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Journey information
Overview: Train from Reading to Christchurch
Take a train from Reading to Christchurch and enjoy the approximately 98 km long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest train runs at 04:58, the last at 22:20.
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
Distance 98 km |
Trains per day 2 |
First train 04:58 |
Last train 22:20 |
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
FAQs: Reading to Christchurch train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reading to Christchurch 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 Christchurch, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

The train distance from Reading to Christchurch is 98 km.
The first train from Reading to Christchurch leaves at 4:58.
The last train from Reading to Christchurch departs at 22:20.
Trains from Reading to Christchurch run approximately 2 times per day.
To travel from Reading to Christchurch, you can take a .
There is no night train service from Reading to Christchurch.
The train station in Reading that goes to Christchurch is Reading West (RDW), and it arrives at Christchurch station (CHR).
Booking trains from Reading to Christchurch 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 Christchurch offers pleasant views of the English countryside, including rolling hills and quaint villages, making it a scenic route.
Typically, spending 2 to 3 days in Christchurch allows visitors to explore the city's highlights, including the Botanic Gardens, the Canterbury Museum, and nearby natural attractions like the Port Hills.
Currently, there is no direct train service available from Reading to Christchurch.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Reading and Christchurch
Reading
Christchurch
The major train station for departures in Reading is Reading. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Reading for your trip from Reading to Christchurch.
Amenities at train station
information
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:15 - 22:45 Saturday 05:30 - 22:45 Sunday 07:15 - 22:45 Please note: Reservations and tickets requiring reservations are sold at the following times only: Mon - Sat 08:00 - 20:00 and Sun 09:00 - 20:00
Parking
- Car Park: Multi Storey Car Park
Accessibility
- 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
WC
- Toilets Location: Toilets are located on Station Platforms and in The Brunel Arcade building
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Front of station, underground short stay car park and long stay car park.
- Storage CCTV: No
Public transport options for Reading
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the North side of the station
Amenities at train station
information
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:30 - 10:45 Saturday - Sunday Closed
Distance to city center
1 kmParking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- 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
Bike Parking
- Storage CCTV: No
Public transport options for Reading West
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Towards Reading: Bus Stop on Oxford Road under Railway Bridge. Heading away from Reading Bus Stop on Oxford Road, outside McDonalds.
The major train station for arrivals in Christchurch is Christchurch. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Christchurch for your journey to Christchurch from Reading.
Amenities at train station
information
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:00 - 12:55 Saturday 07:00 - 14:00 Sunday 08:45 - 12:45
Parking
- Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
- Staff help available: No
- Step free access coverage: No
- Step free access note: Step-free category B station - This station has level access from the main entrance and car park to Platform 1 (for trains towards Weymouth). There is level access from Clarendon Road to Platform 2 (for trains towards London Waterloo) via a separate entrance. The step-free route between platforms is approximately 475m via the street. Please be aware that some platforms at this station have no or only partial tactile paving on the platform edge.
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: All South Western Railway ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. All machines are accessible, however the station may not be so please check the station access note for further details
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platform 2. The National key toilets are located on Platform 2; these toilets are operated by a radar key. The toilet facilities are only available during Ticket Office opening hours.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: Platform 2
- Baby changing facilities: No
Lounge
- Waiting rooms location: On each platform
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Christchurch
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Stour Road bus stop outside of station
Most popular train connections from Reading
More options for your journey from Reading to Christchurch
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