A train trip from Cardiff Central to Reading takes about 1hrs 49 mins on average, covering roughly 95 miles (153 kilometres). With around 34 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 £23.00, making it a budget-friendly option for those who plan ahead.
Arrival Station | Reading |
|---|---|
Departure Station | Cardiff Central |
Frequency | 34trains per day |
Journey Time | from1hrs 22 mins |
Changes | 029 direct trains |
First Train / Last Train | 05:07 / 00:44 |
Distance | 95miles (153 km) |
4 Routes | Direct Via Swindon (Wilts) Via Bristol Temple Meads Via Swansea |
1 Train Operators | GWR |
Prices | from£23.00 |
Hop on a Train from Cardiff Central to Reading – It’s Faster Than You Think!
Planning to travel from Cardiff Central 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 49 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 34 trains running every day, you're spoiled for choice. This scenic 95-mile (153 km) journey usually requires just one change. You’ll be in the good hands of GWR, 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 £23.00 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!
The travel time between Cardiff Central and Reading by train varies depending on the type of train and the route, but the average journey time is 1hrs 49 mins & the fastest journey takes 1hrs 22 mins.
The fastest journey time by train from Cardiff Central to Reading is 1hrs 22 mins.
Train ticket prices from Cardiff Central to Reading can start from as little as £23.00 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.
The departure and arrival times for trains between Cardiff Central and Reading vary depending on the day of the week and the type of train. Generally, there are around 34 departures and arrivals throughout the day. The first departure is 05:07, and the last train of the day leaves at 00:44.
First class tickets on trains between Cardiff Central and Reading typically offer more space, complimentary food and drink, and other amenities compared to standard class.
Amenities on trains between Cardiff Central 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 Central 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.
Yes! There are usually around 29 direct services per day from Cardiff Central to Reading
GWR are the main train operating companies running services between Cardiff Central and Reading.
Yes, you can bring luggage on board trains between Cardiff Central and Reading, but there may be limits on the number of bags or the size and weight of your luggage.
| Friday 25th April | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Departs | Arrives | Changes | Via Stations | Duration | Operator | |
| 05:07 Cardiff Central | 06:48 Reading | Direct | 1 hrs 41 mins | Get Tickets | ||
| 05:54 Cardiff Central | 07:18 Reading | Direct | 1 hrs 24 mins | Get Tickets | ||
| 06:24 Cardiff Central | 07:48 Reading | Direct | 1 hrs 24 mins | Get Tickets | ||
| 06:51 Cardiff Central | 08:18 Reading | Direct | 1 hrs 27 mins | Get Tickets | ||
| 07:23 Cardiff Central | 09:10 Reading | 1 change | Swindon (Wilts) | 1 hrs 47 mins | Get Tickets | |
| 07:49 Cardiff Central | 09:19 Reading | Direct | 1 hrs 30 mins | Get Tickets | ||
| 08:18 Cardiff Central | 09:45 Reading | Direct | 1 hrs 27 mins | Get Tickets | ||
| 08:37 Cardiff Central | 10:06 Reading | Direct | 1 hrs 29 mins | Get Tickets | ||
| 09:19 Cardiff Central | 10:47 Reading | Direct | 1 hrs 28 mins | Get Tickets | ||
| 09:49 Cardiff Central | 11:18 Reading | Direct | 1 hrs 29 mins | Get Tickets | ||
| 10:18 Cardiff Central | 11:45 Reading | Direct | 1 hrs 27 mins | Get Tickets | ||
| 10:41 Cardiff Central | 12:16 Reading | Direct | 1 hrs 35 mins | Get Tickets | ||
Cardiff Central train station is not just a hub of connectivity but a vibrant part of the city's fabric. Nestled in the heart of Cardiff, the station serves as a gateway to a rich tapestry of Welsh culture and beyond, offering excellent transport links to many popular destinations. Whether you're a local commuter, a tourist exploring Wales, or a business traveler, Cardiff Central provides the amenities and services to ensure your journey is comfortable and convenient.
Cardiff Central station is designed with the comfort of travelers in mind. With ticket office hours stretching from early morning until late at night, and the presence of both regular and accessible ticket machines, purchasing and collecting tickets is straightforward. If you've opted to buy your tickets online, you can conveniently collect them from the ticket machines.
The station is fully accessible with step-free access across all platforms, making travel simple for everyone, including those with mobility issues. You'll also find helpful staff available almost 24/7 to assist with any inquiries. With multiple waiting rooms open daily from 6 am to 10 pm, you can relax comfortably while awaiting your train. And if you're looking to pass the time, Cardiff Central boasts shops like WHSmith, and various vending machines for hot and cold refreshments.
This bustling station is well-connected to local and regional transport services. You can access the taxi ranks located on Saunders Road or take advantage of the newly opened Cardiff Bus Interchange at Central Square, which enhances your options for onward journey convenience. For those needing to catch a flight, the T9 Airport Express coach service is just a stone's throw away, offering a direct link to Cardiff Airport in about 40 minutes. Discover the flexibility of limitless travel within Cardiff when you purchase a Cardiff PlusBus ticket alongside your train ticket!
Cardiff Central serves as a perfect launch point for scenic and practical rail journeys. Head to London Paddington for a day in the capital, or perhaps enjoy a coastal trip to Swansea. For those seeking closer adventures, you might consider hopping on a train to Newport or the historic city of Bath Spa.
Cardiff Central train station stands as a pillar of convenience and connectivity in Wales. Whether you're buying a ticket on-site or collecting one pre-purchased online, embarking on a quick local trip or a grand voyage to the bustling cityscape of London, Cardiff Central has got you covered. With its strategic location, comprehensive facilities, and countless onward travel possibilities, your journey begins right here. Dive into the efficiency and ease offered by Cardiff Central and let it be the starting point for your next travel adventure.
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!