4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Birmingham to Reading
Cheapest price
$46
Average price
$76
Fastest journey
1 h 31 m
Average duration
1 h 33 m
Trains per day
25
Distance
131 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Birmingham to Reading is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Birmingham to Reading will cost around $76 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $46.
Of the 25 trains that leave Birmingham for Reading on Sat, Jun 20, 23 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jun 20 the direct trains cover the 131 km distance in an average of 1 h 33 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 31 m .
On Sat, Jun 20 the slowest trains will take 1 h 34 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.
G011896:33 PM1h33Birmingham New Street (BHM)8:06 PMReading station (RDG)$461One-way0 transfers- G011874:33 PM1h33Birmingham New Street (BHM)6:06 PMReading station (RDG)$461One-way0 transfers
- G0117710:33 AM1h34Birmingham New Street (BHM)12:07 PMReading station (RDG)$531One-way0 transfers
- G011758:34 AM1h31Birmingham New Street (BHM)10:05 AMReading station (RDG)$531One-way0 transfers
- G010336:03 PM1h38Birmingham New Street (BHM)7:41 PMReading station (RDG)$531One-way0 transfers
- G011758:34 AM1h31Birmingham New Street (BHM)10:05 AMReading station (RDG)$531One-way0 transfers
- W299385:33 PM1h32Birmingham New Street (BHM)7:05 PMReading station (RDG)$531One-way0 transfers
- G011896:33 PM1h33Birmingham New Street (BHM)8:06 PMReading station (RDG)$461One-way0 transfers
- G011874:33 PM1h33Birmingham New Street (BHM)6:06 PMReading station (RDG)$461One-way0 transfers
- G0117710:33 AM1h34Birmingham New Street (BHM)12:07 PMReading station (RDG)$531One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Birmingham to Reading
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Birmingham to Reading among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $19. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 58m. 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 $19, and a bus costs an average of $16.
Distance: 81 miles (131 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$43 Average price Cheapest | $68 Average price | $47 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 28m Average total duration Fastest 1h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 9m Average total duration 2h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 10m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.3kg 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 Birmingham to Reading:
A train is $25 (€20) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Birmingham to Reading costing on average $68 (€56).
Other travel options to Reading take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 39m.
The journey is about 12m faster (1h 58m by train vs 2h 10m by car) and roughly $4 (€3) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($43 (€35) vs $47 (€38)). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with CrossCountry, Cross Country.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
Live departures
Birmingham to Reading train times
The table below shows live departures for Birmingham to Reading trains for today, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 C00789 · G14894+ L37570 | Delayed 5:31 AM 5:15 AMBirmingham Moor Street (BMO) | 2h25 | 7:40 AM Reading station (RDG) | 2 transfers | |
| G00995 | On time 6:02 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h42 | 7:44 AM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| C00775 · G14896+L37822 | Delayed 6:28 AM 6:15 AMBirmingham Moor Street (BMO) | 2h24 | 8:39 AM Reading station (RDG) | 2 transfers | |
| G00997 | On time 7:03 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h45 | 8:48 AM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G01173 | On time 7:33 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h35 | 9:08 AM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G01000 | On time 8:03 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h39 | 9:42 AM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G01176 | On time 8:33 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h34 | 10:07 AM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G01003 | On time 9:03 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h42 | 10:45 AM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| W29925 | On time 9:33 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h32 | 11:05 AM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G01005 | On time 10:03 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h37 | 11:40 AM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G01178 | On time 10:33 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h32 | 12:05 PM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Birmingham 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.
Jun 20
Jun 21
Jun 22
Jun 23
Jun 24
Jun 25
Jun 26
Why should you book Birmingham to Reading 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 Avanti West Coast, Chiltern Railways, Great Western Railway or Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from Birmingham 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 Birmingham to Reading.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Avanti West Coast, Chiltern Railways, Great Western Railway or Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from Birmingham to Reading.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Birmingham to Reading.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Birmingham to Reading
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Birmingham to Reading run on average 7 times per day, taking around 1h 58m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $19 (€16) but you can travel from only $16 (€13) by bus.
There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 01:35, the last at 23:50. The fastest train covers the 81 miles (131 km) distance in 1h 31m.
Distance 81 miles (131 km) |
Average train duration 1h 58m |
Cheapest ticket price $19 (€16) |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 1h 31m |
First train 1:35 AM |
Last train 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 42 days |
Train companies: CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, Chiltern Railways, Great Western Railway, Cross Country from Birmingham to Reading trainsCrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, Chiltern Railways, Great Western Railway, Cross Country trains will get you between Birmingham 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
Avanti West Coast
Chiltern Railways
Great Western Railway
Cross Country
FAQs: Trains from Birmingham to Reading
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Birmingham 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 Birmingham to Reading
Most Birmingham to Reading trains use the Birmingham New Street to Reading station pair, with some services arriving at Reading West. Use this guide to compare Birmingham and Reading train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Getting to Birmingham New Street from Birmingham city centre
Birmingham New Street train station facilities and services
Birmingham New Street has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: All Bar One, Leon, Caffè Nero, Five Guys, Krispy Kreme, The Pasty Shop, Upper Crust, Wasabi, Starbucks, Hotel Chocolat
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available from Sky Wi-Fi The Cloud. ATMs are aTM machines are located on the paid concourse.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 05:15 - 23:00, Sun: 07:30 - 23:00. Information desks are in the middle of the station.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is you can leave bags with Excess Baggage Co inside the entrance off Hill Street. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Birmingham New Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Birmingham New Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham New Street: Step-free access in the whole station and ramps available for train access. All platforms have elevators and escalators.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Holiday Inn Birmingham City Center, Premier Inn Birmingham City Center (New St Station), Radisson Blue Hotel, Birmingham.
Getting to Birmingham International from Birmingham city centre
Birmingham International is 12 km from Birmingham city centre. Public transport options include:
Birmingham International train station facilities and services
Birmingham International has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Birmingham International.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Birmingham International. ATMs are available at Birmingham International.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Birmingham International. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Birmingham International: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Birmingham International: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham International: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This station has step-free access to all platforms / the platform, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Getting to Birmingham Moor Street from Birmingham city centre
Birmingham Moor Street train station facilities and services
Birmingham Moor Street has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Birmingham Moor Street.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Birmingham Moor Street. ATMs are available at Birmingham Moor Street.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Birmingham Moor Street.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Birmingham Moor Street: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Birmingham Moor Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham Moor Street: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step Free Access Category A. Step free access to all platforms, Accessible taxis: If you would like us to assist you in booking an accessible taxi for your onward journey please contact 03456 005 165, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Which Reading station do trains from Birmingham arrive at?
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.
Most popular train connections from Birmingham
More options for your journey from Birmingham to Reading
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Reading and Birmingham
Most popular train connections to Reading
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