- 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 Liverpool to Reading
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 06 Oct
Cheapest price on 06 Oct
£43
Average ticket price on 06 Oct
£83
Fastest journey on 06 Oct
3 h 25 m
Average journey duration on 06 Oct
3 h 29 m
Trains on 06 Oct
2
Distance
256 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Liverpool to Reading is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Liverpool to Reading will cost around £83 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £43.
Fast trains
On Tue 06 Oct, we found 2 trains from Liverpool to Reading, including 2 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 256 km distance in an average of 3 h 29 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 25 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 32 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.
9:123h25Liverpool12:37Reading£431One-way0 changes
7:333h32Liverpool11:05Reading£1231One-way0 changes
- 9:123h25Liverpool12:37Reading£431One-way0 changes
- 7:333h32Liverpool11:05Reading£1231One-way0 changes
Journey information
Overview: Train from Liverpool to Reading
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Liverpool to Reading run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 11m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £32 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 01:35, the last at 21:04. The fastest train covers the 256 km distance in 2h 49m.
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 256 km |
Average train duration 3h 11m |
Cheapest ticket price £32 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 2h 49m |
First train 1:35 |
Last train 21:04 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 70 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
Live departures
Liverpool to Reading train times
The table below shows live departures for Liverpool to Reading trains for today, Monday 5 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 C01288+ Tube from London Euston to London Paddington+ W34632 | On time 12:08 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 3h32 | 15:40 Reading station (RDG) | 2 changes | |
| G01022+C16939 | Delayed 12:39 12:12Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 3h30 | 15:42 Reading station (RDG) | 1 change | |
| W33894+W34634+Tube from London Euston to London Paddington | On time 12:43 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 3h28 | 16:11 Reading station (RDG) | 2 changes | |
| G01024+C16944 | Delayed 13:39 13:12Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 3h28 | 16:40 Reading station (RDG) | 1 change | |
| C16947+W29935 | On time 13:33 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 3h42 | 17:15 Reading station (RDG) | 1 change | |
| G01027+C16947 | Delayed 14:22 13:33Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 4h11 | 17:44 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 Liverpool to Reading trains with Omio?
CrossCountry as well as West Midlands Trains or Avanti West Coast offer trains services from Liverpool to Reading.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Liverpool 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 West Midlands Trains or Avanti West Coast to find the best option for your trip from Liverpool 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 train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Liverpool 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 West Midlands Trains or Avanti West Coast to find the best option for your trip from Liverpool to Reading.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Liverpool to Reading.
Train companies: Avanti West Coast, West Midlands Trains, CrossCountry from Liverpool to Reading trainsAvanti West Coast, West Midlands Trains, CrossCountry trains will get you between Liverpool and Reading from £32. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
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 Avanti West Coast Duration
2h 49m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
£86
Avanti West Coast frequency
3 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
West Midlands Trains
About
West Midlands Trains is a train operator based in the United Kingdom, providing services across the West Midlands region. It operates a variety of train types, including the Class 350 Desiro, Class 323 Electrostar, Class 170 Turbostar, and Class 172 Turbostar. These trains offer a range of onboard facilities, such as free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and air conditioning. Passengers can purchase a range of tickets, including single, return, and season tickets. The most popular routes operated by West Midlands Trains include Birmingham to London Euston, Birmingham to Wolverhampton, and Birmingham to Coventry.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average West Midlands Trains Duration
3h 10m
Cheapest West Midlands Trains Price
£44
West Midlands Trains frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for an additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs require a ticket at 50% of adult fare. Guide dogs travel free
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
3h 8m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£32
CrossCountry frequency
2 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
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: Liverpool to Reading train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Liverpool 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 Liverpool to Reading can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £32, while the average price tends to be around £115.
The train journey from Liverpool to Reading covers a distance of 256 km and takes approximately 2h 49m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Liverpool to Reading is 256 km.
The first train from Liverpool to Reading leaves at 1:35.
The last train from Liverpool to Reading departs at 21:04.
Trains from Liverpool to Reading run approximately 7 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Liverpool to Reading.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Liverpool to Reading.
There is no night train service from Liverpool to Reading.
The train station in Liverpool that goes to Reading is Liverpool Lime Street (LIV), and it arrives at Reading station (RDG).
Booking trains from Liverpool 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 Liverpool to Reading offers views of the rolling countryside, picturesque towns, and charming rural landscapes, particularly as it passes through areas like the Chiltern Hills.
Yes, you can take the train from Liverpool to Reading.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Liverpool and Reading
Most Liverpool to Reading trains use the Liverpool Lime Street to Reading station pair, with some services arriving at Reading West. Use this guide to compare Liverpool and Reading train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Liverpool
Arrival train stations in Reading
Liverpool Lime StreetLime St, Liverpool L1 1JD, United Kingdom+44 3457114141
City-centre transport
Getting to Liverpool Lime Street from Liverpool city centre
Suburban train linesWirral Line (green)
Bus lines9, 10, 61, 82, 79, 86C, 500
Train linesNorthern, West Midlands, TransPennine Express, East Midlands, Avanti West Coast, Transport for Wales, London Northwestern
Location for Rail Replacement ServicesRail replacement services depart at the Bus stop on Skelhorne Street, near the Tesco Express. L3 5GA.
Liverpool Lime Street train station facilities and services
Liverpool Lime Street 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, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: Caffè Nero, Costa Coffee, Upper Crust, Starbucks, JD Wetherspoon
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free public Wi-Fi available. ATMs are located near Platform 7.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 05:00 - 23:38, Sun: 07:15 - 23:05. Information desks are located in the main concourse.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is the Excess Baggage Co. lockers and staffed luggage storage counter are located in the main concourse near the escalators across from Platform 6. Open daily 08:00 to 21:00. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Liverpool Lime Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Liverpool Lime Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Liverpool Lime Street: Full wheelchair access throughout the station, with help points at the Skelhorne Street entrance and at customer information desk in the main concourse.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Pembroke Studios, Riley’s Rooms, Holiday Inn Liverpool City Center.
Liverpool CentralLiverpool Central station, Ranelagh Street, Liverpool, Merseyside, L1 1JT
City-centre transport
Getting to Liverpool Central from Liverpool city centre
BusN1 · 21m · £4
City Explorer 101 · 32m · every ~3 min
Liverpool Central train station facilities and services
Liverpool Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Liverpool Central.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Liverpool Central. ATMs are available at Liverpool Central.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Liverpool Central. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0151 555 1111, 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 Liverpool Central: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Liverpool Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Liverpool Central: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A: “This station has step free access to all platforms / the platform” All platforms can be accessed via lift, Accessible ticket machines: There are no 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.
Liverpool James StreetLiverpool James Street station, James Street, Liverpool, Merseyside, L2 7PQ
City-centre transport
Getting to Liverpool James Street from Liverpool city centre
Liverpool James Street is 1 km from Liverpool city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainWest Kirby - West Kirby, Chester - Chester, Hooton - Chester, Ellesmere Port - Birkenhead Hamilton Square, Rock Ferry - West Kirby, Rock Ferry - Ellesmere Port, Ellesmere Port - Ellesmere Port, New Brighton - New Brighton, Moorfields - Chester, Ellesmere Port - Chester, Hooton - Ellesmere Port, Birkenhead Hamilton Square - West Kirby · 3m · £0.89 · every ~22 min
Bus10A · 8m · £4 · every ~25 min
838 · 13m
Liverpool James Street train station facilities and services
Liverpool James Street has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Liverpool James Street.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Liverpool James Street. ATMs are available at Liverpool James Street.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Liverpool James Street. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0151 555 1111, 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 Liverpool James Street: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Liverpool James Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Liverpool James Street: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A: “This station has step free access to all platforms / the platform”The Ticket Office is step free via James Street only and platforms can be accessed via lifts, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Which Reading station do trains from Liverpool arrive at?
Trains from Liverpool 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 · £0.89 · 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.
Reading Green ParkReading RG2 6AU, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Reading Green Park from Reading city centre
Reading Green Park is 3 km from Reading city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainReading - Basingstoke · 6m · £2 · every ~4 min
Bus9 · 39m · £2 · every ~3 min
Reading Green Park train station facilities and services
Reading Green Park has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Reading Green Park.
Most popular train connections from Liverpool
More options for your journey from Liverpool to Reading
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Reading and Liverpool
Most popular train connections to Reading
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