- 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 Hitchin to Reading
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£45
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£45
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
1 h 36 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
1 h 36 m
Trains on 18 Sept
1
Distance
74 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Hitchin to Reading is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Hitchin to Reading will cost around £45 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £45.
Fast trains
On Fri 18 Sept, we found 1 trains from Hitchin to Reading, including 1 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 74 km distance in an average of 1 h 36 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 36 m .
The slowest trains will take 1 h 36 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.
8:391h36Hitchin10:15Reading£451One-way0 changes
- 8:391h36Hitchin10:15Reading£451One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Hitchin to Reading
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Hitchin to Reading among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £55 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 57m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £55, while a train costs an average of £55.
Distance: 74 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£55 Average Price | £55 Average Price Cheapest | £15 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 57m Average total duration Fastest 1h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 55m Average total duration 3h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 23m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Hitchin to Reading is a coach with an average price of £55.
This is compared to other travel options from Hitchin to Reading:
A coach is £0.18 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Hitchin to Reading costing on average £55.
The fastest way to travel from Hitchin to Reading is by train with an average journey time of 1h 27m.
Other travel options to Reading take longer:
Coach takes on average 3h 25m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Hitchin 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 £55 compared to roughly £15 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-40.17. The journey takes 1h 27m versus 1h 23m 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
Hitchin to Reading train times
The table below shows live departures for Hitchin to Reading trains for tomorrow, Friday 18 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:39 Hitchin | 1h36 | 10:15 Reading | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Hitchin 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.
Fri
18 Sept
18 Sept
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19 Sept
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20 Sept
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21 Sept
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24 Sept
24 Sept
Why should you book Hitchin to Reading trains with Omio?
Thameslink as well as Elizabeth line offer trains services from Hitchin to Reading.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Hitchin to Reading.
Why book with Omio vs Thameslink?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Thameslink, but also compare tickets for the likes of Elizabeth line to find the best option for your trip from Hitchin 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 Thameslink with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Hitchin to Reading.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Hitchin to Reading.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Hitchin to Reading
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Hitchin to Reading run on average 8 times per day, taking around 1h 27m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £55 but you can travel from only £53 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 00:53, the last at 23:41. The fastest train covers the 74 km distance in 1h 44m.
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 £53
Distance 74 km |
Average train duration 1h 27m |
Cheapest ticket price £55 |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 1h 44m |
First train 0:53 |
Last train 23:41 |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
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
Coach from £53
Train companies: Thameslink, Elizabeth line from Hitchin to Reading trainsThameslink, Elizabeth line trains will get you between Hitchin and Reading from £53. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
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
1h 44m
Cheapest Thameslink Price
£55
Thameslink frequency
25 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 Elizabeth line Duration
1h 59m
Cheapest Elizabeth line Price
£55
Elizabeth line frequency
3 a day
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: Hitchin to Reading train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Hitchin 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 Hitchin to Reading can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £55, while the average price tends to be around £55.
The train journey from Hitchin to Reading covers a distance of 74 km and takes approximately 1h 44m. Trains run 8 per day.
The train distance from Hitchin to Reading is 74 km.
The first train from Hitchin to Reading leaves at 0:53.
The last train from Hitchin to Reading departs at 23:41.
Trains from Hitchin to Reading run approximately 8 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Hitchin to Reading.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Hitchin to Reading.
To get from Hitchin to Reading, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Hitchin to Reading.
The train station in Hitchin that goes to Reading is Hitchin station (HIT), and it arrives at Reading station (RDG).
The cheapest way to get from Hitchin to Reading is by coach, costing approximately £53.
Booking trains from Hitchin 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 Hitchin to Reading passes through a mix of urban and rural landscapes, featuring glimpses of the English countryside, including fields and small towns, but it is not widely regarded as particularly scenic compared to more renowned routes.
Yes, you can do a day trip from Hitchin to Reading. The journey takes 1h 44m and the distance is 74 km. There are 6 trains per day.
To fully explore Reading's attractions, two to three days are ideal.
Yes, you can take the train from Hitchin to Reading.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Hitchin and Reading
Most Hitchin to Reading trains use the Hitchin to Reading station pair. Use this guide to compare Hitchin and Reading train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Hitchin
Arrival train stations in Reading
Which Hitchin station do trains to Reading leave from?
Trains from Hitchin to Reading leave from Hitchin. The station is from Hitchin city centre at Hitchin station, Walsworth Road, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, SG4 9UL.
HitchinHitchin station, Walsworth Road, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, SG4 9UL
City-centre transport
Getting to Hitchin from Hitchin city centre
Bus98, 97, 97B · 12m · £2 · every ~4 min
97, 98, 97B · 17m · £4 · every ~4 min
Hitchin train station facilities and services
Hitchin has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Hitchin.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Hitchin. ATMs are available at Hitchin.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Hitchin.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Hitchin: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Hitchin: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Hitchin: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station: This station has step-free level access to all platforms. Assistance Meeting Point is the the front of the station next to the night gate, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All Great Northern 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: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Wheelchairs may only be available when the station is staffed, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Which Reading station do trains from Hitchin arrive at?
Trains from Hitchin 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 Hitchin
More options for your journey from Hitchin to Reading
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Reading and Hitchin
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