Portsmouth to Reading train with CrossCountry

Fri 21 Aug
+ Add return
CrossCountry
South Western Railway
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Southern
Avanti West Coast
2,000+ travel companies
CrossCountry
South Western Railway
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Southern
Avanti West Coast
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Portsmouth to Reading

Showing times and prices for 21 Aug

Cheapest price

£42

Average price

£43

Fastest journey

1 h 43 m

Average duration

1 h 45 m

Trains per day

10

Distance

74 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Portsmouth to Reading is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Portsmouth to Reading will cost around £43 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £42.

Fast trains

To travel from Portsmouth to Reading you need to make at least one change.

  • South Western RailwayL79934+Great Western RailwayC03045
    9:001h52
    Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)
    10:52Reading West (RDW)
    £421One-way
    1 change
  • South Western RailwayL79592+Great Western RailwayG15128
    9:191h45
    Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)
    11:04Reading station (RDG)
    £421One-way
    1 change
  • Great Western RailwayG15007+CrossCountryG00861
    9:231h45
    Portsmouth Harbour (PMH)
    11:08Reading station (RDG)
    £421One-way
    1 change
  • Great Western RailwayG15007+CrossCountryG00861+Great Western RailwayC03047
    9:231h52
    Portsmouth Harbour (PMH)
    11:15Reading West (RDW)
    £421One-way
    2 changes
  • Great Western RailwayG15005+CrossCountryG00858+Great Western RailwayC03042
    8:271h48
    Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)
    10:15Reading West (RDW)
    £431One-way
    2 changes

Travel Information

Compare coach and train for Portsmouth to Reading

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Portsmouth to Reading among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from £27. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 34m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £27, and a coach costs an average of £42.

Distance: 74 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach

£36

Average Price

Cheapest

£47

Average Price

2h 4m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 34m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 29m

Average total duration

3h 59m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

CrossCountry

Most popular train company

National Express

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Portsmouth to Reading train times

The table below shows live departures for Portsmouth to Reading trains for tomorrow, Friday 21 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
South Western RailwayL79928+Great Western RailwayC030418:00 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)
1h43
9:43 Reading West (RDW)1 change
South Western RailwayL79573+Great Western RailwayG151278:21 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)
2h08
10:29 Reading station (RDG)1 change
Great Western RailwayG15005+CrossCountryG008588:23 Portsmouth Harbour (PMH)
1h47
10:10 Reading station (RDG)1 change
Great Western RailwayG15005+CrossCountryG00858+Great Western RailwayC030428:23 Portsmouth Harbour (PMH)
1h52
10:15 Reading West (RDW)2 changes
Great Western RailwayG15005+CrossCountryG008588:27 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)
1h43
10:10 Reading station (RDG)1 change
Great Western RailwayG15005+CrossCountryG00858+Great Western RailwayC030428:27 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)
1h48
10:15 Reading West (RDW)2 changes
South Western RailwayL79934+Great Western RailwayC030459:00 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)
1h52
10:52 Reading West (RDW)1 change
South Western RailwayL79592+Great Western RailwayG151289:19 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)
1h45
11:04 Reading station (RDG)1 change
Great Western RailwayG15007+CrossCountryG00861+Great Western RailwayC030479:23 Portsmouth Harbour (PMH)
1h52
11:15 Reading West (RDW)2 changes
Great Western RailwayG15007+CrossCountryG008619:23 Portsmouth Harbour (PMH)
1h45
11:08 Reading station (RDG)1 change

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Portsmouth 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
21 Aug
Sat
22 Aug
Sun
23 Aug
Mon
24 Aug
Tue
25 Aug
Wed
26 Aug
Thu
27 Aug

Why should you book Portsmouth to Reading trains with Omio?

CrossCountry as well as South Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR), Southern and more offer trains services from Portsmouth to Reading.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Portsmouth 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 South Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) or Southern to find the best option for your trip from Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth to Reading.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of South Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) or Southern to find the best option for your trip from Portsmouth to Reading.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Portsmouth to Reading.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Portsmouth to Reading

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Portsmouth to Reading run on average 8 times per day, taking around 1h 34m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £27 if you book in advance.

The earliest train runs at 03:07, the last at 23:24. The fastest train covers the 74 km distance in 1h 40m.

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
74 km
Average train duration
1h 34m
Cheapest ticket price
£27
Trains per day
8
Fastest train
1h 40m
First train
3:07
Last train
23:24
Cheapest Month
Jul
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Jul - Sept
Best time to book
3 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

Train companies: South Western Railway, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway (GWR), Southern from Portsmouth to Reading trainsSouth Western Railway, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway (GWR), Southern trains will get you between Portsmouth and Reading from £27. 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 Duration
1h 42m
Cheapest Price
£41
South Western Railway frequency
39 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 Duration
1h 40m
Cheapest 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

Great Western Railway (GWR)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 38m
Cheapest Price
£75
Great Western Railway (GWR) frequency
9 a day

Southern

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 5m
Cheapest Price
£69
Southern frequency
2 a day

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

Reading Museum

Reading’s main museum explores local history, archaeology, and art. Best known for the Victorian copy of the Bayeux Tapestry.

  • 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.

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.

FAQs: Portsmouth to Reading train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Portsmouth 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.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Portsmouth to Reading can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £27, while the average price tends to be around £36.
The train journey from Portsmouth to Reading covers a distance of 74 km and takes approximately 1h 40m. Trains run 8 per day.
The train distance from Portsmouth to Reading is 74 km.
The first train from Portsmouth to Reading leaves at 3:07.
The last train from Portsmouth to Reading departs at 23:24.
Trains from Portsmouth to Reading run approximately 8 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Portsmouth to Reading.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Portsmouth to Reading.
To get from Portsmouth to Reading, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Portsmouth to Reading.
The train station in Portsmouth that goes to Reading is Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS), and it arrives at Reading station (RDG).
The cheapest way to get from Portsmouth to Reading is by train, costing approximately £27.
Booking trains from Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth to Reading offers a mix of urban and countryside views, with stretches through the picturesque South Downs and glimpses of the River Thames, making it partially scenic.
Yes, a day trip from Portsmouth to Reading is feasible with a journey time of 1h 40m and a distance of 74 km. Trains run 5 times per day.
To fully explore Reading's attractions, two to three days are ideal.
Yes, you can take the train from Portsmouth to Reading.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Portsmouth and Reading

Most Portsmouth to Reading trains use the Portsmouth & Southsea to Reading station pair, with some services arriving at Reading West. Use this guide to compare Portsmouth and Reading train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Portsmouth
Arrival train stations in Reading

Which Portsmouth station do trains to Reading leave from?

Trains from Portsmouth to Reading leave from Portsmouth & Southsea. The station is from Portsmouth city centre at Portsmouth & Southsea station, Commercial Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 1EQ.
Portsmouth & SouthseaPortsmouth & Southsea station, Commercial Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 1EQWifiParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Portsmouth & Southsea from Portsmouth city centre

Location for Rail Replacement ServicesStation Street bus stop at side of Railway Station near Matalan car park.

Portsmouth & Southsea train station facilities and services

Portsmouth & Southsea has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Portsmouth & Southsea.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Portsmouth & Southsea. ATMs are available at Portsmouth & Southsea.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Portsmouth & Southsea.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Portsmouth & Southsea: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Portsmouth & Southsea: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Portsmouth & Southsea: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step-free category A Station - This station has step-free access to all platforms. Please be aware that some platforms at this station have no or only partial 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.

FrattonFratton station, Selbourne Terrace, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 5AWWifiShoppingParkingDiningAccessibilityWCLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Fratton from Portsmouth city centre

Fratton is 1 km from Portsmouth city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainPortsmouth Harbour - London Waterloo, Portsmouth Harbour - Eastleigh, Portsmouth Harbour - Southampton Central, Portsmouth & Southsea - Southampton Central, Portsmouth Harbour - Woking, Portsmouth & Southsea - London Waterloo, Portsmouth Harbour - Guildford, Portsmouth Harbour - Winchester, Portsmouth Harbour - Basingstoke, Portsmouth & Southsea - Woking, Portsmouth Harbour - Woolston, Portsmouth & Southsea - Woolston, Portsmouth Harbour - Petersfield, Portsmouth Harbour - Fareham · 3m · £0.90 · every ~10 min
Bus1 · 4m · every ~30 min
13 · 6m · £2 · every ~6 min

Fratton train station facilities and services

Fratton has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, 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 Fratton.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Fratton.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Fratton. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: 0800 5282100.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Fratton: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Fratton: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Fratton: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step-free category A Station - This station has step-free access to all platforms, 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.

Portsmouth HarbourPortsmouth Harbour station, The Hard Interchange, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 3PAWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Portsmouth Harbour from Portsmouth city centre

Portsmouth Harbour is 1 km from Portsmouth city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainLondon Victoria - Portsmouth Harbour, Brighton - Portsmouth Harbour, Littlehampton - Portsmouth Harbour, Three Bridges - Portsmouth Harbour, Barnham - Portsmouth Harbour, Gatwick Airport - Portsmouth Harbour, Havant - Portsmouth Harbour, Bognor Regis - Portsmouth Harbour · 3m · £0.90 · every ~4 min
Bus1, 2, 8, 3, 7, X4, H1, X5, Pr1 · 6m · £2 · every ~214 min

Portsmouth Harbour train station facilities and services

Portsmouth Harbour has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Portsmouth Harbour.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Portsmouth Harbour. ATMs are available at Portsmouth Harbour.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Portsmouth Harbour.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Portsmouth Harbour: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Portsmouth Harbour: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Portsmouth Harbour: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step-free category B Station - Steps or 20m ramp (approx. 1:11 gradient) to main entrance, or steps to side entrance. 32m ramp (gradient up to 1:8) from Wightlink IoW ferry terminal. Level access to all platforms. Stepped footbridge between platforms is also available. 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.

More options for your journey from Portsmouth to Reading

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

HomeTrainsTrain Times to Reading Portsmouth to Reading train

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