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Trains from Bury St Edmunds to
Reading

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Bury St Edmunds to Reading by train

A train trip from Bury St Edmunds to Reading takes about 3hrs 26 mins on average, covering roughly 90 miles (145 kilometres). With around 26 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 £20.00, making it a budget-friendly option for those who plan ahead.

Bury St Edmunds to Reading Key Stats

Arrival Station

Reading

Departure Station

Bury St Edmunds

Frequency

26trains
per day

Journey Time

from2hrs 45 mins

Changes

3-3no direct
trains

First Train / Last Train

05:30 / 00:02

Distance

90miles
(145 km)

4 Routes

3 Train Operators

Prices

from£20.00

Travelling from Bury St Edmunds to Reading by Train

Hop on a Train from Bury St Edmunds to Reading – It’s Faster Than You Think!

Planning to travel from Bury St Edmunds 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 3hrs 26 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 2hrs 45 mins. With roughly 26 trains running every day, you're spoiled for choice. This scenic 90-mile (145 km) journey usually requires just one change. You’ll be in the good hands of Abellio Greater Anglia, GWR, Elizabeth Line, 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 £20.00 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!

Journey Details

Frequently asked questions about journeys between Bury St Edmunds and Reading

Curious about your trip from Bury St Edmunds to Reading? We've put together answers to the most commonly asked questions from our customers to make planning your journey easier.

How long does it take to travel between Bury St Edmunds and Reading by train?

The travel time between Bury St Edmunds and Reading by train varies depending on the type of train and the route, but the average journey time is 3hrs 26 mins & the fastest journey takes 2hrs 45 mins.

What's the fastest journey time between Bury St Edmunds and Reading by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Bury St Edmunds to Reading is 2hrs 45 mins.

How much does the train from Bury St Edmunds to Reading cost?

Train ticket prices from Bury St Edmunds to Reading can start from as little as £20.00 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.

What are the departure and arrival times for trains between Bury St Edmunds and Reading?

The departure and arrival times for trains between Bury St Edmunds and Reading vary depending on the day of the week and the type of train. Generally, there are around 26 departures and arrivals throughout the day. The first departure is 05:30, and the last train of the day leaves at 00:02.

What is the difference between first class and standard class on trains between Bury St Edmunds and Reading?

First class tickets on trains between Bury St Edmunds and Reading typically offer more space, complimentary food and drink, and other amenities compared to standard class.

What amenities are available on trains between Bury St Edmunds and Reading?

Amenities on trains between Bury St Edmunds and Reading can include free Wi-Fi, power outlets, onboard catering, and comfortable seating.

What is the cheapest way to travel from Bury St Edmunds to Reading by train?

By booking your tickets on traintickets.com! There are many ways to save on the cost of train travel between Bury St Edmunds 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.

Is it possible to take a direct train from Bury St Edmunds to Reading?

No, unfortunately there are no direct trains between Bury St Edmunds & Reading. However, there are 26 possible journeys which require a change.

What train companies run services from Bury St Edmunds to Reading?

Abellio Greater Anglia, GWR and Elizabeth Line are the main train operating companies running services between Bury St Edmunds and Reading.

Can I bring luggage on board trains between Bury St Edmunds and Reading?

Yes, you can bring luggage on board trains between Bury St Edmunds and Reading, but there may be limits on the number of bags or the size and weight of your luggage.

When are Bury St Edmunds to Reading Train Times?

Check out the upcoming trains from Bury St Edmunds to Reading on Wednesday 30th April 2025, with our handy timetable below.

Alternatively, you can view the full day's schedule or search for a different date here!

Wednesday 30th April
DepartsArrivesChangesVia StationsDurationOperator
11:01 Bury St Edmunds13:46 Reading3 changesStowmarket
Stratford (London)
London Paddington
2 hrs 45 mins Get Tickets
11:25 Bury St Edmunds14:26 Reading3 changesIpswich
London Liverpool Street
London Paddington
3 hrs 1 min Get Tickets
11:59 Bury St Edmunds14:55 Reading3 changesCambridge
Farringdon
London Paddington
2 hrs 56 mins Get Tickets
12:25 Bury St Edmunds15:26 Reading3 changesIpswich
London Liverpool Street
London Paddington
3 hrs 1 min Get Tickets
13:00 Bury St Edmunds15:46 Reading3 changesStowmarket
Stratford (London)
London Paddington
2 hrs 46 mins Get Tickets
13:25 Bury St Edmunds16:26 Reading3 changesIpswich
London Liverpool Street
London Paddington
3 hrs 1 min Get Tickets
13:59 Bury St Edmunds16:58 Reading3 changesCambridge
Farringdon
London Paddington
2 hrs 59 mins Get Tickets
14:25 Bury St Edmunds17:26 Reading3 changesIpswich
London Liverpool Street
London Paddington
3 hrs 1 min Get Tickets
14:25 Bury St Edmunds17:41 Reading2 changesIpswich
London Liverpool Street
3 hrs 16 mins Get Tickets
14:29 Bury St Edmunds17:41 Reading3 changesEly
London Kings Cross
London Paddington
3 hrs 12 mins Get Tickets
15:00 Bury St Edmunds17:53 Reading3 changesStowmarket
Stratford (London)
London Paddington
2 hrs 53 mins Get Tickets
15:25 Bury St Edmunds18:24 Reading3 changesIpswich
London Liverpool Street
London Paddington
2 hrs 59 mins Get Tickets
Search all times & prices for today

What are my cheap ticket options for Bury St Edmunds to Reading journeys?

From booking in Advance, to our FairSplits, here are our tips for you to find the best price

Advance Tickets

A single ticket for one journey leaving at a specific date and time.

The rule is: the sooner you book the cheaper they are. Usually the cheapest, but least flexible.

Advance fares from Bury St Edmunds to Reading start from as little as £20.00

Off-Peak & Super Off-Peak Tickets

Offering greater flexibility than Advances, Off-Peak tickets offer travel during less busy times of day trading off more flexibility in the Off-Peak windows but for still discounted fares.

Off Peak fares from Bury St Edmunds to Reading start from £68.10 one way, or £69.10 return

Anytime Tickets

Anytime tickets are fully flexible allowing travel at any time of the day. Brilliant if you don’t want the pressure of clock watching, returning when you want

Anytime fares from Bury St Edmunds to Reading are available for £100.40 one way, or £150.10 return

With our FairSplit technology, you can save up to 90% on the cost of train travel.

Split ticketing means that instead of purchasing one rail ticket for your journey we automatically find and help you book two or more tickets instead, covering exactly the same journey. We call it our FairSplit.

Travelling in a group? We can save you even more!

Unlike other split ticketing sites, you can enter multiple railcards in a single search on traintickets.com. We will find you the best price using all possible combinations of your railcards in conjunction with our split ticketing technology & GroupSave.

When you do a search on traintickets.com we check all the cheapest prices automatically

Everything you need to know about Bury St Edmunds Station

Welcome to Bury St Edmunds Train Station

Tucked away in the beautiful historic market town of Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk is a delightful train station that effortlessly blends convenience with charm. Whether you're a regular commuter, a leisurely traveler exploring the picturesque English countryside, or simply someone with a keen interest in the quirks of UK train stations, you're likely to find Bury St Edmunds station to be a fascinating stop on your journey.

Facilities at the Station: Everything You Need

Bury St Edmunds train station is an accessible, modern station designed with the needs of all travelers in mind. Although it lacks a traditional ticket office, it compensates with easily accessible ticket machines, making the process of collecting tickets purchased online a breeze—a perfect solution for the busy commuter or spontaneous traveler. To further enhance your experience, there are staff members available to offer help and support, along with information points for any queries or assistance you might require. The station is equipped with step-free access and ramps, ensuring a smooth experience for individuals with reduced mobility. If you're traveling with luggage, you'll need to keep it with you as there are no luggage storage facilities available.

Travel Connections and Links

The station serves as a nexus of travel connections, seamlessly linking various transport options in the region. For those of you needing to switch from rail to road, you'll find the rail replacement services conveniently located on the station forecourt when required. Bury St Edmunds is also part of the PlusBus scheme, making it even easier to broaden your travel horizons by bus. This connectivity makes Bury St Edmunds a strategic spot for not just train enthusiasts but anyone navigating the UK's vast transport network.

Popular Destinations from Bury St Edmunds

If you're seeking inspiration on where to travel next, Bury St Edmunds provides direct links to vibrant cities and serene towns alike. Some popular destinations include Cambridge, known for its esteemed university and charming architecture, or a venture southwards to the bustling hub of London Liverpool Street. On the outskirts, you can explore the cultural delights of Ipswich, or perhaps make your way to the pastoral landscapes around Newmarket and Elmswell. Whichever your choice, a new adventure awaits!

Experience Local Charm

While at the station, you can enjoy a delightful coffee from Coffeelink, giving you that much-needed refreshment to either start your journey or unwind after one. Even though shops and ATMs might be absent, the station adds a touch of convenience with its Wi-Fi network, allowing you to stay connected while waiting for your next train.

Conclusion: A Friendly Gateway to Exploration

Bury St Edmunds train station is more than just a stop on your journey—it’s the gateway to an adventure filled with historical intrigue and natural beauty. Whether you’re rushing to catch a train or taking your time to explore the surroundings, this station is sure to meet your travel needs. The station’s amenities, accessibility features, and robust transport links cater well to a diverse range of travelers, making it a delightful juncture for your adventures both near and far. As you set off on your train journey, remember that every exploration begins here, at Bury St Edmunds.

Everything you need to know about Reading Station

Exploring Reading Train Station

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.

Facilities at Reading Station

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.

Onward Travel Options

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.

Popular Travel Routes from Reading

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.

Your Next Journey

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!

Looking for more inspiration?

Popular places to travel by train from Bury St Edmunds