Portsmouth to Reading train with South Western Railway

Fri 20 Mar
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South Western Railway
CrossCountry
Southern
Great Western Rail
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South Western Railway
CrossCountry
Southern
Great Western Rail
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 Mar

Cheapest price

£41

Average price

£42

Fastest journey

1 h 39 m

Average duration

1 h 50 m

Trains per day

4

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 £42 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £41.

Fast trains

Of the 4 trains that leave Portsmouth for Reading every day 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct trains cover the 74 km distance in an average of 1 h 50 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 39 m .

The slowest trains will take 2 h 16 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.

South Western Railway
04:462h16
Portsmouth
07:02Reading
£411One-way
0 changes
South Western Railway
10:001h46
Portsmouth
11:46Reading
£411One-way
0 changes
CrossCountry
10:271h40
Portsmouth
12:07Reading
£421One-way
0 changes
CrossCountry
09:271h39
Portsmouth
11:06Reading
£421One-way
0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train and coach 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 £19. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 36m. 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 £19, and a coach costs an average of £45.

Distance: 74 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach

£41

Average Price

Cheapest

£49

Average Price

2h 6m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 36m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 21m

Average total duration

3h 51m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

South Western Railway

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 today, Friday 20 March. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 14:35
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
south_west_trainsP61365+great_westernP32274
On time
15:00 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)
1h44
16:44 Reading West (RDW)
1 change
great_westernP22738+cross_countryC74882
On time
15:27 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)
1h38
17:05 Reading station (RDG)
1 change
south_west_trainsP61367+great_westernP23060
On time
16:00 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)
1h44
17:44 Reading West (RDW)
1 change
great_westernP22740+cross_countryC72359
On time
16:29 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)
1h38
18:07 Reading station (RDG)
1 change
south_west_trainsP61368+great_westernP32294
On time
17:00 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)
1h39
18:39 Reading West (RDW)
1 change
great_westernP22742+cross_countryC72368
On time
17:29 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)
1h38
19:07 Reading station (RDG)
1 change
south_west_trainsP61370 · P61121
On time
18:00 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)
1h47
19:47 Reading station (RDG)
1 change
great_westernP22744+cross_countryC72376
On time
18:29 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)
1h40
20:09 Reading station (RDG)
1 change
Saturday 21 March
south_west_trains04:46 Portsmouth
2h16
07:02 Reading0 changesdirect
cross_country09:27 Portsmouth
1h39
11:06 Reading0 changesdirect
south_west_trains10:00 Portsmouth
1h46
11:46 Reading0 changesdirect
cross_country10:27 Portsmouth
1h40
12:07 Reading0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

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

Why should you book Portsmouth to Reading trains with Omio?

South Western Railway as well as CrossCountry or Southern 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 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 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 South Western Railway with all available travel options, which are train and bus 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 CrossCountry 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 train and bus 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 6 times per day, taking around 1h 36m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £19 if you book in advance.

The earliest train runs at 03:07, the last at 23:35. The fastest train covers the 74 km distance in 1h 39m.

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 36m
Cheapest ticket price
£19
Trains per day
6
Fastest train
1h 39m
First train
03:07
Last train
23:35
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, Southern from Portsmouth to Reading trainsSouth Western Railway, CrossCountry, Southern trains will get you between Portsmouth 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 Duration
1h 42m
Cheapest Price
£41
South Western Railway frequency
48 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 39m
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

Southern

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 3m
Cheapest Price
£68
Southern frequency
2 a day

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 £19, while the average price tends to be around £41.
The train journey from Portsmouth to Reading covers a distance of 74 km and takes approximately 1h 39m. Trains run 6 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 23:35.
Trains from Portsmouth to Reading run approximately 6 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 train and coach.
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 £19.
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 39m 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

Portsmouth
Reading
The major train station for departures in Portsmouth is Portsmouth & Southsea. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Portsmouth & Southsea for your trip from Portsmouth to Reading.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:40 - 20:30 Saturday 05:40 - 20:30 Sunday 06:40 - 20:40
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: The toilets are located in the Lower Concourse, next to the gateline. The National key toilets are located in the Lower Concourse; these toilets are operated by a radar key. A radar key is available from station staff upon request. A 'National Key Scheme' key [RADAR] can be purchased by contacting the following. Address: 12 City Forum, 250 City Road, London, EC1V 8AF. Tel: 020 7250 3222. Minicom: 020 7250 4119. Fax: 020 7250 0212. Email: [email protected]
  • National key toilets: Yes
  • Baby changing facilities: No
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: Concourse and car park
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Portsmouth & Southsea
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Station Street bus stop at side of Railway Station near Matalan car park.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:55 - 19:40 Saturday 05:55 - 19:40 Sunday 09:10 - 18:40
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: The toilets are located in the Booking Hall on Platform 1. The National key toilets are located in the Booking Hall on Platform 1; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
  • National key toilets: Yes
  • Baby changing facilities: No
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: Platform 1
  • Storage CCTV: No
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Information available from staff: Yes - from help point
  • Helpline Contact: 0800 5282100
Public transport options for Fratton
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Goldsmith Avenue (for buses in both directions). Goldsmith Avenue is located on the opposite side of the footbridge from the main entrance/taxi rank/Railway club.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:50 - 19:00 Saturday 06:30 - 19:00 Sunday 08:00 - 19:00
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platform 1. The National key toilets are located on Platform 1; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
  • National key toilets: Yes
  • National key toilets location: The National key toilets are located on Platform 1; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
  • Baby changing facilities: No
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: No
  • Storage location: Platform 1 and outside booking hall
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Portsmouth Harbour
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Hard Interchange Stands G, H or J

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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