4.9
4.6
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Reading to Birmingham
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Reading to Birmingham among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $67 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 17m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $67, while a train costs an average of $73.
Distance: 81 miles (131 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$73 Average price | $67 Average price Cheapest | $46 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 17m Average total duration Fastest 1h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 14m Average total duration 3h 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 14m 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.
Compare ways to travel from Reading to Birmingham
Compare the available ways to get from Reading to Birmingham, with the key details around price, speed, convenience, and direct service.
This is compared to other travel options from Reading to Birmingham:
A bus is $6 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Reading to Birmingham costing on average $73.
Other travel options to Birmingham take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 14m.
You'll arrive about 27m sooner (1h 47m by train vs 2h 14m by car). Tickets start at around $73 compared to roughly $46 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.
Travel optionsfrom Reading to Birmingham
How to get from Reading to Birmingham by train, bus or flight.
Our recommendation
The best way to travel from Reading to Birmingham is by taking a bus because it’s the best combination of price and speed.
8:25 AM 5h15 Reading 1:40 PM Birmingham $15 1 One-way 0 transfers
Cheapest
8:25 AM 5h15 Reading 1:40 PM Birmingham $15 1 One-way 0 transfers
Fastest
8:33 PM 4h07 Reading 12:40 AM Birmingham $56 1 One-way 0 transfers
Other options
8:40 PM 6h30 Reading 3:10 AM Birmingham $25 1 One-way 0 transfers11:03 PM 10h07 Reading 9:10 AM Birmingham $62 1 One-way 0 transfers10:03 PM 9h52 Reading 7:55 AM Birmingham $80 1 One-way 0 transfers
Find all the dates and times for this journey by train, bus, flight, and ferry .
Compare prices and tickets Prices for trains, buses and flights
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FAQs: Travel from Reading to Birmingham
Travel to Birmingham easily. Whether you want fast, cheap or something entirely different, our travel experts have collected everything you need to know so you can find the best option from Reading to Birmingham.
This is compared to other travel options from Reading to Birmingham:
A bus is $6 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Reading to Birmingham costing on average $73.
Other travel options to Birmingham take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 14m.
- Around 11 buses per day.
- Around 7 trains per day.
However, we recommend checking specific travel dates for your route between Reading and Birmingham as scheduled services by train and bus can vary by season or day of the week.
- Trains mostly depart from Reading station (RDG) and arrive in Birmingham New Street (BHM).
- Buses mostly depart from Reading, Blagrave Street and arrive in Birmingham, Coach Station.
- Travel with National Express, FlixBus to go to Birmingham by bus.
- Travel with CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, Chiltern Railways, West Midlands Trains to go to Birmingham by train.
- 5 direct trains per day with CrossCountry.
Travelling from Reading to Birmingham: related information
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
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