Next train departures
| Operated by | Vehicle type | Departure time | Departure location | Trip duration | Arrival time | Arrival location | Recommended | Price and booking link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Train | Cardiff Central | Reading | Cheapest | ||||
| Train | Cardiff Central | Reading | Fastest | ||||
| Train | Cardiff Central | Reading | No tags | ||||
| Train | Cardiff Central | Reading | No tags | ||||
| Train | Cardiff Central | Reading | No tags |
Last refresh of the prices: Today at 12:31 PM GMT.
Compare 2 ways to go from Cardiff to Reading
Among the sustainable travel choices, the Bus stands out as a good way to reach Reading. The journey takes about 3 hours 55 minutes, and with fares starting at just $18, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.
Train companies
Based on 42 reviews, the company was rated 4 stars on Busbud. Travellers were especially satisfied with the staff and the seats but often complained with the Wi‑Fi. Great Western Railway ticket prices on this trip start at $52
Frequently asked questions about travelling from Cardiff to Reading by train
Please note that schedules, routes, or operator details shown here may be updated or vary at the time of your trip.
How much is the train ticket from Cardiff to Reading?
The cheapest train tickets from Cardiff to Reading start at $52. The average price for this train route is around $133. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance to increase your chances of getting the lowest possible price.
How long is the train ride from Cardiff to Reading?
The average train trip from Cardiff to Reading takes 1h 28m and covers 153 km. The quickest train gets you there in 1h 23m and is operated by Great Western Railway.
Which train operators serve the Cardiff to Reading route?
Several major train operators serve this route, with 12 trains available per day.
What are the earliest and latest departure times for the train from Cardiff to Reading?
The earliest train from Cardiff to Reading departs at 7:18am. The latest train departs at 9:20pm.
Find cheapest prices for trains
Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.
The cheapest trip from Cardiff to Reading was searched and found on Mar 17, 2026 with a price of $85To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your train tickets from Cardiff to Reading, as early as possible.
You can expect to pay from $85 to $341 for a train ticket from Cardiff to Reading based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $85 which is on 2026-03-19.
