- Must visit
Reading Museum
Reading's main museum, famed for the Bayeux Tapestry replica, local history, Huntley & Palmers displays, and Abbey galleries.
Cheapest price on Sep 20
$20
Average ticket price on Sep 20
$20
Fastest journey on Sep 20
22 m
Average journey duration on Sep 20
23 m
Trains on Sep 20
2
Distance
27 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Slough to Reading is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Slough to Reading will cost around $20 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $20.
On Sun, Sep 20, we found 2 trains from Slough to Reading, including 2 direct services.
On Sun, Sep 20 the direct trains cover the 27 km distance in an average of 23 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 22 m .
On Sun, Sep 20 the slowest trains will take 23 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.




Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Slough to Reading among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of $20 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 53m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.0kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $20, while a bus costs an average of $42.
Distance: 16 miles (27 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$20 Average price Cheapest | $42 Average price | $8 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
53m Average total duration Fastest 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 39m Average total duration 1h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 33m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.0 - 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 Slough to Reading:
A train is $21 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Slough to Reading costing on average $42.
Other travel options to Reading take longer:
Bus takes on average 1h 9m.
You'll arrive about 10m sooner (23m by train vs 33m by car). Tickets start at around $20 compared to roughly $8 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 Elizabeth Line (TfL), Great Western Railway (GWR).
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 Slough to Reading trains for today, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
C37177 | 6:17 AM Slough station (SLO) | 0h25 | 6:42 AM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C48198 | 6:24 AM Slough station (SLO) | 0h20 | 6:44 AM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C37185 | 6:47 AM Slough station (SLO) | 0h23 | 7:10 AM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C48200 | 6:54 AM Slough station (SLO) | 0h20 | 7:14 AM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C37196 | 7:17 AM Slough station (SLO) | 0h24 | 7:41 AM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C48203 | 7:24 AM Slough station (SLO) | 0h20 | 7:44 AM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C48205 | 7:59 AM Slough station (SLO) | 0h22 | 8:21 AM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C37218 | 8:18 AM Slough station (SLO) | 0h23 | 8:41 AM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C48206 | 8:24 AM Slough station (SLO) | 0h21 | 8:45 AM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C37232 | 8:47 AM Slough station (SLO) | 0h24 | 9:11 AM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C48208 | 8:54 AM Slough station (SLO) | 0h20 | 9:14 AM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C37243 | 9:17 AM Slough station (SLO) | 0h24 | 9:41 AM Reading station (RDG) | 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 Slough to Reading run on average 8 times per day, taking around 23m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $20 if you book in advance.
There are 8 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:03, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 16 miles (27 km) distance in 12m.
Distance 16 miles (27 km) |
Average train duration 23m |
Cheapest ticket price $20 |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 8 |
Fastest train 12m |
First train 12:03 AM |
Last train 11:58 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Reading — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Reading trip today.
Reading's main museum, famed for the Bayeux Tapestry replica, local history, Huntley & Palmers displays, and Abbey galleries.
Modern art gallery in the civic centre showing changing exhibitions by regional and national artists in a central, accessible space.
University museum with strong agriculture, countryside, and design collections. Popular for families and one of Reading's standout visits.
Large central park with formal gardens, Thames views, and the iconic Maiwand Lion. A classic place to stroll or relax near downtown.
Historic quarter around the Abbey ruins, museum, and Forbury Gardens. Ideal for understanding Reading's origins on a compact walking route.
Riverside nature reserve and meadow walk beside the Thames. Peaceful paths and wildlife make it a favorite local escape close to the centre.
A Berkshire classic of smoked haddock in a creamy parsley sauce. Traditionally linked to Windsor and widely associated with the wider county.
A rich fruit cake made with currants, butter, eggs, sugar and mixed spice. A long-standing Berkshire tea-time bake.
A soft yeasted bun spiced with caraway and filled with currants, candied peel and sugar. Traditionally baked in Berkshire and nearby counties.
Polished fine dining restaurant known for seasonal British tasting menus and refined service in an elegant central Reading setting.
Popular Reading institution for Lebanese and Middle Eastern plates, known for generous mezze and a lively, casual atmosphere.
Well-regarded independent restaurant serving British and European dishes with seasonal ingredients in a relaxed modern dining room.
Reading is pricier than many UK towns. Hotels and dining are above average, but rail and local buses are manageable for most visitors.
Restaurants often add a 10-12.5% service charge; if not, tip around 10% for good service. Taxis are usually rounded up or tipped 10%. Cafes usually do not require tipping.
Official public transport app
Reading Station -> Broad Street, Reading
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Slough to Reading 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 Reading, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Slough to Reading trains use the Slough to Reading station pair. Use this guide to compare Slough and Reading train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Slough has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: The Moon and Spoon, The Red Lion
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Slough. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Slough. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Slough: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Slough: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Slough: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Holiday Inn Slough - Windsor, Moxy Slough, Travelodge Slough.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need