- Must visit
North Hertfordshire Museum
Local museum covering Hitchin's archaeology, social history and market town life, with family-friendly displays in the centre.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Reading to Hitchin
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 20 Sept
Cheapest price on 20 Sept
£29
Average ticket price on 20 Sept
£29
Fastest journey on 20 Sept
2 h 3 m
Average journey duration on 20 Sept
2 h 3 m
Trains on 20 Sept
1
Distance
74 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Reading to Hitchin is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Reading to Hitchin will cost around £29 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £29.
Fast trains
On Sun 20 Sept, we found 1 trains from Reading to Hitchin, including 1 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 74 km distance in an average of 2 h 3 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 3 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 3 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.
11:122h03Reading13:15Hitchin£291One-way0 changes
- 11:122h03Reading13:15Hitchin£291One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Reading to Hitchin
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 an average ticket price of £29 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 1m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £29, while a train costs an average of £29.
Distance: 74 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
£29 Average Price Cheapest | £15 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 1m Average total duration Fastest 1h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 22m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Reading to Hitchin is a train with an average price of £29.
The fastest way to travel from Reading to Hitchin is by train with an average journey time of 1h 31m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Reading and Hitchin including taking a train and coach.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around £29 compared to roughly £15 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-13.94. The journey takes 1h 31m versus 1h 22m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
Reading to Hitchin train times
The table below shows live departures for Reading to Hitchin trains for tomorrow, Sunday 20 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11:12 Reading | 2h03 | 13:15 Hitchin | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Reading to Hitchin 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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20 Sept
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Why should you book Reading to Hitchin trains with Omio?
Thameslink as well as Great Western Railway offer trains services from Reading to Hitchin.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Reading to Hitchin.
Why book with Omio vs Thameslink?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Thameslink, but also compare tickets for the likes of Great Western Railway to find the best option for your trip from Reading to Hitchin.
- 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 Thameslink with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Reading to Hitchin.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Great Western Railway to find the best option for your trip from Reading to Hitchin.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Reading to Hitchin.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Reading to Hitchin
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Reading to Hitchin run on average 6 times per day, taking around 1h 31m. 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 1h 28m.
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 74 km |
Average train duration 1h 31m |
Cheapest ticket price £29 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 1h 28m |
First train 0:01 |
Last train 23:11 |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Best time to book 28 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
Train companies: Thameslink, Great Western Railway from Reading to Hitchin trainsThameslink, Great Western Railway trains will get you between Reading and Hitchin from £29. 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 28m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
£29
Great Western Railway frequency
4 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
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 29m
Cheapest Thameslink Price
£29
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
Complete guide to Hitchin
Things to do in Hitchin
Discover the best of Hitchin — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Hitchin trip today.
- Recommended
Hitchin Art Hub
Community art space and gallery in the old town, presenting changing exhibitions and a strong focus on local artists.
- Recommended
Broadway Gallery
Contemporary gallery in nearby Letchworth showing modern and regional art in a calm setting suitable for a short cultural visit.
- Must visit
Hitchin Market Place
Traditional market-centre street and square area with independent shops, historic buildings and a lively town atmosphere.
- Recommended
Bancroft Gardens
Linear green park with paths, open grass and play areas, popular for walks and easy access from the town centre.
- Recommended
Windmill Hill
Large public common with mature trees, sports space and room to stroll, giving a relaxed local contrast to the old town.
Hertfordshire Cucumber Soup
A traditional Hertfordshire soup made with cucumbers, herbs and stock, linked to the county’s historic market gardens and often served warm or chilled.
Toad in the Hole
Classic English sausages in Yorkshire pudding batter, a familiar pub staple in Hertfordshire and a reliable local comfort dish.
Sunday Roast Beef
Roast beef with Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes and gravy is a classic Sunday meal widely eaten in Hitchin pubs and homes.
Mevan Restaurant & Bar
Popular Turkish and Mediterranean restaurant serving grilled meats, meze and warm hospitality in a lively dining room.
Lussmanns
Smart restaurant in Hitchin centre serving modern British dishes and seasonal tasting menus in a relaxed, polished setting.
Hitchin Kitchen
Well-known Hitchin café and brunch spot for hearty breakfasts, coffee and homemade cakes in a busy, friendly setting.
Pound sterling (£)
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.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Restaurants: 10-12.5% if service is not included. Cafés: rounding up is optional. Taxis: round up or add about 10% for good service.
FAQs: Reading to Hitchin train
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.
The cost of a train ticket from Reading to Hitchin can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £29, while the average price tends to be around £29.
The train journey from Reading to Hitchin covers a distance of 74 km and takes approximately 1h 28m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Reading to Hitchin is 74 km.
The first train from Reading to Hitchin leaves at 0:01.
The last train from Reading to Hitchin departs at 23:11.
Trains from Reading to Hitchin run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Reading to Hitchin.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Reading to Hitchin.
To get from Reading to Hitchin, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Reading to Hitchin.
The train station in Reading that goes to Hitchin is Reading station (RDG), and it arrives at Hitchin station (HIT).
The cheapest way to get from Reading to Hitchin is by train, costing approximately £29.
Booking trains from Reading to Hitchin 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 Hitchin offers a mix of urban and countryside views, passing through the Chiltern Hills and several picturesque villages, providing a pleasant and varied landscape.
Yes, a day trip from Reading to Hitchin is feasible. The journey takes 1h 28m, covering a distance of 74 km, with trains running 6 times per day.
You typically need 1 to 2 days in Hitchin to explore its charming market town atmosphere, visit the British Schools Museum, and enjoy the local shops and cafes.
Yes, you can take the train from Reading to Hitchin.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Reading and Hitchin
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.
Departure train stations in Reading
Arrival train stations in Hitchin
Which Reading station do trains to Hitchin leave from?
Trains from Reading to Hitchin 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 3451652030
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.
Which Hitchin station do trains from Reading arrive at?
Trains from Reading to Hitchin arrive at Hitchin. Hitchin is from Hitchin city centre.
HitchinHitchin station, Walsworth Road, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, SG4 9UL
City-centre transport
Getting to Hitchin from Hitchin city centre
Bus98, 97, 97B · 12m · £2 · every ~4 min
97, 98, 97B · 17m · £4 · every ~4 min
Hitchin train station facilities and services
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
Food and drink options are available at Hitchin.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Hitchin. ATMs are available at Hitchin.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Hitchin.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Hitchin: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Hitchin: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
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.
Most popular train connections from Reading
More options for your journey from Reading to Hitchin
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Hitchin and Reading
Most popular train connections to Hitchin
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