The cheapest and fastest trains from Southampton Central (SOU) to Reading station (RDG)
Cheapest price
$9
Average price
$35
Fastest journey
49 m
Average duration
50 m
Trains per day
27
Distance
69 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Southampton Central (SOU) to Reading station (RDG) is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Southampton Central (SOU) to Reading station (RDG) will cost around $35 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $9.
Of the 27 trains that leave Southampton Central (SOU) for Reading station (RDG) on Sun, Jun 21, 12 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 21 the direct trains cover the 69 km distance in an average of 50 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 49 m .
On Sun, Jun 21 the slowest trains will take 50 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.
SW006000 · L78754 · L791606:24 AM2h21Southampton Central (SOU)8:45 AMReading station (RDG)$91One-way2 transfers
G0086310:15 AM0h51Southampton Central (SOU)11:06 AMReading station (RDG)$241One-way0 transfers
G008903:15 PM0h51Southampton Central (SOU)4:06 PMReading station (RDG)$241One-way0 transfers
G008974:15 PM0h51Southampton Central (SOU)5:06 PMReading station (RDG)$241One-way0 transfers
G009177:15 PM0h51Southampton Central (SOU)8:06 PMReading station (RDG)$271One-way0 transfers
G008852:15 PM0h49Southampton Central (SOU)3:04 PMReading station (RDG)$321One-way0 transfers
G009248:15 PM0h50Southampton Central (SOU)9:05 PMReading station (RDG)$401One-way0 transfers
G0086711:15 AM0h50Southampton Central (SOU)12:05 PMReading station (RDG)$401One-way0 transfers
G0087412:15 PM0h50Southampton Central (SOU)1:05 PMReading station (RDG)$321One-way0 transfers
G009116:15 PM0h50Southampton Central (SOU)7:05 PMReading station (RDG)$401One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and ferry for Southampton Central (SOU) to Reading station (RDG)
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Southampton Central (SOU) to Reading station (RDG) among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $6. For those with little time consider booking a ferry which can get you there in 45m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $6, and a bus costs an average of $40.
Distance: 42 miles (69 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Ferry | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$20 Average price Cheapest | $71 Average price | $33 Average price | $18 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 29m Average total duration 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 39m Average total duration 2h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 45m Average total duration Fastest 45m Onboard + 1h 0m Additional time* | 1h 16m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Southampton Central (SOU) to Reading station (RDG):
A train is $13 (€11) less than a ferry for this route with tickets for a ferry from Southampton Central (SOU) to Reading station (RDG) costing on average $33 (€27).
A train is $52 (€42) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Southampton Central (SOU) to Reading station (RDG) costing on average $71 (€58).
Other travel options to Reading station (RDG) take longer:
Train takes on average 59m.
Bus takes on average 2h 9m.
You'll arrive about 17m sooner (59m by train vs 1h 16m by car). Tickets start at around $20 (€16) 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 CrossCountry, 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
Southampton Central (SOU) to Reading station (RDG) train times
The table below shows live departures for Southampton Central (SOU) to Reading station (RDG) trains for today, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
L80089 · L79959+ C03066 | Delayed 12:33 PM 1:30 PMSouthampton Central (SOU) | 1h19 | 2:49 PM Reading station (RDG) | 2 transfers | |
G00886 | On time 2:15 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 0h50 | 3:05 PM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L80099 · L79965+ C03071 | On time 2:30 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 1h21 | 3:51 PM Reading station (RDG) | 2 transfers | |
G00889 | On time 3:15 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 0h51 | 4:06 PM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L80107 · L79971+ C03076 | On time 3:30 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 1h19 | 4:49 PM Reading station (RDG) | 2 transfers | |
G00896 | On time 4:15 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 0h51 | 5:06 PM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L80117 · L79977+ C03081 | On time 4:30 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 1h20 | 5:50 PM Reading station (RDG) | 2 transfers | |
G00903 | 5:15 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 0h53 | 6:08 PM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L80125 · L79983+ C03086 | On time 5:30 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 1h19 | 6:49 PM Reading station (RDG) | 2 transfers | |
G00910 | On time 6:15 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 0h53 | 7:08 PM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L80135 · L79989+ C03091 | On time 6:30 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 1h21 | 7:51 PM Reading station (RDG) | 2 transfers | |
G00919 | On time 7:15 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 0h56 | 8:11 PM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L80145 · L79995+ C03096 | On time 7:30 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 1h19 | 8:49 PM Reading station (RDG) | 2 transfers | |
G00926 | On time 8:15 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 0h51 | 9:06 PM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L80155 · L84476+ C03101 | On time 8:30 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 1h19 | 9:49 PM Reading station (RDG) | 2 transfers | |
L80299+ C03103 | On time 9:00 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 1h18 | 10:18 PM Reading station (RDG) | 1 transfer | |
L78864 · L84478+ C03105 | On time 9:30 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 1h19 | 10:49 PM Reading station (RDG) | 2 transfers | |
L80315+ C03107 | On time 10:00 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 1h24 | 11:24 PM Reading station (RDG) | 1 transfer | |
L80327+ C03109 | On time 10:30 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 1h16 | 11:46 PM Reading station (RDG) | 1 transfer | |
| Sunday, June 21 | |||||
SW006000 · L78754 · L79160 | 6:24 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 2h21 | 8:45 AM Reading station (RDG) | 2 transfers | |
L78766+ C03038 | 8:26 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 1h06 | 9:32 AM Reading station (RDG) | 1 transfer | |
G00860 | On time 9:15 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 0h51 | 10:06 AM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L80137+ C03044 | 9:25 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 1h07 | 10:32 AM Reading station (RDG) | 1 transfer | |
G00863 | 10:15 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 0h51 | 11:06 AM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L80157+ C03049 | 10:25 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 1h08 | 11:33 AM Reading station (RDG) | 1 transfer | |
G00867 | 11:15 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 0h50 | 12:05 PM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L80171+ C03054 | 11:25 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 1h07 | 12:32 PM Reading station (RDG) | 1 transfer | |
G00874 | 12:15 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 0h50 | 1:05 PM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L80179+ C03059 | 12:25 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 1h07 | 1:32 PM Reading station (RDG) | 1 transfer | |
G00880 | 1:15 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 0h51 | 2:06 PM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L80183+ C03064 | 1:25 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 1h07 | 2:32 PM Reading station (RDG) | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Southampton Central (SOU) to Reading station (RDG) by train, bus, or ferry
Compare train, bus, and ferry 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.
Jun 21
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Jul 01
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Why should you book Southampton Central (SOU) to Reading station (RDG) trains with Omio?
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, Great Western Railway or Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from Southampton Central (SOU) to Reading station (RDG).
- 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, bus and ferry to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Southampton Central (SOU) to Reading station (RDG).
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of South Western Railway, Great Western Railway or Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from Southampton Central (SOU) to Reading station (RDG).
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and ferry to find the ideal travel option from Southampton Central (SOU) to Reading station (RDG).
Journey information
Overview: Train from Southampton Central (SOU) to Reading station (RDG)
Trains from Southampton Central (SOU) to Reading station (RDG) run on average 7 times per day, taking around 59m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $6 (€5) if you book in advance.
There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:15, the last at 21:00. The fastest train covers the 42 miles (69 km) distance in 50m.
Distance 42 miles (69 km) |
Average train duration 59m |
Cheapest ticket price $6 (€5) |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 4 |
Fastest train 50m |
First train 5:15 AM |
Last train 9:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Train companies: CrossCountry, South Western Railway, Great Western Railway, Cross Country from Southampton Central (SOU) to Reading station (RDG) trainsCrossCountry, South Western Railway, Great Western Railway, Cross Country trains will get you between Southampton Central (SOU) and Reading station (RDG) from $6 (€5). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
CrossCountry
South Western Railway
Great Western Railway
Cross Country
FAQs: Trains from Southampton Central (SOU) to Reading station (RDG)
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Southampton Central (SOU) to Reading station (RDG) 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 station (RDG), this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Southampton Central (SOU) to Reading station (RDG)
Most Southampton Central (SOU) to Reading station (RDG) trains use the Southampton Central to Reading station pair, with some services arriving at Reading West. Use this guide to compare Southampton Central (SOU) and Reading station (RDG) train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Getting to Southampton Central from Southampton city centre
Southampton Central train station facilities and services
Southampton Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Southampton Central.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Southampton Central. ATMs are available at Southampton Central.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Southampton Central.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Southampton Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Southampton Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Southampton Central: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step-free category A Station - This station has step-free access to all platforms. Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All South Western Railway ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. All machines are accessible, however the station may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Getting to Southampton Airport Parkway from Southampton city centre
Southampton Airport Parkway is 5 km from Southampton city centre. Public transport options include:
Southampton Airport Parkway train station facilities and services
Southampton Airport Parkway has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Southampton Airport Parkway.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Southampton Airport Parkway. ATMs are available at Southampton Airport Parkway.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Southampton Airport Parkway.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Southampton Airport Parkway: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Southampton Airport Parkway: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Southampton Airport Parkway: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step-free category A Station - This station has step-free access to all platforms. Please be aware that some platforms at this station have no or only partial tactile paving on the platform edge, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All South Western Railway ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. All machines are accessible, however the station may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Getting to Swaythling from Southampton city centre
Swaythling is 4 km from Southampton city centre. Public transport options include:
Swaythling train station facilities and services
Swaythling has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Swaythling.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Swaythling.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Swaythling.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Swaythling: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Swaythling: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Swaythling: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Step-free category B station - This station has no step-free access to Platform 1 (for trains towards Eastleigh/ London Waterloo). There is level access to Platform 2 (for trains towards Southampton Central). Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All South Western Railway ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. All machines are accessible, however the station may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Getting to Reading from Reading city centre
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.
Getting to Reading West from Reading city centre
Reading West is 1 km from Reading city centre. Public transport options include:
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.
Getting to Reading Green Park from Reading city centre
Reading Green Park is 3 km from Reading city centre. Public transport options include:
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.

