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Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Reading to Cardiff
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Reading to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $58 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 1m. 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 $58, while a train costs an average of $75.
Distance: 95 miles (153 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$75 Average price | $58 Average price Cheapest | $40 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 1m Average total duration Fastest 1h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 18m Average total duration 3h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 12m 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 Reading to Cardiff:
A bus is $17 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Reading to Cardiff costing on average $75.
Other travel options to Cardiff take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 18m.
You'll arrive about 41m sooner (1h 31m by train vs 2h 12m by car). Tickets start at around $75 compared to roughly $40 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 Cardiff
How to get from Reading to Cardiff by train, bus or flight.
Our recommendation
The best way to travel from Reading to Cardiff is by taking a bus because it’s the best combination of price and speed.
7:25 PM2h30Reading9:55 PMCardiff$201One-way0 transfers
Cheapest
- 7:25 PM2h30Reading9:55 PMCardiff$201One-way0 transfers
Fastest
- 7:25 PM2h30Reading9:55 PMCardiff$201One-way0 transfers
Other options
- 8:25 PM2h30Reading10:55 PMCardiff$311One-way0 transfers
10:03 PM5h57Reading4:00 AMCardiff$591One-way0 transfers- 4:56 PM4h44Reading9:40 PMCardiff$611One-way0 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
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.
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FAQs: Travel from Reading to Cardiff
Travel to Cardiff 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 Cardiff.
This is compared to other travel options from Reading to Cardiff:
A bus is $17 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Reading to Cardiff costing on average $75.
Other travel options to Cardiff take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 18m.
- Around 13 buses per day.
- Around 8 trains per day.
However, we recommend checking specific travel dates for your route between Reading and Cardiff 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 Cardiff Central (CDF).
- Buses mostly depart from Reading, Blagrave Street and arrive in Cardiff, Sophia Gardens.
- Ferries mostly depart from West Cowes and arrive in Southampton Vehicle Ferry Terminal.
- Travel with Great Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) to go to Cardiff by train.
- Travel with Megabus, FlixBus, National Express to go to Cardiff by bus.
- 7 direct trains per day with Great Western Railway (GWR).
Travelling from Reading to Cardiff: related information
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