Reading to Brighton train with Great Western Railway

Wed 07 Oct
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Great Western Railway
Gatwick Express
Thameslink
Southern
Avanti West Coast
2,000+ travel companies
Great Western Railway
Gatwick Express
Thameslink
Southern
Avanti West Coast
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Reading to Brighton

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 07 Oct

Cheapest price on 07 Oct

£36

Average ticket price on 07 Oct

£48

Fastest journey on 07 Oct

2 h 15 m

Average journey duration on 07 Oct

2 h 17 m

Trains on 07 Oct

4

Distance

91 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Reading to Brighton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Reading to Brighton will cost around £48 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £36.

Fast trains

On Wed 07 Oct, we found 4 trains from Reading to Brighton, including 4 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 91 km distance in an average of 2 h 17 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 15 m .

The slowest trains will take 2 h 19 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.

  • Great Western Railway
    7:542h19
    Reading
    10:13Brighton
    £361One-way
    0 changes
  • Great Western Railway
    6:282h15
    Reading
    8:43Brighton
    £521One-way
    0 changes
  • Great Western Railway
    7:252h18
    Reading
    9:43Brighton
    £521One-way
    0 changes
  • Great Western Railway
    5:282h15
    Reading
    7:43Brighton
    £521One-way
    0 changes

Journey information

Overview: Train from Reading to Brighton

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Reading to Brighton run on average 7 times per day, taking around 1h 57m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £36 but you can travel from only £34 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:35. The fastest train covers the 91 km distance in 1h 38m.

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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £34
Distance
91 km
Average train duration
1h 57m
Cheapest ticket price
£36
Trains per day
7
Fastest train
1h 38m
First train
0:02
Last train
23:35
Cheapest Month
Jan
Cheapest Day
Thu
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Wed
Least Busy Day
Fri
Best time to book
1 day
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £34

Live departures

Reading to Brighton train times

The table below shows live departures for Reading to Brighton trains for tomorrow, Wednesday 7 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Great Western Railway5:28 Reading
2h15
7:43 Brighton0 changesdirect
Great Western Railway6:28 Reading
2h15
8:43 Brighton0 changesdirect
Great Western Railway7:25 Reading
2h18
9:43 Brighton0 changesdirect
Great Western Railway7:54 Reading
2h19
10:13 Brighton0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Reading to Brighton trains with Omio?

Great Western Railway as well as Gatwick Express, Thameslink, Southern and more offer trains services from Reading to Brighton.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Reading to Brighton.

Why book with Omio vs Great Western Railway?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Great Western Railway, but also compare tickets for the likes of Gatwick Express, Thameslink or Southern to find the best option for your trip from Reading to Brighton.
  • 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 Great Western Railway with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Reading to Brighton.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu, Raileurope or Rome2rio?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Gatwick Express, Thameslink or Southern to find the best option for your trip from Reading to Brighton.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Reading to Brighton.

Train companies: Great Western Railway, Thameslink, Gatwick Express, Southern from Reading to Brighton trainsGreat Western Railway, Thameslink, Gatwick Express, Southern trains will get you between Reading and Brighton from £34. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Great Western Railway

About
Great Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London Paddington to the West of England, South Wales and the Cotswolds. It also operates services from London Paddington to Oxford, Reading and Bristol. It offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and catering services. The most popular routes for Great Western Railway are London Paddington to Bristol, Reading and Oxford.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Great Western Railway Duration
1h 54m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
£36
Great Western Railway frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
Two pieces of luggage and one piece of hand luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, dedicated luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches. First Class at-seat service on some routes
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservations available for a fee. Free in First Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone

Southern

About
Southern Rail is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates a wide range of services, from high-speed intercity trains to local commuter services. Its trains include the InterCity 125, InterCity 225, and Class 444 and 450. It also offers a variety of ticket types, such as Advance, Off-Peak, and Super Off-Peak. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for Southern Rail are London to Brighton, London to Southampton, and London to Portsmouth.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Southern Duration
1h 56m
Cheapest Southern Price
£57
Southern frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 piece of hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage areas at the end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund provided
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with snacks and drinks
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require a ticket
Quiet zone

Thameslink

About
Thameslink is a train service that operates in the United Kingdom. It is operated by Govia Thameslink Railway and serves the counties of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, London, and Surrey. The trains run from early morning until late at night, with some services running 24 hours a day. There are a variety of train types available, including Class 700 Desiro City, Class 377 Electrostar, Class 387/1 Electrostar, and Class 319/0. Ticket types include Anytime, Off-Peak, Super Off-Peak, and Advance. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power sockets, and air conditioning. The most popular routes for Thameslink are London to Brighton, London to Bedford, and London to Luton.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Thameslink Duration
1h 47m
Cheapest Thameslink Price
£54
Thameslink frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund available if service is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on some routes offering drinks and snacks
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets free of charge. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone

Gatwick Express

About
Gatwick Express is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates between London Victoria and Gatwick Airport, with trains running every 15 minutes throughout the day. The trains are modern and comfortable, with air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi. There are two types of trains: the Gatwick Express and the Southern service. The Gatwick Express is the fastest service, taking just 30 minutes to reach the airport. The Southern service takes a few minutes longer but offers more stops along the way.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Gatwick Express Duration
1h 38m
Cheapest Gatwick Express Price
£58
Gatwick Express frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 piece of hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage areas at the end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refunds available according to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund available if service is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Snack trolley service available on some services
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces available, staff assistance for boarding and alighting
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead.

Complete guide to Brighton

Things to do in Brighton

Discover the best of Brighton — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Brighton trip today.

  • Recommended

Brighton Museum & Art Gallery

Contemporary art gallery in the Royal Pavilion Garden, showing major exhibitions in a restored historic building.

  • Recommended

Brighton Museum & Art Gallery

Museum inside the Royal Pavilion Estate covering local history, fashion, decorative art and changing exhibitions.

Centre for Contemporary Arts Brighton

Seafront gallery dedicated to photography and contemporary visual culture, with changing exhibitions and events.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for a UK seaside city. Hotels and dining are pricier than many British towns, but buses, casual eats and supermarket options help keep daily costs manageable.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or a simple lunch.
Mid-range
£20-35 per person for a meal.
Fine dining
£60+ per person for upscale restaurants.
Coffee
£3-4.50 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Service may be included in restaurants; if not, 10-12.5% is common for good service. Taxi fares are often rounded up. Tipping in cafés is optional.

Best day trips from Brighton by train

The most popular day trips by train from Brighton are London, Lewes, Eastbourne, Hastings and Chichester. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your train from Brighton on Omio.

A view of London

Day trip from Brighton to London by train

Why visit London for the day?

London blends royal history with modern city life, known for its museums, theatre and global food scene. Along the Thames, grand landmarks sit beside diverse neighbourhoods shaped by finance, fashion and contemporary culture.

How to get from Brighton to London by train?

There are 15 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 76 km distance in 54m.

A view of Lewes

Day trip from Brighton to Lewes by train

Why visit Lewes for the day?

Lewes is a historic East Sussex town known for its castle, independent shops and famous Bonfire Night celebrations. On the edge of the South Downs, it mixes medieval streets, old pubs and literary and political history.

How to get from Brighton to Lewes by train?

There are 8 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:03, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 12 km distance in 14m.

A view of Eastbourne

Day trip from Brighton to Eastbourne by train

Why visit Eastbourne for the day?

Eastbourne is a south coast seaside town known for its Victorian seafront, long promenade and beach near Beachy Head. It feels more traditional and relaxed than larger resorts, with theatres, gardens and access to the South Downs.

How to get from Brighton to Eastbourne by train?

There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:06, the last at 23:57. The fastest train covers the 31 km distance in 32m.

A view of Hastings

Day trip from Brighton to Hastings by train

Why visit Hastings for the day?

Hastings is a historic seaside town known for the 1066 battle nearby, its fishing fleet and its compact Old Town. It combines shingle beaches and cliff views with a creative, slightly rough-edged coastal character.

How to get from Brighton to Hastings by train?

There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:15, the last at 23:48. The fastest train covers the 50 km distance in 1h 4m.

A view of Chichester

Day trip from Brighton to Chichester by train

Why visit Chichester for the day?

Chichester is a small cathedral city in West Sussex with Roman roots and a strong Georgian character. It is known for Chichester Cathedral, the Festival Theatre and its easy link to the South Downs and nearby coast.

How to get from Brighton to Chichester by train?

There are 10 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 23:50. The fastest train covers the 45 km distance in 45m.

FAQs: Reading to Brighton train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reading to Brighton 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 Brighton, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Reading to Brighton can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £36, while the average price tends to be around £57.
The train journey from Reading to Brighton covers a distance of 91 km and takes approximately 1h 38m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Reading to Brighton is 91 km.
The first train from Reading to Brighton leaves at 0:02.
The last train from Reading to Brighton departs at 23:35.
Trains from Reading to Brighton run approximately 7 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Reading to Brighton.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Reading to Brighton.
There is no night train service from Reading to Brighton.
The train station in Reading that goes to Brighton is Reading station (RDG), and it arrives at Brighton station (BTN).
Booking trains from Reading to Brighton in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Reading to Brighton offers views of the picturesque English countryside, passing through areas of natural beauty and charming towns, making it a pleasant and scenic route.
Yes, you can take the train from Reading to Brighton.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Reading and Brighton

Most Reading to Brighton trains use the Reading to Brighton station pair, with some services arriving at Hove. Use this guide to compare Reading and Brighton train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Reading
Arrival train stations in Brighton

Which Reading station do trains to Brighton leave from?

Trains from Reading to Brighton leave from Reading. The station is from Reading city centre at Reading station, Station Hill, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1LZ.
ReadingReading station, Station Hill, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1LZ+44 3451652030ShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rental
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.

More options for your journey from Reading to Brighton

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

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We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

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