- 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 Chatham to Reading
Showing times and prices for 03 Aug
Cheapest price
£49
Average price
£49
Fastest journey
2 h 30 m
Average duration
2 h 30 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
104 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chatham to Reading is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Chatham to Reading will cost around £49 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £49.
Fast trains
Of the 2 trains that leave Chatham for Reading every day 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 104 km distance in an average of 2 h 30 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 30 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 30 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.
10:102h30Chatham12:40Reading£491One-way0 changes- 9:102h30Chatham11:40Reading£501One-way0 changes
- 10:102h30Chatham12:40Reading£491One-way0 changes
- 9:102h30Chatham11:40Reading£501One-way0 changes
Live departures
Chatham to Reading train times
The table below shows live departures for Chatham to Reading trains for tomorrow, Monday 3 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9:10 Chatham | 2h30 | 11:40 Reading | 0 changesdirect | |
| 10:10 Chatham | 2h30 | 12:40 Reading | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Chatham to Reading by train
Compare train 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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03 Aug
03 Aug
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09 Aug
Why should you book Chatham to Reading trains with Omio?
Southeastern as well as Thameslink, Elizabeth line, Southeastern and more offer trains services from Chatham to Reading.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Chatham to Reading.
Why book with Omio vs Southeastern?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Southeastern, but also compare tickets for the likes of Thameslink, Elizabeth line or Southeastern to find the best option for your trip from Chatham 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.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Thameslink, Elizabeth line or Southeastern to find the best option for your trip from Chatham to Reading.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Chatham to Reading
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Chatham to Reading run on average 6 times per day, taking around 1h 43m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £33 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 03:54, the last at 22:26. The fastest train covers the 104 km distance in 2h 30m.
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 104 km |
Average train duration 1h 43m |
Cheapest ticket price £33 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 2h 30m |
First train 3:54 |
Last train 22:26 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 7 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
Train companies: Southeastern, Thameslink, Elizabeth line from Chatham to Reading trainsSoutheastern, Thameslink, Elizabeth line trains will get you between Chatham and Reading from £33. 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 Duration
2h 10m
Cheapest Price
£54
Southeastern frequency
2 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
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 Duration
2h 15m
Cheapest Price
£48
Thameslink frequency
35 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
Family area
Elizabeth line
About
Tfl Rail is a railway service operated by Transport for London in the United Kingdom. It operates on the Great Western Main Line and the Heathrow branch of the London Underground. The service runs from Paddington in London to Reading, Maidenhead, Slough, and Heathrow Airport. It also serves the towns of Taplow, Burnham, Twyford, and Hayes & Harlington. All trains are air-conditioned and feature onboard Wi-Fi, power sockets, and digital information screens. Tfl Rail offers a range of ticket types, including single and return tickets, season tickets, and Oyster cards. Oyster cards are the most popular ticket type, allowing passengers to pay for their journey with a single card. The most popular routes for Tfl Rail are Paddington to Reading, Paddington to Maidenhead, and Paddington to Heathrow Airport. These routes offer frequent services and provide passengers with a convenient way to travel between London and the surrounding areas.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 30m
Cheapest Price
£33
Luggage included
Standard luggage allowance included with ticket
Luggage storage
Dedicated luggage storage areas in carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refunds available through TfL website or customer service
Refund
Full refund available for service cancellations
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
No dedicated dining car. Passengers can bring their own food and drinks
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Step-free access at most stations, wheelchair spaces on trains, priority seating
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be leashed. Guide dogs welcome
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: Chatham to Reading train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chatham 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 Chatham to Reading can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £33, while the average price tends to be around £44.
The train journey from Chatham to Reading covers a distance of 104 km and takes approximately 2h 30m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Chatham to Reading is 104 km.
The first train from Chatham to Reading leaves at 3:54.
The last train from Chatham to Reading departs at 22:26.
Trains from Chatham to Reading run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Chatham to Reading.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Chatham to Reading.
To travel from Chatham to Reading, you can take a train.
There is no night train service from Chatham to Reading.
The train station in Chatham that goes to Reading is Chatham station (CTM), and it arrives at Reading station (RDG).
The cheapest way to get from Chatham to Reading is by train, costing approximately £33.
Booking trains from Chatham 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 Chatham to Reading is primarily through urban and suburban areas, offering occasional views of the countryside, but it is not typically considered scenic compared to routes through more rural or picturesque landscapes.
A day trip from Chatham to Reading is not feasible as the journey duration is 2h 30m. However, there are 6 train services per day covering the distance of 104 km.
To fully explore Reading's attractions, two to three days are ideal.
Yes, you can take the train from Chatham to Reading.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Chatham and Reading
Most Chatham to Reading trains use the Chatham to Reading station pair. Use this guide to compare Chatham and Reading train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Chatham
Arrival train stations in Reading
Which Chatham station do trains to Reading leave from?
Trains from Chatham to Reading leave from Chatham. The station is from Chatham city centre at Chatham station, Railway Street, Chatham, Kent, ME4 6PN.
ChathamChatham station, Railway Street, Chatham, Kent, ME4 6PN+44 3303339232
City-centre transport
Getting to Chatham from Chatham city centre
Location for Rail Replacement ServicesBus stop B in the bus interchange, to the right of the station entrance
Chatham train station facilities and services
Chatham has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Chatham.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Chatham.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Chatham. 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 Chatham: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Chatham: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Chatham: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B2. This station has a degree of step-free access to the platform, which may be in both directions or in one direction only - please check details - Step free access to platform 1 for services to London via ramp to car park. Step free access to platform 2 for services away from London via ramp from Railway Street. Step free interchange via road and steep paths is in excess of 250 metres. Step access between platforms available via the booking hall, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available to book, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: In the booking hall, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Monday - Sunday 24 Hours a Day Assistance/Help available from station staff from First to Last trains, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Which Reading station do trains from Chatham arrive at?
Trains from Chatham 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 Chatham
More options for your journey from Chatham to Reading
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Reading and Chatham
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