How much is the train ticket from Cardiff to Reading?

The cheapest train tickets from Cardiff to Reading start at $58. The average price for this train route is around $102. 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 27m 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 11 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 9:30pm.

Train Cardiff to Reading from $60

Next train departures

Next departures for Cardiff to Reading on December 15
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	5:50pm	Cardiff Central	1h 26m	7:16pm	Reading	Cheapest
Train	3:54pm	Cardiff Central	1h 24m	5:18pm	Reading	Fastest
Train	3:18pm	Cardiff Central	1h 27m	4:45pm	Reading	No tags
Train	3:18pm	Cardiff Central	1h 27m	4:45pm	Reading	No tags
Train	3:54pm	Cardiff Central	1h 24m	5:18pm	Reading	No tags

Next departures for Cardiff to Reading on December 16
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	5:50pm	Cardiff Central	1h 26m	7:16pm	Reading	Cheapest
Train	3:54pm	Cardiff Central	1h 24m	5:18pm	Reading	Fastest
Train	7:23am	Cardiff Central	1h 47m	9:10am	Reading	No tags
Train	7:23am	Cardiff Central	1h 47m	9:10am	Reading	No tags
Train	7:49am	Cardiff Central	1h 28m	9:17am	Reading	No tags

Next departures for Cardiff to Reading on December 17
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	5:50pm	Cardiff Central	1h 26m	7:16pm	Reading	Cheapest
Train	3:54pm	Cardiff Central	1h 24m	5:18pm	Reading	Fastest
Train	7:23am	Cardiff Central	1h 47m	9:10am	Reading	No tags
Train	7:23am	Cardiff Central	1h 47m	9:10am	Reading	No tags
Train	7:49am	Cardiff Central	1h 28m	9:17am	Reading	No tags

Next departures for Cardiff to Reading on December 18
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	5:50pm	Cardiff Central	1h 26m	7:16pm	Reading	Cheapest
Train	3:54pm	Cardiff Central	1h 24m	5:18pm	Reading	Fastest
Train	7:23am	Cardiff Central	1h 47m	9:10am	Reading	No tags
Train	7:23am	Cardiff Central	1h 47m	9:10am	Reading	No tags
Train	7:49am	Cardiff Central	1h 28m	9:17am	Reading	No tags

Next departures for Cardiff to Reading on December 20
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	7:18am	Cardiff Central	1h 28m	8:46am	Reading	Cheapest
Train	8:23am	Cardiff Central	1h 25m	9:48am	Reading	Fastest
Train	7:18am	Cardiff Central	1h 28m	8:46am	Reading	No tags
Train	7:50am	Cardiff Central	1h 28m	9:18am	Reading	No tags
Train	7:50am	Cardiff Central	1h 28m	9:18am	Reading	No tags

Next departures for Cardiff to Reading on December 21
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	9:00am	Cardiff Central	1h 25m	10:25am	Reading	Cheapest
Train	6:20pm	Cardiff Central	1h 23m	7:43pm	Reading	Fastest
Train	9:00am	Cardiff Central	1h 25m	10:25am	Reading	No tags
Train	9:35am	Cardiff Central	1h 42m	11:17am	Reading	No tags
Train	9:35am	Cardiff Central	1h 42m	11:17am	Reading	No tags

Next departures for Cardiff to Reading on December 22
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	7:49am	Cardiff Central	1h 28m	9:17am	Reading	Cheapest
Train	3:54pm	Cardiff Central	1h 24m	5:18pm	Reading	Fastest
Train	7:23am	Cardiff Central	1h 47m	9:10am	Reading	No tags
Train	7:23am	Cardiff Central	1h 47m	9:10am	Reading	No tags
Train	7:49am	Cardiff Central	1h 28m	9:17am	Reading	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Yesterday at 11:54 PM GMT.

Compare 3 ways to go from Cardiff to Reading

We recommend carpooling

Among the sustainable travel choices, the carpool stands out as a good way to reach Reading. The journey takes about 2 hours, and with fares starting at just $16, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

1carpool per day

2hAverage Duration

153 kmDistance

6kgCO₂ emissions

	Average Price	Average Duration	CO₂ emissions
Bus	Average Price$18 - $77	Average Duration2h 50m	CO₂ emissions 4kg CO₂e
Train	Average Price$58 - $364	Average Duration1h 27m	CO₂ emissions 4kg CO₂e
Carpool	Average Price$16 - $29	Average Duration2h	CO₂ emissions 6kg CO₂e

Train companies

Great Western Railway

4/542 reviews

Staff5

Timeliness4.7

Cleanliness4.7

Wifi4

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 WiFi. Great Western Railway ticket prices on this trip start at $58

GB train and bus companies:Amtrak, Trenitalia, Renfe, VIA Rail Canada, RegioJet, FlixTrain, Amtrak Acela

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 $58. The average price for this train route is around $102. 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 27m 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 11 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 9:30pm.

Find cheapest prices for trains

Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.

Best price found

12-13

$98

12-14

$98

Today

$92

12-16

$92

12-17

$92

12-18

$92

12-19

$99

12-20

$62

The cheapest trip from Cardiff to Reading was searched and found on Dec 20, 2025 with a price of $62

To 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 $62 to $347 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 $62 which is on 2025-12-20.