First Class
- Free Wi-Fi
- Power plugs
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Reading to Bishop's Stortford among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £55 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 2m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £55, while a train costs an average of £60.
Distance: 91 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£60 Average Price | £55 Average Price Cheapest | £19 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 2m Average total duration Fastest 1h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 58m Average total duration 3h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 42m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Reading to Bishop's Stortford:
A coach is £5 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Reading to Bishop's Stortford costing on average £60.
Other travel options to Bishop's Stortford take longer:
Coach takes on average 3h 28m.
You'll arrive about 10m sooner (1h 32m by train vs 1h 42m by car). Tickets start at around £60 compared to roughly £19 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.
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.
Trains from Reading to Bishop's Stortford run on average 13 times per day, taking around 1h 32m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £58 but you can travel from only £55 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 00:39, the last at 23:37. The fastest train covers the 91 km distance in 1h 21m.
Distance 91 km |
Average train duration 1h 32m |
Cheapest ticket price £58 |
Trains per day 13 |
Fastest train 1h 21m |
First train 0:39 |
Last train 23:37 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 28 days |
Compare Greater Anglia classes and the amenities included in each one.
Discover the best of Bishop's Stortford — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bishop's Stortford trip today.
Local museum in a Georgian house with exhibits on town history, archaeology, toys and the Rhodes family legacy.
Historic house museum with period rooms, changing displays and connections to Cecil Rhodes and the Rhodes-Monckton family.
Nearby aviation museum at Stansted Airport with aircraft, engines and displays on local and civil aviation history.
Riverside green space with castle remains, water tower, paths and gardens; ideal for walks near the town centre.
Popular towpath walk beside the River Stort, linking waterside scenery, boats, wildlife and easy walking routes.
Historic main shopping street with independent shops, old frontages and a lively route through the heart of town.
Traditional Hertfordshire sausages made with local pork and sage. A classic county staple often served with mash and gravy in local pubs.
A sweet enriched bun from nearby Hertford, flavoured with lemon and topped with currants. It is a long-standing regional tea-time treat.
An old Hertfordshire dessert of stewed apples topped with a sponge or breadcrumb crust. It reflects the county's orchard and farmhouse cooking.
Popular Turkish and Mediterranean restaurant with grilled meats, meze and a lively yet comfortable atmosphere.
Stylish modern British restaurant in the town centre, known for seasonal dishes and a smart but relaxed setting.
Contemporary Indian restaurant offering refined curries and tandoori dishes in an elegant town-centre dining room.
Moderate for south-east England: accommodation and dining are pricier than many UK towns, but local buses and everyday cafés remain manageable for most 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.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reading to Bishop's Stortford 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 Bishop's Stortford, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Reading to Bishop's Stortford trains use the Reading to Bishop's Stortford station pair. Use this guide to compare Reading and Bishop's Stortford train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like 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 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.
Bishop's Stortford has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Bishop's Stortford.
Wi-Fi is available at Bishop's Stortford. ATMs are available at Bishop's Stortford.
Ticket office support is available at Bishop's Stortford. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 028 28 78.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Bishop's Stortford: Parking, WC.
Available at Bishop's Stortford: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bishop's Stortford: Staff help available: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: Details of nearest taxis are shown on station information poster, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need