- 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 Canterbury to Reading
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 19 Sept
Cheapest price on 19 Sept
£68
Average ticket price on 19 Sept
£68
Fastest journey on 19 Sept
2 h 3 m
Average journey duration on 19 Sept
2 h 3 m
Trains on 19 Sept
1
Distance
144 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Canterbury to Reading is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Canterbury to Reading will cost around £68 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £68.
Fast trains
On Sat 19 Sept, we found 1 trains from Canterbury to Reading, including 1 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 144 km distance in an average of 2 h 3 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 3 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 3 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.
13:232h03Canterbury15:26Reading£681One-way0 changes
- 13:232h03Canterbury15:26Reading£681One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach for Canterbury to Reading
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Canterbury to Reading among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £51 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 9m. 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 £51, while a train costs an average of £67.
Distance: 144 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£67 Average Price | £51 Average Price Cheapest | £29 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 9m Average total duration Fastest 1h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 50m Average total duration 4h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 3m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.4kg 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 Canterbury to Reading is a coach with an average price of £51.
This is compared to other travel options from Canterbury to Reading:
A coach is £16 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Canterbury to Reading costing on average £67.
The fastest way to travel from Canterbury to Reading is by train with an average journey time of 1h 39m.
Other travel options to Reading take longer:
Coach takes on average 4h 20m.
Yes, you can take a coach between Canterbury and Reading.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 24m sooner (1h 39m by train vs 2h 3m by car). Tickets start at around £67 compared to roughly £29 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
Canterbury to Reading train times
The table below shows live departures for Canterbury 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13:23 Canterbury | 2h03 | 15:26 Reading | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Canterbury to Reading by coach
Compare 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 Canterbury to Reading trains with Omio?
Southeastern operates all trains services from Canterbury to Reading.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Canterbury to Reading.
Why book with Omio vs Southeastern?
- 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 Canterbury to Reading
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Canterbury to Reading run on average 6 times per day, taking around 1h 39m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £58 but you can travel from only £42 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 02:24, the last at 22:46. The fastest train covers the 144 km distance in 1h 33m.
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 £42
Distance 144 km |
Average train duration 1h 39m |
Cheapest ticket price £58 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 1h 33m |
First train 2:24 |
Last train 22:46 |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 2 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 £42
Train companies: Southeastern from Canterbury to Reading trainsSoutheastern trains will get you between Canterbury and Reading from £42. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Southeastern
About
Southeastern is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London to Kent, Sussex, Surrey and parts of East Anglia. It runs services from early morning until late at night, seven days a week. Southeastern has a range of train types, including high-speed Javelin trains, commuter-friendly Metro services, and the classic InterCity services. Ticket types include Advance, Off-Peak, Super Off-Peak, and Anytime tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for Southeastern are London to Kent, London to Eastbourne, and London to Hastings.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Southeastern Duration
1h 33m
Cheapest Southeastern Price
£58
Southeastern frequency
6 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at the end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on most services
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and ramps for boarding
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs allowed with ticket. Guide dogs free
Quiet zone
Family area
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: Canterbury to Reading train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Canterbury 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 Canterbury to Reading can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £58, while the average price tends to be around £67.
The train journey from Canterbury to Reading covers a distance of 144 km and takes approximately 1h 33m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Canterbury to Reading is 144 km.
The first train from Canterbury to Reading leaves at 2:24.
The last train from Canterbury to Reading departs at 22:46.
Trains from Canterbury to Reading run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Canterbury to Reading.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Canterbury to Reading.
To travel from Canterbury to Reading, you can take a coach.
There is no night train service from Canterbury to Reading.
The train station in Canterbury that goes to Reading is Canterbury West (CBW), and it arrives at Reading station (RDG).
The cheapest way to get from Canterbury to Reading is by coach, costing approximately £42.
Booking trains from Canterbury 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 Canterbury to Reading offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, featuring picturesque views of the Kent countryside, charming villages, and the historic landscapes of Southeast England.
A day trip from Canterbury to Reading is not feasible as the journey duration is 1h 33m. However, there are 4 trains available per day for this route.
To fully explore Reading's attractions, two to three days are ideal.
Yes, you can take the train from Canterbury to Reading.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Canterbury and Reading
Most Canterbury to Reading trains use the Canterbury West to Reading station pair. Use this guide to compare Canterbury and Reading train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Canterbury
Arrival train stations in Reading
Which Canterbury station do trains to Reading leave from?
Trains from Canterbury to Reading leave from Canterbury West. The station is 1 km from Canterbury city centre at Canterbury West station, Station Road West, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 8AN.
Canterbury WestCanterbury West station, Station Road West, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 8AN+44 3303339232
City-centre transport
Getting to Canterbury West from Canterbury city centre
Bus21, 400, 401, Uni1, Uni2 · 14m · £3 · every ~22 min
Canterbury West train station facilities and services
Canterbury West has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Canterbury West.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Canterbury West. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: 0345 322 7021 or Text relay 18001 0345 322 7021 Freephone 0800 783 4524 or Text Relay 18001 0800 783 4524, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Canterbury West: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Canterbury West: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Canterbury West: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A. This station has step free access to all platforms - Access to all platforms and interchange via lifts and stairs, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not wheelchair accessible, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available to book, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: two within concourse, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Assistance/Help available from station staff from First to Last trains, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Canterbury EastCanterbury East station, Station Road East, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 2RB+44 3303339232
City-centre transport
Getting to Canterbury East from Canterbury city centre
Bus649 · 9m
Canterbury East train station facilities and services
Canterbury East has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Canterbury East.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Canterbury East.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Canterbury East. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: 0345 322 7021 or Text relay 18001 0345 322 7021 Freephone 0800 783 4524 or Text Relay 18001 0800 783 4524, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Canterbury East: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Canterbury East: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Canterbury East: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A. This station has step free access to all platforms - Access to all platforms and interchange via lifts and stairs, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not wheelchair accessible, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available to book, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The Ticket Vending Machines's can only be accessed when the station building is open as they are in the booking hall, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Which Reading station do trains from Canterbury arrive at?
Trains from Canterbury 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 Canterbury to Reading
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Reading and Canterbury
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