How much does a train ticket cost from Cardiff to Reading?

The cheapest train tickets from Cardiff to Reading start from £32. The average price for this train route is around £56. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance for the best chance of getting the lowest possible price.

How long is the train journey from Cardiff to Reading?

The average train journey time from Cardiff to Reading is 1h 27m, covering a distance of 95 miles. The fastest 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 run on 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 07:18. And the latest train departs at 21:30.

Train Cardiff to Reading from £33

Next train departures

Next departures from Cardiff to Reading on 15 December
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	17:50	Cardiff Central	1h 26m	19:16	Reading	Cheapest
Train	15:54	Cardiff Central	1h 24m	17:18	Reading	Fastest
Train	15:18	Cardiff Central	1h 27m	16:45	Reading	No tags
Train	15:18	Cardiff Central	1h 27m	16:45	Reading	No tags
Train	15:54	Cardiff Central	1h 24m	17:18	Reading	No tags

Next departures from Cardiff to Reading on 16 December
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	17:50	Cardiff Central	1h 26m	19:16	Reading	Cheapest
Train	15:54	Cardiff Central	1h 24m	17:18	Reading	Fastest
Train	07:23	Cardiff Central	1h 47m	09:10	Reading	No tags
Train	07:23	Cardiff Central	1h 47m	09:10	Reading	No tags
Train	07:49	Cardiff Central	1h 28m	09:17	Reading	No tags

Next departures from Cardiff to Reading on 17 December
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	17:50	Cardiff Central	1h 26m	19:16	Reading	Cheapest
Train	15:54	Cardiff Central	1h 24m	17:18	Reading	Fastest
Train	07:23	Cardiff Central	1h 47m	09:10	Reading	No tags
Train	07:23	Cardiff Central	1h 47m	09:10	Reading	No tags
Train	07:49	Cardiff Central	1h 28m	09:17	Reading	No tags

Next departures from Cardiff to Reading on 18 December
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	17:50	Cardiff Central	1h 26m	19:16	Reading	Cheapest
Train	15:54	Cardiff Central	1h 24m	17:18	Reading	Fastest
Train	07:23	Cardiff Central	1h 47m	09:10	Reading	No tags
Train	07:23	Cardiff Central	1h 47m	09:10	Reading	No tags
Train	07:49	Cardiff Central	1h 28m	09:17	Reading	No tags

Next departures from Cardiff to Reading on 20 December
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	07:18	Cardiff Central	1h 28m	08:46	Reading	Cheapest
Train	08:23	Cardiff Central	1h 25m	09:48	Reading	Fastest
Train	07:18	Cardiff Central	1h 28m	08:46	Reading	No tags
Train	07:50	Cardiff Central	1h 28m	09:18	Reading	No tags
Train	07:50	Cardiff Central	1h 28m	09:18	Reading	No tags

Next departures from Cardiff to Reading on 21 December
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	09:00	Cardiff Central	1h 25m	10:25	Reading	Cheapest
Train	18:20	Cardiff Central	1h 23m	19:43	Reading	Fastest
Train	09:00	Cardiff Central	1h 25m	10:25	Reading	No tags
Train	09:35	Cardiff Central	1h 42m	11:17	Reading	No tags
Train	09:35	Cardiff Central	1h 42m	11:17	Reading	No tags

Next departures from Cardiff to Reading on 22 December
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	07:49	Cardiff Central	1h 28m	09:17	Reading	Cheapest
Train	15:54	Cardiff Central	1h 24m	17:18	Reading	Fastest
Train	07:23	Cardiff Central	1h 47m	09:10	Reading	No tags
Train	07:23	Cardiff Central	1h 47m	09:10	Reading	No tags
Train	07:49	Cardiff Central	1h 28m	09:17	Reading	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Yesterday at 23:54 GMT.

Compare 3 ways to travel 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 £9, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

1carpool per day

2hAverage duration

95 milesDistance

6kgCO₂ emissions

	Average price	Average duration	CO₂ emissions
Bus	Average price£10 - £42	Average duration2h 50m	CO₂ emissions 4kg CO₂e
Train	Average price£32 - £198	Average duration1h 27m	CO₂ emissions 4kg CO₂e
Carpool	Average price£9 - £16	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 Wi-Fi. Great Western Railway ticket prices on this trip start at £32

GB train 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 timetables, routes, or operator details shown here may be updated or vary at the time of your journey.

How much does a train ticket cost from Cardiff to Reading?
The cheapest train tickets from Cardiff to Reading start from £32. The average price for this train route is around £56. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance for the best chance of getting the lowest possible price.
How long is the train journey from Cardiff to Reading?
The average train journey time from Cardiff to Reading is 1h 27m, covering a distance of 95 miles. The fastest 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 run on 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 07:18. And the latest train departs at 21:30.

Find cheapest prices for trains

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

Best price found

13/12

£53

14/12

£53

Today

£50

16/12

£50

17/12

£50

18/12

£50

19/12

£54

20/12

£34

The cheapest trip from Cardiff to Reading was searched and found on 20 Dec 2025 with a price of £34

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 £34 to £189 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 £34, which is on 2025-12-20.