- Must visit
Reading Museum
Reading’s main museum explores local history, archaeology, and art. Best known for the Victorian copy of the Bayeux Tapestry.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Banbury to Reading
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 13 Sept
Cheapest price on 13 Sept
£59
Average ticket price on 13 Sept
£59
Fastest journey on 13 Sept
43 m
Average journey duration on 13 Sept
44 m
Trains on 13 Sept
16
Distance
72 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Banbury to Reading is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Banbury to Reading will cost around £59 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £59.
Fast trains
On Sun 13 Sept, we found 16 trains from Banbury to Reading, including 16 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 72 km distance in an average of 44 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 43 m .
The slowest trains will take 44 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
9:550h45Banbury10:40Reading£591One-way0 changes- 10:550h44Banbury11:39Reading£591One-way0 changes
- 11:550h44Banbury12:39Reading£591One-way0 changes
- 12:550h44Banbury13:39Reading£591One-way0 changes
- 13:250h44Banbury14:09Reading£591One-way0 changes
- 15:570h43Banbury16:40Reading£591One-way0 changes
- 10:550h44Banbury11:39Reading£591One-way0 changes
- 11:550h44Banbury12:39Reading£591One-way0 changes
- 12:550h44Banbury13:39Reading£591One-way0 changes
- 13:250h44Banbury14:09Reading£591One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Banbury to Reading
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Banbury to Reading among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £13 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 21m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £13, while a train costs an average of £58.
Distance: 72 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£58 Average Price | £13 Average Price Cheapest | £14 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 21m Average total duration Fastest 51m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 33m Average total duration 3h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 17m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Banbury to Reading is a coach with an average price of £13.
This is compared to other travel options from Banbury to Reading:
A coach is £45 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Banbury to Reading costing on average £58.
The fastest way to travel from Banbury to Reading is by train with an average journey time of 51m.
Other travel options to Reading take longer:
Coach takes on average 3h 3m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Banbury and Reading including taking a train and coach.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 26m sooner (51m by train vs 1h 17m by car). Tickets start at around £58 compared to roughly £14 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Direct services run with CrossCountry, Cross Country, Great Western Railway (GWR).
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
Live departures
Banbury to Reading train times
The table below shows live departures for Banbury to Reading trains for today, Saturday 12 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 7:56 Banbury | 0h45 | 8:41 Reading | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Banbury to Reading by train or coach
Compare train and coach prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Sun
13 Sept
13 Sept
Mon
14 Sept
14 Sept
Tue
15 Sept
15 Sept
Wed
16 Sept
16 Sept
Thu
17 Sept
17 Sept
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18 Sept
18 Sept
Sat
19 Sept
19 Sept
Why should you book Banbury to Reading trains with Omio?
CrossCountry as well as Great Western Railway, Cross Country, Great Western Railway (GWR) and more offer trains services from Banbury to Reading.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Banbury to Reading.
Why book with Omio vs CrossCountry?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for CrossCountry, but also compare tickets for the likes of Great Western Railway, Cross Country or Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Banbury to Reading.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare CrossCountry with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Banbury to Reading.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Great Western Railway, Cross Country or Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Banbury to Reading.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Banbury to Reading.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Banbury to Reading
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Banbury to Reading run on average 8 times per day, taking around 51m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £50 but you can travel from only £13 by coach.
There are 7 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:07, the last at 23:34. The fastest train covers the 72 km distance in 41m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £13
Distance 72 km |
Average train duration 51m |
Cheapest ticket price £50 |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 7 |
Fastest train 41m |
First train 0:07 |
Last train 23:34 |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 28 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £13
Train companies: CrossCountry, Great Western Railway, Cross Country, Great Western Railway (GWR) from Banbury to Reading trainsCrossCountry, Great Western Railway, Cross Country, Great Western Railway (GWR) trains will get you between Banbury and Reading from £13. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
CrossCountry
About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average CrossCountry Duration
42m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£18
CrossCountry frequency
8 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone
Great Western Railway
About
Great Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London Paddington to the West of England, South Wales and the Cotswolds. It also operates services from London Paddington to Oxford, Reading and Bristol. It offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and catering services. The most popular routes for Great Western Railway are London Paddington to Bristol, Reading and Oxford.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Great Western Railway Duration
45m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
£19
Great Western Railway frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
Two pieces of luggage and one piece of hand luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, dedicated luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches. First Class at-seat service on some routes
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservations available for a fee. Free in First Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone
Cross Country
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Cross Country Duration
41m
Cheapest Cross Country Price
£59
Cross Country frequency
16 a day
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Great Western Railway (GWR) Duration
46m
Cheapest Great Western Railway (GWR) Price
£50
Great Western Railway (GWR) frequency
2 a day
Complete guide to Reading
Things to do in Reading
Discover the best of Reading — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Reading trip today.
- Must visit
The Museum of English Rural Life
Small museum beside the abbey ruins with exhibits on Reading’s medieval abbey. Good for context before walking the historic quarter.
- Recommended
Ure Museum of Greek Archaeology
University museum covering farming, countryside life, and design. Engaging displays make it a distinctive and family-friendly visit.
- Must visit
Forbury Gardens
Large riverside park with formal gardens, open lawns, and abbey remains. Ideal for relaxing walks close to the town centre.
- Recommended
Broad Street
Traffic-free shopping street at the heart of Reading. A practical and lively route linking major shops, historic lanes, and public spaces.
- Recommended
Thames Side Promenade
Riverside walking area along the Thames near Caversham Bridge. Visit for benches, water views, and an easy stroll near the centre.
Berkshire pork sausages
Berkshire pork sausages are a long-standing county staple, prized for well-seasoned local pork and often served with mash in traditional pubs.
- Vegetarian
Spotted dick
Spotted dick is a classic steamed suet pudding with dried fruit, commonly served with custard and strongly associated with traditional English cooking.
- Vegetarian
Summer pudding
Summer pudding is a Berkshire favourite in berry season, made by lining bread with soft fruit and juice for a bright, old-fashioned local dessert.
L'Ortolan
Refined modern British dining in elegant surroundings, known for carefully plated tasting-style dishes and polished service.
The Cunning Man
Traditional pub by the Thames serving British classics, Sunday roasts and local drinks in a relaxed historic setting.
Miller & Carter Oracle
Popular central Reading restaurant specialising in well-cooked steaks, grills and hearty sides in a lively contemporary space.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for England: hotels are often cheaper than London, but dining, drinks and rail fares still add up for visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is sometimes included. If not, tip about 10% in restaurants for good service. Taxis are often rounded up. Tipping in cafés is optional.
Reading Buses
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £3.00
- Day pass
- £5.90
To the city centre
Reading Station -> Reading Station, Reading
- Distance
- 0 km
- Travel time
- 0 min
- Contactless payment works on all Reading Buses services, and daily charges are capped automatically at the day ticket rate.
- For multi-operator travel, the Reading All-Bus Day ticket covers Reading Buses and selected other local operators.
FAQs: Banbury to Reading train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Banbury to Reading by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Reading, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Banbury to Reading can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £50, while the average price tends to be around £58.
The train journey from Banbury to Reading covers a distance of 72 km and takes approximately 41m. Trains run 8 per day.
The train distance from Banbury to Reading is 72 km.
The first train from Banbury to Reading leaves at 0:07.
The last train from Banbury to Reading departs at 23:34.
Trains from Banbury to Reading run approximately 8 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Banbury to Reading.
Yes, there is a direct train between Banbury and Reading. The service operates 7 times per day, provided by CrossCountry, Cross Country, Great Western Railway (GWR).
To get from Banbury to Reading, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Banbury to Reading.
The train station in Banbury that goes to Reading is Banbury station (BAN), and it arrives at Reading station (RDG).
The cheapest way to get from Banbury to Reading is by coach, costing approximately £13.
Booking trains from Banbury to Reading in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Banbury to Reading offers pleasant views of the English countryside, featuring rolling hills, fields, and charming villages, especially as you travel through the Chiltern Hills and the Thames Valley.
A day trip from Banbury to Reading is feasible with a journey time of 41m and a distance of 72 km. There are 6 trains available per day, making it convenient for travel.
To fully explore Reading's attractions, two to three days are ideal.
Yes, you can take the train from Banbury to Reading.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Banbury and Reading
Most Banbury to Reading trains use the Banbury to Reading station pair, with some services arriving at Reading West. Use this guide to compare Banbury and Reading train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Banbury
Arrival train stations in Reading
Which Banbury station do trains to Reading leave from?
Trains from Banbury to Reading leave from Banbury. The station is 1 km from Banbury city centre at Banbury station, Station Road, Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX16 5AB.
BanburyBanbury station, Station Road, Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX16 5AB+44 3456005165
City-centre transport
Getting to Banbury from Banbury city centre
BusB9 · 9m · £2 · every ~12 min
Mrt1 · 25m
Banbury train station facilities and services
Banbury has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Banbury.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Banbury. ATMs are available at Banbury.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Banbury.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Banbury: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Banbury: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Banbury: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step Free Access Category A. Step free access to all platforms via lifts, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible taxis: If you would like us to assist you in booking an accessible taxi for your onward journey please contact 03456 005 165, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Monday - Friday 05:00 - 00:15 Saturday 05:00 - 00:15 Sunday 08:00 - 00:20, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Which Reading station do trains from Banbury arrive at?
Trains from Banbury to Reading most often arrive at Reading. Some services arrive at Reading West, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Reading arrival station.
ReadingReading station, Station Hill, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1LZ+44 3451652030
City-centre transport
Getting to Reading from Reading city centre
Bus26, 90, 87 · 2m · £2 · every ~15 min
Reading train station facilities and services
Reading has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Reading.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Reading.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Reading.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Reading: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Reading: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Reading: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: platforms can be reached via lift and bridge, ticket office is step free, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: Accessible low-level Pay Phone is available at the station main concourse. Please request staff assistance if you need to, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxi are available at the station entrance. please request staff assistance if you need to, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accessible ticket machines are located at the station entrance by the ticket office and at the car park, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Reading WestReading West station, Oxford Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7PY
City-centre transport
Getting to Reading West from Reading city centre
Reading West is 1 km from Reading city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainReading - Basingstoke, Reading - Newbury, Reading - Bedwyn, London Paddington - Bedwyn · 2m · £0.90 · every ~6 min
Bus15, 15a, 16, 17, 91, 85, 88, 93, 43 · 4m · £2 · every ~49 min
Reading West train station facilities and services
Reading West has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Reading West.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Reading West.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Reading West: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Reading West: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Reading West: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access note: Step Free Category B3 - This station has a degree of step free access but only to Platform 1 and only if accessed via Tilehurst Road. Otherwise this station can be classified as Category C. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available. Please request staff assistance, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
TilehurstTilehurst station, Oxford Road, Tilehurst, Berkshire, RG31 6TH+44 3451652030
City-centre transport
Getting to Tilehurst from Reading city centre
Tilehurst is 4 km from Reading city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainLondon Paddington - Didcot Parkway, Reading - Didcot Parkway · 3m · £2 · every ~4 min
Bus16, 85, 88, 18, 93, 43 · 16m · £2 · every ~18 min
16, 85, 88, 18, 93, 43 · 19m · £2 · every ~18 min
Tilehurst train station facilities and services
Tilehurst has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Tilehurst.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Tilehurst.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Tilehurst.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Tilehurst: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Tilehurst: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Tilehurst: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Step free Category C - This station does not have step free access to operational platforms, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible taxis: Accessible Taxis available at this station Please call our free help line for assistance, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: No, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
More options for your journey from Banbury to Reading
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Reading and Banbury
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