- 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 Preston to Reading
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£79
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£98
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
3 h 50 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
4 h 8 m
Trains on 18 Sept
3
Distance
283 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Preston to Reading is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Preston to Reading will cost around £98 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £79.
Fast trains
On Fri 18 Sept, we found 3 trains from Preston to Reading, including 3 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 283 km distance in an average of 4 h 8 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 50 m .
The slowest trains will take 4 h 17 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.
9:193h50Preston13:09Reading£791One-way0 changes
8:204h17Preston12:37Reading£1071One-way0 changes- 7:204h17Preston11:37Reading£1081One-way0 changes
- 9:193h50Preston13:09Reading£791One-way0 changes
- 8:204h17Preston12:37Reading£1071One-way0 changes
- 7:204h17Preston11:37Reading£1081One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train for Preston to Reading
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Preston to Reading among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £141 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 58m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.3kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £141, while a train costs an average of £141.
Distance: 283 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
£141 Average Price Cheapest | £55 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 58m Average total duration Fastest 3h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 48m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Preston to Reading is a train with an average price of £141.
The fastest way to travel from Preston to Reading is by train with an average journey time of 3h 28m.
Other travel options to Reading take longer:
Coach takes on average 8h 17m.
Yes, you can take a train between Preston and Reading.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 20m sooner (3h 28m by train vs 3h 48m by car). Tickets start at around £141 compared to roughly £55 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
Preston to Reading train times
The table below shows live departures for Preston to Reading trains for today, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G01013+ G89833 | Delayed 9:25 9:21Preston station (PRE) | 4h20 | 13:41 Reading station (RDG) | 1 change | |
| Friday 18 September | |||||
| 7:20 Preston | 4h17 | 11:37 Reading | 0 changesdirect | |
| 8:20 Preston | 4h17 | 12:37 Reading | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Preston to Reading by train
Compare 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
18 Sept
18 Sept
Sat
19 Sept
19 Sept
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20 Sept
20 Sept
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21 Sept
21 Sept
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22 Sept
22 Sept
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23 Sept
23 Sept
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24 Sept
24 Sept
Why should you book Preston to Reading trains with Omio?
Avanti West Coast as well as CrossCountry or Caledonian Sleeper offer trains services from Preston to Reading.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Preston to Reading.
Why book with Omio vs Avanti West Coast?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Avanti West Coast, but also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry or Caledonian Sleeper to find the best option for your trip from Preston 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.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry or Caledonian Sleeper to find the best option for your trip from Preston to Reading.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Preston to Reading
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Preston to Reading run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 28m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £115 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 02:24, the last at 21:18. The fastest train covers the 283 km distance in 3h 22m.
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 283 km |
Average train duration 3h 28m |
Cheapest ticket price £115 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 3h 22m |
First train 2:24 |
Last train 21:18 |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 5 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: Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, Caledonian Sleeper from Preston to Reading trainsAvanti West Coast, CrossCountry, Caledonian Sleeper trains will get you between Preston and Reading from £115. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Avanti West Coast
About
Avanti West Coast is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates high-speed trains between London and major cities in the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, First Class and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drinks. The most popular routes for Avanti West Coast are London to Birmingham, London to Manchester and London to Glasgow. The company operates a fleet of Pendolino and Super Voyager trains, which offer a smooth and comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Avanti West Coast Duration
3h 22m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
£115
Avanti West Coast frequency
24 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
First Class: Complimentary meals and drinks. Standard Class: Onboard shop with drinks and snacks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Standard Class: Optional reservation for £8-12
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/alighting available
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs £30 per single journey. Guide dogs 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
4h 17m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£107
CrossCountry frequency
2 a day
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
Caledonian Sleeper
About
The Caledonian Sleeper is a train service operating in the United Kingdom. It offers overnight journeys between London, Scotland, the North of England and Wales. The service is operated by Serco and consists of two types of trains: the Classic Sleeper and the Lowland Sleeper. The Classic Sleeper offers comfortable sleeping berths, while the Lowland Sleeper offers reclining seats. Both trains offer onboard facilities such as Wi-Fi, power sockets, and complimentary tea and coffee.Ticket types include Standard, First Class and Solo. Standard tickets offer access to the lounge car, while First Class tickets include access to the lounge car and complimentary breakfast. Solo tickets are available for single travellers and offer access to the lounge car and a private sleeping berth. The most popular routes for the Caledonian Sleeper are London to Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness. Passengers can also travel from London to Aberdeen, Fort William and Dundee.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Caledonian Sleeper Duration
4h 49m
Cheapest Caledonian Sleeper Price
£129
Caledonian Sleeper frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage per person included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Dedicated luggage storage areas in each carriage and under beds in sleeping compartments
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies vary by ticket type and timing before departure
Refund
Full refund provided if service is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Complimentary breakfast for all guests. Club Car serves dinner and drinks. Room service available for sleeping car passengers
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for sleeping car passengers. Optional seat reservations available for seated carriages
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Accessible rooms available, wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and staff assistance
Pets
Small pets allowed in sleeping compartments for a fee. Guide dogs travel free
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: Preston to Reading train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Preston 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 Preston to Reading can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £115, while the average price tends to be around £141.
The train journey from Preston to Reading covers a distance of 283 km and takes approximately 3h 22m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Preston to Reading is 283 km.
The first train from Preston to Reading leaves at 2:24.
The last train from Preston to Reading departs at 21:18.
Trains from Preston to Reading run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Preston to Reading.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Preston to Reading.
To travel from Preston to Reading, you can take a train.
Yes, there is a night train from Preston to Reading.
The train station in Preston that goes to Reading is Preston station (PRE), and it arrives at Reading station (RDG).
The cheapest way to get from Preston to Reading is by train, costing approximately £115.
Booking trains from Preston 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 Preston to Reading offers diverse scenery, passing through picturesque countryside, charming villages, and views of the Pennines, providing a pleasant travel experience.
A day trip from Preston to Reading is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 22m. Trains run 5 times per day over a distance of 283 km.
To fully explore Reading's attractions, two to three days are ideal.
Yes, you can take the train from Preston to Reading.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Preston and Reading
Most Preston to Reading trains use the Preston to Reading station pair. Use this guide to compare Preston and Reading train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Preston
Arrival train stations in Reading
Which Preston station do trains to Reading leave from?
Trains from Preston to Reading leave from Preston. The station is 1 km from Preston city centre at Fishergate, Preston PR1 8AP, United Kingdom.
PrestonFishergate, Preston PR1 8AP, United Kingdom+44 345 748 4950
City-centre transport
Getting to Preston from Preston city centre
Preston is 1 km from Preston city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus3, 2, 2A, 111, 111C · 13m · £8 · every ~36 min
Preston train station facilities and services
Preston has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: Rise, The Olive Tree Brasserie, Turtle Bay
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Preston. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Preston. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Preston: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Preston: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Preston: Elevators, ramps.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Holiday Inn Express Preston - South, Delta Hotels Preston, Macdonald Tickled Trout Hotel.
Which Reading station do trains from Preston arrive at?
Trains from Preston 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 Preston
More options for your journey from Preston to Reading
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Reading and Preston
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