- Recommended
Lancaster City Museum
City museum in the former town hall with local archaeology, natural history and decorative arts that explain Lancaster’s development.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Reading to Lancaster
Showing times and prices for 29 Aug
Cheapest price
£62
Average price
£62
Fastest journey
3 h 53 m
Average duration
3 h 53 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
316 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Reading to Lancaster is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Reading to Lancaster will cost around £62 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £62.
Fast trains
Of the 1 trains that leave Reading for Lancaster every day 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 316 km distance in an average of 3 h 53 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 53 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 53 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.
9:153h53Reading13:08Lancaster£621One-way0 changes
- 9:153h53Reading13:08Lancaster£621One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Reading to Lancaster
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Reading to Lancaster among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £48. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 35m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £48, and a train costs an average of £43.
Distance: 316 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£62 Average Price | £48 Average Price Cheapest |
4h 5m Average total duration Fastest 3h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 13h 40m Average total duration 13h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Compare prices and tickets Reading to Lancaster 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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29 Aug
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Why should you book Reading to Lancaster trains with Omio?
Avanti West Coast as well as CrossCountry offer trains services from Reading to Lancaster.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Reading to Lancaster.
Why book with Omio vs Avanti West Coast?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Avanti West Coast, but also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry to find the best option for your trip from Reading to Lancaster.
- 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 Avanti West Coast with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Reading to Lancaster.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry to find the best option for your trip from Reading to Lancaster.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Reading to Lancaster.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Reading to Lancaster
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Reading to Lancaster run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 35m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £43 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 02:24, the last at 20:58. The fastest train covers the 316 km distance in 3h 52m.
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 316 km |
Average train duration 3h 35m |
Cheapest ticket price £43 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 3h 52m |
First train 2:24 |
Last train 20:58 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 42 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: Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry from Reading to Lancaster trainsAvanti West Coast, CrossCountry trains will get you between Reading and Lancaster from £43. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Avanti West Coast
About
Avanti West Coast is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates high-speed trains between London and major cities in the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, First Class and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drinks. The most popular routes for Avanti West Coast are London to Birmingham, London to Manchester and London to Glasgow. The company operates a fleet of Pendolino and Super Voyager trains, which offer a smooth and comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 52m
Cheapest Price
£43
Avanti West Coast frequency
6 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
First Class: Complimentary meals and drinks. Standard Class: Onboard shop with drinks and snacks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Standard Class: Optional reservation for £8-12
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/alighting available
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs £30 per single journey. Guide dogs free
Quiet zone
CrossCountry
About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 53m
Cheapest Price
£49
CrossCountry frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone
Complete guide to Lancaster
Things to do in Lancaster
Discover the best of Lancaster — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Lancaster trip today.
- Recommended
Lancaster Maritime Museum
Maritime museum in a historic customs house, covering Lancaster’s port, trade and seafaring links on St George’s Quay.
- Recommended
Judges' Lodgings Museum
Small museum inside the Judges’ Lodgings, with period rooms and displays about local life and furniture in an atmospheric historic house.
- Must visit
Williamson Park
Popular park with woodland walks, a butterfly house, play areas and broad views. It is a relaxed local favourite close to the centre.
- Recommended
St George's Quay
Historic riverside street lined with Georgian buildings, museums and old warehouses. Ideal for a walk linking the quay and city centre.
- Recommended
Lancaster Canal Towpath
Traffic-free canal-side route with locks, boats and waterside views. Excellent for walking or cycling at a slower pace through the city.
- Vegetarian
Lancaster Gingerbread
A crumbly, buttery shortcake biscuit long made in Lancaster. It is a classic local teatime treat tied to the city’s baking traditions.
- Gluten-free
Lancashire Hotpot
A traditional Lancashire hotpot of lamb or mutton, onions and sliced potatoes, slowly baked. It is one of the county’s best-known comfort dishes.
Full Lancashire Breakfast
A hearty full breakfast from Lancashire, commonly including eggs, bacon, sausage, black pudding and toast. It is a staple local morning meal.
Bellini's
Friendly independent restaurant specialising in stone-baked pizzas and Italian comfort food in a casual central setting.
Quite Simply French
Stylish bistro in the city centre serving modern British cooking with local produce in a relaxed, polished setting.
The Water Witch
Long-established canal-side pub known for cask ales, hearty British dishes and a traditional atmosphere near the city centre.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK. Lancaster is usually cheaper than Manchester or London for hotels and meals, while buses and trains can still add noticeable visitor costs.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £50+ per person for fine dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is typical if service is not included. Round up for taxis. In cafés, tipping is optional, often just small change.
Stagecoach Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £3
- Day pass
- £4.70
To the city centre
Lancaster Railway Station -> Lancaster Bus Station, Lancaster
- Distance
- 1 km
- Travel time
- 15 min
- Stagecoach says contactless payment is available on all its buses in Morecambe and Lancaster.
- A DayRider can be better value than singles for multiple journeys in one day; app prices may be cheaper than on-bus prices.
FAQs: Reading to Lancaster train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reading to Lancaster 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 Lancaster, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Reading to Lancaster can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £43, while the average price tends to be around £62.
The train journey from Reading to Lancaster covers a distance of 316 km and takes approximately 3h 52m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Reading to Lancaster is 316 km.
The first train from Reading to Lancaster leaves at 2:24.
The last train from Reading to Lancaster departs at 20:58.
Trains from Reading to Lancaster run approximately 7 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Reading to Lancaster.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Reading to Lancaster.
To get from Reading to Lancaster, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Reading to Lancaster.
The train station in Reading that goes to Lancaster is Reading station (RDG), and it arrives at Lancaster station (LAN).
The cheapest way to get from Reading to Lancaster is by train, costing approximately £43.
Booking trains from Reading to Lancaster 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 Lancaster offers a variety of scenic views, including the rolling countryside, charming villages, and glimpses of the Pennines, particularly as you travel through the Northern regions.
A day trip from Reading to Lancaster is not feasible due to the travel time of 3h 52m. However, there are 5 train journeys available per day.
To fully explore Lancaster, including its historical attractions, museums, and nearby countryside, spending 2 to 3 days is ideal.
Yes, you can take the train from Reading to Lancaster.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Reading and Lancaster
Most Reading to Lancaster trains use the Reading to Lancaster station pair. Use this guide to compare Reading and Lancaster 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 Lancaster
Which Reading station do trains to Lancaster leave from?
Trains from Reading to Lancaster 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.
Reading Green ParkReading RG2 6AU, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Reading Green Park from Reading city centre
Reading Green Park is 3 km from Reading city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainReading - Basingstoke · 6m · £2 · every ~4 min
Bus9 · 39m · £2 · every ~3 min
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.
Which Lancaster station do trains from Reading arrive at?
Trains from Reading to Lancaster arrive at Lancaster. Lancaster is 3 km from Lancaster city centre.
LancasterLancaster station, Meeting House Lane, Lancaster, Lancashire, LA1 5NW
City-centre transport
Getting to Lancaster from Lancaster city centre
Lancaster is 2 km from Lancaster city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainSouthwest Chief · 65h 2m · £845
Pennsylvanian · 17h 47m · £423
Southwest Chief, Texas Eagle · 65h 11m · £741
Southwest Chief, Texas Eagle · 75h 46m · £949
BusGreyhound US1210 · 69h 20m · £498
Lancaster train station facilities and services
Lancaster has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Lancaster.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Lancaster. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, 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 Lancaster: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Lancaster: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Lancaster: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This station has step-free access to all platforms / the platform Lifts to All Platforms, accessible via taking the right hand entrance to the over bridge from the ticket office, 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.
Most popular train connections from Reading
More options for your journey from Reading to Lancaster
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Lancaster and Reading
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