- 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 Loughborough to Reading
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£44
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£92
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
3 h 19 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
3 h 29 m
Trains on 18 Sept
3
Distance
147 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Loughborough to Reading is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Loughborough to Reading will cost around £92 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £44.
Fast trains
On Fri 18 Sept, we found 3 trains from Loughborough to Reading, including 3 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 147 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 19 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 49 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.
7:483h49Loughborough11:37Reading£441One-way0 changes- 7:203h20Loughborough10:40Reading£1131One-way0 changes
- 9:503h19Loughborough13:09Reading£1191One-way0 changes
- 9:503h19Loughborough13:09Reading£1191One-way0 changes
- 7:203h20Loughborough10:40Reading£1131One-way0 changes
- 7:483h49Loughborough11:37Reading£441One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Loughborough to Reading
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Loughborough to Reading among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £60 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 49m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £60, while a train costs an average of £69.
Distance: 147 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£69 Average Price | £60 Average Price Cheapest | £30 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 49m Average total duration Fastest 2h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 15m Average total duration 4h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 27m 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 Loughborough to Reading is a coach with an average price of £60.
This is compared to other travel options from Loughborough to Reading:
A coach is £10 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Loughborough to Reading costing on average £69.
The fastest way to travel from Loughborough to Reading is by train with an average journey time of 2h 19m.
Other travel options to Reading take longer:
Coach takes on average 4h 45m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Loughborough 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 8m sooner (2h 19m by train vs 2h 27m by car). Tickets start at around £69 compared to roughly £30 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
Loughborough to Reading train times
The table below shows live departures for Loughborough 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9:50 Loughborough | 3h18 | 13:08 Reading | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Loughborough 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
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19 Sept
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24 Sept
24 Sept
Why should you book Loughborough to Reading trains with Omio?
CrossCountry as well as East Midlands Railway offer trains services from Loughborough to Reading.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Loughborough 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 East Midlands Railway to find the best option for your trip from Loughborough 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 bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Loughborough 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 East Midlands Railway to find the best option for your trip from Loughborough to Reading.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Loughborough to Reading.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Loughborough to Reading
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Loughborough to Reading run on average 7 times per day, taking around 2h 19m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £69 but you can travel from only £60 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 02:24, the last at 22:41. The fastest train covers the 147 km distance in 3h 16m.
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 £60
Distance 147 km |
Average train duration 2h 19m |
Cheapest ticket price £69 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 3h 16m |
First train 2:24 |
Last train 22:41 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 5 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 £60
Train companies: CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway from Loughborough to Reading trainsCrossCountry, East Midlands Railway trains will get you between Loughborough and Reading from £60. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
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 16m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£69
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
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 30m
Cheapest East Midlands Railway Price
£114
East Midlands Railway frequency
6 a day
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
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: Loughborough to Reading train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Loughborough 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 Loughborough to Reading can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £69, while the average price tends to be around £69.
The train journey from Loughborough to Reading covers a distance of 147 km and takes approximately 3h 16m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Loughborough to Reading is 147 km.
The first train from Loughborough to Reading leaves at 2:24.
The last train from Loughborough to Reading departs at 22:41.
Trains from Loughborough to Reading run approximately 7 times per day.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Loughborough to Reading.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Loughborough to Reading.
To get from Loughborough to Reading, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Loughborough to Reading.
The train station in Loughborough that goes to Reading is Loughborough station (LBO), and it arrives at Reading station (RDG).
The cheapest way to get from Loughborough to Reading is by coach, costing approximately £60.
Booking trains from Loughborough 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 Loughborough to Reading offers a blend of scenic countryside vistas, particularly as it passes through the rolling landscapes of the Midlands and some charming rural views along the way.
A day trip from Loughborough to Reading is not feasible due to the travel time of 3h 16m. However, there are 5 trains per day for this route, covering a distance of 147 km.
To fully explore Reading's attractions, two to three days are ideal.
Yes, you can take the train from Loughborough to Reading.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Loughborough and Reading
Most Loughborough to Reading trains use the Loughborough to Reading station pair. Use this guide to compare Loughborough and Reading train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Loughborough
Arrival train stations in Reading
Which Loughborough station do trains to Reading leave from?
Trains from Loughborough to Reading leave from Loughborough. The station is 1 km from Loughborough city centre at Loughborough Railway Station, Nottingham Road, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 1EX, United Kingdom.
LoughboroughLoughborough Railway Station, Nottingham Road, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 1EX, United Kingdom+44 345 712 5678
City-centre transport
Getting to Loughborough from Loughborough city centre
Loughborough is 1 km from Loughborough city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus127 · 4m · £2 · every ~11 min
Sky · 11m · £2 · every ~15 min
Loughborough train station facilities and services
Loughborough has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: The Basin, The Orange Tree
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Loughborough. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Loughborough. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Loughborough: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Loughborough: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Loughborough: Ramps.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Premier Inn Loughborough, Travelodge Loughborough Central, Ramada Loughborough Hotel.
Which Reading station do trains from Loughborough arrive at?
Trains from Loughborough 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 Loughborough
More options for your journey from Loughborough to Reading
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Reading and Loughborough
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