Reading to Southampton train with CrossCountry

Fri, Jul 31
+ Add return
CrossCountry
South Western Railway
Cross Country
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
CrossCountry
South Western Railway
Cross Country
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Reading to Southampton

Showing times and prices for Jul 31

Cheapest price

$28

Average price

$39

Fastest journey

49 m

Average duration

1 h

Trains per day

6

Distance

68 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Reading to Southampton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Reading to Southampton will cost around $39 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $28.

Fast trains

Of the 6 trains that leave Reading for Southampton on Fri, Jul 31, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Fri, Jul 31 the direct trains cover the 68 km distance in an average of 1 h but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 49 m .

On Fri, Jul 31 the slowest trains will take 1 h 19 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.

  • CrossCountryG00997
    8:54 AM0h49
    Reading station (RDG)
    9:43 AMSouthampton Central (SOU)
    $281One-way
    0 transfers
  • CrossCountryG01003
    10:52 AM0h51
    Reading station (RDG)
    11:43 AMSouthampton Central (SOU)
    $401One-way
    0 transfers
  • CrossCountryG01000
    9:51 AM0h51
    Reading station (RDG)
    10:42 AMSouthampton Central (SOU)
    $401One-way
    0 transfers
  • South Western RailwayL80234+Great Western RailwayC48476
    10:10 AM1h12
    Reading West (RDW)
    11:22 AMSouthampton Central (SOU)
    $401One-way
    1 transfer
  • South Western RailwayL80222+Great Western RailwayC48471
    9:03 AM1h19
    Reading West (RDW)
    10:22 AMSouthampton Central (SOU)
    $401One-way
    1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Reading to Southampton

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Reading to Southampton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $9. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 56m. 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 $9, and a bus costs an average of $9.

Distance: 42 miles (68 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Driving

$24

Average price

Cheapest

$67

Average price

$18

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

1h 26m

Average total duration

Fastest

56m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 20m

Average total duration

2h 50m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 20m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

CrossCountry

Most popular train company

National Express

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.

The cheapest way to travel from Reading to Southampton is a train with an average price of $24 (€19).

This is compared to other travel options from Reading to Southampton:

A train is $44 (€36) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Reading to Southampton costing on average $67 (€55).

The fastest way to travel from Reading to Southampton is by train with an average journey time of 56m.

Other travel options to Southampton take longer:

Bus takes on average 2h 50m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Reading and Southampton including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Reading to Southampton 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 24m sooner (56m by train vs 1h 20m by car). Tickets start at around $24 (€19) compared to roughly $18 (€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.

Direct services run with Cross Country.

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 Southampton train times

The table below shows live departures for Reading to Southampton trains for today, Thursday, July 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
CrossCountry4:51 PM Reading
0h51
5:42 PM Southampton0 transfersDirect
Friday, July 31
South Western RailwayL80214+Great Western RailwayC484678:03 AM Reading West (RDW)
1h19
9:22 AM Southampton Central (SOU)1 transfer
CrossCountryG009978:54 AM Reading station (RDG)
0h49
9:43 AM Southampton Central (SOU)0 transfersDirect
South Western RailwayL80222+Great Western RailwayC484719:03 AM Reading West (RDW)
1h19
10:22 AM Southampton Central (SOU)1 transfer
CrossCountryG010009:51 AM Reading station (RDG)
0h51
10:42 AM Southampton Central (SOU)0 transfersDirect
South Western RailwayL80234+Great Western RailwayC4847610:10 AM Reading West (RDW)
1h12
11:22 AM Southampton Central (SOU)1 transfer
CrossCountryG0100310:52 AM Reading station (RDG)
0h51
11:43 AM Southampton Central (SOU)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 Southampton 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.

Fri
Jul 31
Sat
Aug 01
Sun
Aug 02
Mon
Aug 03
Tue
Aug 04
Wed
Aug 05
Thu
Aug 06

Why should you book Reading to Southampton trains with Omio?

CrossCountry as well as South Western Railway, Cross Country, Great Western Railway (GWR) and more offer trains services from Reading to Southampton.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Reading to Southampton.

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 South Western Railway, Cross Country or Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Reading to Southampton.
  • 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 to Southampton.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

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

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Reading to Southampton?

The best time to book your train from Reading to Southampton is 70 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Reading to Southampton route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Reading to Southampton per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Reading to Southampton.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Reading to Southampton

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Reading to Southampton run on average 7 times per day, taking around 56m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $9 (€7) if you book in advance.

There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:45, the last at 23:38. The fastest train covers the 42 miles (68 km) distance in 49m.

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
Distance
42 miles (68 km)
Average train duration
56m
Cheapest ticket price
$9 (€7)
Trains per day
7
Direct trains
3
Fastest train
49m
First train
4:45 AM
Last train
11:38 PM
Cheapest Month
Dec
Cheapest Day
Sun
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Mon
Least Busy Day
Wed
Best time to book
56 days
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

Train companies: CrossCountry, South Western Railway, Cross Country, Great Western Railway (GWR) from Reading to Southampton trainsCrossCountry, South Western Railway, Cross Country, Great Western Railway (GWR) trains will get you between Reading and Southampton from $9 (€7). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

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 Duration
49m
Cheapest Price
$13 (€11)
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

South Western Railway

About
South Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom, providing services in the south and south-west of England. It operates a variety of train types, including high-speed trains, local stopping services, and suburban commuter trains. It also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Off-Peak, and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for South Western Railway include London Waterloo to Portsmouth Harbour, London Waterloo to Weymouth, and London Waterloo to Bournemouth.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 13m
Cheapest Price
$9 (€7)
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas at end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund depends on ticket type and timing of cancellation
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by operator
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar service with hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee, free for some ticket types
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free, dogs must be on lead
Quiet zone

Cross Country

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
49m
Cheapest Price
$73 (€60)
Cross Country frequency
11 a day

Great Western Railway (GWR)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 3m
Cheapest Price
$68 (€56)
Great Western Railway (GWR) frequency
14 a day

Complete guide to Southampton

Things to do in Southampton

Discover the best of Southampton — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Southampton trip today.

  • Must visit

SeaCity Museum

Southampton's flagship museum tells the city's story from Roman origins to Titanic and aviation, with strong local collections and family displays.

  • Must visit

Tudor House and Garden

Restored Tudor home and remains of a Norman house reveal centuries of domestic and maritime history in Southampton's atmospheric Old Town.

  • Recommended

Southampton City Art Gallery

Art gallery with a respected collection spanning old masters to contemporary works, plus changing exhibitions in the Cultural Quarter.

British pound sterling (£)

Moderate for the UK. Hotels often cost less than London, while dining and local transport are typical for a mid-sized English city.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
£18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£60+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£2.80-4.20 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up for taxis. Cafes usually do not require tips, but small change is appreciated.

FAQs: Trains from Reading to Southampton

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reading to Southampton 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 Southampton, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Reading to Southampton can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $9 (€7), while the average price is around $24 (€19).
The train from Reading to Southampton takes 49m and runs 7 per day.
The first train from Reading to Southampton leaves at 4:45 AM.
The distance by train from Reading to Southampton is 42 miles (68 km).
The last train from Reading to Southampton leaves at 11:38 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Reading to Southampton.
Yes, there is a direct train from Reading to Southampton. This service operates 3 times per day, provided by Cross Country.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Reading to Southampton.
The train station in Reading that goes to Southampton is Reading station (RDG), which connects to Southampton Central (SOU).
The cheapest way to get from Reading to Southampton is by train, with a cost of around $9 (€7).
The train journey from Reading to Southampton offers a pleasant experience with views of the English countryside, passing through areas like the North Wessex Downs and parts of the South Downs National Park.
Yes, you can do a day trip from Reading to Southampton. The journey takes 49m, covering a distance of 42 miles (68 km), with a frequency of 6 trains per day.
In Southampton, you can explore the New Forest National Park for hiking and wildlife spotting, take the Hythe Ferry for a scenic trip, or shop at Westquay Shopping Centre. Enjoy the vibrant Ocean Village Marina with its dining and leisure options, or relax in Southampton Common. For cultural experiences, visit the Tudor House and Garden, SeaCity Museum, Southampton City Art Gallery, Solent Sky Museum, and catch a performance at the Mayflower Theatre.
To fully explore Southampton, including its maritime attractions, cultural sites, and local experiences, plan for a stay of 2 to 3 days.
Yes, you can take the train from Reading to Southampton.
Since neither Reading nor Southampton 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 Southampton include London, Bournemouth, Winchester, Portsmouth, Salisbury.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Reading to Southampton 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.
In Southampton, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in busy areas like the city center and near the port. Common scams include overcharging by taxi drivers and unofficial tour operators offering poor services at inflated prices. It's advisable to use licensed taxis and official ticket vendors for transportation. Staying vigilant in crowded places and securing personal belongings can help ensure a safe visit.
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 to Southampton

Most Reading to Southampton trains use the Reading to Southampton Central station pair, with some services arriving at Southampton Airport Parkway. Use this guide to compare Reading and Southampton 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 Southampton

Which Reading station do trains to Southampton leave from?

Trains from Reading to Southampton leave from Reading. The station is from Reading city centre at Reading station, Station Hill, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1LZ.
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.

Reading WestReading West station, Oxford Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7PYParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parking
City-centre transport

Getting to Reading West from Reading city centre

Reading West is 1 km from Reading city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainReading - Basingstoke, Reading - Newbury, Reading - Bedwyn, London Paddington - Bedwyn · 2m · $1 · every ~6 min
Bus15, 15a, 16, 17, 91, 85, 88, 93, 43 · 4m · $2 · every ~49 min

Reading West train station facilities and services

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

Food and drink options are available at Reading West.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Reading West.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Reading West: Parking.

Bike and car services

Available at Reading West: Bike Parking.

Accessibility

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.

Reading Green ParkReading RG2 6AU, UKAccessibility
City-centre transport

Getting to Reading Green Park from Reading city centre

Reading Green Park is 3 km from Reading city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainReading - Basingstoke · 6m · $2 · every ~4 min
Bus9 · 39m · $2 · every ~3 min

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.

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