A train trip from Cardiff Bay to Reading takes about 2hrs 3 mins on average, covering roughly 94 miles (152 kilometres). With around 27 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 £26.50, making it a budget-friendly option for those who plan ahead.
Arrival Station | Reading |
|---|---|
Departure Station | Cardiff Bay |
Frequency | 27trains per day |
Journey Time | from1hrs 47 mins |
Changes | 2-3no direct trains |
First Train / Last Train | 06:56 / 23:59 |
Distance | 94miles (152 km) |
2 Routes | Via Cardiff Queen Street & Cardiff Central & Swindon (Wilts) Via Cardiff Queen Street & Cardiff Central |
2 Train Operators | GWR, Transport for Wales |
Prices | from£26.50 |
Hop on a Train from Cardiff Bay to Reading – It’s Faster Than You Think!
Planning to travel from Cardiff Bay 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 2hrs 3 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 47 mins. With roughly 27 trains running every day, you're spoiled for choice. This scenic 94-mile (152 km) journey usually requires just one change. You’ll be in the good hands of GWR, Transport for Wales, 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 £26.50 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 Cardiff Bay and Reading by train varies depending on the type of train and the route, but the average journey time is 2hrs 3 mins & the fastest journey takes 1hrs 47 mins.
The fastest journey time by train from Cardiff Bay to Reading is 1hrs 47 mins.
Train ticket prices from Cardiff Bay to Reading can start from as little as £26.50 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 Cardiff Bay and Reading vary depending on the day of the week and the type of train. Generally, there are around 27 departures and arrivals throughout the day. The first departure is 06:56, and the last train of the day leaves at 23:59.
First class tickets on trains between Cardiff Bay and Reading typically offer more space, complimentary food and drink, and other amenities compared to standard class.
Amenities on trains between Cardiff Bay 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 Cardiff Bay 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 Cardiff Bay & Reading. However, there are 27 possible journeys which require a change.
GWR and Transport for Wales are the main train operating companies running services between Cardiff Bay and Reading.
Yes, you can bring luggage on board trains between Cardiff Bay and Reading, but there may be limits on the number of bags or the size and weight of your luggage.
Looking to explore the beautiful Cardiff Bay area or need a convenient station for your daily commute? Cardiff Bay Train Station is a hub poised to cater to every traveler, whether you're visiting for leisure or business. Although a smaller station, it offers essential services to kickstart your journey with ease.
While Cardiff Bay Train Station may not boast extensive amenities, it does efficiently cover the key necessities for travelers. You won't find a ticket office but don’t fret! Ticket machines are there to facilitate collection of pre-purchased tickets, accept both cash and cards, and are accessible for all travelers, including those who use wheelchairs. Notably, the station provides step-free access from Bute Street and Lloyd George Avenue, maintaining its 'Category A' accessibility status.
For those curious about smart travel, Cardiff Bay does not issue smartcards, but validators are available for use. And should you need assistance, a help point is there, alongside departure and arrival screens, ensuring you’re kept in the loop about train statuses. Be sure to take advantage of the assistance service, which permits bookings up to two hours before your trip starts. Whenever needed, contacting the Transport for Wales Customer Relations team is a few clicks away.
Effortlessly commute in and out of Cardiff Bay with the station’s array of transport links. A strategically placed rail replacement bus stop awaits on Bute Street, and bus services are conveniently available right outside the station. If you fancy cycling over public transport, Nextbike/Ovo bike sharing has you covered, with docking stations ready at Lloyd George Avenue for exploring the city on two wheels.
Cardiff Bay is more than just a starting point; it’s a gateway to numerous popular destinations throughout Wales. Plan a quick trip to Cardiff Queen Street for shopping or head towards Cardiff Central for further connections. Delight in a scenic ride to Barry Island, or join the cultural festivities in Swansea. Whether for work or pleasure, hopping on a train from Cardiff Bay will take you anywhere you need to go with ease.
While it may not resemble the grand European stations with vast facilities, Cardiff Bay Train Station still holds its charm. Simple, efficient, and conveniently located, it stands ready to cater to your travel needs without hassle. So, plan your trip, grab your tickets, and let Cardiff Bay Train Station be your gateway to exploring the vibrant scenes and serene landscapes of Wales.
Need more detailed travel information or want to organize your tickets beforehand? Visit National Rail's official website for a seamless experience.
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!