Edinburgh to Reading train with CrossCountry

Tue 07 Jul
+ Add return
CrossCountry
London North Eastern Railway
Avanti West Coast
Lumo
Great Western Railway
2,000+ travel companies
CrossCountry
London North Eastern Railway
Avanti West Coast
Lumo
Great Western Railway
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Edinburgh to Reading

Showing times and prices for 07 Jul

Cheapest price

£64

Average price

£95

Fastest journey

5 h 26 m

Average duration

6 h 12 m

Trains per day

3

Distance

521 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Edinburgh to Reading will cost around £95 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £64.

Fast trains

Of the 3 trains that leave Edinburgh for Reading every day 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct trains cover the 521 km distance in an average of 6 h 12 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 26 m .

The slowest trains will take 6 h 58 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
    8:086h58
    Edinburgh
    15:06Reading
    £641One-way
    0 changes
  • London North Eastern Railway
    7:005h26
    Edinburgh
    12:26Reading
    £1011One-way
    0 changes
  • Transpennine Express
    6:126h11
    Edinburgh
    12:23Reading
    £1191One-way
    0 changes

Travel Information

Compare coach, flight and train for Edinburgh to Reading

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Edinburgh to Reading among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from £18. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 28m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.5kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of £18, and a train costs an average of £43.

Distance: 521 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Flight
Coach

£108

Average Price

£50

Average Price

Cheapest

£85

Average Price

6h 11m

Average total duration

5h 41m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 28m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 28m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

10h 56m

Average total duration

10h 26m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.2 - 0.5kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

1.6 - 3.1kg

CO2 emissions

0.5 - 1.3kg

CO2 emissions

CrossCountry

Most popular train company

easyJet

Most popular airline

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Edinburgh to Reading train times

The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Reading trains for tomorrow, Tuesday 7 July. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Transpennine Express6:12 Edinburgh
6h11
12:23 Reading0 changesdirect
London North Eastern Railway7:00 Edinburgh
5h26
12:26 Reading0 changesdirect
CrossCountry8:08 Edinburgh
6h58
15:06 Reading0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Edinburgh to Reading by coach, flight or train

Compare coach, flight and 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.

Tue
07 Jul
Wed
08 Jul
Thu
09 Jul
Fri
10 Jul
Sat
11 Jul
Sun
12 Jul
Mon
13 Jul

Why should you book Edinburgh to Reading trains with Omio?

CrossCountry as well as London North Eastern Railway, Avanti West Coast, Lumo and more offer trains services from Edinburgh to Reading.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Edinburgh 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 London North Eastern Railway, Avanti West Coast or Lumo to find the best option for your trip from Edinburgh 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 bus, flight and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Edinburgh 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 London North Eastern Railway, Avanti West Coast or Lumo to find the best option for your trip from Edinburgh to Reading.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, flight and train to find the ideal travel option from Edinburgh to Reading.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Edinburgh to Reading

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Edinburgh to Reading run on average 8 times per day, taking around 5h 41m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £43 but you can travel from only £18 by flight.

The earliest train runs at 02:24, the last at 23:00. The fastest train covers the 521 km distance in 5h 22m.

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
Flight from £18
Distance
521 km
Average train duration
5h 41m
Cheapest ticket price
£43
Trains per day
8
Fastest train
5h 22m
First train
2:24
Last train
23:00
Cheapest Month
Dec
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Tue
Least Busy Day
Tue
Best time to book
28 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
Flight from £18

Train companies: CrossCountry, London North Eastern Railway, Avanti West Coast, Lumo from Edinburgh to Reading trainsCrossCountry, London North Eastern Railway, Avanti West Coast, Lumo trains will get you between Edinburgh and Reading from £18. 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 Duration
6h 58m
Cheapest Price
£43
CrossCountry frequency
3 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

London North Eastern Railway

About
LNER is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates a wide range of services, from high-speed intercity trains to local services. Its most popular routes include London to Edinburgh, London to Leeds, and London to York. LNER offers a variety of train types, including the Azuma, InterCity 225, and HST. The Azuma is a modern, high-speed train that offers comfortable seating and onboard Wi-Fi. The InterCity 225 is a classic train that offers a more traditional experience. The HST is a high-speed train that offers a smooth ride and plenty of legroom. LNER offers a variety of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak. Advance tickets are the cheapest option and must be booked in advance. Anytime tickets are more expensive but can be used at any time. Off-Peak tickets are the most affordable option for travelling during off-peak times. Onboard facilities include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. LNER also offers a range of discounts and special offers, making it an affordable and convenient way to travel.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 22m
Cheapest Price
£98
London North Eastern Railway frequency
5 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
Refund policies apply as per ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund available if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, and light meals. First Class passengers receive complimentary refreshments
Seat reservation
Seat reservations are included with Advance tickets. Optional for other ticket types at £0-£2 per person depending on route
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, passenger assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two pets per passenger
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 Duration
6h 14m
Cheapest Price
£95
Avanti West Coast frequency
2 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

Lumo

About
Lumo are an open access operator launched in 2021 owned by FirstGroup providing train travel from London to Scotland and the North-East of England. It runs between London and Edinburgh along the East Coast Main Line. Lumo trains offer 100% electric travel along with amenities like comforable seating, free WiFi & their LumoEats at-seat catering in their single Standard Class. Lumo offered two ticket types their advance tickets LumoFixed which are only valid on the date and train booked but are exchangeable prior to departure and their Anytime tickets which can be used on any Lumo train on the date of your ticket.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 27m
Cheapest Price
£77
Lumo frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One piece of hand luggage and one piece of hold luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at the end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refunds according to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by operator
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, and light meals. First Class includes complimentary refreshments
Seat reservation
Seat reservation included with all tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces available, accessible toilets, and staff assistance for boarding
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs on leads allowed with fee
Quiet zone

FAQs: Edinburgh to Reading train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh to Reading can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £43, while the average price tends to be around £108.
The train journey from Edinburgh to Reading covers a distance of 521 km and takes approximately 5h 22m. Trains run 8 per day.
The train distance from Edinburgh to Reading is 521 km.
The first train from Edinburgh to Reading leaves at 2:24.
The last train from Edinburgh to Reading departs at 23:00.
Trains from Edinburgh to Reading run approximately 8 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Edinburgh to Reading.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Edinburgh to Reading.
To get from Edinburgh to Reading, you can choose from several travel options including coach, flight and train.
There is no night train service from Edinburgh to Reading.
The train station in Edinburgh that goes to Reading is Edinburgh Waverley (EDB), and it arrives at Reading station (RDG).
The cheapest way to get from Edinburgh to Reading is by flight, costing approximately £18.
Booking trains from Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh to Reading offers diverse scenery, including the picturesque landscapes of the Scottish Lowlands, the rolling hills of the English countryside, and the historic architecture seen as the train passes through various towns and cities along the route.
A day trip from Edinburgh to Reading is not feasible as the journey takes 5h 22m each way, with a distance of 521 km. There are 7 trains per day.
To fully explore Reading's attractions, two to three days are ideal.
Yes, you can take the train from Edinburgh to Reading.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Edinburgh and Reading

Most Edinburgh to Reading trains use the Edinburgh Waverley to Reading station pair, with some services arriving at Reading West. Use this guide to compare Edinburgh and Reading train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Edinburgh
Arrival train stations in Reading
Edinburgh WaverleyPrinces St, Edinburgh EH1 1BB, United Kingdom+44 3457114141WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Edinburgh Waverley from Edinburgh city centre

BusUk090 · 12m · £0.90 · every ~32 min

Edinburgh Waverley train station facilities and services

Edinburgh Waverley 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, Car Rental and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food options include: Bagel Factory, Burger King, Caffè Nero, Costa Coffee, JD Wetherspoon, The Pasty Shop, The Beer House, M&S, Pret a Manger

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free public Wi-Fi available. ATMs are there are a few ATM machines around the station.

Tickets and information

The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 05:00 - 23:59, Sun: 07:00 - 23:59. Information desks are information booths are located on the concourse. .

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is you can leave luggage at Excessive Baggage Company on Platform 2. . Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Edinburgh Waverley: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Edinburgh Waverley: Bike Parking, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh Waverley: Entrances are step free. Station is equipped with an elevator. Staffed with guide communicators for the deaf. Tactile warning strips are on the platform edges for the blind.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Old Waverley Hotel, Jurys Inn Edinburgh, The Scotsman Hotel.

HaymarketHaymarket station, Haymarket Terrace, Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh, EH12 5EYWifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Haymarket from Edinburgh city centre

Haymarket is 1 km from Edinburgh city centre. Public transport options include:

Train3m · £0.90
BusN44, N25, 26, 31, 33, 44, 25, 3, 4 · 6m · £0.90 · every ~114 min
N107, N113 · 7m · £0.90
TramT50 · 6m · £4 · every ~30 min

Haymarket train station facilities and services

Haymarket has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, 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 Haymarket.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Haymarket. ATMs are available at Haymarket.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Haymarket. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: Tel: 0800 046 1634 and 18001 0800 046 1634 (Deaf and customers who are hard of hearing), 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 Haymarket: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Haymarket: Bike Parking.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Haymarket: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station. This station has step-free access to all platforms. The Passenger Assist meeting point is at the automatic ticket gates Blue Badge parking bays: 2, 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: No.

Edinburgh GatewayEdinburgh Gateway station, 1 Myreton Drive, Gogar, Lothian, EH12 9GFWifiParkingDiningAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Edinburgh Gateway from Edinburgh city centre

Edinburgh Gateway is 7 km from Edinburgh city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainEdinburgh - Leven, Edinburgh - Perth, Edinburgh - Dundee, Edinburgh - Cowdenbeath, Edinburgh - Glenrothes with Thornton, Edinburgh - Aberdeen, Edinburgh - Inverkeithing · 9m · £3 · every ~10 min
Bus100 · 27m · £2 · every ~30 min
12, 22A, 22 · 44m · £2 · every ~14 min
TramT50 · 24m · £4 · every ~30 min

Edinburgh Gateway train station facilities and services

Edinburgh Gateway has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Edinburgh Gateway.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Edinburgh Gateway.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Edinburgh Gateway. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: Tel: 0800 046 1634 and 18001 0800 046 1634 (Deaf and customers who are hard of hearing), Passenger Information Systems: Announcements, Arrival screens.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Edinburgh Gateway: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Edinburgh Gateway: Bike Parking.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh Gateway: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station. This station has step-free access to both platforms. The Passenger Assist meeting point is at the Ticket Office Blue Badge parking bays: 4, 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.

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