A train trip from Balham to Reading takes about 1hrs 32 mins on average, covering roughly 35 miles (56 kilometres). With around 118 trains running each day, there's plenty of flexibility for your travel plans. If you book in advance, you can grab tickets starting from just £17.30, making it a budget-friendly option for those who plan ahead.
Arrival Station | Reading |
|---|---|
Departure Station | Balham |
Frequency | 118trains per day |
Journey Time | from1hrs 22 mins |
Changes | 1-2no direct trains |
First Train / Last Train | 00:06 / 00:07 |
Distance | 35miles (56 km) |
5 Routes | Via London Victoria & London Paddington Via Clapham Junction Via Clapham Junction & Basingstoke Via Clapham Junction & Guildford Via Selhurst & Redhill |
4 Train Operators | GWR, Southern, South Western Railway, CrossCountry |
Prices | from£17.30 |
Hop on a Train from Balham to Reading – It’s Faster Than You Think!
Planning to travel from Balham to Reading by train? Well, you've come to the right place – and don’t worry, it won’t take forever!
On average, the journey takes around 1hrs 32 mins. But if you’re in a hurry (or just really eager to get to Reading), the fastest trains can whisk you there in just 1hrs 22 mins. With roughly 118 trains running every day, you're spoiled for choice. This scenic 35-mile (56 km) journey usually requires just one change. You’ll be in the good hands of GWR, Southern, South Western Railway, CrossCountry, all of whom offer comfy seats and plenty of luggage space – because, let’s face it, nobody likes a cramped train!
The best part? Tickets start from just £17.30 if you book in advance, which is a much better deal than scrambling for tickets on the day. Want to save even more? Travelling during Off-Peak hours or flashing a Railcard can help you keep more money in your wallet.
So, ready to snag those cheap tickets? Use our Journey Planner to find the latest prices and make your wallet happy. Keep scrolling for more travel tips, or check out our timetable above for live train times. Time to choo-choo your way to Reading!
The travel time between Balham and Reading by train varies depending on the type of train and the route, but the average journey time is 1hrs 32 mins & the fastest journey takes 1hrs 22 mins.
The fastest journey time by train from Balham to Reading is 1hrs 22 mins.
Train ticket prices from Balham to Reading can start from as little as £17.30 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.
The departure and arrival times for trains between Balham and Reading vary depending on the day of the week and the type of train. Generally, there are around 118 departures and arrivals throughout the day. The first departure is 00:06, and the last train of the day leaves at 00:07.
First class tickets on trains between Balham and Reading typically offer more space, complimentary food and drink, and other amenities compared to standard class.
Amenities on trains between Balham and Reading can include free Wi-Fi, power outlets, onboard catering, and comfortable seating.
By booking your tickets on traintickets.com! There are many ways to save on the cost of train travel between Balham and Reading. On traintickets.com, we do all the work for you to find the cheapest way possible to get to Reading, and can save you up to 90%! Simply search for your journey, and be assured we have found you the best possible price.
No, unfortunately there are no direct trains between Balham & Reading. However, there are 118 possible journeys which require a change.
GWR, Southern, South Western Railway and CrossCountry are the main train operating companies running services between Balham and Reading.
Yes, you can bring luggage on board trains between Balham and Reading, but there may be limits on the number of bags or the size and weight of your luggage.
| Saturday 26th April | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Departs | Arrives | Changes | Via Stations | Duration | Operator | |
| 05:33 Balham | 07:11 Reading | 1 change | Clapham Junction | 1 hrs 38 mins | Get Tickets | |
| 06:10 Balham | 07:43 Reading | 1 change | Clapham Junction | 1 hrs 33 mins | Get Tickets | |
| 06:29 Balham | 07:56 Reading | 2 changes | Clapham Junction Basingstoke | 1 hrs 27 mins | Get Tickets | |
| 06:40 Balham | 08:11 Reading | 2 changes | London Victoria London Paddington | 1 hrs 31 mins | Get Tickets | |
| 06:52 Balham | 08:23 Reading | 2 changes | London Victoria London Paddington | 1 hrs 31 mins | Get Tickets | |
| 06:55 Balham | 08:26 Reading | 2 changes | London Victoria London Paddington | 1 hrs 31 mins | Get Tickets | |
| 07:03 Balham | 08:38 Reading | 2 changes | London Victoria London Paddington | 1 hrs 35 mins | Get Tickets | |
| 07:10 Balham | 08:43 Reading | 1 change | Clapham Junction | 1 hrs 33 mins | Get Tickets | |
| 07:22 Balham | 08:53 Reading | 2 changes | London Victoria London Paddington | 1 hrs 31 mins | Get Tickets | |
| 07:25 Balham | 08:55 Reading | 2 changes | London Victoria London Paddington | 1 hrs 30 mins | Get Tickets | |
| 07:40 Balham | 09:07 Reading | 2 changes | Clapham Junction Basingstoke | 1 hrs 27 mins | Get Tickets | |
| 07:55 Balham | 09:19 Reading | 2 changes | Clapham Junction Basingstoke | 1 hrs 24 mins | Get Tickets | |
Balham Train Station, nestled in the vibrant South London district of Balham, offers a blend of essential travel services with a touch of local charm. A hub for commuters and travelers alike, Balham provides easy access to key destinations across the heart of London and beyond. Whether you're using it for daily commutes or planning a grand adventure, this station serves as a pivotal point to begin your journey.
Balham Station is well-equipped to accommodate the needs of all travelers, ensuring convenience and accessibility. The ticket office operates from 06:10 to 21:30 on weekdays and Saturdays, while on Sundays, it's open from 07:10 to 20:45. For those who prefer using technology over traditional ticket offices, ticket machines are available, all designed to cater to accessibility needs, including discounts with a Disabled Persons Railcard.
For passengers needing assistance, staff are at hand from early morning until late. Help points and customer information screens provide real-time travel updates. Step-free access is available to some platforms, and while there are no accessible toilets, general facilities are located on Platforms 1 and 2. For cyclists, Balham provides 14 bicycle storage spaces equipped with CCTV for added security.
Designed with connectivity in mind, Balham Station offers more than just rail services. Situated conveniently for bus and taxi services, a taxi rank is available right in front of the station, ensuring you can seamlessly transition between transport modes. Bus connections are readily accessible, with detailed onward travel information available to help plan every step of your journey.
From Balham, an array of popular destinations invite exploration. You can easily travel to bustling hubs like Clapham Junction and London Victoria, or explore the characterful streets of Streatham Common and Streatham Hill. Further afield, trains can whisk you away to the cultural quarters of Gatwick Airport, or the scenic sites at Crystal Palace and Richmond (London).
Whether you're traveling for work, leisure, or a bit of both, planning your journey from Balham Station is straightforward and efficient. With a wide variety of ticket options, from smartcards to standard tickets, travelers can find the option that best fits their needs. Collect your tickets from convenient machines, or explore the possibility of online purchasing for that added ease.
Balham Train Station isn't just a point on your itinerary; it's the gateway to your next adventure. Whether you're a first-time traveler or a seasoned commuter, the station's extensive services and transport connections ensure a smooth start every time. So embrace the journey, and take the first step from Balham Station – where every trip begins with ease and excitement.
Nestled in the heart of Berkshire, Reading Train Station serves as a key gateway for countless travelers. Balancing its historic charm with modern advancements, the station offers seamless connectivity across the UK. Conveniently positioned on the Great Western Main Line, it opens up quick travel interludes to both London and beyond. Whether you're a commuter, a tourist, or perhaps just someone wandering the British railways, Reading Station is geared to meet various travel needs.
Understanding the potential needs of its patrons, Reading Station furnishes extensive facilities. The ticket office operates from morning to night, opening from 06:15 to 22:00 during weekdays and Saturdays, and from 07:15 to 22:00 on Sundays. In addition, ticket machines are plentiful, and most importantly, accessible ticket machines are conveniently located for easy access. Reading Station also facilitates smart card validation, boasts an induction loop, and is reinforced with round-the-clock CCTV.
Accessibility, naturally, is a top priority here. The station provides step-free access throughout its vast span, making platforms easily reachable via lifts and bridges. Furthermore, accessible toilets, waiting rooms, and seating areas are maintained to high standards, ensuring comfort for everyone.
Shopping and dining options are abundant. Refreshment facilities, cash machines, and a selection of shops await travelers. Free public Wi-Fi adds to the comfort, making it easier to continue working or stay entertained while on the move.
Getting to your next destination is seamless with Reading Station's diverse travel connections. Taxi ranks are readily available at both station entrances, ensuring even those with accessibility needs are well-catered to. Buses, too, are nearby, although travelers should note that not all are accessible. For those traveling further afield, frequent connections to both Heathrow and Gatwick Airports are offered, with a luxurious 'RailAir' service to Heathrow and regular trains to Gatwick.
Meanwhile, cyclists can take advantage of plentiful bicycle storage options, although there's no hire facility at the station itself.
Reading's strategic location makes it a springboard for numerous journeys. For instance, you can plan rides between Reading and London Paddington, a route popular with both business travelers and tourists. If local travel is on your mind, consider the quick jaunts to locations such as Wokingham or a slightly longer trip to Oxford, famed for its prestigious university and serene landscapes.
Other notable routes include travels to Basingstoke and Gatwick Airport. Whether you're heading for a day out in the country or catching a flight, these connections speak volumes about the station's versatility.
In conclusion, Reading Train Station integrates tradition with contemporary demands, catering to an ever-growing community of travelers. With its rich array of services, useful amenities, and robust connectivity options, it’s undoubtedly an essential part of the UK's railway network. Should your next journey be one of the popular routes Reading offers—perhaps venturing towards bustling city life or serene countryside—you can rest assured that the station's comprehensive services will meet your needs splendidly. Don't miss the chance to explore what makes Reading not just a passageway, but a destination in its own right. Happy travels!