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4.9
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C5004014:401h54Reading station (RDG)16:34Cardiff Central (CDF)£541One-way0 changes- C5004712:401h55Reading station (RDG)14:35Cardiff Central (CDF)£541One-way0 changes
- C0084013:402h00Reading station (RDG)15:40Cardiff Central (CDF)£541One-way0 changes
- C01223 · C4882212:552h07Reading station (RDG)15:02Cardiff Central (CDF)£551One-way1 change
- W34700 · C4798013:552h02Reading station (RDG)15:57Cardiff Central (CDF)£551One-way1 change
- C5004014:401h54Reading station (RDG)16:34Cardiff Central (CDF)£541One-way0 changes
- C5004712:401h55Reading station (RDG)14:35Cardiff Central (CDF)£541One-way0 changes
- C0084013:402h00Reading station (RDG)15:40Cardiff Central (CDF)£541One-way0 changes
- W34700 · C4798013:552h02Reading station (RDG)15:57Cardiff Central (CDF)£551One-way1 change
- C01223 · C4882212:552h07Reading station (RDG)15:02Cardiff Central (CDF)£551One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Reading to Cardiff
The cheapest option from Reading to Cardiff is coach, with an average price of £41. Omio recommends booking the train, as it is the most popular option from Reading to Cardiff among Omio users. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg.
Distance: 153 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£50 Average Price | £41 Average Price Cheapest option |
2h 0m Average total duration Fastest option 1h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 14m Average total duration 3h 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  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 Cardiff train times
The table below shows live departures for Reading to Cardiff trains for today, Saturday 11 July. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C04999 · W34607 | 6:25 Reading station (RDG) | 2h25 | 8:50 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| W34605 | 6:44 Reading station (RDG) | 1h53 | 8:37 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
| W34667 · W34967 | 7:25 Reading station (RDG) | 2h20 | 9:45 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| W34609 | 7:41 Reading station (RDG) | 1h55 | 9:36 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
| C42185 · C42699 | 7:55 Reading station (RDG) | 2h20 | 10:15 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
W35062+ G01094 | 7:58 Reading station (RDG) | 2h27 | 10:25 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| W34671 · C42255 | 8:25 Reading station (RDG) | 2h27 | 10:52 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| C42174 | 8:41 Reading station (RDG) | 2h00 | 10:41 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
| C42186 · C42700 | 8:55 Reading station (RDG) | 2h15 | 11:10 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| C42281+G01097 | 8:58 Reading station (RDG) | 2h27 | 11:25 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| W34676 · C42257 | 9:25 Reading station (RDG) | 2h20 | 11:45 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| W34615 | 9:39 Reading station (RDG) | 2h01 | 11:40 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
| W34679 · C42701 | 9:55 Reading station (RDG) | 2h17 | 12:12 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| W35066 · C42309 · C42701 | 9:58 Reading station (RDG) | 2h14 | 12:12 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Reading to Cardiff 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.
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18 Jul
Why should you book Reading to Cardiff trains with Omio?
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 Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Reading to Cardiff.
- 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 Cardiff.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Reading to Cardiff.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Reading to Cardiff
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Typically, there are 8 trains per day from Reading to Cardiff, including 7 direct trains, taking around 1h 30m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £33 but you can travel from only £8 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 04:40, the last at 23:27. The fastest train covers the 153 km distance in 1h 23m.
Distance 153 km |
Average train duration 1h 30m |
Lowest ticket price £33 |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 7 |
Fastest train 1h 23m |
First train 4:40 |
Last train 23:27 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 91 days |
Train companies: Great Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) from Reading to Cardiff trainsGreat Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) trains will get you between Reading and Cardiff from £8. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Great Western Railway
Great Western Railway (GWR)
FAQs: Reading to Cardiff train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reading to Cardiff 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 Cardiff, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Reading and Cardiff
Most Reading to Cardiff trains use the Reading to Cardiff Central station pair, with some services arriving at Cathays. Use this guide to compare Reading and Cardiff train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Reading station do trains to Cardiff leave from?
Getting to Reading from Reading city centre
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.
Getting to Reading West from Reading city centre
Reading West is 1 km from Reading city centre. Public transport options include:
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.
Getting to Reading Green Park from Reading city centre
Reading Green Park is 3 km from Reading city centre. Public transport options include:
Reading Green Park train station facilities and services
Reading Green Park has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Reading Green Park.
Getting to Cardiff Central from Cardiff city centre
Cardiff Central train station facilities and services
Cardiff Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Central: There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.
Getting to Cathays from Cardiff city centre
Cathays train station facilities and services
Cathays has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Cathays.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cathays. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cathays: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Cathays: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cathays: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B3. While both platforms are step-free, there is no facility for wheelchair users, mobility scooter users or persons with reduced mobility to cross between Platform 1 and 2 due to a steep footbridge. Customers who have travelled from the Valleys and wish to access the University or the Civic Centre are advised to travel to Queen Street station, change onto a North-bound service and alight at Cathays on the return service, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) take cash, and major debit and credit cards. The machine on the Cardiff-bound platform is only available during staffing hours. The machine on the Pontypridd-bound platform is available all the time, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
Getting to Cardiff Queen Street from Cardiff city centre
Cardiff Queen Street train station facilities and services
Cardiff Queen Street has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Cardiff Queen Street.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff Queen Street. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Queen Street: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machines are near the main entrance and take cash and major debit and credit cards, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
Most popular train connections from Reading
More options for your journey from Reading to Cardiff
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cardiff and Reading
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