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The cheapest and fastest trains from Leicester to Reading
Showing times and prices for 05 May
Cheapest price
£54
Average price
£125
Fastest journey
2 h 22 m
Average duration
2 h 28 m
Trains per day
6
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 £125 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £54.
Fast trains
To travel from Leicester to Reading you need to make at least 2 changes.
C72517 · C751968:182h47Leicester station (LEI)11:05Reading station (RDG)£541One-way1 change
Y12141+
G83914+
G236848:312h39Leicester station (LEI)11:10Reading station (RDG)£1271One-way2 changes- C51568+
Tube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington+
P228888:422h34Leicester station (LEI)11:16Reading station (RDG)£1281One-way2 changes - Y12101+Tube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington+P302488:132h25Leicester station (LEI)10:38Reading station (RDG)£1431One-way2 changes
- Y12141+Tube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington+P226548:312h22Leicester station (LEI)10:53Reading station (RDG)£1431One-way2 changes
- Y12141+Tube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington+P226548:312h22Leicester station (LEI)10:53Reading station (RDG)£1431One-way2 changes
- Y12140+Tube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington+P298608:012h22Leicester station (LEI)10:23Reading station (RDG)£1521One-way2 changes
- Y12101+Tube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington+P302488:132h25Leicester station (LEI)10:38Reading station (RDG)£1431One-way2 changes
- C51568+Tube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington+P228888:422h34Leicester station (LEI)11:16Reading station (RDG)£1281One-way2 changes
- Y12141+G83914+G236848:312h39Leicester station (LEI)11:10Reading station (RDG)£1271One-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 prices starting from £44. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 5m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £44, and a train costs an average of £43.
Distance: 132 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£92 Average Price | £46 Average Price Cheapest |
2h 35m Average total duration Fastest 2h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 35m Average total duration 4h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Leicester to Reading train times
The table below shows live departures for Leicester to Reading trains for tomorrow, Tuesday 5 May. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Y12140+Tube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington+P29860 | 8:01 Leicester station (LEI) | 2h22 | 10:23 Reading station (RDG) | 2 changes | |
| Y12101+Tube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington+P30248 | 8:13 Leicester station (LEI) | 2h25 | 10:38 Reading station (RDG) | 2 changes | |
| C72517 · C75196 | 8:18 Leicester station (LEI) | 2h47 | 11:05 Reading station (RDG) | 1 change | |
| Y12141+G83914+G23684 | 8:31 Leicester station (LEI) | 2h39 | 11:10 Reading station (RDG) | 2 changes | |
| Y12141+Tube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington+P22654 | 8:31 Leicester station (LEI) | 2h22 | 10:53 Reading station (RDG) | 2 changes | |
| C51568+Tube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington+P22888 | 8:42 Leicester station (LEI) | 2h34 | 11:16 Reading station (RDG) | 2 changes | |
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.
Tue
05 May
05 May
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06 May
06 May
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07 May
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08 May
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09 May
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11 May
11 May
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 7 times per day, taking around 2h 5m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £43 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 11m.
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 5m |
Cheapest ticket price £43 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 2h 11m |
First train 2:24 |
Last train 22:52 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 1 day |
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 £43. 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 Duration
2h 11m
Cheapest Price
£98
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 Duration
2h 50m
Cheapest Price
£43
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
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 £43, while the average price tends to be around £92.
The train journey from Leicester to Reading covers a distance of 132 km and takes approximately 2h 11m. Trains run 7 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 7 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 £43.
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 11m 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
Leicester
Reading
The major train station for departures in Leicester is Leicester. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Leicester for your trip from Leicester to Reading.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:20 - 22:30 Saturday 05:20 - 22:30 Sunday 07:15 - 22:30
Parking
- Car Park: Short stay car park
Accessibility
- 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
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on the Main Concourse, Platform 1/2 and Platform 3/4. The National key toilets are located on Platform 1/2 and Platform 3/4; these toilets are operated by a radar key. The radar key is available from the Duty Manager located on the end of Platform 3/4.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Cycle hub situated on the lower floor (old Red Star parcels area) which can be accessed via the lift located to the left of the Customer Information desk. Stands also available in main car park and station front near short stay car park.
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
- 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
Public transport options for Leicester
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Coaches leave from the Station front
The major train station for arrivals in Reading is Reading. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Reading for your journey to Reading from Leicester.
Amenities at train station
ShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotel
LoungeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
Car Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:15 - 22:45 Saturday 05:30 - 22:45 Sunday 07:15 - 22:45 Please note: Reservations and tickets requiring reservations are sold at the following times only: Mon - Sat 08:00 - 20:00 and Sun 09:00 - 20:00
Parking
- Car Park: Multi Storey Car Park
Accessibility
- 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
WC
- Toilets Location: Toilets are located on Station Platforms and in The Brunel Arcade building
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Front of station, underground short stay car park and long stay car park.
- Storage CCTV: No
Public transport options for Reading
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the North side of the station
Amenities at train station
AccessibilityAmenities at train station
ParkingDiningAccessibilityHotel
Lost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parkinginformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:30 - 10:45 Saturday - Sunday Closed
Distance to city center
1 kmParking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- 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
Bike Parking
- Storage CCTV: No
Public transport options for Reading West
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Towards Reading: Bus Stop on Oxford Road under Railway Bridge. Heading away from Reading Bus Stop on Oxford Road, outside McDonalds.
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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