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4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Reading
Cheapest price
$48
Average price
$49
Fastest journey
1 h 25 m
Average duration
1 h 35 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
153 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Reading is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Reading will cost around $49 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $48.
Of the 6 trains that leave Cardiff for Reading on Sat, Jun 20, 4 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 153 km distance in an average of 1 h 35 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 25 m .
On Sat, Jun 20 the slowest trains will take 2 h 10 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.
C4229010:20 AM1h26Cardiff Central (CDF)11:46 AMReading station (RDG)$481One-way0 transfers- W351728:23 AM1h25Cardiff Central (CDF)9:48 AMReading station (RDG)$481One-way0 transfers
- C422899:19 AM1h29Cardiff Central (CDF)10:48 AMReading station (RDG)$481One-way0 transfers
- W351748:51 AM1h27Cardiff Central (CDF)10:18 AMReading station (RDG)$481One-way0 transfers
- C42258 · C421499:30 AM2h10Cardiff Central (CDF)11:40 AMReading station (RDG)$491One-way1 transfer
- W351728:23 AM1h25Cardiff Central (CDF)9:48 AMReading station (RDG)$481One-way0 transfers
- C4229010:20 AM1h26Cardiff Central (CDF)11:46 AMReading station (RDG)$481One-way0 transfers
- W351748:51 AM1h27Cardiff Central (CDF)10:18 AMReading station (RDG)$481One-way0 transfers
- C422899:19 AM1h29Cardiff Central (CDF)10:48 AMReading station (RDG)$481One-way0 transfers
- C42258 · C421499:30 AM2h10Cardiff Central (CDF)11:40 AMReading station (RDG)$491One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare bus and train for Cardiff to Reading
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Reading among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $10. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 28m. 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 bus costs an average of $10, and a train costs an average of $41.
Distance: 95 miles (153 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$68 Average price | $54 Average price Cheapest | $40 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 58m Average total duration Fastest 1h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 47m Average total duration 3h 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 10m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.4kg 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 Cardiff to Reading:
A bus is $14 (€11) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Reading costing on average $68 (€56).
Other travel options to Reading take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 17m.
You'll arrive about 42m sooner (1h 28m by train vs 2h 10m by car). Tickets start at around $68 (€56) compared to roughly $40 (€33) 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 Great Western Railway, 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.
Live departures
Cardiff to Reading train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| W35431 | Delayed 4:10 AM 5:07 AMCardiff Central (CDF) | 1h41 | 6:48 AM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| W35160 | On time 5:53 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1h25 | 7:18 AM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G15040 | On time 6:24 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1h24 | 7:48 AM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| W35166 | On time 6:51 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1h31 | 8:22 AM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| W35167 · G14897 | On time 7:23 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1h47 | 9:10 AM Reading station (RDG) | 1 transfer | |
| W35169 | On time 7:49 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1h28 | 9:17 AM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G15041 | On time 8:18 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1h31 | 9:49 AM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G15042 | On time 8:38 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1h30 | 10:08 AM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| W35432 | On time 9:19 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1h31 | 10:50 AM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G15043 | On time 9:49 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1h29 | 11:18 AM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| W35178 | On time 10:18 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1h27 | 11:45 AM Reading station (RDG) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G15044 | On time 10:50 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1h30 | 12:20 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 Cardiff to Reading by bus or train
Compare bus and train 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 Cardiff to Reading trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Great Western Railway?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Great Western Railway, but also compare tickets for the likes of Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff 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 Great Western Railway with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff to Reading.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Reading.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff to Reading
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Cardiff to Reading run on average 7 times per day, taking around 1h 28m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $41 (€33) but you can travel from only $10 (€8) by bus.
There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:07, the last at 23:28. The fastest train covers the 95 miles (153 km) distance in 1h 23m.
Distance 95 miles (153 km) |
Average train duration 1h 28m |
Cheapest ticket price $41 (€33) |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 6 |
Fastest train 1h 23m |
First train 5:07 AM |
Last train 11:28 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 14 days |
Train companies: Great Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) from Cardiff to Reading trainsGreat Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) trains will get you between Cardiff and Reading from $10 (€8). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Great Western Railway
Great Western Railway (GWR)
FAQs: Trains from Cardiff to Reading
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff 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 Cardiff to Reading
Most Cardiff to Reading trains use the Cardiff Central to Reading station pair, with some services arriving at Reading West. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Reading train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Getting to Cardiff Central from Cardiff city centre
Cardiff Central train station facilities and services
Cardiff Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Central: There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.
Getting to Cathays from Cardiff city centre
Cathays train station facilities and services
Cathays has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Cathays.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cathays. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cathays: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Cathays: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cathays: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B3. While both platforms are step-free, there is no facility for wheelchair users, mobility scooter users or persons with reduced mobility to cross between Platform 1 and 2 due to a steep footbridge. Customers who have travelled from the Valleys and wish to access the University or the Civic Centre are advised to travel to Queen Street station, change onto a North-bound service and alight at Cathays on the return service, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) take cash, and major debit and credit cards. The machine on the Cardiff-bound platform is only available during staffing hours. The machine on the Pontypridd-bound platform is available all the time, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
Getting to Ninian Park from Cardiff city centre
Ninian Park is 1 km from Cardiff city centre. Public transport options include:
Ninian Park train station facilities and services
Ninian Park has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Ninian Park.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Ninian Park: Parking, Taxis.
Bike and car services
Available at Ninian Park: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Ninian Park: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category B2. Step free access to Platform 1 (to Cardiff) from Leckwith Road. Step free access to Platform 2 (to Radyr) Leckwith Road via a ramp with a steep gradient, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) do not accept cash. Payment is by major debit and credit cards only, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Which Reading station do trains from Cardiff 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.
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Reading
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Reading and Cardiff
Most popular train connections to Reading
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