- 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 Exeter to Reading
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 30 Oct
- Cheapest price on 30 Oct
- £40
- Average ticket price on 30 Oct
- £54
- Fastest journey on 30 Oct
- 1 h 42 m
- Average journey duration on 30 Oct
- 1 h 56 m
- Trains on 30 Oct
- 18
- Distance
- 196 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Exeter to Reading is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Exeter to Reading will cost around £54 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £40.
Fast trains
On Fri 30 Oct, we found 18 trains from Exeter to Reading, including 4 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 196 km distance in an average of 1 h 56 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 42 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 9 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.
C48028+
L79459+C0309015:48 3h42 St James' Park (SJP) 19:30 Reading West (RDW) £40 1 One-way 2 changes- L79459+C03090
15:57 3h33 Exeter St Davids (EXD) 19:30 Reading West (RDW) £40 1 One-way 1 change - G14928
16:51 2h03 Exeter St Davids (EXD) 18:54 Reading station (RDG) £52 1 One-way 0 changes - C48030 · G14928
16:20 2h34 St James' Park (SJP) 18:54 Reading station (RDG) £52 1 One-way 1 change - G14926
15:42 2h00 Exeter St Davids (EXD) 17:42 Reading station (RDG) £52 1 One-way 0 changes
- W34589
16:15 1h42 Exeter St Davids (EXD) 17:57 Reading station (RDG) £55 1 One-way 0 changes - W34583
15:15 1h47 Exeter St Davids (EXD) 17:02 Reading station (RDG) £59 1 One-way 0 changes - G14926
15:42 2h00 Exeter St Davids (EXD) 17:42 Reading station (RDG) £52 1 One-way 0 changes - G14928
16:51 2h03 Exeter St Davids (EXD) 18:54 Reading station (RDG) £52 1 One-way 0 changes - C48028 · W34589
15:48 2h09 St James' Park (SJP) 17:57 Reading station (RDG) £55 1 One-way 1 change
Journey information
Overview: Train from Exeter to Reading
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Exeter to Reading run on average 15 times per day, taking around 1h 57m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £33 if you book in advance.
There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:44. The fastest train covers the 196 km distance in 1h 37m.
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 196 km |
Average train duration 1h 57m |
Cheapest ticket price £33 |
Trains per day 15 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 1h 37m |
First train 0:02 |
Last train 23:44 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
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
Frequently asked questions about your Exeter to Reading trip
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Exeter to Reading.
The cost of a train ticket from Exeter to Reading can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £33, while the average price tends to be around £60.
The train journey from Exeter to Reading covers a distance of 196 km and takes approximately 1h 37m. Trains run 15 per day.
The train distance from Exeter to Reading is 196 km.
The first train from Exeter to Reading leaves at 0:02.
The last train from Exeter to Reading departs at 23:44.
Trains from Exeter to Reading run approximately 15 times per day.
Yes, there is a direct train between Exeter and Reading. The service operates 5 times per day, provided by Great Western Railway.
Live departures
Exeter to Reading train times
The table below shows live departures for Exeter to Reading trains for tomorrow, Friday 30 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| W34583 | 15:15 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 1h47 | 17:02 Reading station (RDG) | 0 changesdirect | |
| Y80272 · W34589 | 15:42 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2h15 | 17:57 Reading station (RDG) | 1 change | |
| G14926 | 15:42 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2h00 | 17:42 Reading station (RDG) | 0 changesdirect | |
| C48028+L79459+C03090 | 15:48 St James' Park (SJP) | 3h42 | 19:30 Reading West (RDW) | 2 changes | |
| C48028 · W34589 | 15:48 St James' Park (SJP) | 2h09 | 17:57 Reading station (RDG) | 1 change | |
| L79459+C03090 | 15:57 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 3h33 | 19:30 Reading West (RDW) | 1 change | |
| W34589 | 16:15 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 1h42 | 17:57 Reading station (RDG) | 0 changesdirect | |
| C48030 · G14928 | 16:20 St James' Park (SJP) | 2h34 | 18:54 Reading station (RDG) | 1 change | |
 G00723+W35198 | 16:27 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2h18 | 18:45 Reading station (RDG) | 1 change | |
| Y80277 · W34593 | 16:41 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2h19 | 19:00 Reading station (RDG) | 1 change | |
| C48033 · W34593 | 16:49 St James' Park (SJP) | 2h11 | 19:00 Reading station (RDG) | 1 change | |
| G14928 | 16:51 Exeter St Davids (EXD) | 2h03 | 18:54 Reading station (RDG) | 0 changesdirect | |
| Y80279+G00730+G15050 | 17:06 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2h41 | 19:47 Reading station (RDG) | 2 changes | |
| C48035 · G14929 | 17:22 St James' Park (SJP) | 2h33 | 19:55 Reading station (RDG) | 1 change | |
| Y80282 · G14929 | 17:31 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2h24 | 19:55 Reading station (RDG) | 1 change | |
| C48037+G00735+W35202 | 17:50 St James' Park (SJP) | 2h54 | 20:44 Reading station (RDG) | 2 changes | |
| G15233+G00735+W35202 | 18:09 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2h35 | 20:44 Reading station (RDG) | 2 changes | |
| G15234 · W34598 | 18:39 Exeter St Thomas (EXT) | 2h21 | 21:00 Reading station (RDG) | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Exeter to Reading trains with Omio?
Great Western Railway as well as CrossCountry offer trains services from Exeter to Reading.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Exeter to Reading.
Why book with Omio vs Great Western Railway?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Great Western Railway, but also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry to find the best option for your trip from Exeter 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 Great Western Railway with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Exeter to Reading.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry to find the best option for your trip from Exeter to Reading.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Exeter to Reading.
Train companies: Great Western Railway, CrossCountry from Exeter to Reading trainsGreat Western Railway, CrossCountry trains will get you between Exeter and Reading from £33. 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
1h 37m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
£33
Great Western Railway frequency
11 a day
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
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 CrossCountry Duration
2h 0m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£56
CrossCountry frequency
5 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
Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Exeter and Reading
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Exeter to Reading.
Yes, there is a night train from Exeter to Reading.
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.
Plan your visit to Reading
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Reading.
The train journey from Exeter to Reading offers scenic views of the rural English countryside, including rolling hills, charming villages, and stretches along the River Exe.
FAQs: Exeter to Reading train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Exeter 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.
Booking trains from Exeter to Reading in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
Yes, you can take the train from Exeter to Reading.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Exeter and Reading
Most Exeter to Reading trains use the Exeter St Davids to Reading station pair, with some services arriving at Reading West. Use this guide to compare Exeter and Reading train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Exeter
Arrival train stations in Reading
Which Exeter station do trains to Reading leave from?
Trains from Exeter to Reading leave from Exeter St Davids. The station is 1 km from Exeter city centre at Exeter St Davids station, Bonhay Road, Exeter, Devon, EX4 4NT.
Exeter St DavidsExeter St Davids station, Bonhay Road, Exeter, Devon, EX4 4NT+44 3451652030
City-centre transport
Getting to Exeter St Davids from Exeter city centre
Exeter St Davids is 1 km from Exeter city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus355, 6A, 5B, 4A, 4, 66 · 6m · £2 · every ~20 min
4, 4A, Uni, K · 8m · £2 · every ~19 min
Exeter St Davids train station facilities and services
Exeter St Davids has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Exeter St Davids.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Exeter St Davids. ATMs are available at Exeter St Davids.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Exeter St Davids.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Exeter St Davids: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Exeter St Davids: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Exeter St Davids: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step free Category A station - All platforms can be accessed via Lifts from the sole main station entrance. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not accessible, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available, 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, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Exeter St ThomasExeter St Thomas station, Cowick Street, Exeter, Devon, EX4 1AJ
City-centre transport
Getting to Exeter St Thomas from Exeter city centre
Exeter St Thomas is 1 km from Exeter city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainExmouth - Paignton · 21m · £1 · every ~2 min
BusA, B, C, E, P · 9m · £2 · every ~44 min
Exeter St Thomas train station facilities and services
Exeter St Thomas has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Exeter St Thomas.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Exeter St Thomas.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Exeter St Thomas: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Exeter St Thomas: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Exeter St Thomas: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Step free Category C Station - This station does not have step free access to any platform. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are not available, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
St James' ParkSt James Park (Exeter) station, Well Street, Exeter, Devon, EX4 6QB
City-centre transport
Getting to St James' Park from Exeter city centre
BusTg001 · 12m
G · 18m · every ~1 min
St James' Park train station facilities and services
St James' Park has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at St James' Park.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at St James' Park: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at St James' Park: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at St James' Park: Staff help available: No, Step free access note: Step Free Category B3 Station - This station has a degree of step free access to the platforms, however the Exeter bound platform cannot be accessed step free and the Exmouth bound platform can be accessed step free but only via a very steep ramp, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Which Reading station do trains from Exeter arrive at?
Trains from Exeter to Reading most often arrive at Reading. Some services arrive at Reading West, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Reading arrival station.
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.
Reading WestReading West station, Oxford Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7PY
City-centre transport
Getting to Reading West from Reading city centre
Reading West is 1 km from Reading city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainReading - Basingstoke, Reading - Newbury, Reading - Bedwyn, London Paddington - Bedwyn · 2m · £1 · every ~6 min
Bus15, 15a, 16, 17, 91, 85, 88, 93, 43 · 4m · £2 · every ~49 min
Reading West train station facilities and services
Reading West has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Reading West.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Reading West.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Reading West: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Reading West: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Reading West: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access note: Step Free Category B3 - This station has a degree of step free access but only to Platform 1 and only if accessed via Tilehurst Road. Otherwise this station can be classified as Category C. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available. Please request staff assistance, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Train stations for Exeter to Reading
Check train stations information for Exeter and Reading, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.
The train station in Exeter that goes to Reading is Exeter St Davids, and it arrives at Reading.
More options for your journey from Exeter to Reading
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Reading and Exeter
Most popular train connections to Reading
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