- Must visit
Reading Museum
Reading’s main museum explores local history, archaeology, and art. Best known for the Victorian copy of the Bayeux Tapestry.
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
Travel Information
Compare train for Basildon to Reading
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Basildon to Reading among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £27 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 46m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £27, while a train costs an average of £27.
Distance: 100 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
£27 Average Price Cheapest | £21 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 46m Average total duration Fastest 1h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 50m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
 Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Basildon to Reading is a train with an average price of £27.
The fastest way to travel from Basildon to Reading is by train with an average journey time of 1h 16m.
Yes, you can take a train between Basildon and Reading.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 34m sooner (1h 16m by train vs 1h 50m by car). Tickets start at around £27 compared to roughly £21 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.
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
Basildon to Reading train times
The table below shows live departures for Basildon to Reading trains for today, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:18 Basildon | 2h05 | 10:23 Reading | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Basildon to Reading by train
Compare train 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.
Fri
18 Sept
18 Sept
Sat
19 Sept
19 Sept
Sun
20 Sept
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
22 Sept
Wed
23 Sept
23 Sept
Thu
24 Sept
24 Sept
Why should you book Basildon to Reading trains with Omio?
c2c operates all trains services from Basildon to Reading.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Basildon to Reading.
Why book with Omio vs c2c?
- 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.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Basildon to Reading
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Basildon to Reading run on average 6 times per day, taking around 1h 16m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £27 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 04:35, the last at 21:50. The fastest train covers the 100 km distance in 1h 47m.
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
Distance 100 km |
Average train duration 1h 16m |
Cheapest ticket price £27 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 1h 47m |
First train 4:35 |
Last train 21:50 |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
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
Train companies: c2c from Basildon to Reading trainsc2c trains will get you between Basildon and Reading from £27. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
c2c
About
c2c is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London Fenchurch Street to destinations in East London and Essex, including Southend, Basildon, and Grays. c2c offers a range of train types, including the Class 357 Electrostar, Class 312 Electrostar, and Class 315 Electrostar. These trains are modern and comfortable, with air conditioning, power sockets, and free Wi-Fi. c2c also offers a range of ticket types, including Anytime, Off-Peak, and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include a café bar, toilets, and luggage storage. The most popular routes for c2c are London Fenchurch Street to Southend Central, London Fenchurch Street to Basildon, and London Fenchurch Street to Grays.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average c2c Duration
1h 47m
Cheapest c2c Price
£27
Luggage included
2 pieces of hand luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas between seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled trains
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Bar/bistro service available on most trains offering snacks, drinks, and light meals
Seat reservation
Seat reservations mandatory and included in ticket price for high-speed trains, optional for regional trains
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and assistance available for passengers with reduced mobility
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require paid ticket and muzzle, service animals free
Quiet zone
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: Basildon to Reading train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Basildon 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 Basildon to Reading can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £27, while the average price tends to be around £27.
The train journey from Basildon to Reading covers a distance of 100 km and takes approximately 1h 47m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Basildon to Reading is 100 km.
The first train from Basildon to Reading leaves at 4:35.
The last train from Basildon to Reading departs at 21:50.
Trains from Basildon to Reading run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Basildon to Reading.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Basildon to Reading.
To travel from Basildon to Reading, you can take a train.
There is no night train service from Basildon to Reading.
The train station in Basildon that goes to Reading is Basildon station (BSO), and it arrives at Reading station (RDG).
The cheapest way to get from Basildon to Reading is by train, costing approximately £27.
Booking trains from Basildon 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 Basildon to Reading offers a mix of urban and suburban landscapes, with views of the Thames Valley and glimpses of the countryside, making parts of the journey quite scenic.
A day trip from Basildon to Reading is not feasible as the journey duration is 1h 47m, exceeding the 120-minute limit. However, with 4 trains per day, multiple travel options are available. The distance between the two locations is 100 km.
To fully explore Reading's attractions, two to three days are ideal.
Yes, you can take the train from Basildon to Reading.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Basildon and Reading
Most Basildon to Reading trains use the Basildon to Reading station pair. Use this guide to compare Basildon and Reading train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Basildon
Arrival train stations in Reading
Which Basildon station do trains to Reading leave from?
Trains from Basildon to Reading leave from Basildon. The station is from Basildon city centre at Basildon Railway Station, Station Way, Basildon, Essex, SS16 5XY, United Kingdom.
BasildonBasildon Railway Station, Station Way, Basildon, Essex, SS16 5XY, United Kingdom+44 345 600 7245
City-centre transport
Getting to Basildon from Basildon city centre
BusSeveral local bus services available
TrainC2C services to London and Southend
Basildon train station facilities and services
Basildon has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: The Beehive, The Edge Basildon
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Basildon. Information desks are located in the main concourse.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Basildon. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Basildon: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Basildon: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Basildon: Ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Holiday Inn Basildon, Premier Inn Basildon South Hotel, Travelodge Basildon.
Which Reading station do trains from Basildon arrive at?
Trains from Basildon to Reading arrive at Reading. Reading is from Reading city centre.
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.
Most popular train connections from Basildon
More options for your journey from Basildon to Reading
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Reading and Basildon
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
