- Must visit
Reading Museum
Reading’s main museum explores local history, archaeology, and art. Best known for the Victorian copy of the Bayeux Tapestry.
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
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.
To travel from Portsmouth to Reading you need to make at least one change.
L79934+
C03045
L79592+
G15128
G15007+
G00861
G15007+
G00861+
C03047
G15005+
G00858+
C03042
L79928+
C03041
G00858+
G15005
L79592+
G15128
G15007+
G00861
G15005+
G00858Omio 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
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 |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
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.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
L79928+ C03041 | 8:00 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 1h43 | 9:43 Reading West (RDW) | 1 change | |
L79573+ G15127 | 8:21 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 2h08 | 10:29 Reading station (RDG) | 1 change | |
G15005+ G00858 | 8:23 Portsmouth Harbour (PMH) | 1h47 | 10:10 Reading station (RDG) | 1 change | |
G15005+ G00858+ C03042 | 8:23 Portsmouth Harbour (PMH) | 1h52 | 10:15 Reading West (RDW) | 2 changes | |
G15005+ G00858 | 8:27 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 1h43 | 10:10 Reading station (RDG) | 1 change | |
G15005+ G00858+ C03042 | 8:27 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 1h48 | 10:15 Reading West (RDW) | 2 changes | |
L79934+ C03045 | 9:00 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 1h52 | 10:52 Reading West (RDW) | 1 change | |
L79592+ G15128 | 9:19 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 1h45 | 11:04 Reading station (RDG) | 1 change | |
G15007+ G00861+ C03047 | 9:23 Portsmouth Harbour (PMH) | 1h52 | 11:15 Reading West (RDW) | 2 changes | |
G15007+ G00861 | 9:23 Portsmouth Harbour (PMH) | 1h45 | 11:08 Reading station (RDG) | 1 change | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
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.
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 |
Discover the best of Reading — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Reading trip today.
Reading’s main museum explores local history, archaeology, and art. Best known for the Victorian copy of the Bayeux Tapestry.
Small museum beside the abbey ruins with exhibits on Reading’s medieval abbey. Good for context before walking the historic quarter.
University museum covering farming, countryside life, and design. Engaging displays make it a distinctive and family-friendly visit.
Large riverside park with formal gardens, open lawns, and abbey remains. Ideal for relaxing walks close to the town centre.
Traffic-free shopping street at the heart of Reading. A practical and lively route linking major shops, historic lanes, and public spaces.
Riverside walking area along the Thames near Caversham Bridge. Visit for benches, water views, and an easy stroll near the centre.
Berkshire pork sausages are a long-standing county staple, prized for well-seasoned local pork and often served with mash in traditional pubs.
Spotted dick is a classic steamed suet pudding with dried fruit, commonly served with custard and strongly associated with traditional English cooking.
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.
Refined modern British dining in elegant surroundings, known for carefully plated tasting-style dishes and polished service.
Traditional pub by the Thames serving British classics, Sunday roasts and local drinks in a relaxed historic setting.
Popular central Reading restaurant specialising in well-cooked steaks, grills and hearty sides in a lively contemporary space.
Moderate for England: hotels are often cheaper than London, but dining, drinks and rail fares still add up for visitors.
Service is sometimes included. If not, tip about 10% in restaurants for good service. Taxis are often rounded up. Tipping in cafés is optional.
Official public transport app
Reading Station -> Reading Station, Reading
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.

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.
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 options are available at Portsmouth & Southsea.
Wi-Fi is available at Portsmouth & Southsea. ATMs are available at Portsmouth & Southsea.
Ticket office support is available at Portsmouth & Southsea.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Portsmouth & Southsea: Parking, WC.
Available at Portsmouth & Southsea: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
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.
Fratton is 1 km from Portsmouth city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options are available at Fratton.
Wi-Fi is available at Fratton.
Ticket office support is available at Fratton. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: 0800 5282100.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Fratton: Parking, WC.
Available at Fratton: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
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 Harbour is 1 km from Portsmouth city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options are available at Portsmouth Harbour.
Wi-Fi is available at Portsmouth Harbour. ATMs are available at Portsmouth Harbour.
Ticket office support is available at Portsmouth Harbour.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Portsmouth Harbour: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Portsmouth Harbour: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
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.
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 options are available at Reading.
ATMs are available at Reading.
Ticket office support is available at Reading.
Available at Reading: Parking, WC.
Available at Reading: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
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 West is 1 km from Reading city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options are available at Reading West.
Ticket office support is available at Reading West.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Reading West: Parking.
Available at Reading West: Bike Parking.
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 Park is 3 km from Reading city centre. Public transport options include:
Reading Green Park has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Reading Green Park.
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