- Must visit
National Railway Museum
Major railway museum with iconic locomotives, royal trains, and engineering exhibits. One of Britain's best family-friendly museums.
Cheapest price
kr587
Average price
kr1251
Fastest journey
2 h 56 m
Average duration
3 h 12 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
278 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Reading to York is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Reading to York will cost around kr1251 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only kr587.
Of the 6 trains that leave Reading for York on Thu, Aug 13, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Aug 13 the direct trains cover the 278 km distance in an average of 3 h 12 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 56 m .
On Thu, Aug 13 the slowest trains will take 3 h 29 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.
G00698
W35357+
G80215+
Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross
W34553+
G80173+
Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross
W35169+
G80221+
Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross
G14896+
G80216+
Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross
W35169+
G80221+
Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross
W35357+
G80215+
Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross
W34553+
G80173+
Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross
G14896+
G80216+
Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross
G00739Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Reading to York among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from kr627. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 0m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of kr627, and a train costs an average of kr444.
Distance: 172 miles (278 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
kr958 Average price | kr730 Average price Cheapest | kr719 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 30m Average total duration Fastest 3h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 46m Average total duration 7h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 11m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.7kg 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 York:
A bus is kr228 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Reading to York costing on average kr958.
Other travel options to York take longer:
Bus takes on average 7h 16m.
You'll arrive about 1h 11m sooner (3h 0m by train vs 4h 11m by car). Tickets start at around kr958 compared to roughly kr719 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.
The table below shows live departures for Reading to York trains for tomorrow, Thursday, August 13. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W35357+ G80215+ Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross | 8:18 AM Reading station (RDG) | 2h58 | 11:16 AM York station (YRK) | 2 transfers | |
W34553+ G80173+ Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross | 8:36 AM Reading station (RDG) | 3h14 | 11:50 AM York station (YRK) | 2 transfers | |
G14896+ G80216+ Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross | 8:42 AM Reading station (RDG) | 3h21 | 12:03 PM York station (YRK) | 2 transfers | |
G00739 | 8:51 AM Reading station (RDG) | 3h29 | 12:20 PM York station (YRK) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W35169+ G80221+ Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross | 9:20 AM Reading station (RDG) | 2h56 | 12:16 PM York station (YRK) | 2 transfers | |
G00698 | 9:43 AM Reading station (RDG) | 3h37 | 1:20 PM York station (YRK) | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 York run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 0m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at kr444 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 03:54, the last at 23:07. The fastest train covers the 172 miles (278 km) distance in 3h 2m.
Distance 172 miles (278 km) |
Average train duration 3h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price kr444 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 3h 2m |
First train 3:54 AM |
Last train 11:07 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 6 days |
Discover the best of York — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect York trip today.
Major railway museum with iconic locomotives, royal trains, and engineering exhibits. One of Britain's best family-friendly museums.
Immersive walk-through museum recreating Victorian streets, shops, and homes. Brilliant for understanding everyday life in historic York.
York's main city museum with archaeology, Roman finds, and local history. Set in beautiful gardens beside abbey ruins.
Narrow medieval street with overhanging timber-framed buildings and many independent shops. York's most famous and atmospheric lane.
Peaceful riverside gardens with abbey ruins, museum access, and lawns. Ideal for a scenic break amid York's historic core.
Grand civic street lined with historic buildings, gardens, and cultural sites. A key route for exploring the heart of York.
Yorkshire pudding is a baked batter pudding served with roast beef and gravy, iconic across Yorkshire and a staple of the traditional Sunday roast.
York ham is a prized cured ham from the city, traditionally mild, tender, and often served thick-cut in sandwiches, salads, or classic British meals.
Parkin is a sticky ginger cake made with oats and treacle, strongly linked to Yorkshire and especially eaten around Bonfire Night.
Michelin-starred fine dining by Tommy Banks, known for seasonal tasting menus and polished service in an elegant city-centre setting.
Beloved tearoom serving York rarebit, afternoon tea, and the famous fat rascal in an old-fashioned, bustling setting.
Long-established seafood restaurant known for very fresh fish, shellfish, and a smart but relaxed dining room in central York.
Moderate for UK city breaks: hotels and dining are pricier than smaller towns, but transit is limited and many sights are walkable.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up for taxis. Cafes usually do not expect tips, but small change is appreciated.
Official public transport app
York Railway Station -> York Minster, York
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reading to York 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 York, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Reading to York trains use the Reading to York station pair. Use this guide to compare Reading and York 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.
York has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at York.
Wi-Fi is available at York. ATMs are available at York.
Ticket office support is available at York.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at York: Parking, WC.
Available at York: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at York: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: No advance booking is required but it will reduce the waiting time for a wheelchair access Taxi, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accessible machines are available on the main concourse, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
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