- Must visit
Leeds Art Gallery
Leeds’s principal art gallery shows British art, sculpture and changing exhibitions in an elegant central building.
Cheapest price
£51
Average price
£112
Fastest journey
3 h 19 m
Average duration
3 h 37 m
Trains per day
6
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 £112 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £51.
To travel from Reading to Leeds you need to make at least one change.
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Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+
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Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+
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Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+
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Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+
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G00851 · G01062Omio recommends booking the train 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 £15. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 9m. 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 £15, and a train costs an average of £35.
Distance: 263 km
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£76 Average Price | £51 Average Price Cheapest |
3h 39m Average total duration Fastest 3h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 14m Average total duration 6h 44m 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.
The table below shows live departures for Reading to Leeds trains for today, Wednesday 19 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:58 Reading | 3h26 | 11:24 Leeds | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 8:15 Reading | 3h46 | 12:01 Leeds | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 8:58 Reading | 3h26 | 12:24 Leeds | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 9:28 Reading | 3h22 | 12:50 Leeds | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 11:57 Reading | 3h25 | 15:22 Leeds | 0 changesdirect |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Reading to Leeds run on average 8 times per day, taking around 3h 9m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £26 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 02:10, the last at 22:20. The fastest train covers the 263 km distance in 3h 26m.
Distance 263 km |
Average train duration 3h 9m |
Cheapest ticket price £26 |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 3h 26m |
First train 2:10 |
Last train 22:20 |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 4 days |
Discover the best of Leeds — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Leeds trip today.
Leeds’s principal art gallery shows British art, sculpture and changing exhibitions in an elegant central building.
A major city museum with natural history, archaeology and local history displays suitable for all ages.
A large industrial museum in a former mill, covering textiles, engineering and Leeds’s manufacturing heritage.
A grand pedestrianised square framed by major buildings, often hosting events, markets and seasonal installations.
A lively regenerated waterfront with canalside walks, converted warehouses, public art and independent venues.
A handsome Victorian shopping arcade with mosaics and period detail, ideal for architecture and boutique browsing.
A Leeds speciality of white fish baked in cream and topped with mashed potato. It is tied to Victorian cookery in the city and wider West Yorkshire.
Classic Yorkshire pudding served as a savoury starter with onion gravy. It is a defining county dish commonly eaten in Leeds pubs and Sunday roasts.
Slow-cooked beef stew with root vegetables and herbs under a suet pastry lid. A hearty northern pub dish long associated with Yorkshire cooking.
Popular Indian restaurant serving classic curries and tandoori dishes in a smart, welcoming room. Well suited to Leeds' strong South Asian food scene.
Refined British tasting menus in an intimate, modern dining room. A strong choice for seasonal Yorkshire produce and a special-occasion meal.
Lively city-centre restaurant known for dry-aged steaks, burgers and cocktails. Stylish but relaxed, suited to a polished casual dinner.
Moderate for the UK: hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while public transport and everyday tourist costs stay fairly manageable.
Service is sometimes included. If not, tip 10-12.5% in restaurants for good service. Taxis are often rounded up. Tipping in cafés is optional.
Official public transport app
Leeds Bradford Airport -> Leeds Station
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Most Reading to Leeds trains use the Reading to Leeds station pair, with some services arriving at Burley Park. Use this guide to compare Reading and Leeds 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.
Reading West is 1 km from Reading city centre. Public transport options include:
Reading West has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Reading West.
Ticket office support is available at Reading West.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Reading West: Parking.
Available at Reading West: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Reading West: 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.
Reading Green Park is 3 km from Reading city centre. Public transport options include:
Reading Green Park has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Reading Green Park.
Leeds has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food options include: Bagel Factory, Caffè Nero, KFC, Leon, McDonald's, The Pasty Shop, Starbucks, Pret a Manger, JD Wetherspoon, Delice de France
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located in the West Footbridge and South Concourse.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 04:45 - 23:59, Sun: 06:45 - 22:30. Information desks are located on the North Concourse near the Wellington Street entrance. Open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
Luggage storage is located on the main concourse. Services provided by Excess Baggage Co, open daily from 08:00 until 21:00. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Leeds: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Leeds: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Leeds: There are elevators or level access to all platforms in the whole station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
Nearby hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Leeds City Center, The Queens Hotel, Leeds Marriott Hotel.
Burley Park is 2 km from Leeds city centre. Public transport options include:
Burley Park has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Burley Park.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Burley Park: Parking, Taxis.
Available at Burley Park: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Burley 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.
Headingley is 3 km from Leeds city centre. Public transport options include:
Headingley has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Headingley.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Headingley: Parking.
Available at Headingley: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Headingley: 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.
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