- Must visit
Museum of Liverpool
Flagship city museum on the waterfront covering Liverpool’s social history, port heritage, music, and global influence.
Cheapest price
$134
Average price
$145
Fastest journey
3 h 23 m
Average duration
3 h 33 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
256 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Reading to Liverpool is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Reading to Liverpool will cost around $145 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $134.
Of the 5 trains that leave Reading for Liverpool on Sat, Jun 20, 5 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 256 km distance in an average of 3 h 33 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 23 m .
On Sat, Jun 20 the slowest trains will take 3 h 52 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.










Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Reading to Liverpool among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $24. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 15m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $24, and a train costs an average of $31.
Distance: 159 miles (256 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$110 Average price | $87 Average price Cheapest | $70 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 45m Average total duration Fastest 3h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 11m Average total duration 6h 41m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 1m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.6kg 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 Reading to Liverpool:
A bus is $24 (€20) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Reading to Liverpool costing on average $110 (€90).
Other travel options to Liverpool take longer:
Bus takes on average 6h 41m.
You'll arrive about 46m sooner (3h 15m by train vs 4h 1m by car). Tickets start at around $110 (€90) compared to roughly $70 (€57) 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.
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 Reading to Liverpool 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 5:15 AM Reading | 3h27 | 8:42 AM Liverpool | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:15 AM Reading | 3h27 | 9:42 AM Liverpool | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:15 AM Reading | 3h27 | 10:42 AM Liverpool | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:58 AM Reading | 3h25 | 11:23 AM Liverpool | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:15 AM Reading | 3h27 | 11:42 AM Liverpool | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:35 AM Reading | 3h29 | 1:04 PM Liverpool | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:45 AM Reading | 3h32 | 2:17 PM Liverpool | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 4:35 PM Reading | 3h30 | 8:05 PM Liverpool | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Reading to Liverpool run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 15m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $31 (€26) but you can travel from only $24 (€19) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 01:35, the last at 20:58. The fastest train covers the 159 miles (256 km) distance in 3h 23m.
Distance 159 miles (256 km) |
Average train duration 3h 15m |
Cheapest ticket price $31 (€26) |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 3h 23m |
First train 1:35 AM |
Last train 8:58 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 49 days |
Discover the best of Liverpool — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Liverpool trip today.
Flagship city museum on the waterfront covering Liverpool’s social history, port heritage, music, and global influence.
Renowned public gallery with European old masters, Victorian works, and strong collections of painting, sculpture, and decorative art.
Leading modern and contemporary art gallery known for major exhibitions and national collection displays at the Royal Albert Dock.
Iconic waterfront promenade with Mersey views, the Three Graces, and some of the city’s best photo spots.
Scenic walking route along the Mersey connecting major sights, museums, and open views across the river.
Creative district filled with street art, warehouses, music venues, and photogenic corners popular with younger visitors.
Liverpool’s signature stew made with slow-cooked beef or lamb, potatoes, carrots and onions. It is the city’s best-known traditional dish and gave Liverpudlians the nickname Scousers.
A meat-free version of Scouse made with potatoes, carrots, onions and sometimes pearl barley or lentils. It reflects the city’s working-class food traditions.
A traditional Liverpool bread pudding made from leftover bread, dried fruit, spices and tea, usually served with custard. It is a nostalgic local dessert found in cafés and bakeries.
Refined fine-dining restaurant in a grand Victorian setting, known for modern British tasting menus and polished service.
Well-known food hall in the Baltic Triangle with a lively atmosphere and a range of street-food traders, bars and communal seating.
Upscale restaurant with city views, serving modern British dishes, seafood and afternoon tea in a stylish atmosphere.
Moderate by UK standards. Pubs, cafés, and transport are fairly priced, while hotels and waterfront dining cost more on weekends and during football matches.
Service charge may be added in restaurants; if not, tip 10-12.5% for good service. No tip needed for pubs at the bar. Round up taxi fares or add about 10%.
Official public transport app
Liverpool Lime Street, Liverpool -> Liverpool ONE Bus Station, Liverpool
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reading to Liverpool 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 Liverpool, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Reading to Liverpool trains use the Reading to Liverpool Lime Street station pair, with some services arriving at Liverpool South Parkway. Use this guide to compare Reading and Liverpool train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like 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 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 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.
Tilehurst is 4 km from Reading city centre. Public transport options include:
Tilehurst has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Tilehurst.
Wi-Fi is available at Tilehurst.
Ticket office support is available at Tilehurst.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Tilehurst: Parking, WC.
Available at Tilehurst: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Tilehurst: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Step free Category C - This station does not have step free access to operational platforms, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible taxis: Accessible Taxis available at this station Please call our free help line for assistance, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: No, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Liverpool Lime 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 options include: Caffè Nero, Costa Coffee, Upper Crust, Starbucks, JD Wetherspoon
Free public Wi-Fi available. ATMs are located near Platform 7.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 05:00 - 23:38, Sun: 07:15 - 23:05. Information desks are located in the main concourse.
Luggage storage is the Excess Baggage Co. lockers and staffed luggage storage counter are located in the main concourse near the escalators across from Platform 6. Open daily 08:00 to 21:00. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Liverpool Lime Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Liverpool Lime Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Liverpool Lime Street: Full wheelchair access throughout the station, with help points at the Skelhorne Street entrance and at customer information desk in the main concourse.
Nearby hotels include Pembroke Studios, Riley’s Rooms, Holiday Inn Liverpool City Center.
Liverpool South Parkway is 8 km from Liverpool city centre. Public transport options include:
Liverpool South Parkway has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Liverpool South Parkway.
Wi-Fi is available at Liverpool South Parkway.
Ticket office support is available at Liverpool South Parkway. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0151 555 1111, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Liverpool South Parkway: Parking, WC.
Available at Liverpool South Parkway: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Liverpool South Parkway: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A: “This station has step free access to all platforms / the platform” Platforms are accessible via lifts, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible ticket machines: There are no 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.
Liverpool Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Liverpool Central.
Wi-Fi is available at Liverpool Central. ATMs are available at Liverpool Central.
Ticket office support is available at Liverpool Central. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0151 555 1111, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Liverpool Central: Parking, WC.
Available at Liverpool Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Liverpool Central: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A: “This station has step free access to all platforms / the platform” All platforms can be accessed via lift, Accessible ticket machines: There are no 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: No.
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