The cheapest and fastest trains from Reading to Leeds
Cheapest price
£60
Average price
£79
Fastest journey
3 h 27 m
Average duration
3 h 37 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
263 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Reading to Leeds is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Reading to Leeds will cost around £79 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £60.
Of the 5 trains that leave Reading for Leeds every day 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 263 km distance in an average of 3 h 37 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 27 m .
The slowest trains will take 4 h 5 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.










Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Reading to Leeds
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Reading to Leeds among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £44. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 12m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £44, and a train costs an average of £49.
Distance: 263 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Coach |
|---|---|
£95 Average Price | £58 Average Price Cheapest |
3h 42m Average total duration Fastest 3h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 23m Average total duration 6h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Reading to Leeds train times
The table below shows live departures for Reading to Leeds trains for today, Thursday 20 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
C23368 · C23650 | On time 06:15 Reading station (RDG) | 3h46 | 10:01 Leeds station (LDS) | 1 change | |
C23204 · C23652 | On time 06:45 Reading station (RDG) | 4h17 | 11:02 Leeds station (LDS) | 1 change | |
C23204+ Y02199 | On time 06:45 Reading station (RDG) | 3h59 | 10:44 Leeds station (LDS) | 1 change | |
C23372 · C23652 | On time 07:15 Reading station (RDG) | 3h47 | 11:02 Leeds station (LDS) | 1 change | |
C23376 · C23655 | On time 08:15 Reading station (RDG) | 3h46 | 12:01 Leeds station (LDS) | 1 change | |
P08564+ Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+ Y23195 | On time 08:18 Reading station (RDG) | 3h27 | 11:45 Leeds station (LDS) | 2 changes | |
P08172+ Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+ Y23197 | On time 08:41 Reading station (RDG) | 3h35 | 12:16 Leeds station (LDS) | 2 changes | |
C23380 · C23658 | On time 09:15 Reading station (RDG) | 3h46 | 13:01 Leeds station (LDS) | 1 change | |
P08476+ Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+ Y23200 | On time 09:20 Reading station (RDG) | 3h27 | 12:47 Leeds station (LDS) | 2 changes | |
P08477+ Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+ P00091 | On time 09:47 Reading station (RDG) | 3h27 | 13:14 Leeds station (LDS) | 2 changes | |
![]() | 02:54 Reading | 4h29 | 07:23 Leeds | 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 Leeds 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.
21 Nov
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24 Nov
25 Nov
26 Nov
27 Nov
Journey information
Overview: Train from Reading to Leeds
Trains from Reading to Leeds run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 12m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £49 but you can travel from only £44 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 02:10, the last at 22:14. The fastest train covers the 263 km distance in 3h 25m.
Distance 263 km |
Average train duration 3h 12m |
Cheapest ticket price £49 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 3h 25m |
First train 02:10 |
Last train 22:14 |
Train companies: LNER, CrossCountry, First Hull Trains, Cross Country from Reading to Leeds trainsLNER, CrossCountry, First Hull Trains, Cross Country trains will get you between Reading and Leeds from £44. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
LNER
CrossCountry
First Hull Trains
Cross Country
Trains from Reading to Leeds
It's easy to go from Reading to Leeds by train. Those heading to Leeds for business or pleasure can choose from around 29 trains servicing the Reading-Leeds route every day. The average journey is around 4 hours 40 minutes. Trains leave the Reading Station for Leeds every hour, so travellers don't need to worry about long waiting times.
Reading to Leeds train times: Daily departures
On regular days, passengers can expect between 25 and 29 trains from Reading to Leeds. Services may be limited on weekends and holidays. The first train from Reading to Leeds departs around 6:00 a.m., and the last after 9:00 p.m. Train operators don't offer sleeper services on this route.
How long is the journey by train from Reading to Leeds?
The distance by train from Reading to Leeds is approximately 163 miles. The fastest train gets passengers to Leeds in 3 hours 35 minutes, although the average journey is a little above 4 hours. There are no direct trips available. Passengers typically change trains at the London, Birmingham, or York stations, depending on the operator. Journey times may be longer on weekends and public holidays.
What are the departure and arrival stations for trains from Reading to Leeds?
Departure train station: Trains from Reading and Leeds depart from Reading station, which is on the northern edge of the town centre. Passengers can access it by bus, with stops nearby on Blagrave Street and Garrard Street. Passenger facilities include waiting rooms, ATMs, payphones, post boxes, baby-changing rooms, toilets, shops, bicycle stands, and car parking.
Arrival train station: The arrival station is Leeds railway station. It's on the southern side of central Leeds and connected to the airport and city by bus and taxi services. Nearby attractions include the famous Queen's Hotel, Leeds Gallery, and Trinity Leeds Mall. Station facilities for passengers include an information desk, public WiFi, toilets, ATMs, bicycle stands, car parking, shops, and a first-class lounge.
Which train companies travel from Reading to Leeds?
CrossCountry offers indirect trips for passengers travelling from Reading to Leeds, with one change at Birmingham. London Northeastern Railway (LNER) also operates indirect trains from Reading to Leeds. The quickest trains on this route are run by LNER, although CrossCountry offers cheaper tickets and has more trains.
CrossCountry Reading to Leeds
CrossCountry provides both long- and short-distance train services all over the UK. Its Reading-Leeds train service operates hourly throughout the day. Passengers can choose from over 15 CrossCountry trains from Reading to Leeds daily. There are no direct trains - passengers have to change at Birmingham en route to Leeds.
London Northeastern Railway Reading to Leeds
LNER runs up to 10 trains on the Reading-Leeds route every day. It has the quickest connections on the route, with its fastest trains completing the journey in 3 hours 35 minutes. LNER has a smaller fleet than CrossCountry and runs fewer trains from Reading to Leeds. Only connecting trips are available, with passengers changing trains in London or York.
Reading to Leeds trains: Services on board
LNER offers Advance, Off-Peak, and Anytime tickets, each having first- and standard-class options. All LNER trains operating on the Reading-Leeds route have wheelchair spaces for travellers with disabilities. Passengers can bring a maximum of one suitcase, a carry-on bag, and a small handbag. Cats, dogs, and other small animals are permitted on board so long as they don't take up a seat. Travellers can bring up to two pets but may have to pay an extra fee for each additional pet. LNER doesn't charge riders for bringing their bike, but passengers may need to make a reservation ahead of time.
There are both first- and standard-class sections on CrossCountry trains going from Reading to Leeds. Travellers can bring only one suitcase, along with smaller items such as shopping bags and laptop bags. Passengers with folding bikes can store them in the luggage racks. Those with bigger bikes must book space in advance.
How to find cheap train tickets from Reading to Leeds
Travelling in off-peak hours can help passengers save money on their train journey from Reading to Leeds. Longer journeys and connecting trips also reduce ticket costs. Tickets bought on the departure day can be expensive, whereas purchasing tickets in advance can cut prices by as much as 30%. With Omio, travellers have all the tools they need to find the best tickets for trains from Reading to Leeds.
FAQs: Reading to Leeds train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reading to Leeds 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 Leeds, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Reading and Leeds
- 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
- Car Park: Multi Storey Car Park
- 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
- Toilets Location: Toilets are located on Station Platforms and in The Brunel Arcade building
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Front of station, underground short stay car park and long stay car park.
- Storage CCTV: No
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the North side of the station
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:30 - 10:45 Saturday - Sunday Closed
- Car Park: No
- 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
- Storage CCTV: No
- 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.
- Car Park: Station Car Park
- Staff help available: No
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category B station, Station is unstaffed. wheelchair customers using platform 2 (Bradford, Manchester bound) should be aware that the access to the platform is via a busy road that has no dropped kerbs and a narrow ramped path and entrance onto the platform. Platform 1 (Leeds, Selby) has good level access.
- Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Rail replacement buses stop on Stanningley Road, east of Station Mount Road. Stop 450 10893 to New Pudsey, and 450 12320 to Leeds.
- Metro: WYPTE 0113 245 7676
- Car Park: Station Car Park
- Staff help available: No
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category B station, Persons in wheelchairs can gain easy access onto both platforms. However to get onto the Harrogate bound platform you have to go a long way round it will take approx 5-7 minutes.
- Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: Cards Only - No Cash Accepted
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Onward travel information: Bus stops located 5 mins away from station. Busline 0871 200 2233
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pick up / drop off on Ashville Road adjacent to the station entrance towards Harrogate, opposite the station entrance towards Leeds.
- Metro: 0113 245 7676
- Car Park: Station Car Park
- Staff help available: No
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category A station. The conductor will carry out any assistance, please wait on the platform. This station has recently benefitted from the installation of lifts, level access to platform 1 with platform 2 being accessible using the lift and a short subway.
- Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided
- 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
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Onward travel information: There is a bus stop close to the station. Busline 0871 200 2233
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pick Up / Drop Off at the Bus Stops on Kirkstall Lane close to the junction with the station approach road. (Station side for Leeds, opposite side for Harrogate)
- Metro: WYPTE 0113 245 7676
- Mon - Sat: 04:45 - 23:59
- Sun: 06:45 - 22:30
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
- Located on the main concourse. Services provided by Excess Baggage Co, open daily from 08:00 until 21:00.
- Car Park: Station Car Park
- Bagel Factory
- Caffè Nero
- KFC
- Leon
- McDonald's
- The Pasty Shop
- Starbucks
- Pret a Manger
- JD Wetherspoon
- Delice de France
- Taxi: Taxi rank outside New Station Street entrance near the bus interchange.
- Accessible taxis: Taxi rank outside New Station Street entrance near the bus interchange.
- There are elevators or level access to all platforms in the whole station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
- Toilets Location: Baby changing facilities are located in the accessible toilet on platform 12 on the South Concourse
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Leeds City Center
- The Queens Hotel
- Leeds Marriott Hotel
- Mon - Sat: 04:45 - 23:59
- Sun: 06:45 - 22:30
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: Platform 0 / 1 Platform 6 / 8 behind the lift Platform 12 / 15 Short stay car park
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Located on the North Concourse near the Wellington Street entrance. Open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
- Bus lines: 1, 16, 201, 229, 34, 5, 60, A1
- Train lines: Northern, TransPennine Express
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