- 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 Brighton to Reading
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 19 Sept
Cheapest price on 19 Sept
£26
Average ticket price on 19 Sept
£38
Fastest journey on 19 Sept
2 h 13 m
Average journey duration on 19 Sept
2 h 13 m
Trains on 19 Sept
3
Distance
91 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Brighton to Reading is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Brighton to Reading will cost around £38 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £26.
Fast trains
On Sat 19 Sept, we found 3 trains from Brighton to Reading, including 3 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 91 km distance in an average of 2 h 13 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 13 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 13 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.
7:142h13Brighton9:27Reading£261One-way0 changes- 11:442h13Brighton13:57Reading£371One-way0 changes
- 6:142h13Brighton8:27Reading£521One-way0 changes
- 7:142h13Brighton9:27Reading£261One-way0 changes
- 11:442h13Brighton13:57Reading£371One-way0 changes
- 6:142h13Brighton8:27Reading£521One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Brighton to Reading
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Brighton to Reading among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £40 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 40m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £40, while a train costs an average of £49.
Distance: 91 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£49 Average Price | £40 Average Price Cheapest | £19 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 40m Average total duration Fastest 2h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 4m Average total duration 2h 34m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 45m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Brighton to Reading is a coach with an average price of £48.
This is compared to other travel options from Brighton to Reading:
A coach is £0.53 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Brighton to Reading costing on average £49.
The fastest way to travel from Brighton to Reading is by train with an average journey time of 2h 10m.
Other travel options to Reading take longer:
Coach takes on average 2h 41m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Brighton 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 £49 compared to roughly £19 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-29.82. The journey takes 2h 10m versus 1h 45m 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.
Live departures
Brighton to Reading train times
The table below shows live departures for Brighton to Reading trains for tomorrow, Saturday 19 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6:14 Brighton | 2h13 | 8:27 Reading | 0 changesdirect | |
| 7:14 Brighton | 2h13 | 9:27 Reading | 0 changesdirect | |
| 11:44 Brighton | 2h13 | 13:57 Reading | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Brighton 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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19 Sept
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Why should you book Brighton to Reading trains with Omio?
Southern as well as Thameslink, South Western Railway, Gatwick Express, Great Western Railway and more offer trains services from Brighton to Reading.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Brighton to Reading.
Why book with Omio vs Southern?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Southern, but also compare tickets for the likes of Thameslink, South Western Railway, Gatwick Express or Great Western Railway to find the best option for your trip from Brighton 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 Southern with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Brighton to Reading.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu, Trainline or Raileurope?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Thameslink, South Western Railway, Gatwick Express or Great Western Railway to find the best option for your trip from Brighton to Reading.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Brighton to Reading.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Brighton to Reading
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Brighton to Reading run on average 7 times per day, taking around 1h 55m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £37 but you can travel from only £32 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 00:19, the last at 23:33. The fastest train covers the 91 km distance in 1h 43m.
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 £32
Distance 91 km |
Average train duration 1h 55m |
Cheapest ticket price £37 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 1h 43m |
First train 0:19 |
Last train 23:33 |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 5 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 £32
Train companies: Great Western Railway, Thameslink, Gatwick Express, South Western Railway, Southern from Brighton to Reading trainsGreat Western Railway, Thameslink, Gatwick Express, South Western Railway, Southern trains will get you between Brighton and Reading from £34. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
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
2h 13m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
£40
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
South Western Railway
About
South Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom, providing services in the south and south-west of England. It operates a variety of train types, including high-speed trains, local stopping services, and suburban commuter trains. It also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Off-Peak, and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for South Western Railway include London Waterloo to Portsmouth Harbour, London Waterloo to Weymouth, and London Waterloo to Bournemouth.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average South Western Railway Duration
2h 47m
Cheapest South Western Railway Price
£54
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas at end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund depends on ticket type and timing of cancellation
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by operator
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar service with hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee, free for some ticket types
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free, dogs must be on lead
Quiet zone
Southern
About
Southern Rail is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates a wide range of services, from high-speed intercity trains to local commuter services. Its trains include the InterCity 125, InterCity 225, and Class 444 and 450. It also offers a variety of ticket types, such as Advance, Off-Peak, and Super Off-Peak. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for Southern Rail are London to Brighton, London to Southampton, and London to Portsmouth.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Southern Duration
3h 21m
Cheapest Southern Price
£59
Southern frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 piece of hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage areas at the end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund provided
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with snacks and drinks
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require a 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
2h 8m
Cheapest Thameslink Price
£68
Thameslink frequency
14 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
Gatwick Express
About
Gatwick Express is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates between London Victoria and Gatwick Airport, with trains running every 15 minutes throughout the day. The trains are modern and comfortable, with air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi. There are two types of trains: the Gatwick Express and the Southern service. The Gatwick Express is the fastest service, taking just 30 minutes to reach the airport. The Southern service takes a few minutes longer but offers more stops along the way.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Gatwick Express Duration
2h 6m
Cheapest Gatwick Express Price
£63
Gatwick Express frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 piece of hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage areas at the end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refunds available according to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund available if service is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Snack trolley service available on some services
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces available, staff assistance for boarding and alighting
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead.
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: Brighton to Reading train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Brighton 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 Brighton to Reading can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £40, while the average price tends to be around £49.
The train journey from Brighton to Reading covers a distance of 91 km and takes approximately 2h 13m. Trains run 9 per day.
The train distance from Brighton to Reading is 91 km.
The first train from Brighton to Reading leaves at 0:19.
The last train from Brighton to Reading departs at 23:33.
Trains from Brighton to Reading run approximately 9 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Brighton to Reading.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Brighton to Reading.
To get from Brighton to Reading, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Brighton to Reading.
The train station in Brighton that goes to Reading is Brighton station (BTN), and it arrives at Reading station (RDG).
The cheapest way to get from Brighton to Reading is by coach, costing approximately £32.
Booking trains from Brighton 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 Brighton to Reading offers varied scenery, including picturesque views of the South Downs, rural landscapes, and charming English towns, making it a pleasant and visually appealing trip.
A day trip from Brighton to Reading may not be feasible as the journey takes 2h 13m. Trains run 7 times per day over a distance of 91 km.
To fully explore Reading's attractions, two to three days are ideal.
Yes, you can take the train from Brighton to Reading.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Brighton and Reading
Most Brighton to Reading trains use the Brighton to Reading station pair. Use this guide to compare Brighton and Reading train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Brighton
Arrival train stations in Reading
Which Brighton station do trains to Reading leave from?
Trains from Brighton to Reading leave from Brighton. The station is from Brighton city centre at Brighton Station, Queens Rd, Brighton BN1 3XP, United Kingdom.
BrightonBrighton Station, Queens Rd, Brighton BN1 3XP, United Kingdom+44 345 127 2920
City-centre transport
Getting to Brighton from Brighton city centre
Bus37, 52 · 4m · £0.90 · every ~6 min
Brighton train station facilities and services
Brighton has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: The Grand Central, The Cyclist
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Brighton. Information desks are located in the main concourse.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Brighton. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Brighton: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Brighton: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Brighton: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Jurys Inn Brighton, Ibis Brighton City Centre, My Brighton Hotel.
Preston ParkPreston Park station, Clermont Road, Preston Park, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 6SG
City-centre transport
Getting to Preston Park from Brighton city centre
Preston Park is 2 km from Brighton city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainBrighton - Bedford, Brighton - London Bridge, Brighton - West Hampstead Thameslink, Brighton - Cambridge, Brighton - Luton, Brighton - Mill Hill Broadway · 3m · £0.90 · every ~6 min
BusUk998, Uk066 · 11m · £0.90 · every ~1 min
025 · 16m · £0.90 · every ~4 min
Preston Park train station facilities and services
Preston Park has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Preston Park.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Preston Park.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Preston Park: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Preston Park: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Preston Park: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: This is a Category C station: This station does not have step-free access. Assistance Meeting Point is outside the ticket office on platforms 1 and 2, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All Southern 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: No, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Which Reading station do trains from Brighton arrive at?
Trains from Brighton 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 Brighton
More options for your journey from Brighton to Reading
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Reading and Brighton
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