Reading to Cambridge train with Great Northern

Wed 15 Jul
+ Add return
Great Northern
Greater Anglia
Thameslink
Elizabeth line
Great Western Railway (GWR)
2,000+ travel companies
Great Northern
Greater Anglia
Thameslink
Elizabeth line
Great Western Railway (GWR)
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Reading to Cambridge

Showing times and prices for 15 Jul

Cheapest price

£65

Average price

£65

Fastest journey

2 h 21 m

Average duration

2 h 43 m

Trains per day

3

Distance

111 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Reading to Cambridge will cost around £65 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £65.

Fast trains

Of the 3 trains that leave Reading for Cambridge every day 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct trains cover the 111 km distance in an average of 2 h 43 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 21 m .

The slowest trains will take 3 h 4 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.

  • Greater Anglia
    7:242h43
    Reading
    10:07Cambridge
    £651One-way
    0 changes
  • Great Northern
    16:142h21
    Reading
    18:35Cambridge
    £651One-way
    0 changes
  • Thameslink
    3:353h04
    Reading
    6:39Cambridge
    £651One-way
    0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Reading to Cambridge

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Reading to Cambridge among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £10. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 59m. 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 coach costs an average of £10, and a train costs an average of £33.

Distance: 111 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach

£61

Average Price

£50

Average Price

Cheapest

2h 29m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 59m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 40m

Average total duration

4h 10m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

Great Northern

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

Reading to Cambridge train times

The table below shows live departures for Reading to Cambridge trains for today, Tuesday 14 July. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Greater Anglia5:44 Reading
2h38
8:22 Cambridge0 changesdirect
Greater Anglia7:24 Reading
2h43
10:07 Cambridge0 changesdirect
Greater Anglia8:24 Reading
2h43
11:07 Cambridge0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Reading to Cambridge 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.

Wed
15 Jul
Thu
16 Jul
Fri
17 Jul
Sat
18 Jul
Sun
19 Jul
Mon
20 Jul
Tue
21 Jul

Why should you book Reading to Cambridge trains with Omio?

Great Northern as well as Greater Anglia, Thameslink, Elizabeth line, Great Western Railway (GWR) and more offer trains services from Reading to Cambridge.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Reading to Cambridge.

Why book with Omio vs Great Northern?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Great Northern, but also compare tickets for the likes of Greater Anglia, Thameslink, Elizabeth line or Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Reading to Cambridge.
  • 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 Northern with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Reading to Cambridge.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Greater Anglia, Thameslink, Elizabeth line or Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Reading to Cambridge.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Reading to Cambridge.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Reading to Cambridge

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Reading to Cambridge run on average 7 times per day, taking around 1h 59m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £33 but you can travel from only £10 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 00:40, the last at 23:12. The fastest train covers the 111 km distance in 2h 2m.

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 £10
Distance
111 km
Average train duration
1h 59m
Cheapest ticket price
£33
Trains per day
7
Fastest train
2h 2m
First train
0:40
Last train
23:12
Cheapest Month
Jul
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Fri
Least Busy Day
Fri
Best time to book
21 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £10

Train companies: Great Northern, Greater Anglia, Thameslink, Elizabeth line, Great Western Railway (GWR) from Reading to Cambridge trainsGreat Northern, Greater Anglia, Thameslink, Elizabeth line, Great Western Railway (GWR) trains will get you between Reading and Cambridge from £10. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Greater Anglia

About
Greater Anglia is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates a wide range of services, from commuter trains to intercity services. The commuter trains run at regular intervals throughout the day, while the intercity services run at peak times. The train types include the InterCity 125, InterCity 225, Class 90, Class 91, Class 360 and Class 379. The ticket types available are Standard, First Class and Advance. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and refreshment trolleys. The most popular routes for Greater Anglia are London Liverpool Street to Norwich, London Liverpool Street to Cambridge and London Liverpool Street to Ipswich.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 37m
Cheapest Price
£33
Luggage included
Two items of luggage per person included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar service on intercity routes with hot and cold drinks, snacks. No service on local routes.
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee. Free for First Class tickets.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs require a ticket (£6 flat fee). Guide dogs travel free.
Quiet zone

Great Northern

About
Great Northern is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It offers a wide range of services, including high-speed trains, regional trains, and sleeper services. The high-speed trains are called InterCity Express Trains and they offer a fast and comfortable journey between major cities. The regional trains are called Regional Express Trains and they provide a slower but more frequent service to smaller towns and villages. The sleeper services are called Caledonian Sleeper Trains and they offer overnight journeys with comfortable sleeping compartments. Great Northern offers a variety of ticket types, including single, return, and group tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. The most popular routes for Great Northern are London to Cambridge, London to Peterborough, and London to Norwich. These routes offer a convenient and comfortable way to travel between the cities.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 2m
Cheapest Price
£65
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
See refund policy for ticket types
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some services
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets free, maximum two dogs per passenger, must be on lead
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 Duration
3h 4m
Cheapest Price
£65
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

Elizabeth line

About
Tfl Rail is a railway service operated by Transport for London in the United Kingdom. It operates on the Great Western Main Line and the Heathrow branch of the London Underground. The service runs from Paddington in London to Reading, Maidenhead, Slough, and Heathrow Airport. It also serves the towns of Taplow, Burnham, Twyford, and Hayes & Harlington. All trains are air-conditioned and feature onboard Wi-Fi, power sockets, and digital information screens. Tfl Rail offers a range of ticket types, including single and return tickets, season tickets, and Oyster cards. Oyster cards are the most popular ticket type, allowing passengers to pay for their journey with a single card. The most popular routes for Tfl Rail are Paddington to Reading, Paddington to Maidenhead, and Paddington to Heathrow Airport. These routes offer frequent services and provide passengers with a convenient way to travel between London and the surrounding areas.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 31m
Cheapest Price
£40
Elizabeth line frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
Standard luggage allowance included with ticket
Luggage storage
Dedicated luggage storage areas in carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refunds available through TfL website or customer service
Refund
Full refund available for service cancellations
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
No dedicated dining car. Passengers can bring their own food and drinks
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Step-free access at most stations, wheelchair spaces on trains, priority seating
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be leashed. Guide dogs welcome
Quiet zone

Great Western Railway (GWR)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 52m
Cheapest Price
£89
Great Western Railway (GWR) frequency
17 a day

FAQs: Reading to Cambridge train

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

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Reading to Cambridge can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £33, while the average price tends to be around £61.
The train journey from Reading to Cambridge covers a distance of 111 km and takes approximately 2h 2m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Reading to Cambridge is 111 km.
The first train from Reading to Cambridge leaves at 0:40.
The last train from Reading to Cambridge departs at 23:12.
Trains from Reading to Cambridge run approximately 7 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Reading to Cambridge.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Reading to Cambridge.
To get from Reading to Cambridge, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Reading to Cambridge.
The train station in Reading that goes to Cambridge is Reading station (RDG), and it arrives at Cambridge station (CBG).
The cheapest way to get from Reading to Cambridge is by coach, costing approximately £10.
Booking trains from Reading to Cambridge 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 Cambridge offers varied scenery, including countryside views, charming towns, and occasional glimpses of rivers and historic architecture, providing a pleasant travel experience.
A day trip from Reading to Cambridge is feasible as the journey takes 2h 2m and covers 111 km. There are 5 train trips per day available.
In Cambridge, you can enjoy punting on the River Cam for scenic views of the colleges and bridges, visit the interactive Cambridge Science Centre, explore the historic Market Square for local produce and crafts, attend a performance at the Cambridge Arts Theatre, or take a guided walking tour to discover the city's rich history. Some of the best sights include King's College Chapel, The Fitzwilliam Museum, The Backs, Trinity College, and the Cambridge University Botanic Garden.
Two to three days in Cambridge allows you to explore its historic university, enjoy punting on the River Cam, visit the Fitzwilliam Museum, and stroll around the city's beautiful gardens and colleges.
Yes, you can take the train from Reading to Cambridge.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Reading and Cambridge

Most Reading to Cambridge trains use the Reading to Cambridge station pair, with some services arriving at Cambridge North. Use this guide to compare Reading and Cambridge 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 Cambridge

Which Reading station do trains to Cambridge leave from?

Trains from Reading to Cambridge 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.

Reading WestReading West station, Oxford Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7PYParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parking
City-centre transport

Getting to Reading West from Reading city centre

Reading West is 1 km from Reading city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainReading - Basingstoke, Reading - Newbury, Reading - Bedwyn, London Paddington - Bedwyn · 2m · £0.90 · every ~6 min
Bus15, 15a, 16, 17, 91, 85, 88, 93, 43 · 4m · £2 · every ~49 min

Reading West train station facilities and services

Reading West has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Reading West.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Reading West.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Reading West: Parking.

Bike and car services

Available at Reading West: Bike Parking.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Reading West: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access note: Step Free Category B3 - This station has a degree of step free access but only to Platform 1 and only if accessed via Tilehurst Road. Otherwise this station can be classified as Category C. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available. Please request staff assistance, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.

More options for your journey from Reading to Cambridge

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

HomeTrainsTrain Times to Cambridge Reading to Cambridge train

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