- 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 Northampton to Reading
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 19 Sept
Cheapest price on 19 Sept
£50
Average ticket price on 19 Sept
£61
Fastest journey on 19 Sept
2 h 1 m
Average journey duration on 19 Sept
2 h 42 m
Trains on 19 Sept
2
Distance
88 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Northampton to Reading is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Northampton to Reading will cost around £61 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £50.
Fast trains
On Sat 19 Sept, we found 2 trains from Northampton to Reading, including 2 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 88 km distance in an average of 2 h 42 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 1 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 23 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.
6:402h01Northampton8:41Reading£501One-way0 changes
8:483h23Northampton12:11Reading£721One-way0 changes
- 6:402h01Northampton8:41Reading£501One-way0 changes
- 8:483h23Northampton12:11Reading£721One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Northampton to Reading
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Northampton to Reading among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £49 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 13m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £49, while a train costs an average of £64.
Distance: 88 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£64 Average Price | £49 Average Price Cheapest | £20 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 13m Average total duration Fastest 1h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 14m Average total duration 3h 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 48m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
 Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Northampton to Reading is a coach with an average price of £38.
This is compared to other travel options from Northampton to Reading:
A coach is £6 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Northampton to Reading costing on average £44.
The fastest way to travel from Northampton to Reading is by train with an average journey time of 1h 45m.
Other travel options to Reading take longer:
Coach takes on average 3h 35m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Northampton and Reading including taking a train and coach.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 3m sooner (1h 45m by train vs 1h 48m by car). Tickets start at around £44 compared to roughly £20 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
Northampton to Reading train times
The table below shows live departures for Northampton to Reading trains for tomorrow, Saturday 19 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6:40 Northampton | 2h01 | 8:41 Reading | 0 changesdirect | |
| 8:48 Northampton | 3h23 | 12:11 Reading | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Northampton 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.
Sat
19 Sept
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20 Sept
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21 Sept
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25 Sept
Why should you book Northampton to Reading trains with Omio?
West Midlands Trains as well as CrossCountry or West Midlands Trains offer trains services from Northampton to Reading.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Northampton to Reading.
Why book with Omio vs West Midlands Trains?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for West Midlands Trains, but also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry or West Midlands Trains to find the best option for your trip from Northampton 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 West Midlands Trains with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Northampton to Reading.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry or West Midlands Trains to find the best option for your trip from Northampton to Reading.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Northampton to Reading.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Northampton to Reading
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Northampton to Reading run on average 6 times per day, taking around 1h 43m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £33 but you can travel from only £20 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 00:10, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 88 km distance in 1h 26m.
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 £20
Distance 88 km |
Average train duration 1h 43m |
Cheapest ticket price £33 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 1h 26m |
First train 0:10 |
Last train 23:55 |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Fri |
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 £20
Train companies: West Midlands Trains, CrossCountry from Northampton to Reading trainsWest Midlands Trains, CrossCountry trains will get you between Northampton and Reading from £20. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
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
2h 5m
Cheapest West Midlands Trains Price
£46
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
2h 5m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£33
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: Northampton to Reading train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Northampton 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 Northampton to Reading can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £33, while the average price tends to be around £44.
The train journey from Northampton to Reading covers a distance of 88 km and takes approximately 2h 5m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Northampton to Reading is 88 km.
The first train from Northampton to Reading leaves at 0:10.
The last train from Northampton to Reading departs at 23:55.
Trains from Northampton to Reading run approximately 7 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Northampton to Reading.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Northampton to Reading.
To get from Northampton to Reading, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Northampton to Reading.
The train station in Northampton that goes to Reading is Northampton station (NMP), and it arrives at Reading station (RDG).
The cheapest way to get from Northampton to Reading is by coach, costing approximately £23.
Booking trains from Northampton 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 Northampton to Reading offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, with views of the rolling countryside, small towns, and occasional glimpses of the River Thames as you approach Reading.
A day trip from Northampton to Reading is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 5m. Trains run 6 times per day for this route, covering a distance of 88 km.
To fully explore Reading's attractions, two to three days are ideal.
Yes, you can take the train from Northampton to Reading.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Northampton and Reading
Most Northampton to Reading trains use the Northampton to Reading station pair. Use this guide to compare Northampton and Reading train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Northampton
Arrival train stations in Reading
Which Northampton station do trains to Reading leave from?
Trains from Northampton to Reading leave from Northampton. The station is 2 km from Northampton city centre at Northampton station, Black Lion Hill, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1SP.
NorthamptonNorthampton station, Black Lion Hill, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1SP+44 3301235247
City-centre transport
Getting to Northampton from Northampton city centre
Northampton is 2 km from Northampton city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus8, 8A · 14m · £2 · every ~8 min
Northampton train station facilities and services
Northampton has practical services for this route, including 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 Northampton.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Northampton.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Northampton. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 0248 997, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Northampton: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Northampton: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Northampton: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available, 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 Northampton arrive at?
Trains from Northampton 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 Northampton
More options for your journey from Northampton to Reading
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Reading and Northampton
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