- Must visit
Reading Museum
Reading’s main museum explores local history, archaeology, and art. Best known for the Victorian copy of the Bayeux Tapestry.
Cheapest price on 20 Sept
£106
Average ticket price on 20 Sept
£109
Fastest journey on 20 Sept
5 h 14 m
Average journey duration on 20 Sept
5 h 30 m
Trains on 20 Sept
2
Distance
298 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Blackpool to Reading is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Blackpool to Reading will cost around £109 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £106.
On Sun 20 Sept, we found 2 trains from Blackpool to Reading, including 2 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 298 km distance in an average of 5 h 30 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 14 m .
The slowest trains will take 5 h 45 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.




Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Blackpool to Reading among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £67 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 4h 19m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £67, while a train costs an average of £95.
Distance: 298 km
| Train | Most popular Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£95 Average Price | £67 Average Price Cheapest | £59 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 19m Average total duration Fastest 3h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 21m Average total duration 8h 51m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 54m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Blackpool to Reading:
A coach is £28 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Blackpool to Reading costing on average £95.
Other travel options to Reading take longer:
Coach takes on average 8h 51m.
You'll arrive about 1h 5m sooner (3h 49m by train vs 4h 54m by car). Tickets start at around £95 compared to roughly £59 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.
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.
Trains from Blackpool to Reading run on average 24 times per day, taking around 3h 49m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £29 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 02:24, the last at 20:30. The fastest train covers the 298 km distance in 3h 13m.
Distance 298 km |
Average train duration 3h 49m |
Cheapest ticket price £29 |
Trains per day 24 |
Fastest train 3h 13m |
First train 2:24 |
Last train 20:30 |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Reading — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Reading trip today.
Reading’s main museum explores local history, archaeology, and art. Best known for the Victorian copy of the Bayeux Tapestry.
Small museum beside the abbey ruins with exhibits on Reading’s medieval abbey. Good for context before walking the historic quarter.
University museum covering farming, countryside life, and design. Engaging displays make it a distinctive and family-friendly visit.
Large riverside park with formal gardens, open lawns, and abbey remains. Ideal for relaxing walks close to the town centre.
Traffic-free shopping street at the heart of Reading. A practical and lively route linking major shops, historic lanes, and public spaces.
Riverside walking area along the Thames near Caversham Bridge. Visit for benches, water views, and an easy stroll near the centre.
Berkshire pork sausages are a long-standing county staple, prized for well-seasoned local pork and often served with mash in traditional pubs.
Spotted dick is a classic steamed suet pudding with dried fruit, commonly served with custard and strongly associated with traditional English cooking.
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.
Refined modern British dining in elegant surroundings, known for carefully plated tasting-style dishes and polished service.
Traditional pub by the Thames serving British classics, Sunday roasts and local drinks in a relaxed historic setting.
Popular central Reading restaurant specialising in well-cooked steaks, grills and hearty sides in a lively contemporary space.
Moderate for England: hotels are often cheaper than London, but dining, drinks and rail fares still add up for visitors.
Service is sometimes included. If not, tip about 10% in restaurants for good service. Taxis are often rounded up. Tipping in cafés is optional.
Official public transport app
Reading Station -> Reading Station, Reading
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Blackpool 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.

Most Blackpool to Reading trains use the Blackpool North to Reading station pair. Use this guide to compare Blackpool and Reading train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Blackpool North has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Blackpool North.
Ticket office support is available at Blackpool North.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Blackpool North: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Blackpool North: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Blackpool North: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A Station, Scooter Friendly Station - Access to station front down 30 metre ramp from Talbot Road, 10 metre ramp or 9 steps from Springfield Road or 16 steps from High Street. Level access from station front onto concourse then through wide doors onto all platforms. There is a dropped kerb access to the station entrance from the Blue Badge car parking spaces, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards Located Just inside concourse on right hand side, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: As per ticket office opening hours, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Blackpool South is 2 km from Blackpool city centre. Public transport options include:
Blackpool South has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Blackpool South.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Blackpool South: Parking.
Available at Blackpool South: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Blackpool South: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A Station, please note there are no tactile pavings at this station Access from Waterloo Road down 40 metre ramp with handrail or 25 steps with rest platform and handrail. A short ramp also gives access from car park, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Layton is 2 km from Blackpool city centre. Public transport options include:
Layton has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility and Lost and Found Office.
Food and drink options are available at Layton.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Layton: Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Layton: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category B station, please note there are no tactile pavings at this station - Step free access via short ramps onto both platforms from Bispham Road. From car park up a 5 metre ramp and through gateway onto platform. Access between platforms is from Preston platform up 24 steps with rest platform and handrail over walkway and down 22 steps with rest platform and handrail, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: The highest operating part of the telephone is 1140 mm above floor level, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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 options are available at Reading.
ATMs are available at Reading.
Ticket office support is available at Reading.
Available at Reading: Parking, WC.
Available at Reading: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
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.
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