- 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 Leicester to Reading
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£74
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£132
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
2 h 20 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
2 h 22 m
Trains on 18 Sept
12
Distance
132 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Leicester to Reading is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Leicester to Reading will cost around £132 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £74.
Fast trains
To travel from Leicester to Reading you need to make at least 2 changes.
G01046 · W299258:182h47Leicester station (LEI)11:05Reading station (RDG)£741One-way1 change- G66932 · G011736:172h51Leicester station (LEI)9:08Reading station (RDG)£741One-way1 change
W70753+
W45604+
C372316:022h40Leicester station (LEI)8:42Reading station (RDG)£981One-way2 changes- C21675+C10093+C371998:312h41Leicester station (LEI)11:12Reading station (RDG)£1161One-way2 changes
- C21670+
Tube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington+
W346808:012h22Leicester station (LEI)10:23Reading station (RDG)£1521One-way2 changes
- W70753+Tube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington+G149536:022h20Leicester station (LEI)8:22Reading station (RDG)£1521One-way2 changes
- C21670+Tube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington+W346808:012h22Leicester station (LEI)10:23Reading station (RDG)£1521One-way2 changes
- C21675+Tube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington+G149578:312h22Leicester station (LEI)10:53Reading station (RDG)£1521One-way2 changes
- W70756+Tube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington+G149546:302h23Leicester station (LEI)8:53Reading station (RDG)£1521One-way2 changes
- W70677+Tube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington+W351118:132h25Leicester station (LEI)10:38Reading station (RDG)£1521One-way2 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Leicester to Reading
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Leicester to Reading among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £43 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 36m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £43, while a train costs an average of £52.
Distance: 132 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£52 Average Price | £43 Average Price Cheapest | £27 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 36m Average total duration Fastest 2h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 44m Average total duration 4h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 22m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Leicester to Reading is a coach with an average price of £43.
This is compared to other travel options from Leicester to Reading:
A coach is £9 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Leicester to Reading costing on average £52.
The fastest way to travel from Leicester to Reading is by train with an average journey time of 2h 6m.
Other travel options to Reading take longer:
Coach takes on average 4h 14m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Leicester and Reading including taking a coach and train.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 16m sooner (2h 6m by train vs 2h 22m by car). Tickets start at around £52 compared to roughly £27 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
Leicester to Reading train times
The table below shows live departures for Leicester to Reading trains for today, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C21654+Tube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington+G14963 | 12:04 Leicester station (LEI) | 2h19 | 14:23 Reading station (RDG) | 2 changes | |
| W70700+Tube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington+W34629 | 12:12 Leicester station (LEI) | 2h26 | 14:38 Reading station (RDG) | 2 changes | |
| G66947 · G01184 | On time 12:18 Leicester station (LEI) | 2h48 | 15:06 Reading station (RDG) | 1 change | |
| W70793+Tube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington+G14964 | 12:31 Leicester station (LEI) | 2h22 | 14:53 Reading station (RDG) | 2 changes | |
| C21671+Tube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington+W34630 | 12:43 Leicester station (LEI) | 2h28 | 15:11 Reading station (RDG) | 2 changes | |
| G00964 · G01022 | 12:50 Leicester station (LEI) | 2h52 | 15:42 Reading station (RDG) | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Leicester to Reading by coach or train
Compare coach 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.
Fri
18 Sept
18 Sept
Sat
19 Sept
19 Sept
Sun
20 Sept
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
22 Sept
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24 Sept
24 Sept
Why should you book Leicester to Reading trains with Omio?
East Midlands Railway as well as CrossCountry offer trains services from Leicester to Reading.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Leicester to Reading.
Why book with Omio vs East Midlands Railway?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for East Midlands Railway, but also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry to find the best option for your trip from Leicester 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 East Midlands Railway with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Leicester to Reading.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Rome2rio?
- 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 Leicester to Reading.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Leicester to Reading.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Leicester to Reading
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Leicester to Reading run on average 8 times per day, taking around 2h 6m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £21 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 02:24, the last at 22:52. The fastest train covers the 132 km distance in 2h 29m.
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 132 km |
Average train duration 2h 6m |
Cheapest ticket price £21 |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 2h 29m |
First train 2:24 |
Last train 22:52 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 35 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: East Midlands Railway, CrossCountry from Leicester to Reading trainsEast Midlands Railway, CrossCountry trains will get you between Leicester and Reading from £21. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
East Midlands Railway
About
East Midlands Trains is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London to the East Midlands, Yorkshire, and the North West. East Midlands Trains operates a fleet of Class 158, Class 156, Class 170, Class 222 and Class 180 diesel multiple units, as well as Class 222 Meridian electric multiple units. East Midlands Trains also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for East Midlands Trains are London to Nottingham, Sheffield, and Leeds.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average East Midlands Railway Duration
2h 29m
Cheapest East Midlands Railway Price
£59
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 piece of hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the 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
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee. Free for Advance ticket holders
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs must be on lead and require a ticket (£6 for day ticket)
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 50m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£21
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
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: Leicester to Reading train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Leicester 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 Leicester to Reading can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £21, while the average price tends to be around £52.
The train journey from Leicester to Reading covers a distance of 132 km and takes approximately 2h 29m. Trains run 8 per day.
The train distance from Leicester to Reading is 132 km.
The first train from Leicester to Reading leaves at 2:24.
The last train from Leicester to Reading departs at 22:52.
Trains from Leicester to Reading run approximately 8 times per day.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Leicester to Reading.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Leicester to Reading.
To get from Leicester to Reading, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Leicester to Reading.
The train station in Leicester that goes to Reading is Leicester station (LEI), and it arrives at Reading station (RDG).
The cheapest way to get from Leicester to Reading is by train, costing approximately £21.
Booking trains from Leicester 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 Leicester to Reading offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, passing through the picturesque landscapes of the English countryside, including rolling hills and fields, particularly between Leicester and Oxford.
A day trip from Leicester to Reading is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 29m each way. However, there are 6 trains available per day for this route, covering a distance of 132 km.
To fully explore Reading's attractions, two to three days are ideal.
Yes, you can take the train from Leicester to Reading.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Leicester and Reading
Most Leicester to Reading trains use the Leicester to Reading station pair, with some services arriving at Reading West. Use this guide to compare Leicester and Reading train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Leicester
Arrival train stations in Reading
Which Leicester station do trains to Reading leave from?
Trains from Leicester to Reading leave from Leicester. The station is 1 km from Leicester city centre at Leicester station, London Road, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE2 0QB.
LeicesterLeicester station, London Road, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE2 0QB+44 8457125678
City-centre transport
Getting to Leicester from Leicester city centre
BusX7 · 4m · £2 · every ~3 min
16 · 7m · every ~6 min
Hop · 11m · £2 · every ~14 min
Leicester train station facilities and services
Leicester has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Leicester.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Leicester. ATMs are available at Leicester.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Leicester. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 08000 11 33 23, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Leicester: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Leicester: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Leicester: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A access station. There is step free access to the main entrance and lifts to all platforms. Customers with wheelchairs who require assistance on graduated slopes should press the ticket gate 'assistance' button located at the bottom of the stairs near the self service ticket machines. To ensure availability of staff to assist, it is imperative that customers book assistance in advance. This station has tactile paving at the edge of all platforms and at the bottom of all staircases, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, 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.
Which Reading station do trains from Leicester arrive at?
Trains from Leicester 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 · £0.90 · 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.
Most popular train connections from Leicester
More options for your journey from Leicester to Reading
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Reading and Leicester
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