- Must visit
North Hertfordshire Museum
Local museum covering Hitchin's archaeology, social history and market town life, with family-friendly displays in the centre.
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Reading to Hitchin among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from £29. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 18m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £29, and a coach costs an average of £54.
Distance: 74 km
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£29 Average Price Cheapest | £56 Average Price |
1h 48m Average total duration Fastest 1h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 59m Average total duration 3h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Compare coach and train 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.
Trains from Reading to Hitchin run on average 6 times per day, taking around 1h 18m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £29 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:11. The fastest train covers the 74 km distance in 2h 3m.
Distance 74 km |
Average train duration 1h 18m |
Cheapest ticket price £29 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 2h 3m |
First train 0:01 |
Last train 23:11 |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Hitchin — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Hitchin trip today.
Local museum covering Hitchin's archaeology, social history and market town life, with family-friendly displays in the centre.
Community art space and gallery in the old town, presenting changing exhibitions and a strong focus on local artists.
Contemporary gallery in nearby Letchworth showing modern and regional art in a calm setting suitable for a short cultural visit.
Traditional market-centre street and square area with independent shops, historic buildings and a lively town atmosphere.
Linear green park with paths, open grass and play areas, popular for walks and easy access from the town centre.
Large public common with mature trees, sports space and room to stroll, giving a relaxed local contrast to the old town.
A traditional Hertfordshire soup made with cucumbers, herbs and stock, linked to the county’s historic market gardens and often served warm or chilled.
Classic English sausages in Yorkshire pudding batter, a familiar pub staple in Hertfordshire and a reliable local comfort dish.
Roast beef with Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes and gravy is a classic Sunday meal widely eaten in Hitchin pubs and homes.
Popular Turkish and Mediterranean restaurant serving grilled meats, meze and warm hospitality in a lively dining room.
Smart restaurant in Hitchin centre serving modern British dishes and seasonal tasting menus in a relaxed, polished setting.
Well-known Hitchin café and brunch spot for hearty breakfasts, coffee and homemade cakes in a busy, friendly setting.
Moderate for southern England. Hotels and dining cost more than in smaller UK towns, but local buses and casual meals are manageable for most visitors.
Restaurants: 10-12.5% if service is not included. Cafés: rounding up is optional. Taxis: round up or add about 10% for good service.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reading to Hitchin 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 Hitchin, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Reading to Hitchin trains use the Reading to Hitchin station pair. Use this guide to compare Reading and Hitchin 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.
Hitchin has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Hitchin.
Wi-Fi is available at Hitchin. ATMs are available at Hitchin.
Ticket office support is available at Hitchin.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Hitchin: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Hitchin: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Hitchin: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station: This station has step-free level access to all platforms. Assistance Meeting Point is the the front of the station next to the night gate, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All Great Northern ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. Ticket machines are of an accessible design, however their location and the station itself may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Wheelchairs may only be available when the station is staffed, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
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