Reading to Luton train with Thameslink

Sun 21 Dec
+ Add return
Thameslink
Tfl Rail
East Midlands Trains
Great Western Rail
first_great_western
1,000+ travel companies
Thameslink
Tfl Rail
East Midlands Trains
Great Western Rail
first_great_western
1,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest trains from Reading to Luton

Showing times and prices for 27 Dec

Cheapest price

£44

Average price

£45

Fastest journey

1 h 34 m

Average duration

1 h 47 m

Trains per day

4

Distance

61 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Reading to Luton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Reading to Luton will cost around £45 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £44.

Fast trains

Of the 4 trains that leave Reading for Luton every day 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct trains cover the 61 km distance in an average of 1 h 47 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 34 m .

The slowest trains will take 1 h 57 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.

Great Western Rail
07:431h57
Reading
09:40Luton
£441One-way
0 changes
East Midlands Trains
08:061h34
Reading
09:40Luton
£441One-way
0 changes
Thameslink
14:421h52
Reading
16:34Luton
£451One-way
0 changes
Thameslink
07:121h44
Reading
08:56Luton
£451One-way
0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Reading to Luton

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Reading to Luton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from £22. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 21m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £22, and a coach costs an average of £40.

Distance: 61 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach

£43

Average Price

Cheapest

£47

Average Price

1h 51m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 21m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 47m

Average total duration

2h 17m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.1 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Thameslink

Most popular train company

National Express

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 Luton train times

The table below shows live departures for Reading to Luton trains for tomorrow, Saturday 27 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 11:35
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
thameslink07:12 Reading
1h44
08:56 Luton0 changesdirect
great_western07:43 Reading
1h57
09:40 Luton0 changesdirect
east_midlands_railway08:06 Reading
1h34
09:40 Luton0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Reading to Luton 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.

Sat
27 Dec
Sun
28 Dec
Mon
29 Dec
Tue
30 Dec
Wed
31 Dec
Thu
01 Jan
Fri
02 Jan

Journey information

Overview: Train from Reading to Luton

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Reading to Luton run on average 7 times per day, taking around 1h 21m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £22 if you book in advance.

The earliest train runs at 00:10, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 61 km distance in 1h 34m.

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
61 km
Average train duration
1h 21m
Cheapest ticket price
£22
Trains per day
7
Fastest train
1h 34m
First train
00:10
Last train
23:55
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, Tfl Rail, East Midlands Trains, Great Western Rail, first_great_western from Reading to Luton trainsThameslink, Tfl Rail, East Midlands Trains, Great Western Rail, first_great_western trains will get you between Reading and Luton from £22. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

East Midlands Trains

About
East Midlands Trains is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London to the East Midlands, Yorkshire, and the North West. East Midlands Trains operates a fleet of Class 158, Class 156, Class 170, Class 222 and Class 180 diesel multiple units, as well as Class 222 Meridian electric multiple units. East Midlands Trains also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for East Midlands Trains are London to Nottingham, Sheffield, and Leeds.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 34m
Cheapest Price
£22
East Midlands Trains frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 piece of hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the 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
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee. Free for Advance ticket holders
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs must be on lead and require a ticket (£6 for day ticket)
Quiet zone

Great Western Rail

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 Duration
1h 44m
Cheapest Price
£44
Great Western Rail frequency
2 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 Duration
1h 42m
Cheapest Price
£29
Thameslink frequency
4 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

Tfl Rail

About
Tfl Rail is a railway service operated by Transport for London in the United Kingdom. It operates on the Great Western Main Line and the Heathrow branch of the London Underground. The service runs from Paddington in London to Reading, Maidenhead, Slough, and Heathrow Airport. It also serves the towns of Taplow, Burnham, Twyford, and Hayes & Harlington. All trains are air-conditioned and feature onboard Wi-Fi, power sockets, and digital information screens. Tfl Rail offers a range of ticket types, including single and return tickets, season tickets, and Oyster cards. Oyster cards are the most popular ticket type, allowing passengers to pay for their journey with a single card. The most popular routes for Tfl Rail are Paddington to Reading, Paddington to Maidenhead, and Paddington to Heathrow Airport. These routes offer frequent services and provide passengers with a convenient way to travel between London and the surrounding areas.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 46m
Cheapest Price
£44
Tfl Rail frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
Standard luggage allowance included with ticket
Luggage storage
Dedicated luggage storage areas in carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refunds available through TfL website or customer service
Refund
Full refund available for service cancellations
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
No dedicated dining car. Passengers can bring their own food and drinks
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Step-free access at most stations, wheelchair spaces on trains, priority seating
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be leashed. Guide dogs welcome
Quiet zone

first_great_western

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 20m
Cheapest Price
£72
first_great_western frequency
9 a day

FAQs: Reading to Luton train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reading to Luton 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 Luton, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Two to three days in Luton is sufficient to explore its key attractions, such as the Stockwood Discovery Centre, Wardown House Museum, and the surrounding countryside.
In Luton, visitors can explore The Mall Luton for shopping and dining, visit Woodside Animal Farm for a family-friendly day out, and enjoy the variety of goods at Luton Indoor Market. Outdoor enthusiasts can relax at Stockwood Park, while entertainment seekers can head to The Galaxy for cinema and bowling. For cultural experiences, visit Stockwood Discovery Centre for local history, Wardown House Museum and Gallery for art and history, and The Hat Factory Arts Centre for performances and exhibitions. Historical and scenic sights include Luton Hoo Estate and Whipsnade Zoo.
The train journey from Reading to Luton offers varied scenery, including glimpses of the Thames Valley, rolling countryside, and urban landscapes as it passes through towns and rural areas.
Yes, a day trip from Reading to Luton is feasible, as the journey takes 1h 34m and there are 7 trains per day. The distance is 61 km.
The train distance from Reading to Luton is 61 km.
Booking trains from Reading to Luton in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The cost of a train ticket from Reading to Luton can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £22, while the average price tends to be around £43.
To get from Reading to Luton, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
The train journey from Reading to Luton covers a distance of 61 km and takes approximately 1h 34m. Trains run 7 per day.
The cheapest way to get from Reading to Luton is by train, costing approximately £22.
The first train from Reading to Luton leaves at 0:10.
The train station in Reading that goes to Luton is Reading station (RDG), and it arrives at Luton station (LUT).
The last train from Reading to Luton departs at 23:55.
Trains from Reading to Luton run approximately 7 times per day.
Yes, you can take the train from Reading to Luton.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Reading to Luton.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Reading to Luton.
There is no night train service from Reading to Luton.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Reading and Luton

Reading
Luton
The major train station for departures in Reading is Reading. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Reading for your trip from Reading to Luton.
Amenities at train station
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 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
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Multi Storey Car Park
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: Toilets are located on Station Platforms and in The Brunel Arcade building
  • National key toilets: Yes
  • Baby changing facilities: Yes
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: Front of station, underground short stay car park and long stay car park.
  • Storage CCTV: No
Public transport options for Reading
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the North side of the station
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:30 - 10:45 Saturday - Sunday Closed
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage CCTV: No
Public transport options for Reading West
  • 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.
Amenities at train station
AccessibilityAccessibility
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
3 km

More options for your journey from Reading to Luton

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

HomeTrainsTrain Times to Luton Reading to Luton train

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone