- Must visit
Ipswich Museum
Ipswich’s main museum with natural history, archaeology and local collections, including Egyptian objects and displays on Suffolk’s past.
Cheapest price
£30
Average price
£33
Fastest journey
2 h 41 m
Average duration
2 h 41 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
161 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Reading to Ipswich is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Reading to Ipswich will cost around £33 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £30.
Of the 2 trains that leave Reading for Ipswich every day 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 161 km distance in an average of 2 h 41 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 41 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 41 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.




The table below shows live departures for Reading to Ipswich trains for tomorrow, Wednesday 5 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:58 Reading | 2h41 | 10:39 Ipswich | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 8:58 Reading | 2h41 | 11:39 Ipswich | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare 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 Ipswich run on average 11 times per day, taking around 2h 4m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £30 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 22:44. The fastest train covers the 161 km distance in 2h 11m.
Distance 161 km |
Average train duration 2h 4m |
Cheapest ticket price £30 |
Trains per day 11 |
Fastest train 2h 11m |
First train 0:05 |
Last train 22:44 |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 42 days |
Discover the best of Ipswich — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Ipswich trip today.
Ipswich’s main museum with natural history, archaeology and local collections, including Egyptian objects and displays on Suffolk’s past.
Gallery in Christchurch Mansion showing works by Constable and Gainsborough, plus changing exhibitions in a historic setting.
Museum on the redeveloped docks telling the story of Ipswich’s maritime trade, industry and local life through interactive displays.
Lively regenerated marina with quayside walks, historic warehouses and wide views; ideal for a relaxed stroll by the water.
Large public park with formal gardens, ponds and open lawns around Christchurch Mansion; a favourite green escape near the centre.
Historic square at the civic heart of Ipswich, framed by notable buildings and often used for markets, events and seasonal displays.
A hearty Suffolk pork sausage, traditionally seasoned with sage and pepper. It is a long-standing county speciality often served with mash or in a sandwich.
Cured ham from Suffolk, usually dry-cured and sliced thin. It reflects the county’s strong pork-curing tradition and is a popular local deli staple.
Smoked herring from the nearby Suffolk coast, especially linked with Lowestoft. Traditionally eaten for breakfast or in fish dishes with a deep smoky flavour.
Well-known Turkish restaurant with grilled meats, meze and warm service in a lively yet comfortable dining room.
Established Indian restaurant known for refined curries and attentive service in an elegant setting.
Stylish marina restaurant serving modern British food, steaks and seafood in a relaxed waterfront setting.
Moderate by UK standards. Hotels and dining cost less than London, while buses and casual meals are fairly affordable for visitors.
Service is sometimes included in restaurants; otherwise tip about 10% for good service. Taxi fares can be rounded up. Tipping in cafés is optional.
Official public transport app
Ipswich Railway Station -> Ipswich Town Centre
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reading to Ipswich 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 Ipswich, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Reading to Ipswich trains use the Reading to Ipswich station pair. Use this guide to compare Reading and Ipswich 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.
Ipswich is 1 km from Ipswich city centre. Public transport options include:
Ipswich has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Ipswich.
Wi-Fi is available at Ipswich. ATMs are available at Ipswich.
Ticket office support is available at Ipswich.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Ipswich: Parking, WC.
Available at Ipswich: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Ipswich: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: Details of nearest taxis are shown on station information poster, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
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