- 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 Bedford to Reading
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 20 Sept
Cheapest price on 20 Sept
£23
Average ticket price on 20 Sept
£23
Fastest journey on 20 Sept
2 h 7 m
Average journey duration on 20 Sept
2 h 7 m
Trains on 20 Sept
1
Distance
83 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Bedford to Reading is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bedford to Reading will cost around £23 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £23.
Fast trains
On Sun 20 Sept, we found 1 trains from Bedford to Reading, including 1 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 83 km distance in an average of 2 h 7 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 7 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 7 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.
13:462h07Bedford15:53Reading£231One-way0 changes
- 13:462h07Bedford15:53Reading£231One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Bedford to Reading
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Bedford to Reading among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £16 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 6m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £16, while a train costs an average of £48.
Distance: 83 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£48 Average Price | £16 Average Price Cheapest | £17 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 6m Average total duration Fastest 1h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 50m Average total duration 2h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 35m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Bedford to Reading is a coach with an average price of £16.
This is compared to other travel options from Bedford to Reading:
A coach is £32 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bedford to Reading costing on average £48.
The fastest way to travel from Bedford to Reading is by train with an average journey time of 1h 36m.
Other travel options to Reading take longer:
Coach takes on average 2h 20m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Bedford and Reading including taking a train and coach.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around £48 compared to roughly £17 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-30.62. The journey takes 1h 36m versus 1h 35m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Compare prices and tickets Bedford 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.
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Why should you book Bedford to Reading trains with Omio?
East Midlands Railway as well as Thameslink offer trains services from Bedford to Reading.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Bedford to Reading.
Why book with Omio vs East Midlands Railway?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for East Midlands Railway, but also compare tickets for the likes of Thameslink to find the best option for your trip from Bedford 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 East Midlands Railway with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Bedford to Reading.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Rome2rio?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Thameslink to find the best option for your trip from Bedford to Reading.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Bedford to Reading.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Bedford to Reading
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Bedford to Reading run on average 8 times per day, taking around 1h 36m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £35 but you can travel from only £16 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 00:39, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 83 km distance in 1h 18m.
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 £16
Distance 83 km |
Average train duration 1h 36m |
Cheapest ticket price £35 |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 1h 18m |
First train 0:39 |
Last train 23:55 |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 42 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 £16
Train companies: East Midlands Railway, Thameslink from Bedford to Reading trainsEast Midlands Railway, Thameslink trains will get you between Bedford and Reading from £16. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
East Midlands Railway
About
East Midlands Trains is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London to the East Midlands, Yorkshire, and the North West. East Midlands Trains operates a fleet of Class 158, Class 156, Class 170, Class 222 and Class 180 diesel multiple units, as well as Class 222 Meridian electric multiple units. East Midlands Trains also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for East Midlands Trains are London to Nottingham, Sheffield, and Leeds.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average East Midlands Railway Duration
1h 18m
Cheapest East Midlands Railway Price
£35
East Midlands Railway frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 piece of hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the 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
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee. Free for Advance ticket holders
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs must be on lead and require a ticket (£6 for day ticket)
Quiet zone
Thameslink
About
Thameslink is a train service that operates in the United Kingdom. It is operated by Govia Thameslink Railway and serves the counties of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, London, and Surrey. The trains run from early morning until late at night, with some services running 24 hours a day. There are a variety of train types available, including Class 700 Desiro City, Class 377 Electrostar, Class 387/1 Electrostar, and Class 319/0. Ticket types include Anytime, Off-Peak, Super Off-Peak, and Advance. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power sockets, and air conditioning. The most popular routes for Thameslink are London to Brighton, London to Bedford, and London to Luton.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Thameslink Duration
1h 32m
Cheapest Thameslink Price
£35
Thameslink frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund available if service is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on some routes offering drinks and snacks
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets free of charge. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
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.
Flights from Birmingham to Belfast
It only takes an hour or so to reach Belfast from Birmingham by plane. Direct flights leave Birmingham Airport several times a day on most days of the week, departing for both Belfast City Airport and Belfast International Airport. You can catch a flight as early in the morning as 6:00 a.m., with services often running until 9:00 p.m. at night.
Which airlines fly from Birmingham to Belfast?
easyJet is the preferred option for many travellers visiting Belfast as flights are direct, frequent and inexpensive. Another budget-friendly carrier offering regular direct flights is Flybe. Multi-stop flights are also available from carriers such as KLM, Condor, iberia and British Airways.
How long is the flight from Birmingham to Belfast?
When flying along this route it feels like you're landing as soon as you've taken off. The quickest flights from Birmingham to Belfast, provided by easyJet, take just one hour. Other carriers offer direct flights that take on average one hour and 5 minutes in good conditions, assuming there's no unexpected issue with the weather.
How many flights are there from Birmingham to Belfast?
You can find a direct flight to Belfast from Birmingham at least four days a week on average and usually more frequently. At many times of year, flights are available seven days a week. EasyJet flies this route several times a week at least, offering early morning and late night flights that conveniently fit around work schedules.
What are the departure and arrival airports for flights from Birmingham to Belfast?
Departure airport: Birmingham Airport (BHX) is conveniently located just 5.5 miles outside Birmingham city centre. It's therefore easily reachable by car, bus, train or even bike. The airport has all the amenities of larger international airports, including onsite parking, shops and restaurants and Express Lane security.
Arrival airports:George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD) and Belfast International Airport (BFS) at Aldergrove. Belfast City is small but central, just three miles from the heart of the city. Belfast International is larger and a little further out (around 13 miles). Both airports are easy to reach from the city centre thanks to dedicated bus services and both also have plenty of shopping and dining options.
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FAQs: Bedford to Reading train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bedford 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 Bedford to Reading can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £35, while the average price tends to be around £48.
The train journey from Bedford to Reading covers a distance of 83 km and takes approximately 1h 18m. Trains run 8 per day.
The train distance from Bedford to Reading is 83 km.
The first train from Bedford to Reading leaves at 0:39.
The last train from Bedford to Reading departs at 23:55.
Trains from Bedford to Reading run approximately 8 times per day.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Bedford to Reading.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Bedford to Reading.
To get from Bedford to Reading, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Bedford to Reading.
The train station in Bedford that goes to Reading is Bedford station (BDM), and it arrives at Reading station (RDG).
The cheapest way to get from Bedford to Reading is by coach, costing approximately £16.
Booking trains from Bedford 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 Bedford to Reading offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, including views of the English countryside, rolling fields, and glimpses of small towns and villages, particularly as the route passes through areas like the Chiltern Hills.
A day trip from Bedford to Reading is not feasible as the journey duration is 1h 18m. However, trains run 6 times per day.
To fully explore Reading's attractions, two to three days are ideal.
Yes, you can take the train from Bedford to Reading.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Bedford and Reading
Most Bedford to Reading trains use the Bedford to Reading station pair. Use this guide to compare Bedford and Reading train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Bedford
Arrival train stations in Reading
Which Bedford station do trains to Reading leave from?
Trains from Bedford to Reading leave from Bedford. The station is 1 km from Bedford city centre at Bedford station, Ashburnham Road, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK40 1DS.
BedfordBedford station, Ashburnham Road, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK40 1DS
Bedford train station facilities and services
Bedford has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Bedford.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Bedford. ATMs are available at Bedford.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Bedford.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Bedford: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Bedford: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Bedford: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station: This station has step-free level access to all platforms via lifts. Assistance Meeting Point is adjacent to the taxi rank at the front of the station, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All Thameslink ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. Ticket machines are of an accessible design, however their location and the station itself may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Wheelchairs may only be available when the station is staffed, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Which Reading station do trains from Bedford arrive at?
Trains from Bedford 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.
More options for your journey from Bedford to Reading
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Reading and Bedford
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