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Trains from Stansted Airport to
Reading

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Stansted Airport to Reading by train

Considering a train trip from Stansted Airport to Reading? The journey typically lasts around 2hrs 2 mins and spans about 60 miles (97 kilometres). With approximately 69 trains running each day, you're spoiled for choice when scheduling your travel. By booking your tickets in advance, you could secure fares starting from just £52.20, making it a budget-friendly option for smart travelers.

Stansted Airport to Reading Key Stats

Arrival Station

Reading

Departure Station

Stansted Airport

Frequency

69trains
per day

Journey Time

from1hrs 53 mins

Changes

1-2no direct
trains

First Train / Last Train

05:30 / 00:52

Distance

60miles
(97 km)

3 Routes

3 Train Operators

Prices

from£52.20

Travelling from Stansted Airport to Reading by Train

Embark on a train journey from Stansted Airport to Reading, and you'll find it's quicker than you might anticipate!

The typical travel time is about 2hrs 2 mins, but if you're in a hurry or just eager to arrive, the fastest trains can whisk you there in just 1hrs 53 mins. With approximately 69 trains running daily, you have a wealth of options to choose from. This scenic route, spanning 60 miles (97 km), generally involves just one transfer, and operators like Elizabeth Line, GWR, Abellio Greater Anglia offer comfortable seating with plenty of room for your luggage.

Here's the best part: by booking your tickets in advance, you can snag fares starting from only £52.20, offering a substantial saving over buying tickets at the last minute. For even more savings, consider traveling during Off-Peak times or using a Railcard.

Ready to secure those budget-friendly tickets? Use our Journey Planner to discover the latest deals and keep your travel costs down. Dive into more travel tips below or consult our timetable for up-to-date train schedules. All aboard for Reading!

Journey Details

Frequently asked questions about journeys between Stansted Airport and Reading

Curious about your trip from Stansted Airport 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 Stansted Airport and Reading by train?

The travel time between Stansted Airport and Reading by train varies depending on the type of train and the route, but the average journey time is 2hrs 2 mins & the fastest journey takes 1hrs 53 mins.

What's the fastest journey time between Stansted Airport and Reading by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Stansted Airport to Reading is 1hrs 53 mins.

How much does the train from Stansted Airport to Reading cost?

Train ticket prices from Stansted Airport to Reading can start from as little as £52.20 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 Stansted Airport and Reading?

The departure and arrival times for trains between Stansted Airport and Reading vary depending on the day of the week and the type of train. Generally, there are around 69 departures and arrivals throughout the day. The first departure is 05:30, and the last train of the day leaves at 00:52.

What is the difference between first class and standard class on trains between Stansted Airport and Reading?

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

What amenities are available on trains between Stansted Airport and Reading?

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

What is the cheapest way to travel from Stansted Airport to Reading by train?

By booking your tickets on traintickets.com! There are many ways to save on the cost of train travel between Stansted Airport 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 Stansted Airport to Reading?

No, unfortunately there are no direct trains between Stansted Airport & Reading. However, there are 69 possible journeys which require a change.

What train companies run services from Stansted Airport to Reading?

Elizabeth Line, GWR and Abellio Greater Anglia are the main train operating companies running services between Stansted Airport and Reading.

Can I bring luggage on board trains between Stansted Airport and Reading?

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

When are Stansted Airport to Reading Train Times?

Check out the upcoming trains from Stansted Airport to Reading on Friday 25th April 2025, with our handy timetable below.

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

Friday 25th April
DepartsArrivesChangesVia StationsDurationOperator
07:43 Stansted Airport09:46 Reading2 changesLondon Liverpool Street
London Paddington
2 hrs 3 mins Get Tickets
07:58 Stansted Airport10:01 Reading2 changesLondon Liverpool Street
London Paddington
2 hrs 3 mins Get Tickets
08:15 Stansted Airport10:23 Reading2 changesLondon Liverpool Street
London Paddington
2 hrs 8 mins Get Tickets
08:30 Stansted Airport10:38 Reading2 changesLondon Liverpool Street
London Paddington
2 hrs 8 mins Get Tickets
08:45 Stansted Airport10:47 Reading2 changesLondon Liverpool Street
London Paddington
2 hrs 2 mins Get Tickets
09:15 Stansted Airport11:11 Reading2 changesLondon Liverpool Street
London Paddington
1 hrs 56 mins Get Tickets
09:30 Stansted Airport11:26 Reading2 changesLondon Liverpool Street
London Paddington
1 hrs 56 mins Get Tickets
09:45 Stansted Airport11:47 Reading2 changesLondon Liverpool Street
London Paddington
2 hrs 2 mins Get Tickets
10:00 Stansted Airport11:56 Reading2 changesLondon Liverpool Street
London Paddington
1 hrs 56 mins Get Tickets
10:15 Stansted Airport12:11 Reading2 changesLondon Liverpool Street
London Paddington
1 hrs 56 mins Get Tickets
10:30 Stansted Airport12:37 Reading2 changesLondon Liverpool Street
London Paddington
2 hrs 7 mins Get Tickets
10:45 Stansted Airport12:46 Reading2 changesLondon Liverpool Street
London Paddington
2 hrs 1 min Get Tickets
Search all times & prices for today

What are my cheap ticket options for Stansted Airport 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.

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 Stansted Airport to Reading start from £52.20 one way, or £52.30 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 Stansted Airport to Reading are available for £53.80 one way, or £89.20 return

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

The biggest saving our customers have made travelling from Stansted Airport to Reading is £8.50 & the average saving on this route is £8.50!

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 Stansted Airport Station

Explore Stansted Airport Train Station: Gateway to Your Adventures

Stansted Airport train station is not just a transit point; it's an integral part of the travel experience for those flying into or out of one of London's bustling airports. With its seamless blend of convenience and connectivity, this station serves as a crucial link, bringing together rail services with air travel.

Facilities and Innovations at Stansted Airport Station

Open every day from 06:30 to 00:00, the ticket office at Stansted Airport train station ensures that you're all set for your journey, whether it's purchasing tickets or collecting pre-booked ones. Ticket machines are available for quick access, and you can also enjoy the option of smartcard issuance – though, mentionable, there are no smartcard validators on-site.

In terms of accessibility, the station prides itself on being a category A access point, offering step-free access throughout. Lifts are available, and there are accessible toilets and seating areas for passengers with reduced mobility. Unfortunately, while wheelchairs are available, the lack of accessible taxis and vehicle set-down points might require some advance planning for those needing additional assistance.

Onward Travel from Stansted Airport

Stansted Airport station offers various onward travel options seamlessly designed to cater to different passenger needs. Whether you're connecting to local buses and national coach routes, all services are conveniently located within the airport's bus station. For those preferring the direct rail services, the station itself is nestled within the Stansted Airport terminal, simplifying connections. Should you wish to explore further by car, car hire facilities can be found within the airport terminal.

Bus and National Express coach services further extend your travel options, providing connections to destinations all over the UK. Rail replacement services, when needed, are managed efficiently from the main coach station.

Popular Railway Routes from Stansted Airport

Journeying from Stansted Airport offers you more than just a path to London's heart; it's your ticket to a plethora of destinations waiting to be explored. Head directly to bustling hubs with frequent trains such as London Liverpool Street, or delve into academia and history with a ride to Cambridge. For those with business or leisure in their sights, traversing to places like Birmingham New Street or Nottingham becomes straightforward and hassle-free.

If plans call for local discoveries or short commutes, trips to Bishops Stortford and many more await at the platforms of Stansted Airport station.

Concluding Your Experience at Stansted Airport Station

Every traveller’s needs can find solace at Stansted Airport train station. Be it tickets ready at the click of a button, refreshments at the stations’ coffee shops, or connecting seamlessly from planes to trains. This station excels at weaving an easygoing travel journey. Make it your starting point for explorations and, with accessible offerings and numerous destinations, your hub for adventures yet not planned.

For efficient ticket booking, be it advance or spontaneous, countless online platforms are available. Get your train travel mapped out with ease, ensure your journey is smooth, and let Stansted Airport train station be the gateway to your next memorable journey.

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 Stansted Airport