrossCountry, but also compare tickets for the likes of Great Western Railway to find the best option for your trip from Reading station (RDG) to Plymouth station (PLY).
  • 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 CrossCountry with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Reading station (RDG) to Plymouth station (PLY).

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Great Western Railway to find the best option for your trip from Reading station (RDG) to Plymouth station (PLY).
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Reading station (RDG) to Plymouth station (PLY).

Journey information

Overview: Train from Reading station (RDG) to Plymouth station (PLY)

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Reading station (RDG) to Plymouth station (PLY) run on average 7 times per day, taking around 2h 49m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $58 but you can travel from only $21 by bus.

There are 7 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 08:29, the last at 20:29. The fastest train covers the 157 miles (253 km) distance in 2h 34m.

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 $21
Distance
157 miles (253 km)
Average train duration
2h 49m
Cheapest ticket price
$58
Trains per day
7
Direct trains
7
Fastest train
2h 34m
First train
8:29 AM
Last train
8:29 PM
Cheapest Month
Jan
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Mon
Least Busy Day
Sun
Best time to book
1 day
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 $21

Train companies: Great Western Railway, CrossCountry from Reading station (RDG) to Plymouth station (PLY) trainsGreat Western Railway, CrossCountry trains will get you between Reading station (RDG) and Plymouth station (PLY) from $21. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Great Western Railway

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 Great Western Railway Duration
2h 34m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
$58
Great Western Railway frequency
6 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

CrossCountry

About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average CrossCountry Duration
3h 5m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
$90
CrossCountry frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone

FAQs: Trains from Reading station (RDG) to Plymouth station (PLY)

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reading station (RDG) to Plymouth station (PLY) 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 Plymouth station (PLY), this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Reading station (RDG) to Plymouth station (PLY) can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $58, while the average price is around $111.
The train from Reading station (RDG) to Plymouth station (PLY) takes 2h 34m and runs 7 per day.
The distance by train from Reading station (RDG) to Plymouth station (PLY) is 157 miles (253 km).
The first train from Reading station (RDG) to Plymouth station (PLY) leaves at 8:29 AM.
The last train from Reading station (RDG) to Plymouth station (PLY) leaves at 8:29 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Reading station (RDG) to Plymouth station (PLY).
Yes, there is a direct train from Reading station (RDG) to Plymouth station (PLY). This service operates 7 times per day, provided by Great Western Railway (GWR).
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Reading station (RDG) to Plymouth station (PLY).
The cheapest way to get from Reading station (RDG) to Plymouth station (PLY) is by bus, with a cost of around $21.
The train journey from Reading to Plymouth offers scenic views, particularly as it travels through the picturesque countryside of the South West and along parts of the stunning Devon coastline.
A day trip from Reading to Plymouth is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 34m. However, trains run 7 times per day.
Yes, you can take the train from Reading station (RDG) to Plymouth station (PLY).
Since neither Reading station (RDG) nor Plymouth station (PLY) are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United Kingdom and United Kingdom. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
Popular day trips by train from Plymouth station (PLY) include Newton Abbot, Truro, Camborne, Torquay, St Austell.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Reading station (RDG) to Plymouth station (PLY) among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
Yes, rail passes such as the BritRail Pass are valid on most trains within the United Kingdom, offering unlimited travel on participating train operators for a set period.
The currency used in the United Kingdom is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). For travelers, using a card is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially in cities and for transportation tickets, though carrying some cash can be useful for small purchases or in rural areas.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Reading station (RDG) to Plymouth station (PLY)

Most Reading station (RDG) to Plymouth station (PLY) trains use the Reading to Plymouth station pair. Use this guide to compare Reading station (RDG) and Plymouth station (PLY) train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Reading
Arrival train stations in Plymouth
ReadingReading station, Station Hill, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1LZ+44 3451652030ShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Reading from Reading city centre

Bus26, 90, 87 · 2m · $2 · every ~15 min

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.

Most popular trains to and from Plymouth station (PLY) and Reading station (RDG)

Most popular train connections to Plymouth station (PLY)

HomeTrainsTrains in United KingdomReading station (RDG) to Plymouth station (PLY) train

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