- Must visit
York Castle Museum
Social history museum in the former prison complex, famous for recreated Victorian streets and everyday life displays.
Cheapest price
$48
Average price
$153
Fastest journey
2 h 56 m
Average duration
2 h 57 m
Trains per day
20
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 $153 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $48.
Of the 20 trains that leave Reading for York on Mon, Jun 29, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jun 29 the direct trains cover the 278 km distance in an average of 2 h 57 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 56 m .
On Mon, Jun 29 the slowest trains will take 3 h 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.
G00738
G00701
G00698
G00739
C01971+
G15458
G80209+
W35160+
Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross
G80221+
Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+
W35169
G80226+
W34472+
Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross
G80215+
W35357+
Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross
C00207+
G15041+
Tube from London Paddington to London Kings CrossOmio 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 $65. 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 $65, and a train costs an average of $46.
Distance: 172 miles (278 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$100 Average price | $76 Average price Cheapest | $75 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 $24 (€20) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Reading to York costing on average $100 (€82).
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 $100 (€82) compared to roughly $75 (€62) 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 today, Sunday, June 28. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G80178+ C50038+ Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross | Delayed 10:43 AM 10:27 AMReading station (RDG) | 3h26 | 1:53 PM York station (YRK) | 2 transfers | |
G80229+ W35211+ Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross | Delayed 11:03 AM 10:45 AMReading station (RDG) | 3h18 | 2:03 PM York station (YRK) | 2 transfers | |
G80231+ Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+ C01232 | Delayed 11:30 AM 11:12 AMReading station (RDG) | 3h04 | 2:16 PM York station (YRK) | 2 transfers | |
G80235+ Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+ C00123 | Delayed 12:03 PM 11:46 AMReading station (RDG) | 3h17 | 3:03 PM York station (YRK) | 2 transfers | |
| Monday, June 29 | |||||
C01971+ G15458 | 3:54 AM Reading station (RDG) | 4h08 | 8:02 AM York station (YRK) | 1 transfer | |
C48609+ Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+ G80198 | 4:35 AM Reading station (RDG) | 3h41 | 8:16 AM York station (YRK) | 2 transfers | |
G80199+ W34850+ Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross | 5:48 AM Reading station (RDG) | 3h15 | 9:03 AM York station (YRK) | 2 transfers | |
W35098+ Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+ G80203 | 6:14 AM Reading station (RDG) | 3h02 | 9:16 AM York station (YRK) | 2 transfers | |
W34456+ Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+ G80171 | 6:34 AM Reading station (RDG) | 3h17 | 9:51 AM York station (YRK) | 2 transfers | |
G00738 | 6:45 AM Reading station (RDG) | 3h35 | 10:20 AM York station (YRK) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W35431+ Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+ G80205 | 6:50 AM Reading station (RDG) | 3h13 | 10:03 AM York station (YRK) | 2 transfers | |
W35160+ Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+ G80209 | 7:20 AM Reading station (RDG) | 2h56 | 10:16 AM York station (YRK) | 2 transfers | |
G15040+ Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+ G80211 | 7:51 AM Reading station (RDG) | 3h12 | 11:03 AM York station (YRK) | 2 transfers | |
W35357+ Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+ G80215 | 8:18 AM Reading station (RDG) | 2h58 | 11:16 AM York station (YRK) | 2 transfers | |
W34553+ Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+ G80173 | 8:36 AM Reading station (RDG) | 3h14 | 11:50 AM York station (YRK) | 2 transfers | |
G14896+ Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+ G80216 | 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+ Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+ G80221 | 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 | |
G15041+ Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+ C00207 | 9:51 AM Reading station (RDG) | 3h00 | 12:51 PM York station (YRK) | 2 transfers | |
W34472+ Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+ G80226 | 10:19 AM Reading station (RDG) | 2h57 | 1:16 PM York station (YRK) | 2 transfers | |
W35223+ Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+ G80176 | 10:35 AM Reading station (RDG) | 3h17 | 1:52 PM York station (YRK) | 2 transfers | |
G00701 | 10:46 AM Reading station (RDG) | 3h34 | 2:20 PM York station (YRK) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W35121+ Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+ G80228 | 10:46 AM Reading station (RDG) | 3h17 | 2:03 PM York station (YRK) | 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 York run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 0m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $46 (€38) 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 $46 (€38) |
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.
Social history museum in the former prison complex, famous for recreated Victorian streets and everyday life displays.
Immersive archaeology attraction built around Viking-age remains, one of York’s signature experiences.
National collection of historic locomotives and railway engineering, widely regarded as one of York’s top free attractions.
York’s most famous medieval street, known for overhanging timber buildings and constant visitor interest.
Central riverside gardens with abbey ruins, lawns, and one of the city’s best places for a relaxed historic walk.
Green space beside York Minster offering classic cathedral views and a quieter break from the busy centre.
The county’s best-known speciality, a baked batter pudding traditionally served with roast beef and gravy in Yorkshire Sunday lunches.
A classic Yorkshire Sunday roast of beef, roast potatoes, vegetables, gravy, and Yorkshire pudding; deeply associated with the region.
Cured ham traditionally linked to York, known for its mild flavour and historic association with the city’s butchery and curing trade.
Established fine dining restaurant from Tommy Banks, focused on seasonal tasting menus and refined Yorkshire produce.
Well-known riverside restaurant serving modern British food with strong Yorkshire ingredients in an elegant but relaxed setting.
Popular steak and cocktail venue known for quality meat, polished service, and a stylish brasserie atmosphere near the city walls.
Moderate by UK standards. Pub meals and attractions are manageable, but hotels and weekend dining cost more.
About 10-12.5% in restaurants if service is not included. Round up taxis. Small tips are optional in cafés, pubs, and for hotel staff.
Official public transport app
York Railway Station, York -> 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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