The cheapest and fastest trains from Southampton to Reading
Cheapest price
$26
Average price
$30
Fastest journey
53 m
Average duration
55 m
Trains per day
3
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 $30 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $26.
Of the 3 trains that leave Southampton for Reading on Tue, Jan 27, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Jan 27 the direct trains cover the 68 km distance in an average of 55 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 53 m .
On Tue, Jan 27 the slowest trains will take 56 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.






Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Southampton to Reading
Omio 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 €13. 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 €13, and a bus costs an average of €47.
Distance: 42 miles (68 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
€24 Average price Cheapest | €57 Average price |
1h 27m Average total duration Fastest 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 54m Average total duration 2h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Southampton to Reading train times
The table below shows live departures for Southampton to Reading trains for tomorrow, Tuesday, January 27. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 5:15 AM Southampton | 0h53 | 6:08 AM Reading | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:15 AM Southampton | 0h56 | 8:11 AM Reading | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:15 AM Southampton | 0h55 | 9:10 AM Reading | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Southampton to Reading by train or bus
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.
Jan 27
Jan 28
Jan 29
Jan 30
Jan 31
Feb 01
Feb 02
Why should you book Southampton to Reading trains with Omio?
CrossCountry as well as South Western Railway, Great Western Rail and Cross Country offer trains services from Southampton to Reading. Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Southampton to Reading.
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 Rail and Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from Southampton to Reading.
- 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 and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Southampton to Reading.
Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?
- Multiple travel company options: While CrossCountry tickets can be bought on CrossCountry's website or third party sellers, Omio allows you to compare with the likes of South Western Railway, Great Western Rail and Cross Country to help you choose the right option for your journey from Southampton to Reading.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Southampton to Reading.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Southampton to Reading
Train Ticket Prices
- Budget Options: Train tickets from Southampton to Reading start from as low as $16 (€13) if booked well in advance.
- Standard Fares: Typically, trains cost $30 (€24) depending on the train type and class.
Journey Duration & Frequency
- On average there are 6 daily trains from Southampton to Reading with 3 direct service.
- The fastest trains can take as little as 50m but the average duration is 57m
Train Operators
- Travel from Southampton to Reading with CrossCountry, South Western Railway, Great Western Rail, and Cross Country
- The most booked train company for this route on Omio is CrossCountry.
Stations & Schedule
- Most trains depart from Southampton Central (SOU) and arrive in Reading station (RDG)
- First train typically departs at 04:32 AM and the last at 11:41 PM
Distance 42 miles (68 km) |
Average train duration 57m |
Cheapest ticket price $16 (€13) |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 50m |
First train 04:32 |
Last train 23:41 |
Train companies: CrossCountry, South Western Railway, Great Western Rail, Cross Country from Southampton to Reading trainsCrossCountry, South Western Railway, Great Western Rail, Cross Country trains will get you between Southampton and Reading from $16 (€13). 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 Rail
Cross Country
FAQs: Trains from Southampton to 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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Southampton to Reading
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:40 - 20:45 Saturday 06:00 - 20:45 Sunday 06:30 - 20:45
- Car Park: Premium-downside
- Taxi: Yes outside Platform 4 exit
- 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
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located in the Waiting Rooms on Platforms 1 and 4. The National key toilets are located on Platforms 1 and 4; these toilets are operated by a radar key. A radar key is available from station staff upon request. A 'National Key Scheme' key [RADAR] can be purchased by contacting the following. Address: 12 City Forum, 250 City Road, London, EC1V 8AF. Tel: 020 7250 3222. Minicom: 020 7250 4119. Fax: 020 7250 0212. Email: [email protected]
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Baby changing facilities location: Female toilets
- Waiting rooms location: All platforms. Waiting rooms are heated and seating complies with Code of Practice.
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Platform 1 - 200 spaces Platform 4 - 44 spaces Outside Platform 4 entrance - 4 spaces Outside Platform 1 entrance - A new bike hut with 140 two tier spaces
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Rail replacement bus service goes from the north side (Blechynden Terrace) during engineering works. Overnight onward transport goes from the South side (West Quay side)
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:45 - 20:00 Saturday 05:45 - 20:00 Sunday 07:45 - 20:10
- Car Park: Upside and Multi-Storey
- Taxi: Yes
- 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
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located in the Waiting Area on Platform 1. The National key toilets are located in the Waiting Area on Platform 1; these toilets are operated by a radar key. A radar key is available from station staff upon request. A 'National Key Scheme' key [RADAR] can be purchased by contacting the following. Address: 12 City Forum, 250 City Road, London, EC1V 8AF. Tel: 020 7250 3222. Minicom: 020 7250 4119. Fax: 020 7250 0212. Email: [email protected]
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Waiting rooms location: Inside booking hall.
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Car park and platform 2
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Through Journeys: Station Forecourt Bus Stop off Wide Lane (A335) Terminating Journeys: Car Park at Eastleigh end, off Wide Lane (A335)
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 07:00 - 10:45 Saturday Closed Sunday Closed
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: Platforms 1 & 4
- Storage CCTV: No
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Belmont Road/Junction with Osborne Road Setting Down only journeys - stop by traffic lights (Thomas Lewis Way/Duke Street)
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:15 - 22:45 Saturday 05:30 - 22:45 Sunday 07:15 - 22:45 Please note: Reservations and tickets requiring reservations are sold at the following times only: Mon - Sat 08:00 - 20:00 and Sun 09:00 - 20:00
- Car Park: Multi Storey Car Park
- 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
- Toilets Location: Toilets are located on Station Platforms and in The Brunel Arcade building
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Front of station, underground short stay car park and long stay car park.
- Storage CCTV: No
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the North side of the station
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:30 - 10:45 Saturday - Sunday Closed
- Car Park: No
- 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
- Storage CCTV: No
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Towards Reading: Bus Stop on Oxford Road under Railway Bridge. Heading away from Reading Bus Stop on Oxford Road, outside McDonalds.
Most popular train connections from Southampton
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