- 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 Poole to Reading
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 02 Sept
Cheapest price on 02 Sept
£76
Average ticket price on 02 Sept
£83
Fastest journey on 02 Sept
1 h 55 m
Average journey duration on 02 Sept
1 h 58 m
Trains on 02 Sept
8
Distance
109 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Poole to Reading is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Poole to Reading will cost around £83 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £76.
Fast trains
To travel from Poole to Reading you need to make at least one change.
5:402h06Poole7:46Reading£761One-way1 change- 5:552h11Poole8:06Reading£761One-way1 change
- 5:002h08Poole7:08Reading£841One-way1 change
- 9:072h01Poole11:08Reading£841One-way1 change
- 10:071h59Poole12:06Reading£841One-way1 change
- 6:501h55Poole8:45Reading£851One-way1 change
- 8:101h56Poole10:06Reading£931One-way1 change
- 7:111h58Poole9:09Reading£851One-way1 change
- 10:071h59Poole12:06Reading£841One-way1 change
- 9:072h01Poole11:08Reading£841One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Poole to Reading
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Poole to Reading among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £25 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 15m. 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 train costs an average of £25, while a coach costs an average of £51.
Distance: 109 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£25 Average Price Cheapest | £51 Average Price | £21 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 15m Average total duration Fastest 1h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 32m Average total duration 4h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 54m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
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 Poole to Reading is a train with an average price of £25.
This is compared to other travel options from Poole to Reading:
A train is £26 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Poole to Reading costing on average £51.
The fastest way to travel from Poole to Reading is by train with an average journey time of 1h 45m.
Other travel options to Reading take longer:
Coach takes on average 4h 2m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Poole 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 9m sooner (1h 45m by train vs 1h 54m by car). Tickets start at around £25 compared to roughly £21 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
Poole to Reading train times
The table below shows live departures for Poole to Reading trains for today, Tuesday 1 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17:07 Poole | 1h57 | 19:04 Reading | 1 change | |
| 18:07 Poole | 1h54 | 20:01 Reading | 1 change | |
| 19:07 Poole | 1h58 | 21:05 Reading | 1 change | |
| 20:09 Poole | 2h31 | 22:40 Reading | 1 change | |
| 20:54 Poole | 2h31 | 23:25 Reading | 1 change | |
| 21:44 Poole | 2h47 | 0:31 Reading | 1 change | |
| 22:55 Poole | 7h10 | 6:05 Reading | 1 change | |
| Wednesday 2 September | |||||
| 5:00 Poole | 2h08 | 7:08 Reading | 1 change | |
| 5:40 Poole | 2h06 | 7:46 Reading | 1 change | |
| 5:55 Poole | 2h11 | 8:06 Reading | 1 change | |
| 6:50 Poole | 1h55 | 8:45 Reading | 1 change | |
| 7:11 Poole | 1h58 | 9:09 Reading | 1 change | |
| 8:10 Poole | 1h56 | 10:06 Reading | 1 change | |
| 9:07 Poole | 2h01 | 11:08 Reading | 1 change | |
| 10:07 Poole | 1h59 | 12:06 Reading | 1 change | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Poole 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.
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02 Sept
02 Sept
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03 Sept
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Sat
05 Sept
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08 Sept
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Why should you book Poole to Reading trains with Omio?
South Western Railway as well as CrossCountry offer trains services from Poole to Reading.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Poole to Reading.
Why book with Omio vs South Western Railway?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for South Western Railway, but also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry to find the best option for your trip from Poole 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 South Western Railway with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Poole to Reading.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- 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 Poole to Reading.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Poole to Reading.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Poole to Reading
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Poole to Reading run on average 7 times per day, taking around 1h 45m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £19 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 05:00, the last at 22:49. The fastest train covers the 109 km distance in 2h 1m.
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 109 km |
Average train duration 1h 45m |
Cheapest ticket price £19 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 2h 1m |
First train 5:00 |
Last train 22:49 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
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: South Western Railway, CrossCountry from Poole to Reading trainsSouth Western Railway, CrossCountry trains will get you between Poole and Reading from £19. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
South Western Railway
About
South Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom, providing services in the south and south-west of England. It operates a variety of train types, including high-speed trains, local stopping services, and suburban commuter trains. It also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Off-Peak, and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for South Western Railway include London Waterloo to Portsmouth Harbour, London Waterloo to Weymouth, and London Waterloo to Bournemouth.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average South Western Railway Duration
2h 16m
Cheapest South Western Railway Price
£28
South Western Railway frequency
16 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas at end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund depends on ticket type and timing of cancellation
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by operator
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar service with hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee, free for some ticket types
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free, dogs must be on lead
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 1m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£19
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: Poole to Reading train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Poole 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 Poole to Reading can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £19, while the average price tends to be around £25.
The train journey from Poole to Reading covers a distance of 109 km and takes approximately 2h 1m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Poole to Reading is 109 km.
The first train from Poole to Reading leaves at 5:00.
The last train from Poole to Reading departs at 22:49.
Trains from Poole to Reading run approximately 7 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Poole to Reading.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Poole to Reading.
To get from Poole to Reading, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Poole to Reading.
The train station in Poole that goes to Reading is Poole station (POO), and it arrives at Reading station (RDG).
The cheapest way to get from Poole to Reading is by train, costing approximately £19.
Booking trains from Poole 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 Poole to Reading offers a pleasant view of the English countryside, with rolling hills and picturesque landscapes, particularly as it travels through parts of Dorset and Hampshire. While it may not be the most dramatic scenic route in the UK, it provides a tranquil and charming experience.
A day trip from Poole to Reading is feasible as the journey takes 2h 1m with a distance of 109 km. Trains run 4 times per day.
To fully explore Reading's attractions, two to three days are ideal.
Yes, you can take the train from Poole to Reading.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Poole and Reading
Most Poole to Reading trains use the Poole to Reading station pair, with some services arriving at Reading West. Use this guide to compare Poole and Reading train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Poole
Arrival train stations in Reading
Which Poole station do trains to Reading leave from?
Trains from Poole to Reading leave from Poole. The station is 1 km from Poole city centre at Poole station, Serpentine Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 2BQ.
PoolePoole station, Serpentine Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 2BQ
City-centre transport
Getting to Poole from Poole city centre
Poole is 1 km from Poole city centre. Public transport options include:
Location for Rail Replacement ServicesStation forecourt, off Serpentine Road
Poole train station facilities and services
Poole has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Poole.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Poole. ATMs are available at Poole.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Poole.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Poole: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Poole: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Poole: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step-free category B Station - There is level access to both sides of the station by ramps. Interchange between platforms is via a ramped underpass at the London end of the platforms. Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All South Western Railway ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. All machines are accessible, however the station may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Parkstone (Dorset)Parkstone station, Station Road, Parkstone, Dorset, BH14 8UD
City-centre transport
Getting to Parkstone (Dorset) from Poole city centre
Parkstone (Dorset) is 3 km from Poole city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainPoole - London Waterloo, Poole - Eastleigh, Weymouth - London Waterloo, Weymouth - Southampton Central, Weymouth - Bournemouth, Poole - Brockenhurst, Poole - Winchester, Poole - Bournemouth, Weymouth - Woking, Weymouth - Eastleigh, Poole - Southampton Central · 3m · £0.90 · every ~4 min
Buscity_sightseeing_bournemouth · 7m · every ~2 min
m1, 419, 449, N1 · 13m · £2 · every ~34 min
m1, U2, N1 · 14m · £2 · every ~47 min
Parkstone (Dorset) train station facilities and services
Parkstone (Dorset) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Parkstone (Dorset).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Parkstone (Dorset).
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Parkstone (Dorset): Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Parkstone (Dorset): Bike Parking.
Which Reading station do trains from Poole arrive at?
Trains from Poole 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.
More options for your journey from Poole to Reading
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Reading and Poole
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