- Recommended
Braintree Museum
Town museum covering Braintree's social and industrial story, with displays on local life, textiles and notable residents in an accessible setting.
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Take a train from Reading to Braintree and enjoy the approximately 115 km long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest train runs at 04:35, the last at 22:14.
Distance 115 km |
First train 4:35 |
Last train 22:14 |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 4 days |
Discover the best of Braintree — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Braintree trip today.
Town museum covering Braintree's social and industrial story, with displays on local life, textiles and notable residents in an accessible setting.
Museum in a former workhouse telling the history of workhouses and social welfare, offering a distinctive and thought-provoking visit near Braintree.
Museum and gallery in nearby Saffron Walden with changing exhibitions, local history collections and an easy day-trip appeal from Braintree.
Extensive country park with lakes, woodland paths and a visitor centre, popular for walking, wildlife and a relaxed outdoor break near town.
Historic village area adjoining Braintree with traditional streets, older buildings and a more local feel for a rewarding walk beyond the main centre.
Landscaped public gardens close to the centre, valued for mature planting, quiet paths and a pleasant green stop during a day in Braintree.
Essex smoked bacon is a county staple, traditionally cured and smoked for a rich, savoury flavour found in local breakfasts and café menus.
Tiptree jam is made in Essex from local fruit. It is a classic regional preserve served at breakfast and with cream teas across the area.
Colchester native oysters are a historic Essex delicacy, prized for their clean briny taste and long links to the county’s coastal food culture.
Modern British dining in a smart yet relaxed setting, known for carefully prepared seasonal dishes and polished service.
Popular Turkish restaurant serving grilled meats, meze and fresh breads in a lively contemporary dining room.
Friendly Indian restaurant offering classic curries, tandoori dishes and generous portions in an informal atmosphere.
Moderate for England. Dining and hotels are usually cheaper than London, but costs are higher than in many smaller UK towns. Local buses and rail trips add moderate transport costs.
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual if service is not included. Taxis are often rounded up. Cafés do not require tips, but small change is appreciated.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reading to Braintree 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 Braintree, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Reading to Braintree trains use the Reading to Braintree station pair. Use this guide to compare Reading and Braintree 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.
Braintree has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Braintree.
Wi-Fi is available at Braintree.
Ticket office support is available at Braintree. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 028 28 78, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Braintree: Parking, WC.
Available at Braintree: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Braintree: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: 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: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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