Birmingham to Reading train with CrossCountry

Mon 12 Oct
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CrossCountry
Avanti West Coast
Chiltern Railways
Great Western Railway
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
CrossCountry
Avanti West Coast
Chiltern Railways
Great Western Railway
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Birmingham to Reading

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 12 Oct

Cheapest price on 12 Oct

£18

Average ticket price on 12 Oct

£27

Fastest journey on 12 Oct

1 h 31 m

Average journey duration on 12 Oct

1 h 38 m

Trains on 12 Oct

5

Distance

131 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Birmingham to Reading is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Birmingham to Reading will cost around £27 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £18.

Fast trains

On Mon 12 Oct, we found 5 trains from Birmingham to Reading, including 5 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 131 km distance in an average of 1 h 38 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 31 m .

The slowest trains will take 1 h 42 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.

  • CrossCountry
    8:031h42
    Birmingham
    9:45Reading
    £181One-way
    0 changes
  • CrossCountry
    9:031h42
    Birmingham
    10:45Reading
    £191One-way
    0 changes
  • CrossCountry
    6:021h42
    Birmingham
    7:44Reading
    £291One-way
    0 changes
  • CrossCountry
    17:341h31
    Birmingham
    19:05Reading
    £331One-way
    0 changes
  • CrossCountry
    9:331h32
    Birmingham
    11:05Reading
    £341One-way
    0 changes

Journey information

Overview: Train from Birmingham to Reading

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Birmingham to Reading run on average 7 times per day, taking around 1h 52m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £14 if you book in advance.

There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 01:35, the last at 23:50. The fastest train covers the 131 km distance in 1h 27m.

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
131 km
Average train duration
1h 52m
Cheapest ticket price
£14
Trains per day
7
Direct trains
4
Fastest train
1h 27m
First train
1:35
Last train
23:50
Cheapest Month
Aug
Cheapest Day
Mon
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Tue
Least Busy Day
Mon
Best time to book
1 day
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

Live departures

Birmingham to Reading train times

The table below shows live departures for Birmingham to Reading trains for today, Sunday 11 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
CrossCountryG01004
On time
9:03 Birmingham New Street (BHM)
1h37
10:40 Reading station (RDG)
0 changesdirect
Avanti West CoastW33206+Great Western RailwayW34812+TubeTube from London Euston to London Paddington
On time
9:24 Birmingham New Street (BHM)
3h29
12:53 Reading station (RDG)
2 changes
West Midlands TrainsL05067+TubeTube from London Euston to London Paddington+Great Western RailwayC05994
On time
9:34 Birmingham New Street (BHM)
4h04
13:38 Reading station (RDG)
2 changes
CrossCountryG01008
On time
10:03 Birmingham New Street (BHM)
1h36
11:39 Reading station (RDG)
0 changesdirect
Avanti West CoastW33176+Great Western RailwayC33065+TubeTube from London Euston to London Paddington
On time
10:30 Birmingham New Street (BHM)
3h18
13:48 Reading station (RDG)
2 changes
West Midlands TrainsY80793+TubeTube from London Euston to London Paddington+Great Western RailwayC00183
On time
10:34 Birmingham New Street (BHM)
3h34
14:08 Reading station (RDG)
2 changes
CrossCountryG01016
On time
12:03 Birmingham New Street (BHM)
1h36
13:39 Reading station (RDG)
0 changesdirect
CrossCountryG01172
On time
12:30 Birmingham New Street (BHM)
1h39
14:09 Reading station (RDG)
0 changesdirect
CrossCountryG01020
On time
13:03 Birmingham New Street (BHM)
1h39
14:42 Reading station (RDG)
0 changesdirect
Avanti West CoastW33371+Great Western RailwayC50042+TubeTube from London Euston to London Paddington
On time
13:19 Birmingham New Street (BHM)
2h49
16:08 Reading station (RDG)
2 changes
CrossCountryG01023
On time
14:03 Birmingham New Street (BHM)
1h36
15:39 Reading station (RDG)
0 changesdirect
CrossCountryW29926
On time
14:30 Birmingham New Street (BHM)
1h42
16:12 Reading station (RDG)
0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Birmingham to Reading trains with Omio?

CrossCountry as well as Avanti West Coast, Chiltern Railways, Great Western Railway, West Midlands Trains and more offer trains services from Birmingham to Reading.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Birmingham 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 Avanti West Coast, Chiltern Railways, Great Western Railway or West Midlands Trains to find the best option for your trip from Birmingham 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 Birmingham to Reading.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Avanti West Coast, Chiltern Railways, Great Western Railway or West Midlands Trains to find the best option for your trip from Birmingham to Reading.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Birmingham to Reading.

Train companies: CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, Chiltern Railways, West Midlands Trains, Great Western Railway from Birmingham to Reading trainsCrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, Chiltern Railways, West Midlands Trains, Great Western Railway trains will get you between Birmingham and Reading from £14. 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
1h 27m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£14
CrossCountry frequency
5 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

Avanti West Coast

About
Avanti West Coast is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates high-speed trains between London and major cities in the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, First Class and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drinks. The most popular routes for Avanti West Coast are London to Birmingham, London to Manchester and London to Glasgow. The company operates a fleet of Pendolino and Super Voyager trains, which offer a smooth and comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Avanti West Coast Duration
1h 55m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
£38
Avanti West Coast frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
First Class: Complimentary meals and drinks. Standard Class: Onboard shop with drinks and snacks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Standard Class: Optional reservation for £8-12
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/alighting available
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs £30 per single journey. Guide dogs free
Quiet zone

Chiltern Railways

About
Chiltern Railways is a regional train company in the United Kingdom. Check the different ticket types for your next journey: Duo, Anytime, Season, Super Off Peak, Off Peak and Advance. It operates services from London Marylebone to Birmingham Snow Hill, Oxford, Banbury, Aylesbury, High Wycombe, and Stratford-upon-Avon. It also runs services from Birmingham Moor Street to Stratford-upon-Avon. Chiltern Railways offers a range of train types, including InterCity 125, Class 165 and Class 168 trains. These trains are equipped with comfortable seating, air conditioning, power sockets, and free Wi-Fi. The company offers a variety of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, Off-Peak, and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include a café bar, a shop, and a quiet coach. The most popular routes for Chiltern Railways are London Marylebone to Birmingham Snow Hill, Oxford, and High Wycombe.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Chiltern Railways Duration
1h 34m
Cheapest Chiltern Railways Price
£53
Chiltern Railways frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservation for £3. Free for Advance tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs allowed with lead
Quiet zone

West Midlands Trains

About
West Midlands Trains is a train operator based in the United Kingdom, providing services across the West Midlands region. It operates a variety of train types, including the Class 350 Desiro, Class 323 Electrostar, Class 170 Turbostar, and Class 172 Turbostar. These trains offer a range of onboard facilities, such as free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and air conditioning. Passengers can purchase a range of tickets, including single, return, and season tickets. The most popular routes operated by West Midlands Trains include Birmingham to London Euston, Birmingham to Wolverhampton, and Birmingham to Coventry.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average West Midlands Trains Duration
2h 12m
Cheapest West Midlands Trains Price
£49
West Midlands Trains frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for an additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs require a ticket at 50% of adult fare. Guide dogs travel free
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
1h 53m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
£78
Great Western Railway frequency
1 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

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

Reading Museum

Reading’s main museum explores local history, archaeology, and art. Best known for the Victorian copy of the Bayeux Tapestry.

  • 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.

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.

FAQs: Birmingham to Reading train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Birmingham 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.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Birmingham to Reading can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £14, while the average price tends to be around £55.
The train journey from Birmingham to Reading covers a distance of 131 km and takes approximately 1h 27m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Birmingham to Reading is 131 km.
The first train from Birmingham to Reading leaves at 1:35.
The last train from Birmingham to Reading departs at 23:50.
Trains from Birmingham to Reading run approximately 7 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Birmingham to Reading.
Yes, there is a direct train between Birmingham and Reading. The service operates 4 times per day, provided by CrossCountry.
There is no night train service from Birmingham to Reading.
The train station in Birmingham that goes to Reading is Birmingham New Street (BHM), and it arrives at Reading station (RDG).
Booking trains from Birmingham 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 Birmingham to Reading offers a mix of urban and countryside views, with sections passing through the scenic Chiltern Hills and picturesque English landscapes.
Yes, you can take the train from Birmingham to Reading.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Birmingham and Reading

Most Birmingham to Reading trains use the Birmingham New Street to Reading station pair. Use this guide to compare Birmingham and Reading train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Birmingham
Arrival train stations in Reading
Birmingham New StreetStation Street, Birmingham, West Midlands, B2 4QA, United Kingdom+44 3457114141WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Birmingham New Street from Birmingham city centre

Bus16 · 7m · £2 · every ~27 min

Birmingham New Street train station facilities and services

Birmingham New Street has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food options include: All Bar One, Leon, Caffè Nero, Five Guys, Krispy Kreme, The Pasty Shop, Upper Crust, Wasabi, Starbucks, Hotel Chocolat

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available from Sky Wi-Fi The Cloud. ATMs are aTM machines are located on the paid concourse.

Tickets and information

The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 05:15 - 23:00, Sun: 07:30 - 23:00. Information desks are in the middle of the station.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is you can leave bags with Excess Baggage Co inside the entrance off Hill Street. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Birmingham New Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Birmingham New Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham New Street: Step-free access in the whole station and ramps available for train access. All platforms have elevators and escalators.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Holiday Inn Birmingham City Center, Premier Inn Birmingham City Center (New St Station), Radisson Blue Hotel, Birmingham.

Birmingham Moor StreetBirmingham Moor Street station, Queensway, Birmingham, West Midlands, B4 7ULWifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Birmingham Moor Street from Birmingham city centre

TrainBirmingham Snow Hill - Whitlocks End, Birmingham Snow Hill - Stratford-upon-Avon, Worcester Foregate Street - Stratford-upon-Avon, Worcester Shrub Hill - Stratford-upon-Avon, Worcester Shrub Hill - Birmingham Moor Street, Worcester Foregate Street - Birmingham Moor Street, Worcester Shrub Hill - Dorridge, Stourbridge Junction - Dorridge, Birmingham Snow Hill - Dorridge, Worcester Foregate Street - Dorridge, Worcester Foregate Street - Leamington Spa, Birmingham Snow Hill - Leamington Spa, Worcester Shrub Hill - Leamington Spa, Kidderminster - Stratford-upon-Avon, Kidderminster - Whitlocks End, Stourbridge Junction - Stratford-upon-Avon, Worcester Foregate Street - Whitlocks End · 2m · £0.89 · every ~7 min
Bus16 · 13m · £2 · every ~27 min
TramMetro · 16m · every ~15 min

Birmingham Moor Street train station facilities and services

Birmingham Moor Street has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Birmingham Moor Street.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Birmingham Moor Street. ATMs are available at Birmingham Moor Street.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Birmingham Moor Street.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Birmingham Moor Street: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Birmingham Moor Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham Moor Street: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step Free Access Category A. Step free access to all platforms, 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, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.

Birmingham InternationalBirmingham International station, Stationlink Road, National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, West Midlands, B40 1PAWifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Birmingham International from Birmingham city centre

Birmingham International is 12 km from Birmingham city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRugeley Trent Valley - Birmingham International, Birmingham New Street - London Euston, Birmingham New Street - Birmingham International, Birmingham New Street - Coventry, Birmingham New Street - Northampton, Walsall - London Euston, Birmingham New Street - Milton Keynes Central, Birmingham New Street - Rugby, Liverpool Lime Street - Coventry, Wolverhampton - Birmingham International, Liverpool Lime Street - Birmingham International · 9m · £4 · every ~8 min
BusX1 · 39m · £4 · every ~23 min
X1 · 40m · £4 · every ~23 min
17A · 53m · £4 · every ~19 min

Birmingham International train station facilities and services

Birmingham International has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Birmingham International.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Birmingham International. ATMs are available at Birmingham International.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Birmingham International. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Birmingham International: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Birmingham International: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham International: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This station has step-free access to all platforms / the platform, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, 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 Birmingham to Reading

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

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