- Must visit
Reading Museum
Reading's main museum, famed for the Bayeux Tapestry replica, local history, Huntley & Palmers displays, and Abbey galleries.
Cheapest price
$20
Average price
$32
Fastest journey
50 m
Average duration
51 m
Trains per day
27
Distance
68 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Southampton to Reading is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Southampton to Reading will cost around $32 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $20.
Of the 27 trains that leave Southampton for Reading on Tue, Jul 28, 14 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Jul 28 the direct trains cover the 68 km distance in an average of 51 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 50 m .
On Tue, Jul 28 the slowest trains will take 51 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.
G00879
G00891
G00739
G00851
G00861
G00739
G00895
G00847
G00866
G00887Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Southampton to Reading among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $8. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 57m. 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 $8, and a bus costs an average of $23.
Distance: 42 miles (68 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$20 Average price Cheapest | $58 Average price | $14 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 27m Average total duration Fastest 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 52m Average total duration 2h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 17m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.2kg 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 Southampton to Reading:
A train is $38 (€38) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Southampton to Reading costing on average $58 (€58).
Other travel options to Reading take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 22m.
You'll arrive about 20m sooner (57m by train vs 1h 17m by car). Tickets start at around $20 (€20) compared to roughly $14 (€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.
The table below shows live departures for Southampton to Reading trains for tomorrow, Tuesday, July 28. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G00847 | 5:15 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 0h51 | 6:06 AM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L78743+ G00849 | 5:55 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 1h13 | 7:08 AM Reading station (RDG) | 1 transfer | |
G00849 | 6:15 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 0h53 | 7:08 AM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L78869+ C03032 | 6:30 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 1h12 | 7:42 AM Reading West (RDW) | 1 transfer | |
L78750+ C03033 | 7:00 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 1h02 | 8:02 AM Reading West (RDW) | 1 transfer | |
G00851 | 7:15 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 0h54 | 8:09 AM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G00739 | 7:55 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 0h50 | 8:45 AM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G00855 | 8:15 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 0h54 | 9:09 AM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L78760 · L79928+ C03041 | 8:30 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 1h13 | 9:43 AM Reading West (RDW) | 2 transfers | |
G00858 | 9:15 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 0h55 | 10:10 AM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L80064 · L79934+ C03045 | 9:30 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 1h22 | 10:52 AM Reading West (RDW) | 2 transfers | |
G00861 | 10:15 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 0h53 | 11:08 AM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L80068 · L79940+ C03050 | 10:30 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 1h15 | 11:45 AM Reading West (RDW) | 2 transfers | |
G00866 | 11:15 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 0h51 | 12:06 PM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L80073 · L79946+ C03055 | 11:30 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 1h28 | 12:58 PM Reading West (RDW) | 2 transfers | |
G00875 | 12:15 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 0h54 | 1:09 PM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L80079 · L79952+ C03060 | 12:30 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 1h21 | 1:51 PM Reading West (RDW) | 2 transfers | |
G00879 | 1:15 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 0h53 | 2:08 PM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L80087 · L79958+ C03065 | 1:30 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 1h26 | 2:56 PM Reading West (RDW) | 2 transfers | |
G00887 | 2:15 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 0h51 | 3:06 PM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L80097 · L79964+ C03070 | 2:30 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 1h19 | 3:49 PM Reading West (RDW) | 2 transfers | |
G00891 | 3:15 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 0h54 | 4:09 PM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L80105 · L79970+ C03075 | 3:30 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 1h14 | 4:44 PM Reading West (RDW) | 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 Southampton to Reading run on average 7 times per day, taking around 57m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $8 (€8) if you book in advance.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:45, the last at 23:41. The fastest train covers the 42 miles (68 km) distance in 51m.
Distance 42 miles (68 km) |
Average train duration 57m |
Cheapest ticket price $8 (€8) |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 51m |
First train 4:45 AM |
Last train 11:41 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 63 days |
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 Southampton 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 Southampton to Reading trains use the Southampton Central to Reading station pair, with some services arriving at Reading West. Use this guide to compare Southampton and Reading train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like 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 options are available at Southampton Central.
Wi-Fi is available at Southampton Central. ATMs are available at Southampton Central.
Ticket office support is available at Southampton Central.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Southampton Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Southampton Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
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.
Southampton Airport Parkway is 5 km from Southampton city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options are available at Southampton Airport Parkway.
Wi-Fi is available at Southampton Airport Parkway. ATMs are available at Southampton Airport Parkway.
Ticket office support is available at Southampton Airport Parkway.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Southampton Airport Parkway: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Southampton Airport Parkway: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
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.
Swaythling is 4 km from Southampton city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options are available at Swaythling.
Wi-Fi is available at Swaythling.
Ticket office support is available at Swaythling.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Swaythling: Parking.
Available at Swaythling: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
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.
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 West is 1 km from Reading city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options are available at Reading West.
Ticket office support is available at Reading West.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Reading West: Parking.
Available at Reading West: Bike Parking.
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 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.
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